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If you're craving a little adventure for your spring break trip, camping is the perfect vacay option. You can connect with nature, take scenic hikes, go on other incredible excursions that nature has to offer and relax and unwind.
So, if you're planning a camping trip for spring break to accomplish any of those things, you've come to the right place. We shopped around for you and found every affordable essential you need to pack for the best camping trip yet. We've included reliable, budget-friendly and easily portable items so that you can have an incredible and safe camping excursion. The best part? They're all from Amazon, and you can use the Try Before You Buy feature to test out our recommendations before committing to the purchase.
Whether you need an affordable, reliable tent for under $40 or the perfect hiking backpack for just $16, this guide has all that and more. Continue below to check out our spring break camping packing guide!
RoverTac Multitool
Featuring 14 tools, like an axe, knife, pliers, saw, hammer, screwdriver, bottle and can opener, and more, this handy multitool is a must-have camping essential. One shopper reported, "This is useful at home or out camping. It has a little bit of everything that you may need to take care of small jobs. It conveniently has everything in on place and a nice cover case to keep it stored."
Pacific Pass 2/4/6 Person Family Dome Tent
If there's one camping essential you simply can't travel without, it's a tent. This dome tent from Amazon is affordable, reliable and comes with two, four or six person size options. It's a super spacious and stable tent that takes just five minutes to set up. Not only that, but it's so lightweight and portable with the compact carry bag.
It also has over 6,200 positive reviews, one saying "This product performed well in two nights of camping with light rain. Surprised how spacious and cozy it is. The color has a different tint than the blue as shown in photos. The main zipper doesn't feel durable, advise to use two hands and always mindfully open/close it. Hope it lasts long because we're happy with this tent!"
LED Camping Lantern
These rechargeable camping lanterns come in a set of two, and they'll be so useful on your camping trip. It has super high brightness with five different lighting modes, and can be used to charge your phones or laptops. It's a space-saving, potentially life-saving product that has over 7,800 positive reviews.
Aiopr Women's Oversized Lightweight Down Coat
This oversized lightweight down coat is perfect for daytime wear while you hang out around the campgrounds. One reviewer shares, "If you're like me, you're like 50-50 when it comes to buying clothing on Amazon. Sometimes the quality isn't quite what you wanted it to be. THIS jacket is what you have been looking for. Great quality and a lovely shade of olive. Buy it."
NORTIV 8 Women's Waterproof Hiking Boots
These hiking boots are cute and reliable. Reviewers say they've walked through water with the boot, with no water seeping through. They're also currently on sale for $43, so take advantage of that deal while you can.
One reviewer raves, "I got these for my every day winter walking shoes. They are perfect and exactly what I was looking for, waterproof, breathable, and warm without making my feet sweat."
Brita Hard-Sided Plastic Premium Filtering Water Bottle
If you have access to tap water on your camping trip, but want a little extra security before you drink, this Brita water bottle is a great option. It includes a convenient straw and carrying loop and one reviewer raved, "Been using this bottle for almost a year now. I go camping a lot and this bottle gets tossed, thrown around and dropped a lot (which is how my last one broke) and this has survived everything and acts similar to a nalgene. The straw is designed perfectly and it allows you to get basically every drop of water and the filter is a no brainer after you do it once."
Coleman Broadband Mesh Quad Camping Chair
While you gather around the campfire and maybe, just maybe, sing campfire songs, you're going to need functional and reliable camping chairs! You can snag these $30 camping chairs from Amazon, and rest assured they'll do the trick. They have over 8,700 positive reviews, one sharing, "This Coleman chair is excellent, lightweight but sturdy, easy to remove from carrying bag and unfolds quickly and easily. Great for camping, Gen Admin events. Breaks down and goes back in bag just as easily."
First Aid Only 57-Piece 10 Person First Aid Kit (6060)
You can never be too prepared on a camping trip, so having a First Aid Kit on hand is a great idea. This one has over 11,000 positive reviews, and it's on sale for just $20 for a limited time. It has everything from plastic bandages, antibiotic ointments, BZK antiseptic towelettes, burn cream packets and so much more.
One reviewer says, "A compact first aid kit that has a bit of everything. Perfect for your vehicle or camping supplies."
Thermajane Long Johns
Let's be honest, nights spent camping can get really cold, no matter the time of year. Having a pair of packable thermal long johns is very important. These Thermajane layering pieces are under $30, and they have over 41,000 positive reviews on Amazon. They range from sizes XX-small to 3XL in a ton of colors, and they're a number one bestseller on Amazon.
One reviewer shares, "Love how soft they are! They are close fitting without being tight fitting, and kept me super warm while camping in upper 30/low 40 degree F weather. Definitely going to get a couple more pairs!"
NEEKFOX Lightweight Packable Travel Hiking Backpack
This $16 hiking backpack is functional and reliable, and its 6,400+ positive reviews attest to that. It comes in a bunch of cute colors, with loads of zippers and pockets for all your essentials.
One reviewer explains, "I bought this to take hiking in Yellowstone. Great pack. Folds into a nice small bag which took up little space on my flights carry-on bag. Opens into a nice size for sweatshirts, walking stick, water, etc. Sturdy enough and I liked the size of the water bottle holders on the sides. They were secure and never fell out."
Alcala Deodorizing Body Wipes, 30-Pack
The great outdoors doesn't always have great shower options. Stay fresh with these bamboo body wipes. They're individually wrapped, so they're easy to throw in a camping bag, and enriched with tea tree extract, aloe vera, and chamomile to leave you moisturized.
tuphen - Sleeping Bag
You're going to need a cozy sleeping bag for your camping trip, and this one from Amazon is affordable and perfect for any season. It has over 8,000 positive reviews on Amazon, one saying, "Comfortable and warm sleeping bag. Perfect for camping in Spring, Summer and Fall. Worked very well for my Yukon/Alaska camping trip."
Sleepingo Sleeping Pad
Pair that sleeping bag with a sleeping pad and you'll be resting in comfort, no matter how hard the floor is. Conveniently, it also weighs less than a pound when it's deflated and packs into an included bag. Plus, it's thick, waterproof, and one reviewer remarked on the inflation time, "The time to blow up the Sleepingo mat is 1 min. 10 seconds."
Touchland Glow Mist Revitalizing Hand Sanitizer Spray
Celebs and TikTok alike are big fans of Touchland's hand sanitizer spray. Not only does it replenish your skin's moisture, it also features a sleek design that's easy to throw into a camping bag and use on the go.
BUG BITE THING Suction Tool
This suction tool will be a lifesaver on your camping trip, especially if you're prone to bug bites. The Bug Bite Thing suction tool is just $9, and it has over 81,000 positive reviews on Amazon.
One reviewer explains, "I love to get outdoors and camp. This is the perfect solution to minimize the impact of bug bites (particularly mosquitos). I've also used this to remove a splinter which was very effective! I don't have sensitive skin so I've used this all over the body including my face with no issues."
Thinksport SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen
Protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays with this mineral sunscreen. It has an SPF 50+ and offers water resistance for up to 80 minutes. This shopper reported, "I love the smell of this. It smells like citrus. It doesn't feel like sunscreen. It's thick but it rubs in like lotion and rubs in clear. I like that this is reef-safe and SPF 50+. This is my go-to sunscreen for camping, swimming, and if I'm going to be out in the sun."
4Monster Camping Towels
These microfiber camping towels are travel-friendly and quick drying. They're perfect for any lake days and for showering. The quick absorbing towel comes with a portable case that fits into your backpack, or even your pocket.
One promising review says, "Very absorbent and I like the compact carry case. Dries quickly. Great space saver while camping."
Travel Utensils with Case, 4 Sets
You'll be glad to have brought these reusable travel utensils along with you on a camping trip. They're compact and simple in design, but they're so useful! Plus, they're only $6 and can be reused on so many other occasions.
One reviewer explains, "Love the color coordination, the durability and sturdiness."
Nook Theory 4-Pack Bamboo Fiber Dinner Plates
Complete your camping meal prep with these lightweight and durable bamboo plates. They also come in a ton of cute patterns and are super easy to clean.
Coleman Portable Butane Stove with Carrying Case
This portable butane stove is an essential for a camping trip. It's easy to use, travel-friendly with its carrying case and will help you cook up a hot meal wherever you are.
One reviewer explains, "We used this camping and it was perfect. Price point was good, worked great, heated up hot and quickly. If you plan on cooking more I'd recommend getting a double burner but we only needed the one for the trip."
WACACO Minipresso GR
Just because you're camping, doesn't mean you can't have a freshly brewed espresso. Just add grounds and hot water to this portable minipresso and you'll be caffeinated in seconds. This user raved, "Bought this for my road trips/camp trips and it's perfect! Easy to use and set up. Also easy to clean and always makes a PERFECT cup of espresso."
Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Hammock
This camping hammock has a near-perfect 4.8-star rating from over 49,000 Amazon reviewers, for good reason. The unanimous decision is that it's super sturdy and great quality for the $31 price.
One reviewer shares, "This hammock has proved itself well worth the money! I have slept in it camping, and used it with 2 people countless times this past summer. I even allowed my dog in it once and the fabric still looks brand new! Extremely easy to set up and enjoy."
Traveling solo? Here are the essentials you'll need to make it a safe, relaxing trip.
—Originally published Mar. 2, 2023 at 3:27PM PT.