Camping trips are always unforgettable (one way or another). I've never been a huge fan of camping trips. The mosquitoes constantly making a meal out of you, taking a trek just to go to the bathroom, sleeping on what feels like rocks— it's just not up my alley.
Packing itself can be a pain; forgetting one important thing could turn your trip upside down. So, I've compiled the ultimate packing list, specially tailored to teens, to make your campsite feel like home, even for all those homebodies like me.
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Besides your tent, make sure you have a tarp and sleeping bag. Nothing destroys the pleasure of a getaway when you can't get adequate shuteye. I recommend bringing sleeping pads or an inflatable mattress alongside additional blankets and pillows to add some extra comfort. You can build on this cozy feel by hanging a couple of lanterns inside the tent.
Pack plenty of water, preferably in a thermos, to keep the water cold and minimize the use of plastic. When you think of camping, you might imagine canned beans for dinner, but you can do much more with a simple camp stove than you might think. For an extensive list of camping recipes, refer to this article by Fresh Off the Grid. Top off each meal with a side of fruits and vegetables. On that note, bring a cooler to keep your ingredients fresh. If you're lucky enough to be by the water, you may as well catch your own meals!

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Insect repellent is a necessity to avoid being eaten alive. If the smell or feeling of bug spray is unpleasant, a hack is to tie dryer sheets to your hat or hair or place a couple in your pockets. While they may not be the most effective at deterring bugs, they're convenient and smell nice!
Bring an effective first-aid kit (with bandages, alcohol wipes, medicine, etc.) in case of an emergency, a firestarter for cooking food and staying warm, and a portable charger to ensure your devices have enough juice to last the trip.

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Toiletries/Hygiene
Maintaining good hygiene is one of the hardest parts of camping. After a night in a tent, I always wake up with an owl's nest for hair. The most important products to bring include a hairbrush, toothbrush and toothpaste, and a bar of eco-friendly soap.
Privacy tents can add a little luxury to your camping adventure. Many campsites do not offer bathroom facilities. With a privacy tent, you can get the same experience; all you need is a bit of space, a makeshift toilet, and, for showers, a bucket of water and shampoo.
Wearing sunscreen is extremely important. Even on cloudy days, harmful UV rays can damage your skin. Camping is no easy feat. If you're one to easily break a sweat, whether hiking, kayaking or even setting up your tent, then deodorant is your new best friend.
Attire
Dress in layers. Be prepared for warm daytime and cold nights. Wear breathable tops, but also pack jeans and long-sleeved shirts that will help you stay insect-bite-free.
Depending on your plans, you can either wear sturdy boots that will withstand mud and long hikes or comfy sneakers suitable for walking. You can also pack a pair of casual shoes like flip-flops or Crocs to wear when lounging at camp or if you're somewhere near a beach. A hat is a great addition to your daily outfit, especially one with maximum sun protection.
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For Fun
While food and drinks are obvious must-haves, I would argue that snacks could also squeeze into that category. The go-to sweet treat is toasted marshmallows, but if you're willing to get a little more messy, then s'mores are a step up. Candy salads have become popular across social media, so if you're camping with friends and have a real sweet tooth, each person can contribute a bag of candy— just be ready for the sugar rush.
For savory lovers, stovetop popcorn is a quick and easy option. For even more snack ideas, check out this article from Fresh Off the Grid.
Group games can liven up any trip. A deck of cards or classic games like Monopoly, Headbandz, and Game of Life (my personal favorite) can keep everyone up all night.
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Watching a movie in a tent under the stars is about as perfect as it gets. Just download the movie on your streaming app before the trip, or you can go old school like my family does and bring a portable DVD player (trust me, the vintage adds to the aesthetic).
Books, whether digital or print, are one of the highest entertainment qualities. Who doesn't love a good storytime? If you're more of an outside-the-tent kind of person, try hanging a hammock between two trees and swaying with the forest breeze.
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If you're still firmly against camping even after reading through this list, I recommend you try it at least once because, after camping, you'll notice aspects of your daily life will have elements of luxury, from eating to showering to sleeping.