Camping has been in my blood for as long as I can remember. Growing up, my family spent our summers at Maquapit Lake, New Brunswick, where we’d cook over the campfire, do rafts on the beach, swim in the lake, and make memories that are still with me today. Now, I’m lucky enough to own the Sunbury Oromocto Park, a place my grandparents have run for over 15 years, welcoming campers and adventurers just like you!
Over the years, I’ve had a front-row seat to what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to camping gear. Between seeing countless campers come through the park and my time as a chef/steward on charter yachts (yep, I know how to make a packing list!), I’ve learned a thing or two about what to bring to make your stay at our park just outside Oromocto, New Brunswick, as stress-free as possible.
So, here’s the ultimate camping checklist to keep you organized, relaxed, and ready to enjoy everything our lake and beach have to offer—without the stress of forgetting something important.
1. Shelter and Sleeping Gear
At Sunbury Oromocto Park, we’re lucky to have a peaceful setting by the lake, surrounded by nature. But to fully enjoy your time at the park and beach, you need a solid place to rest your head. Here’s what I recommend packing:
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Tent: If you don't have a camper or trailer, a tent is essential. Make sure it’s the right size for your group. Don’t forget stakes, a mallet, and a rainfly! You might think you don't need a raincover, and maybe you have checked the weather 100 times, but listen to me; you. need. a. rain. cover!
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Sleeping Bag: Choose one appropriate for the season. A lighter one for mid summer nights, or something warmer for cooler evenings by the lake around the beginning of May or end of August!
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Sleeping Pad or Air Mattress: Trust me, your back will thank you after a long day of hiking or swimming.
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Pillows: You don’t need to overthink it, but a pillow from home can make all the difference for a restful sleep in our peaceful park!
Pro tip: My grandparents have always stressed the importance of a good night's sleep when camping near Oromocto. The more comfortable you are, the more you’ll enjoy the next day’s adventures by the beach or exploring the park!
2. Clothing and Footwear
New Brunswick’s weather can be unpredictable, especially when you’re camping near a lake. When I was growing up, we’d go from sunny afternoons to chilly nights in the blink of an eye, so layers were key. Here’s my go-to list:
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Weather-appropriate clothing: Pack light layers for hot days and warmer clothes for the evenings by the lake.
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Rain gear: Always bring a waterproof jacket or poncho just in case. It’s one of those "better safe than sorry" items!
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Comfortable footwear: Hiking sneakers for exploring the park, sandals for the beach, and flip-flops for the shower are all essential! We also recommend water shoes when swimming as clams are no stranger to our lake floor!
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Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen: You’ll want to protect yourself from the sun while enjoying the natural beauty of New Brunswick.
Pro tip: I’ve seen many campers forget their rain gear, only to be caught off guard when a summer shower rolls through. Trust me, it’s better to be prepared, especially when camping near Oromocto or Fredericton.
3. Cooking Gear and Food
Cooking at the campsite is one of the best parts of camping. Whether you’re grilling over a fire by the lake or using a camp stove, here’s what you’ll need:
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Portable stove or campfire supplies: If you’re planning to cook over a fire, bring fire starters, matches, or a lighter (preferably waterproof!). If the Coleman stove is your best friend, don't forget extra propane!
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Cooler with ice packs: Keep your perishable food cold and fresh while you’re enjoying the beach and hiking trails.
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Cooking utensils: Think pots, pans, spatulas, and tongs. If you have specific recipes in mind, pack the ingredients! A kettle that can go over the fire is great for tea, hot chocolate, and even oatmeal!
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Tableware: Plates, cups, forks, spoons, and a cutting board. We have a dishwashing station right beside our bathrooms with a deep sink to help out campers who might not have a trailer with a sink. But, if doing dishes isn’t your idea of vacation fun, don’t worry—there are compostable, throwaway utensils now, so you can keep it easy and eco-friendly! And, of course, don’t forget the can opener!
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Essential ingredients: There are a few universal items that every camper will want on hand—salt, pepper, butter, oil, and garlic! You’d be surprised how a little seasoning can turn a simple meal into a camping feast! And, trust me, if you forget something like cheese for the burgers, coffee, or marshmallows for roasting, it’s basically a camping catastrophe! We try to carry these essentials in our office/canteen, but your more unique favorite items—like that special cereal, your go-to coffee, or local bakery bread for morning toast or sandwiches—are up to you. Forget them, and you'll be disappointed! But don’t worry, we’re just 10 minutes from Gateway Oromocto, which has saved the day for many campers who’ve forgotten their must-have snacks!
Pro tip: As a former yacht chef, I’ve learned to keep meal prep simple and delicious. Don’t overcomplicate things. You’ll want to spend more time exploring Sunbury Oromocto Park and less time in the kitchen. Pre-chop some veggies or marinate your meats ahead of time to make cooking even easier!
4. Personal Care and Hygiene
Keeping things clean on a camping trip is always a challenge, but it’s doable with the right supplies, especially with our park's public bathrooms and showers:
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Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, hair care and any other essentials!
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Towel: A microfiber towel is quick-drying and compact for your beach day.
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Shower shoes: Useful if you’re using our public showers in the park.
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First aid kit: Always a must-have for cuts, scrapes, or any little accidents while you’re exploring the park.
Pro tip: After spending summers camping near Maquapit Lake, I learned that having wet wipes or hand sanitizer on hand is a lifesaver when you’re camping (especially with kids)! Nobody wants a handful of sand when snacking on the beach!
5. Fun and Entertainment
While the natural beauty around you at Sunbury Oromocto Park will certainly keep you entertained, we’ve got a few extra things to make your stay even more fun!
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Fishing gear: If you’re into fishing, bring your rods, lures, and bait for a relaxing day by the lake.
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Games: A deck of cards, a frisbee, or a portable board game is perfect for some downtime after a day of hiking or beach fun.
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Books or journals: I love sitting by the lake with a good book in hand or jotting down thoughts and doodles in a journal. (Nothing worse than starting a new book because you forgot the one you’re currently reading at home!)
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Music and sports equipment: I’d recommend bringing musical instruments like guitars, ukuleles, harmonicas, etc. It’s always fun to make a little campfire music. Or bring along a baseball and bat to practice in our huge field. Don’t forget dog toys if you’re bringing your furry friend along!
And if you’re tenting and feeling like a cozy movie night, we’ve got you covered with our rec center filled with craft supplies, a library full of books, and movies on hand with a TV to enjoy. We’ve also got some sports equipment and board games, but we can’t carry everything, so if you have a favorite game or activity, bring it along!
Pro tip: I’ve watched so many campers create lasting memories by the campfire, playing family games or sharing stories. Make sure to pack something that'll keep the group entertained after the sun sets by the beach or lake!
6. Extras to Make Life Easier
Finally, here are a few things you might not think about, but they sure come in handy for a trip to our park:
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Headlamp or flashlight: Especially useful for navigating the campground at night or finding your way to the bathroom after sunset!
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Multi-tool or knife: You never know when it’ll come in handy!
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Trash bags: Always clean up after yourself. Leave no trace at Sunbury Oromocto Park!
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Doggie poo bags: Let’s keep our grounds clean together!
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Camping chairs and a portable table: Set up a comfortable space to enjoy meals or relax in the peaceful park.
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Dog leash: We love dogs, and they are more than welcome, but they must be on a leash.
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Bug spray, citronella candles, and after-bite: We’re no strangers to bugs, especially mosquitoes around here! Be sure to pack your bug spray, citronella candles, and after-bite to keep those little pests at bay.
Pro tip: I’ve seen campers bring everything… except trash bags. It’s essential to keep the park clean, so please make sure to pack a few!
Packing for a camping trip can feel overwhelming (especially with a big group), but with the right gear, you’ll be set for a stress-free, enjoyable stay on our lake and beach. If you’ve ever camped here in New Brunswick, you know the joy of sitting around a fire with loved ones, soaking in the beauty of the park, and just enjoying the simple things in life. I can’t wait to welcome you and your family to our park, where memories are made, just as I’ve made so many over the years.
Happy camping!
Danica