Wisconsin has no shortage of amazing camping spots to help you get out there and find your oasis! Camping can be a great way to get outside and explore with friends and family, or even to grab some time for yourself! There are lots of types of camping. Depending on the type of camping you plan on doing, will determine which tools you need to make it an enjoyable trip for everyone! To make sure your trip goes great we’ve compiled a list of the bare necessities needed to enjoy a great time outdoors any time of year.

First things first, you need to decide what you plan to sleep in. Depending on the time of year will affect the type of tents and sleeping bags you may need to get a good night’s rest! Winter camping in Wisconsin will call for extra sleeping layers, plus a sleeping bag built to keep you cozy in cold temperatures. For warmer months you can probably get away with a lighter sleeping bag and fewer layers.

You also will most likely need something to sit back and relax in while enjoying some food with friends or family! Here is a basic list of what you will need for your campsite to make setup fast, easy, and functional!

1.       Campsite Essentials
a.       Tent (with stakes! Easy to forget but oh so important)
b.       Sleeping bags and sleeping pads (You can use blankets, but they get bulky)
c.       Pillow
d.       Headlamp/flashlight/lantern
e.       Chair(s)
f.        Multi-tool
g.       Mallet

Making food at a campsite is one of our favorite parts of camping. There is just something fun and refreshing about making food in an outdoor setting. You really do not need much to make some delicious meals, but you also want to keep the meals as easy and simple as possible to reduce the time you spend cooking and cleaning! Here are some camping kitchen staples that will help you get the job done!

2.       Kitchen
a.       Stove and Fuel
b.       Matches or a lighter
c.       Cooking pots and pans (at least one pot and one pan)
d.       Cooking and eating utensils (We recommend a good kitchen knife, spatula, and tongs)
e.       Knife
f.        Plates/bowls (you can use paper plates and bowls for easy clean up)
g.       Mugs/cups (plastic or silicone work well)
h.       Bottle and can opener (don’t get stranded without!)
i.         Cutting board
j.         Roasting stakes (versatile for hot dogs or marshmallows)
k.       Camp sink and biodegradable soap
l.         Dish Towel
m.     Trash bags

A note on the trash situation when you’re camping: please be courteous to other campers and the folks who maintain the campgrounds. Walk or drive your trash out of your site to the designated receptacles, don’t leave food scraps at your site (even overnight), and don’t throw garbage, glass, or metal into your fire pit. Always bring your dish or shower water to a disposal area specifically marked for grey water. Wisconsin is a gorgeous state with plenty of parks, campgrounds, and outdoor attractions. We want everyone to be able to enjoy its beauty for generations to come!

Depending on where you are camping and what time of year it is you have to be able to dress according to the weather conditions. Taking the time to check the weather before packing your bags can be a great step in determining what kind of clothing you are going to need to be comfortable while camping! For example, you want to make sure that you are prepared for rain (or snow if you’re winter camping in Wisconsin!) and any activities that you will be doing.

3.       Clothing and Footwear
a.       Undergarments
b.       T-shirts
c.       Pants/shorts
d.       Long sleeve shirt
e.       Sweatshirt
f.        Rain jacket/jacket
g.       Boots/shoes/sandals
h.       Socks
i.         Sleepwear
j.         For cold weather camping: long johns, warm insulated jacket, gloves, and hats

Remember, it’s Wisconsin, so the weather can change from humid summer to blizzard before you can say “where’s my scarf?”

Finally, there are always miscellaneous items that you may want to bring when camping but do not necessarily apply to everyone. These include more of the random items that you may or may not need but it is always a good idea to consider them!

4.       Miscellaneous
a.       Sunscreen
b.       Bug spray/bug repellent device
c.       Sunglasses
d.       First aid kit
e.       Toiletries
f.        Ear plugs
g.       Camp shower
h.       Hand sanitizer
i.         Quick dry towels
j.         Games (cards, cribbage, etc.)
k.       Liquor (specifically a bottle or two of Northern Oasis Shorewood Whiskey)

Since you have that bottle of Shorewood Whiskey with you, why not treat everyone to a Backpacker’s Whiskey Sour? This drink is designed with camping in mind!

1 1/2 oz. Shorewood Whiskey
1 oz. Aquafaba (liquid from a can of chickpeas)
1 1/2 oz. Lemon Juice
1/2 oz. Maple Syrup
Add aquafaba to shaker with ice & shake for 10 seconds to thicken. Add remaining ingredients and shake to mix. Pour over ice.

We hope you have a ton of fun on your next Wisconsin camping trip. Needless to say, this is just a basic list of the things you might need or want on a camping trip, but there are always more or less items that you may want to bring!

What do you always pack for your Wisconsin camping trips? Let us know in the comments!

Locally distilled in Plover, Wisconsin.

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