Camping 101
Growing up, I never went camping. Yes, I spent my summers on the farm. We did picnics in the forests and river banks, but camping was something we never did. So when I moved to a small town in Alaska, I was really looking forward to trying out wild living.
I was really happy when my new friends offered me to come for a hike and overnight camping in the mountains. Of course, I said yes! To prepare for my trip, I asked what I should bring. They said, ‘oh, just basic camping gear.’ So I went and googled ‘basic camping gear.’
Turns out, I did not have anything, not gear, not suitable clothes. My local friends supplied me with stuff. Now, after living in Alaska during COVID, I have everything you can think of. Camping was one of the few activities that we were allowed to have, so I’ve got gear.
But I do understand that there are a lot of people, even foreigners, who do not have this experience and have no idea how things should go. So this article was written to help you guys navigate through minimum camping requirements in Yellowstone area, so you can have nice and memorable experiences.
For a two-night camping trip at a campsite, you'll need:
Suitable clothes, shoes, hats, headlamps, or flashlight.
Bear spray (don't use it on yourself), mosquito spray, and SPF.
Sleeping gear (tent, sleeping bags, pads).
Water, food, and cookware.
Logs/coal, firestarter, and lighter.
Clothes: Don't be fooled by sunny weather; Wyoming is famous for its rapid weather changes, especially in high-altitude mountain areas. Bring layers, including hoodies, fleeces, or even a down jacket or vest. Shoes should be close-toed; while rain is uncommon, waterproof shoes aren't necessary. Tennis shoes and sandals should do it (unless you are going on mountain hikes), though if you have hiking shoes, bring them along. A hat is necessary, as the sun is very active in our area. A headlamp is essential for midnight bathroom runs while camping. The best places in Cody to gear up are Sunlight Sports and Sierra.
Bear spray: This is a must-have while camping in Wyoming. Just remember to read the instructions! Bear spray can be purchased at Walmart, Walgreens, or rented. Check with the front desk of your hotel to see if they offer rentals.
Mosquito spray: Depending on the area, you might not encounter mosquitoes, or you might struggle with their presence. Mosquito spray and SPF are available in most convenient or grocery stores. SPF, also recommends getting the highest possible, as I've been burned several times during my Yellowstone visits without realizing it.
Sleeping gear: One lifehack I use is renting an SUV. If you're a medium-sized person, you can likely sleep in the back of an SUV like I do. I'm not a big fan of tents, especially when camping alone, so I just fold down my back seats and use a pad and sleeping bag. Be careful with your battery, though; leaving the doors unlocked can sometimes lead to issues starting your car. Alternatively, you can rent gear at Sunlight Sports or find usable camping gear for a low price at second-hand stores.
Water and food: The best and cheapest place to buy water and food is Walmart. They also have a large camping gear and cookware department. For perishable camping food, check out Sierra and Sunlight Sports. Consider buying items like peanuts, jerky, and canned food that won't spoil quickly. Coolers can also be found at bargain stores, which usually have a good selection.
Campfire supplies: You can purchase all you need at Walmart, and Cody's Albertsons store also sells logs in the summer. One package is usually enough for one fire if used correctly. Firestarter and a lighter are also necessary items.
Overall, if you have to buy all the supplies, camping might end up being even more expensive than staying in a hotel, but it's definitely a great experience! However, there are ways to bring the cost down, such as renting gear or buying second-hand. If you're interested in learning about the best routes to explore Yellowstone while saving money along the way, be sure to check out our most affordable product, "Yellowstone and Grand Tetons Itinerary for Budget Travelers."