There’s something magical about boating to an island, setting up camp by the water, and sleeping under the stars. That was the plan. I had a hammock, a cooler full of snacks, and high hopes for a peaceful night swaying between two trees.
The weather forecast looked perfect: clear skies, no chance of rain. But as any seasoned camper knows, nature doesn’t always follow the script.
Around midnight, a surprise shower rolled in. I scrambled to cover my gear while my friends zipped themselves into dry, cozy tents. Meanwhile, my hammock quickly became a soggy swing, and I ended up boating back to the mainland under a damp towel—lesson learned.
In a world where most of us spend half our day staring at screens, camping offers the reset we desperately need. With fall approaching and temperatures cooling down, now is the perfect time to unplug, pack up, and spend a night (or two) outside. Just… go prepared.
Here’s a budget-friendly checklist of camping gear from Bass Pro Shops worth investing in—especially if you don’t want to end your night early like I did:
A budget-friendly tent that actually holds up. This lightweight dome is waterproof, fits a queen airbed, and sets up fast—so you’re covered when the weather flips on you. Bonus: it has an e-port, gear loft, and packs into a duffel. Perfect for lakeside overnights.
Skip the rocks and roots—this plush, flocked air bed turns your tent into a cloud. Durable PVC holds up to outdoor use, and the coil beam design gives you firm, supportive sleep. Inflates and deflates in minutes, so you can pack light and rest right.
Affordable, foldable, and fireside-ready. This no-fuss camp chair is built with a strong steel frame, water-resistant fabric, and a cupholder right where you need it. At under $10, it’s the perfect grab-and-go seat for lakeside lounging or weekend tailgates.
A must-have for any lake trip. This tough, waterproof dry bag keeps your clothes, phone, and snacks safe from rain, boat spray, or accidental dunks. Lightweight and easy to clip to your gear—because wet socks are a vibe killer.
Built for chilly lake nights, this oversized 20° sleeping bag is roomy, warm, and tough. With nearly 7 feet of space and thick insulation, it’s perfect for stretching out or zipping two together. No shivers, no cramped feet—just solid sleep under the stars.
Don’t sacrifice sleep just because you’re in a tent. This lightweight pillow has soft flannel on one side, durable peach twill on the other, and packs into a water-repellent stuff sack. It’s small, comfy, and makes a big difference after a long day outdoors.
Accidents happen—even at the lake. This fully stocked kit has everything you need for cuts, sprains, allergies, and more. Designed for families, it even includes a child-specific first-aid guide and a mini travel kit for quick access. Peace of mind in one pack.
Say goodbye to swatting. This compact, scent-free device creates a 15-foot mosquito-free zone without sprays, smoke, or flames. Lightweight, backpack-ready, and DEET-free, it’s the quiet hero every lakeside camper needs.
Whether you’re star-gazing solo or lounging lakeside with a friend, this roomy, quick-drying hammock is built for comfort and easy setup. It packs down small, supports up to 400 lbs, and adds a splash of color to your campsite. A lakeside must for chill-time.
Lightweight, bright, and packable—these lanterns are perfect for the tent, the boat, or walking to the woods at night. Each one pumps out 300 lumens and collapses to dim or shut off with zero fuss. Bonus: You get three, and the batteries are included.
Built like a tank and cold as ice. With 3″ of insulation, a bear-resistant build, and a no-slip, no-leak design, this cooler keeps drinks icy from sunrise to campfire. It’s the last cooler you’ll ever need—perfect for lake weekends, off-road trails, and everything in between.
Don’t get caught with a dead phone in the woods. This rugged, solar-powered MagSafe bank keeps your iPhone (or Android) charged on the trail, at camp, or in an emergency. Dustproof, splashproof, fast-charging, and TSA-approved—this one’s built for adventure.
Cold mornings at the lake? Not a problem. This compact ceramic heater keeps your tent, camper, or cabin toasty with high, low, and fan-only settings. Safe, quiet, and easy to carry with a fold-up handle—it’s the perfect backup heat source for cool fall trips.
Keep cool and stay lit. This 2-in-1 rechargeable fan and LED light is a game-changer for tent comfort. With 3 fan speeds, 2 light settings, and both a stand and hook, it’s perfect for late-night card games or catching a breeze while you sleep.
No matter how many sunsets you’ve watched from the shoreline or how often you’ve cast a line before breakfast, one thing’s for sure—being prepared can make or break your lakeside camping experience. The gear listed here isn’t just about comfort; it’s about staying dry, warm, safe, and able to enjoy the beauty that comes with unplugging and getting outside.
So next time you pack your boat and head to the lake, don’t just chase adventure—be ready for it.
