I’m on a journey to grow into the most grounded, authentic version of myself, one step outside my comfort zone at a time. It’s about saying yes to new experiences, finding joy in the unfamiliar, and staying open to what life has to teach me. Along the way, I’ve discovered that some of the deepest growth happens in the moments we carve out with the people who really matter. If you’re feeling the urge to slow down, reconnect, and create memories that stick, it might be time to plan a camping trip. Whether you’re craving quiet mornings, belly laughs, or heart-to-hearts around the fire, planning a camping trip is one of the most soul-filling ways to come back to yourself and each other.
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1. Why Plan a Camping Trip: Connection Over Convenience
Are you craving connection? Rest? Play? Or maybe all of the above?
Before you dive into the logistics of planning a camping trip, take a breath and ask yourself: What do I want from this experience? This isn’t just a getaway, it’s a gathering. Define the energy you want to bring to your weekend camping trip. Is it a full digital detox with no phones, just laughter echoing through the trees? Or maybe a creative recharge with sketchbooks, cameras, and long, thoughtful walks?
Here are a few themes to inspire you:
- Digital Detox: Phones off.
- Creative Recharge: Bring your journal or watercolors.
- Friendship Reset: Reminisce with inside jokes and shared meals.
- Girls Camping Trip: Think cozy flannels, wine in mugs, and starry sky chats.
- Couples Camping Trip: Romantic campfire dinners and quiet mornings together.
- Try Something New: Check off an item from your summer bucket list and try something new.
Whatever your reason, planning for a camping trip is about creating space to be fully present with yourself and your people.
2. Choose the Right Spot: Find Your Soulful Escape
Location can shape your whole experience, so be thoughtful when choosing where to plan a camping trip. Personally, I love car camping; the freedom of driving right up to your site means you can bring more comfort items (hello, full-size pillows), and it makes setup a breeze.
My sweet spot? By the water. There’s something magical about waking up to the sound of a lake or river nearby. Bonus points if the site’s a bit secluded. I’m all about peaceful vibes, with just the people you love and nature surrounding you.
When you’re planning a camping trip, consider:
- Proximity to your group (not too far for a weekend!)
- Scenic elements—water, forest, mountains?
- Level of seclusion (some quiet is nice)
- Amenities (or lack thereof) you’re comfortable with
Whether it’s a forest hideaway or a beachside camp, the right place sets the tone for your trip.
3. Curate the Essentials: What to Bring, and Who’s Bringing It
Now we get to the part that can make or break a weekend camping trip, the gear. A little intention goes a long way here. Yes, you need the basics like tents, sleeping bags, and cookware, but let’s go beyond survival and into comfort.
Here’s how to make sure your camping packing list is solid:
- Create a shared spreadsheet (Google Sheets works great!)
- Divide categories: shelter, kitchen, first aid, fun stuff
- Have each person commit to bringing something
I like to write out everything that each individual is responsible for bringing themselves, like a tent and their own chairs, and then create a separate section for shared items like cookware, food, garbage bags, etc. You just don’t need 5 pans when camping!
Download my free camping packing list template here!
Must-Have Comfort Items For Planning A Camping Trip:
- Self-Inflating Double Sleeping Pad
- A cozy throw blanket for around the fire
- Battery-powered string lights for vibes
- A cooler (I’m a fan of my RTIC) stocked with pre-chopped snacks
- Reusable Table Cloth – Find a cute pattern that you can reuse for years to come.
- 2 in 1 Tumbler & Can Insulator for your drinks and coffee is an easy win!
- Pop-up Canopy – This is an extra luxury, but having some coverage from the sun, a place to string lights in the evening, and some even come with screens to keep the bugs away from your food.
- Extra table, the picnic table you get is nice, but I like to have enough room to eat and have a separate place to prep.
- Camping grill, this makes cooking so much easier, but it’s not required since you have a fire pit.
When everyone contributes and you don’t forget the wine opener or lighter, it’s a win for all.
Photo by Mick Kirchman on Unsplash
Must-Have Items When Camping with My Dog
- Overhead trolley system – If you don’t trust your dog not to run into the woods forever like me, this is a great solution! Allow your dog the ability to wander around in a controlled scenario and don’t worry about tripping over a long lead.
- Stimulating food games – My dog gets bored, so bringing stimulating food games for him tires him out and occupies him while I’m playing cards or cooking dinner.
- Foldable elevated dog bed – I don’t know about your dog, but mine is spoiled and requires a bed to lie down on. This foldable dog bed is perfect because it’s portable and it’s cooling for those hot summer nights
4. Schedule with Intention: Plan a Camping Trip Itinerary
When you’re planning a camping trip, the goal isn’t to schedule every minute, but it is helpful to have a rhythm to the day so no one’s wondering what’s happening next (or who’s making breakfast).
Here’s a sample low-key itinerary:
Morning:
- Slow wake-up with coffee
- Short hike or lake dip
- Group breakfast
Afternoon:
- Chill time (reading, hammocking, games)
- Snacky lunch
- Group walk or hike
Evening:
- Help prep dinner
- Sunset toast
- Campfire storytelling + s’mores
When planning for a camping trip, build in space to just be.
Pro Tip: Set up outdoor games to pass the time
These are some of my favorite games to bring camping: Spike Ball, Ladder Ball, Travel Corn Hole, Cards. I know it’s not technically a game but I like to set up hammocks as well. Nothing feels better than an afternoon nap after hiking and swimming.
Photo by Joshua Hoehne on Unsplash
5. Elevate the Little Things
It’s the thoughtful touches that transform a weekend camping trip from basic to beautiful. Let’s romanticize the experience a bit, shall we?
A few easy ways to elevate your trip:
- Classic s’mores with a twist (try peanut butter cups or dark chocolate squares)
- Popcorn over the fire, I usually buy the pre-packaged Jiffy Pops
- Bring a Polaroid or disposable camera for analog memories
- Add battery candles to the table for cozy dinner ambiance
When you add a few unique touches, I find you have so much to look forward to in your daily schedule.
Photo by Josh Campbell on Unsplash
6. Camp Cuisine: A Thoughtful Meal Plan for Camping
Let’s talk food because the real secret to the perfect girls’ camping trip, couples’ camping trip, or friend camping trip? Eating well in the woods.
Here’s how to create a simple, stress-free meal plan for camping trip success:
- Split up meals: assign breakfast, lunch, and dinner across your group
- Make one shared grocery list (and a note for who’s buying what)
- Keep it simple but satisfying—think foil-packet dinners, grilled veggies, pancake mix in a bottle, and make-ahead pasta salad
- Don’t forget the seasonings and condiments!
Some of my go-to camp meals:
- Breakfast: Bagel sandwiches, instant oats with toppings bar
- Lunch: PB&J or Deli Meat Sandwiches – or use lunch as a time to eat out
- Dinner: Fire-grilled fajitas, a hearty chili, burgers, and most importantly, hot dogs!
- Snacks: Fruit, chips, trail mix, and marshmallows
Don’t forget campfire-safe cookware (I like to bring a Cast Iron Skillet & Dutch Oven) and to clean up as you go, future you will thank you.
7. Leave No Trace, But Take the Memories With You
One of the most beautiful parts of planning a camping trip is being a part of nature for the weekend. As a reminder, always leave your site better than you found it: trash packed out, fires completely out, and no trace left behind.
When the tents are packed and the dirt is washed off, you’ll still have this wonderful memory to look back on fondly. Maybe it’s the inside joke from the first night, the quiet moment you caught watching the sunrise, or the smell of bonfire that seems to always stay in your hair!
That’s why we plan a camping trip, not just to escape, but to return with more than when we left.
So, are you ready to plan a camping trip that feeds your soul?
Whether you’re deep in a season of change or just craving quality time with your favorite people, planning a camping trip is a powerful way to unplug, reset, and reconnect. From a cozy girls camping trip, a camping trip with friends, or a couples camping trip, these little adventures remind us who we are when we’re not online, overbooked, or overwhelmed.
Start small. Dream big. Grab your crew. And start planning for a camping trip that brings joy, laughter, and warmth to everyone around that campfire.
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