Checklist for a 2-Day Camping Trip in Florida

Florida offers more than 50 full-service, family-friendly campsites and plenty of state park territory to explore. If you're planning a two-day camping trip to Florida, you've got plenty of options. Consult a camping trip checklist before you leave to ensure you're outfitted for maximum fun and safety.

Buy a tent with twice as much space as the number of campers -- if you have four people, get a tent large enough for eight. The hot Florida temperatures make good air circulation a must. Pack a self-supporting tent, because many Florida campgrounds feature earth too hard for driving stakes into easily.

Pack stakes in case you find soft ground or plan to camp on the beach or in windy weather. For sleeping, bring a zippered sleeping bag. Skip the inflatable mattress, which can require batteries or an air pump, both of which can fail and leave you sleeping on the ground or out of breath.

Leave gas lamps at home and bring battery-powered flashlights instead for inside the tent.Bring a cooler for drinks and perishable items. Pack nylon rope to tie down the lid securely and keep out animals.

Take a camp stove and only necessary pots, utensils and plates. Pack two or three mini-propane canisters for powering the stove. Bring a coffeepot with coffee, a spatula to flip meat and one large serving spoon.

Pack dish soap if you plan to use reusable plates and utensils and a disposable tablecloth for keeping food dry and sanitary. Bring one large trash bag for combining all garbage at the end of your stay.The Florida sun is hot and strong.

Bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat to shade your face. Bring mosquito repellent, bug spray and a first-aid kit for treating minor injuries. Pack a reliable map and a compass.

Pack flip-flops to wear while using public showers; these can help you avoid contracting athlete's foot. Take more water than you think you'll need. Even two days in the hot Florida sun, sweating and exercising, can quickly dehydrate you.

Pack binoculars to thoroughly check out your surroundings and avoid animals or dangerous areas.Any two days in Florida are likely to be hot, so pack light when it comes to clothing. Pack three outfits -- preferably light, breathable fabrics.

Pour your liquid toiletries into 2-oz. containers to keep the weight of your pack down. Take one long-sleeved T-shirt and one pair of jeans in case of brambles or buggy nights.

Don't forget quality footgear, such as slip-resistant hiking boots or comfortable walking shoes, depending on your planned activities. Pack extra underwear, one towel and one washcloth.A folding camp stool or chair is a must for camping in Florida.

Sitting on the ground can make you itchy or bug-bitten. Florida weather can be unpredictable, so pack a battery-operated radio for checking the forecast. Pack a tarp for emergency cover in case of rain.

Check with your campsite and bring any entertainment items you can't buy or rent there, such as fishing gear, bicycles or tubes. You might need to bring your own charcoal or firewood.Kate Bradley began writing professionally in 2007.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in international studies and a minor in German from Berry College in Rome, Ga; TEFL/TESOL certification from ITC International in Prague; and a Master of Arts in integrated global communication from Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, Ga.