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Camping Recommendations

Tent emoji 27 items
Camping had become one of my favorite things to do since moving to California! Here are my recommendations for things to bring and places to go. Comment with any questions!
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Sleeping

 
Maria Bowe profile picture
Nice to have a big tent if you are car camping! Good for group trips
Coleman Skydome 6-Person Tent
 
Maria Bowe profile picture
A pillow makes such a difference, and this one is easy to bring around
Drift Camping Pillow
 
Maria Bowe profile picture
These are pricey but SO cool!!!
Thule Tepui Explorer Ayer 2 Tent
 
Maria Bowe profile picture
Feels almost like a mattress! Nice you can inflate/deflate for ease of carrying
NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad
 
Teton Sleeping Bag
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Snacks & Food

I always go back and forth with whether I want to make elaborate meals when camping or go the easier snack/instant route. Here are some of my staples, though!
 
Maria Bowe profile picture
This is a great, filling staple to have on hand- especially when with a group in case people have nut allergies
SunButter
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Maria Bowe profile picture
Always have a few of these with me! Easy to bring around and keep you full in between meals/on the go
Clif Bar
 
Louisiana Red Beans & Rice
 
Maria Bowe profile picture
Super easy to pack and always easy to make with just a campfire!
Organic Sweet Italian Chicken Sausage
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Gear

I'm relatively new to camping, so will keep adding gear recs! These are some of my favorite things so far
 
Maria Bowe profile picture
Always have a towel, especially when camping somewhere you can swim. This one is great as it packs up to be really small and dries quickly
Personal Towel
 
Maria Bowe profile picture
Make sure to keep one of these in your car, you never know when you'll need it
Medical Sportsman Series Medical Kit
 
Maria Bowe profile picture
A slightly pricey, yet very stylish cooler. Helpful to bring drinks and perishables when car camping
Roadie 24 Cooler
 
Maria Bowe profile picture
So much better than just using your phone as a flashlight!
Black Diamond Cosmo 250 Headlamp
 
Maria Bowe profile picture
Fun to have a hammock to hang out in, this one packs up pretty small so it's easy to keep in the car
DoubleNest Hammock
 
Maria Bowe profile picture
Bringing a light is helpful especially in the fall when campfires are often not allowed in campsites in Nor Cal
Moji Lantern
 
Maria Bowe profile picture
This water bottle keeps water cold for so long!! The carrying strap makes it convenient to bring on chiller hikes even though it's a bit bulky
Wide-Mouth Vacuum Water Bottle - 32 fl. oz.

Campsites

 
Maria Bowe profile picture
This place is so incredible- you can book a cabin or a campsite (with a fire pit.) Right by Stinson beach, these spots always fill up fast for a reason! Use this website to book: reservecalifornia.com/CaliforniaWebHome
Steep Ravine
 
Manresa Uplands State Beach & Campground
 
Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground
 
Limekiln State Park

Cooking Tools

 
Maria Bowe profile picture
Easy, portable way to make good coffee
AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Press
 
Maria Bowe profile picture
Great to have a camping stove when car camping or at a site where campfires aren't allowed.
Classic Propane Gas Camping Stove, 2-Burner
 
Maria Bowe profile picture
Has everything you need when making slightly more intensive meals while camping
Bugaboo Camper Cookware Set
 
Compleat - Onyx Camp Cooking Tool

Apparel

 
Maria Bowe profile picture
I used to make the rookie mistake of forgetting socks when camping in the summer- bring warm ones to wear while you sleep!
Women's Hike Heavy Heritage Crew Socks
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Maria Bowe profile picture
Super easy to pack- it's a great mix of a raincoat and a windbreaker
Women's PreCip® Eco Anorak
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Maria Bowe profile picture
I always like having a flannel when I camp, this one is super warm
Women's Scotch Plaid Shirt, Sherpa-Lined