What to bring for a nature camping weekend

A nature camping weekend needs more than tents and food. This shopping list covers shared camping gear, cooking equipment, tableware, lighting and ways to keep meals and drinks organised for the group. Plan quantities around the number of participants, then check what you already have before shopping. Shared items such as cooking pots, coolers, water jugs and power banks are easy to underestimate and are often expensive or difficult to replace at the campsite.

The full checklist for this plan is being updated. The tips and answers below still apply.

Tips

For shared meals, allow one reusable plate, bowl, cup and cutlery set per person, plus 10% extra for lost or dirty items. Pack at least two large cooking pots if the group will eat together.
Bring one cooler for every 8 to 10 people, and fill it before departure rather than after arrival. Keep drinks in a separate cooler so the food cooler is not opened constantly.
For a group campsite, plan one sleeping mat and one blanket per person, then add two spare blankets for cold evenings. Every group tent needs a ground tarp, pegs, guy ropes and a way to secure the entrance.
Pack at least one LED lamp for the cooking area and one for the reception or dining area. Rechargeable power banks should be fully charged before leaving; allow one power bank for every two to three people who need phone access.
Buy or bring waste bins and storage bins before the weekend starts, not on arrival. Keep dry tableware and cooking supplies in sealed storage bins so rain and damp ground do not affect the shared equipment.

Frequently asked questions

How much camping equipment do I need per person for a group weekend?: Plan one sleeping mat, one blanket, one place setting and one cup per person. Add around 10% spare tableware and at least two extra blankets for a group of 20 people.
How many coolers do I need for a camping group?: Use one cooler for every 8 to 10 people, with a separate cooler for drinks when possible. For 20 people, that means two to three coolers, depending on the number of meals and the weather.
How many gas burners are needed for group camping meals?: Use two gas burners for groups of up to 12 people and three for 13 to 24 people if you are cooking several dishes at once. Check the campsite rules and gas supply at least one week before departure.
When should I buy food and camping supplies for a weekend trip?: Buy shelf-stable supplies and check shared equipment 3 to 5 days before departure. Buy fresh vegetables, fruit and other chilled food within 24 hours of leaving, then portion meals before loading the vehicles.