Anybody here a camper? I love going camping, whether it’s outdoors on the ground or in the back of my Chevy Malibu. There’s just something delightful about camping.
Now, to be fair, I like to camp when it’s COLD outside. I tried camping in summer once in Oklahoma, and I’ll never do that again. When it’s hot outside, I just don’t like doing anything.
However, even if it’s summer, up in the mountains or in the northern states, the weather is still lovely.
I’m getting ready to head out on a super-duper exciting camping trip, and I realized pretty quickly that I had some writing that needed to be done while I was on the road. I mean, I ALWAYS have writing that needs to be done, whether I’m on the road or not.
So I thought it might be a good idea to share some of what I bring with me when I go on my excursions!
If you’re a writer and have a “roughing it” kind of trip coming up, maybe some of these will be useful for you!
10 Must Haves for a Writer Going Camping
Notebook/Journal
Don’t leave home without a notebook. Ever. Granted, you can outline a whole novel on a restaurant napkin (been there, done that), but having a notebook on hand makes those teeny-tiny subplots so much easier to sort.
New pens (sharpie gel pens are best)
One of my splurge items for a camping trip is usually a new pack of pens. There’s just something joyous about pressing a brand new, never-before-used pen to a blank sheet of paper. It’s a beautiful thing. Lately I’ve become obsessed with Sharpie Gel Pens. Y’all these pens have changed my life. Not really. But they have. If you haven’t tried them, do it. You won’t like writing with anything else after you do.
Snacks/food
This one is a given. Bring along your snacky foods so you can munch your way through tricky plot problems or stubborn character blips. I like almonds and trail mix. Or trail mix with almonds in it. Cashews are great too, but they probably aren’t very good for you.
That being said… you’ll work off all the calories you consume. So if cashews are your thing? Bring ‘em.
Instant coffee
This is a no-brainer for coffee-lovers like me, although I don’t usually bring instant coffee. If I have my way, I bring REAL coffee and a camp-style percolator. Talk about the real camping experience. There’s nothing better on a frigid Colorado morning than a steaming hot cup of percolator coffee that’s so dang strong it’s practically solid.
But, if you’re pressed for time, instant coffee is just peachy. I recommend Cafe Bustelo. It’s super strong and just plain delicious. And if you drink it right before you write a fight scene, your action sequences will be jittery!
Bottled water or a water bottle
Bring water. Just—bring water. Drink water ALL THE TIME. If you’re a flatlander (like me) and you’re going up into the higher altitudes, this is a necessity.
Granted, a notebook and a new pack of pens is MORE important. But water comes right afterward.
Many campgrounds have drinkable water that you can fill your bottles up with, but I also usually bring a flat of water from the grocery store just in case.
Fuzzy blanket
Fuzzy blankets are the best. The only thing that can compare is fuzzy socks. I love curling up in a floofy, fuzzy blanket at night, preferably microfleece. I have one that is designed like the TARDIS from Doctor Who, and I swear it’s warmer than an electric blanket.
Books to read
A writer should never be far from a book. Doesn’t matter if it’s a Kindle book or a real book. Just always have a book with you. Since I’m going camping, I’m bringing physical books (especially since I have hard copies of These War-Torn Hands by Emily Hayse and Secrets in the Mist by Morgan L. Busse).
In the moments when you aren’t writing, read. There is nothing else in life that is so much fun that is also so good for you.
USB powered lamp
I recently learned about this, and I grabbed one. So we’ll see how it goes. But a USB-powered lamp will charge during the day, and then when you turn it on, it’ll light up your tent or your car while you get ready for bed. Or if you keep reading.
Flashlight
Also a no-brainer. And I’m not talking about the one on your phone. Your phone might die or run out of battery, and then where would you be? No, bring a real flashlight (with some spare batteries). You never know when you’re going to have to hike across a campground to get to the toilets.
Toilet paper
Speaking of toilets? Don’t just assume the campground will have outhouses or vault toilets. Check when you arrive. And also don’t assume that they will always be stocked with paper. They aren’t always. And, boy oh boy, is that an unpleasant surprise at 3am when your phone batteries have run out and it’s pitch black. Bring toilet paper.
There you have it!
I hope my little list was helpful! I’m sure I’ll have loads of stories once I get back from my adventure. Be sure to watch my Instagram Stories too, since I’ll be posting as often as I can.
If you’ve ever gone camping and have a MUST HAVE item that didn’t make my list, please share in the comments!
