Prepare
Camping prep & planning
Checklists and practical guidance for smoother setup, easier packing, and less stressful weekends.
New · Free trip planner
Packing list, meal plan and countdown in one place
Tick off a starter packing list, pick camp meals and get the grocery list built for you, and keep the before-you-go to-dos in order. Free with an account; every list prints as a PDF.
We're writing these from our own trips, so they'll arrive a few at a time. Here's what's planned for this section. Have a request? Tell us and we'll add it to the list.
Planned
Camp recipes
Simple camp meals that are easy to prep at home and cook at the site, with tips from our own trips.
Planned
First-weekend guide
What to expect on your first state park camping weekend, from check-in to checkout.
Planned
Setup tips and lessons learned
Arriving, leveling, and settling in, including the mistakes we made so you don't have to.
Other trails from here