What's your Memorial Day weekend looking like this year? If it involves campfires, cool mornings, and a packed cooler heading out of town, you're already on the right track.
Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of camping season. The weather's warmer, the days are longer, and campgrounds everywhere fill with families ready to spend the long weekend outside.
But holiday weekend camping takes a little planning. Popular campgrounds book fast, weather shifts quickly, and forgetting gear can turn into a hassle at the campsite.
Here's how to plan a smoother, more comfortable Memorial Day camping trip.
Book Your Campsite Early
Popular state and national park campgrounds fill up months before Memorial Day weekend camping season kicks in. If your first-choice park is fully booked, don't stress. Smaller county parks, national forest campgrounds, and lesser-known state parks often have great sites with fewer crowds.
A few tips that help:
- Check Recreation.gov and state park reservation systems as early as possible
- Look for first-come, first-served sites if you're flexible on location
- Consider campgrounds that are a short drive from major parks rather than inside them
- Weekday arrivals (Thursday or Friday morning) give you first pick at open sites
Do a Gear Check
If your tent has been sitting in the garage since last fall, give everything a once-over before you load up the car.
- Set up your tent at home. Check zippers, seams, and the rainfly for any tears or damage.
- Count your tent poles and stakes. A missing stake is annoying at home, but a real headache at the campsite.
- Unroll your sleeping bags and let them air out. Check for broken zippers or ripped fabric.
- Test all batteries in your headlamps and lanterns. Swap in fresh ones if anything's running low.
- Make sure your camp stove works, and fuel levels are good.
A 15-minute check at home can save you a lot of frustration at the campsite.
Memorial Day Camping Packing Checklist
Memorial Day weekend camping calls for a mix of warm-weather gear and a few layers for cooler nights. Here's a starter list broken into categories:
Shelter and Sleep
Your tent and sleep setup set the tone for the whole trip. Get these right and everything else falls into place.
- Tent with rainfly, stakes, and footprint
- Sleeping bags or camp blankets
- Sleeping pads, an air mattress, or a cot
- Pillows
Camp Kitchen and Coolers
Hot coffee in the morning and cold drinks in the afternoon make a campsite feel like home.
- Portable stove and fuel
- Cooler with ice or ice packs
- Plates, utensils, cups, and a can opener
- Trash bags, paper towels, and dish soap
- Water bottles or a water jug
Clothing and Essentials
Late May can swing from sunny afternoons to chilly, rainy nights. Pack for both.
- Layers for morning and evening when temperatures drop
- Rain jacket (late May weather can be unpredictable)
- Sunscreen, bug spray, and a first-aid kit
- Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries
- Camp chairs and a table
Plan Meals Before You Go
One of the easiest ways to simplify your holiday camping trip is to plan meals ahead of time. Write out breakfast, lunch, and dinner for each day, then shop and prep at home.
Pre-cut vegetables, marinate proteins, and portion out snacks into bags so everything is grab-and-go at the campsite. For Memorial Day specifically, burgers, hot dogs, and s'mores tend to be non-negotiable. Pack those first, then fill in the rest.
Pro Tip: Freeze water bottles and use them as ice in your cooler. You get cold storage and drinking water in one move.
Pick the Right Tent for the Weekend
If you're shopping for a new tent ahead of Memorial Day weekend camping season, setup speed and size matter most. You want something that goes up fast so you can start enjoying the campsite, not standing in a parking lot sorting poles.
Instant tents with pre-attached poles are built for exactly that. For rainy forecasts, the 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent with Full Rainfly adds a full-coverage fly with a tub floor for solid weather protection. And if you want overhead light without packing extra lanterns, the 9 Person Lighted Instant Cabin Tent has built-in LEDs controlled by a wall switch.
- Multiply your group size by two for comfortable tent sizing. A family of four does well in a 9-10 person tent.
- Late May weather is unpredictable. Sealed seams and a quality rainfly keep you dry when the forecast shifts.
Wrapping Up
Memorial Day camping doesn't need to feel like a project. Book your spot, check your gear, prep a few meals, and pack with the weather in mind. The long weekend is really about slowing down and being present with the people around you, not running through a to-do list at the campsite.
Make this Memorial Day weekend easier with CORE's complete Camping range. From instant tents and coolers to camp furniture and lighting, CORE has everything you need to camp comfortably all weekend long.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I book a campsite for Memorial Day?
As early as possible. Popular parks fill up three to six months out. National parks can book up even earlier, so check reservation sites well ahead of time.
What's the best tent for Memorial Day weekend?
An instant tent with weather protection and room for your group plus gear. Multiply your group size by two for comfortable space.
How do I keep food cold for three days?
Use a quality cooler, pre-chill everything, and pack frozen water bottles as ice. Keep the cooler in the shade and limit how often you open the lid.
What if my campsite is fully booked?
Look into national forest campgrounds, county parks, or first-come, first-served sites near your original destination. Smaller parks often have open spots.
Do I need a rain plan for Memorial Day?
Yes. Late May weather is unpredictable in most of the U.S. Pack a rain jacket, make sure your tent's rainfly is in good shape, and bring a canopy for cooking in wet weather.
How cold does Memorial Day weekend get at night?
Depending on your region, nights can dip into the 40s or 50s. Pack layers and a sleeping bag rated for cooler temps to stay comfortable after sundown.
