I’m Going Camping and I’m Bringing: 8 Items Every Nature Lover Needs

Apr 18, 2022 by Candace Rozansky

Whether you're adventuring in one of our many beautiful campgrounds, sprawling state forests, or just pitching a tent in the backyard, be sure to stock up on a few of our favorite Cortland County camping essentials, to make your campfire experience even more enjoyable.

BUG OFF!

No matter how much you love nature, no one loves mosquitos (or ticks, or black flies, or my personal nemesis no-see-ums). Alas, I also don't love stinky, chemical bug sprays. Enter Daisy Hollow's all-natural bug repellent made with Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, and Citronella essential oils, blended with EVOO, coconut oil, beeswax, cocoa butter, and vitamin E oil. This Bug Repellent Cream is luxe and effective! I especially appreciate this cream for those odds spots, like my ears and neck when hiking, or the tops of my feet when wearing flip flops. The smell is fantastic and it leaves your skin feeling soft, not sticky and gross. I've even been known to rub a little on the edges of my dog's ears when the biting flies are bad. Definitely a must-have for campers and outdoor enthusiasts!

YOUR (NEW) FAVORITE SWEATSHIRT

Ok, so maybe you don't want your favorite sweatshirt to smell like a campfire. Or maybe, you lent that favorite hoodie to your (now) ex, never to be seen again. Have no fear, Lot 1 Vintage has you covered! With racks of vintage sweatshirts, in every color and size, you're guaranteed to find the coziest sweatshirt, for evenings around the fire. The best part is, they are already perfectly broken in and ready for your camping adventures.

S'MORE CHARCUTERIE BOARD

Did you even have a campfire if you didn't have s'mores? It's time to upgrade this camping classic charcuterie board style. While the basic s'more will never go out of fashion, try upgrading with some dark chocolate or get daring with a chocolate peanut butter combo. My personal favorite? Skip the graham crackers and substitute The Outpost's fresh-baked chocolate chips cookies. I promise you'll never look back. Swing into The Truxton Outpost to find all your fixings. From s'more basics to warm chocolate chip cookies, they have everything you need to make your next bonfire an event to remember.

THE BEST BLANKET

A handwoven serape blanket is quintessential camping equipment, in my book. Soft enough for snuggling around the fire, thick enough to pad the bottom of your tent for extra warmth, and just the right size to spread out for an impromptu picnic. Confession, I have at least two in my truck at all times, just for those reasons. Homer Men & Boys has a fantastic selection, and for under 20 bucks, you can splurge on a few, that way you always have just the right color for your insta-worthy adventures.

ICE COLD BEER

Building a fire and setting up camp is hard work. You deserve an ice-cold beer as a reward. Cortland Beer Co. sells 4-packs of their microbrews, perfect for tossing in the cooler. While all their beer is delicious, from coffee stouts to IPAs, nothing quite hits the spot like their signature pale ale. The Firehouse Pale Ale pours like liquid gold, with a classic frothy head. It's impossible not to smell the Cascade hops, as soon as you crack one open. The taste is smooth, a little malty, and with just a pinch of hops, giving it a clean, easy-drinking flavor. This beer was made for watching sunsets.

EVERYBODY LOVES BACON

No one loves breaking down camp in the morning. However, everybody loves bacon. Get your camp crew out of their sleeping bags with the smell of sizzling bacon. Whether you cook it on cast iron over the fire or on a camp stove, Cobblestone Valley Farm's organic bacon always impresses. Choose from nitrate-free classic bacon, cottage bacon, or jowl bacon. Can't decide? Pick up their Breakfast Bundle, and enjoy one package each of no nitrate bacon, breakfast sausage, beef Summer Sausage, and Cottage Bacon, and find something to make everyone in camp happy to pitch in and pack up.

CAMPFIRE COFFEE

My favorite part of the camping experience is the mornings. Knocking the dew off the tent, wrapping up in a blanket, and coaxing the fire back to life for a morning cuppa is my version of heaven. There is nothing like the taste of campfire coffee. BRU Blend, by BRU 64, is just the right bean for the job. Locally roasted by hand, in small batches, the 100% Arabic coffee is chocolatey, deep, and nutty. It's only enhanced by the subtle flavor of the smoke-infused water. If bliss had a taste, I'm pretty sure this would be it.

CAMP MUG

Camp mugs come in all shapes and sizes, from old-school tin to high-tech insulated. The granola-crunching-hippie in me loves nothing more than a hand-thrown mug. There is something about the weight and feel, the way the pottery holds the heat and warms my fingertips. Hunting down the perfect mug that fits your hands just right. Knowing someone's fingerprints are hidden beneath the glaze, all of this elevates my campfire coffee into an experience. Erron Hilly Pottery handmade mugs embody all of this. Made here in the Finger Lakes region, you can shop them in person exclusively at Floristry by Ithaca Flower Shop. The local flora and fauna often inspire her designs, and they are all limited. So you know, when you're enjoying that first sip, you're holding a one-of-a-kind piece of art.