Camping | Go Wander Wild

We’re huge fans of camping in all its forms; tent camping, backpacking, vanlife…we love it all! (Even snow camping in the winter!)

In this increasingly busy, over-scheduled world, camping is one of the few scenarios where you can truly unplug, reset, connect with nature, and make long-lasting memories, whether it’s with loved ones or on a solo trip. 

Regardless of what style camping you prefer or how experienced you are, having the right gear makes a world of difference. 

It can be tricky determining what you actually need (and equally important, what you don’t!), especially when you’re just getting into camping. That’s exactly where this camping essentials guide comes in!

After camping extensively over the last several years, including in many countries and just about every imaginable setting, we’ve put together our ultimate list of camping essentials. 

Whether you’re looking for inspiration to build your camping gear stash or you’re a backcountry veteran with plenty of tried-and-true favorites, we hope this guide helps you feel more prepared — and maybe even introduces you to some new camping essentials you never knew you needed!

Here are some of our most recommended camping guides:

A Beginner’s Guide to Car Camping

We're going over the basics of car camping to get you ready to sleep under the stars! Find out where to find campsites, how to prepare and what to pack for your next car camping adventure.

Essential Camping Food List + Meal Ideas

Packing and preparing your camping food can be a challenge. To help keep you organized and make it a little easier, we’ve come up with a comprehensive camping food list and tons of easy camping meal ideas.

Best 2-Person Tents for Camping & Backpacking

Researching the best 2-person tent for outdoor adventures can be time-consuming and overwhelming, so we’ve done the legwork for you. Thankfully, there are many excellent 2-person tent options that suit every need and budget.

All Camping Guides

35 Hearty & Delicious Dutch Oven Camping Recipes

Using a dutch oven while camping is a game-changer, allowing you to make hearty, fresh-out-of-the-oven meals around the campfire. We’ve gathered the best dutch oven camping recipes for you to test out on your next outdoor adventure. 

30 Simple & Delicious Camping Snacks to Try

For some (like us!), camping snacks are the best part of the whole experience. In this guide, we put together our favorite ideas for easy camping snacks, including some you prep at home, several that are ready to eat, and a few that involve a campfire. 

Wild Camping: What is It + How to Find FREE Campsites in the US

Wild camping is free, adventurous, and lets you disconnect and get off the beaten path. The trade-off is that it requires some research and planning. In this guide, we define wild camping and offer tips to make it epic, plus tell you how to find free camping in the US.

Camping in Glacier National Park: 9 Best Campsites

One of the best ways to experience Glacier is by spending a night in the park under the stars. In this article we're coming everything you need to know about camping in Glacier National Park, including the best campsites, how to prepare and what to pack.

Backpacking for Beginners: Ultimate Guide

In this guide we'll go over the basics of backpacking for beginners, including how to get started, what to pack, and of course answering the frequently asked question: What is backpacking?

Camping Coffee: How to Make Delicious Coffee Outdoors

Just because you’re sleeping outdoors doesn’t mean you should skimp on caffeine. This guide breaks down all the best methods for brewing camping coffee, so you can be prepared for your next outdoor adventure.

BLM Camping: How to Camp for Free on Public Land

BLM camping is a great way to get off the beaten path and enjoy free camping in solitude. This guide covers how to do it responsibly and where to find the best BLM camping sites. 

25 Best Vegan Camping Food Ideas

Following a healthy, fulfilling vegan diet doesn’t have to be complicated just because you’re camping. We’ve rounded up the best vegan camping food ideas to give you a jump start on meal prepping. 

Backpacking Meals: Guide to Meal Planning on the Trail

All serious hiking enthusiasts know the struggle of finding the best food to bring on the trail. That’s why we created this guide with tips and gear to help prep and pack the best backpacking meals for your next adventure. 

27 Fun Ideas for Camping Cocktails

What could possibly make a night spent around a campfire even better? Enjoying it with a few camping cocktails! From super simple, two-ingredient drinks to rich concoctions that warm you from head to toe, this roundup highlights some of the best!

Dispersed Camping: What is It & How to Find FREE Dispersed Campsites

For camping purists, people who enjoy getting off-grid just as much as incredible views, it doesn’t get much better than dispersed camping. This guide covers all the ins and outs, from defining exactly what is dispersed camping to where to find it and what to pack!

Tips for Eco Camping: A Guide for the Environmentally Conscious Camper

If you’re looking to reduce your environmental footprint while camping, we’ve created this quick guide to eco camping to get you started. Discover what eco camping is, the benefits, tips, and our favorite gear for a greener camping routine. In every season, outdoor enthusiasts pack up their cars with their [...]

Essential Camping Food List + Meal Ideas

Packing and preparing your camping food can be a challenge. To help keep you organized and make it a little easier, we’ve come up with a comprehensive camping food list and tons of easy camping meal ideas.

Ultimate Guide to Snow Camping

Over the years, solitude and snowy vistas have made us fall in love with snow camping. In this guide, we provide everything you’ll need to know about winter camping to have the coziest camping experience.

The 7 principles of Leave No Trace (& why you should care!)

The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace are important rules everyone should follow while out and enjoying Mother Nature. Find out what exactly these principles are, why they’re important, and how to actually implement them!

12 Enchanting Campsites in Washington State + Map

Exploring the diverse state of Washington is best done by car and camping along the way will ensure you get to spend the most time in the outdoors. With the help of our fellow travel bloggers, we've put together this list of the best campsites in Washington to help you [...]

30 Hearty & Delicious Camping Dinner Ideas

One of our biggest priorities when spending time outdoors is whipping up a tasty and satisfying meal. We’ve rounded up these delicious camping dinner ideas that will have you excited to step into your camp kitchen after a long day of adventuring!

25 Healthy & Delicious Vegetarian Camping Meals

It can be tricky finding decent vegetarian camping food that tastes good and can be prepared over a fire. That’s where we come in! With everything from breakfast options and side dishes to entrees and desserts, here are our favorite healthy and delicious vegetarian camping meals. 

A Beginner’s Guide to Car Camping

We're going over the basics of car camping to get you ready to sleep under the stars! Find out where to find campsites, how to prepare and what to pack for your next car camping adventure.

30 Simple Camping Lunch Ideas

Camping is one of our favorite ways to get outside. After many years, we know firsthand the struggle of finding meal ideas to satisfy and prepare you for your next adventure, while still being simple to make. So, we’ve rounded up some camping lunch ideas that will have you excited [...]

25 Tasty Camping Breakfast Ideas

Sometimes you just want an easy camping breakfast, we get it. From quick no-bake meals you can prepare ahead of time to elaborate dishes cooked directly over the campfire, we’ve put together 25 of the best camping breakfast ideas. 

Bend Oregon Camping: 15 Best Campsites

From the rugged mountaintops to the rivers rushing beneath and adventure at every turn, camping near Bend, Oregon is a popular activity for outdoor enthusiasts of all interests and skill levels. We’re sharing our favorite Bend, Oregon campsites so your next trip will be an experience like no other!

Cannon Beach Camping: Where to Stay in Your Campervan or Tent

Cannon Beach is one of the most beautiful places to camp on the Oregon Coast. If you’re on a road trip down the coast, these Cannon Beach campsites are the perfect spots to pitch your tent for the night. Use this guide to Cannon Beach camping to discover the best [...]

25 Delicious & Easy Campfire Desserts

From grilled fruit kabobs and single-portion apple crisps to homemade Pop Tarts and even donuts, campfire desserts have come a very long way from the days of s’mores. We’ve rounded up some innovative recipes, each of them using basic pantry staples and equipment you likely already have in your camping [...]

11 Easy & Fun Camping Games for Adults

Camping games for adults (and kiddos too!) make outdoor adventures even more fun and engaging. Many of the best camping games require little to no experience and make use of available resources. Grab your favorite beverage and settle in for hours of fun, either soaking up the fresh mountain air [...]

32 Fun & Easy Camping Meals

If you’re planning a camping trip, one important thing you need to consider is what food to serve. Luckily, there are many tasty, easy meals for camping. Focus on easy camping meals to keep everyone satisfied and adventure-ready on your next camping trip!

How to Get Outdoor & Camping Gear for Cheap

Collecting outdoor gear does not have to break the bank. Here are our top tips for finding cheap camping gear and discounts to get you outfitted for your next outdoor adventure.

Best 2-Person Tents for Camping & Backpacking

Researching the best 2-person tent for outdoor adventures can be time-consuming and overwhelming, so we’ve done the legwork for you. Thankfully, there are many excellent 2-person tent options that suit every need and budget.

10 Best Oregon Coast Campgrounds + Advice to Help You Plan Your Next Adventure

Exploring Oregon's rugged and expansive coast is best done by car and camping along the way will ensure you get to spend the most time in the outdoors. We've put together this list of the best Oregon Coast Campgrounds plus advice to help you plan your next adventure.

17 Tasty & Simple One Pot Camping Meals

All outdoor enthusiasts know the struggle of finding the best recipes to make on the go. That’s why we have consolidated a list of the best one-pot camping meals every outdoor aficionado should have in their back pocket.

100 Best Adventure Quotes (+ Graphics) to Inspire You to Explore!

Check out our curated list of the 100 best adventure quotes to reignite your passion and inspire your next adventure. We've even included quote graphics to save for later

Best Outdoor Apps for Camping, Hiking & Road Trips

With this list of the best outdoor apps for camping, hiking and road trips, you'll have all the resources you need for an epic outdoor adventure at your fingertips. The apps on this list have been user tested and approved so you know you're getting the best value before you [...]