Camping is one of my favorite things — the fresh air, the slower pace, the chance to unplug and spend time with family. Over the years, I’ve figured out what works for us and what doesn’t, and now I have a go-to list of things that I always bring to make our trips smoother, more comfortable, and a whole lot more fun.

These are some of my camping must-haves — the things I’ve come to rely on year after year:

🧼 Thieves Cleaner

Thieves Cleaner is my all-in-one cleaner for camping. I bring a small spray bottle of diluted Thieves Cleaner and use it to clean countertops, picnic tables, coolers, camper surfaces, and more. It smells great, works incredibly well, discourages bugs, and keeps things fresh and tidy.

🌿 Essential Oils

I never go camping without my oils! Here are a few I use the most:
  • Digize – For tummy troubles. Whether it’s motion sickness or too many campfire snacks, this one always comes in handy.
  • Peppermint & Clove – Great for cooling down and discouraging pests.
  • Citronella – A natural go-to for deterring insects. I use it in a spray bottle with peppermint, clove, rosemary and lemongrass to freshen the air in the tent or camper and discourage the bugs.
  • Lavender – calming, soothing, great for after too much sun (dilute with a carrier oil).

 🍷 NingXia Red

Camping takes energy — from the prep to the activities to late nights around the fire — so I always bring NingXia Red to help support my energy and wellness while we’re away from home.

💨 Battery-Operated Fans

Battery-operated fans are so helpful, especially since we camp without electric hookups. I bring several to help keep the camper cool and everyone comfortable at night.

🐞 Yaya Bug Spray

I recently discovered Yaya bug spray and it is quickly becoming a favorite — it works well and I feel good using it for everyone. No overpowering smell or harsh ingredients. It’s powered by essential oils and nontoxic ingredients, and it is very effective.

⚡ My Trusty Generator

Since our campground doesn’t offer electric hookups, my small generator keeps our camper battery charged that powers the mini fridge. 

💧 Bottled Water

Extra bottled water is always a good idea — we usually bring jugs of frozen drinking water from home, but when those run out, we have bottled water as our backup.

🎲 Our Favorite Games

Some of our best memories are made sitting around the table playing games. We always pack:

Camping doesn’t have to be chaotic or stressful. With a little planning and the right essentials, it becomes a time to reconnect, recharge, and make lasting memories. These are the things I always pack — and they help make every trip a success. 🏕️✨

Here is a blog post from last year with some very useful DIY recipes: ULTIMATE CAMPING HACK: DIY BUG SPRAY & BITE RELIEF

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Meet Lisa Bailey

 
Life hands you things you don’t expect sometimes.  

When I was 33 years old, I lost my husband to cancer after a 3 ½ year battle.  At the time, I had two small kids and was trying to do it all - homeschooling, run a small business, single parenting, make everything from scratch, eat healthy and take care of myself. I was afraid of stopping. I was afraid of feeling.  I was afraid.

Eventually, my body crashed.  I was grieving deeply, struggling physically, dealing with anxiety, and I didn’t know how to move out of that place.  God orchestrated circumstances and placed people in my life to help me deal with these issues through counseling, moving, and starting fresh.  He opened the door and helped me heal both emotionally and physically, and placed resources in my life that have made a huge difference. 

I now feel better than I have in many years and have healed from many things. Grief still shows up, and I have to pull back and work through it, but because I am healthier, it doesn’t consume me. Restoration and healing didn’t happen overnight, but it did happen.

You don’t have to do this alone.  Let me walk this journey with you to hope and wellness. 

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