Housekeeping Camp Packing List

This packing list has been perfected from multiple multiple stays at Housekeeping Camp in Yosemite National Park. Find tips on what you need inside your unit, outside your unit, suggestions for personal items, and ideas on how to get that ultimate glamping experience. Also be sure to read my post Housekeeping Camp in Yosemite: Everything You Need to Know.

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Packing List: Inside the Unit

Inside Set Up:

• Rug for inside the unit. Gives you a clean floor and provides that extra touch of home comfort. I recommend a size of 4 x 6 inches. Go for a dark color or one that is easily cleaned.
• Top sheet, pillows, and blankets. There is one double bed and one bunk bed in each unit.
• Cleaning spray or wipes. It will be dusty when you get there.
• Extension cords
• Power strip if needed. There is only pair of outlets in the unit. Be careful not to use too many electronics at once to avoid shorting out the power (this has definitely happened to me before when using multiple items and then trying to use my hairdryer).
• USB port for using and charging multiple electronics at once.

Personal Items:

• Sleep mask. The unit gets pretty bright in the morning.
• Ear plugs
• Electric fan. It will keep air circulating in your unit and will also double as a white noise machine at night.
• Bath towels
• Shower shoes or flip flops for shared showers. This is a must for any Housekeeping Camp packing list.
• Books, games, cards (there isn’t much to do after dark).

Packing List: Outside the Unit

Cooking Supplies:

• Camping stove. I use this Coleman model and I love it. It has two burners and folds closed for easy packing. If you want to get super luxe, get the griddle too (pancakes, anyone?).
• Propane for the camp stove
• Camp cookware set. These heavy duty pots and pans can go over the fire. It comes with camp utensils as well. I like these sets because they all pack together nicely into one compact bag.
• Cooking utensils and equipment. I recommend buying one of these cookware packs with carrying case. It includes so many things like spatulas, serving spoons, knives, tongs, a cutting board, bottle opener, gloves, and spice shakers. It helps take the guessing out of what kitchen accessory items to pack for Yosemite.
• Paper plates if you want to limit the amount of dishes to wash.
• Eating utensils. If you’re doing to do disposable, go compostable.
• Coffee percolator that can be put over the fire. Since there are outlets in your outdoor cooking area, you are able to bring an electric coffee pot if you like. Don’t forget a pack of fun camping mugs.
• Axe for chopping firewood. Firewood is sold at the general store and comes in good sized logs. You will want to split those up for the best fires.
• Newspaper or other fire starter to help get your fire going.
• Campfire roasting sticks. These are extendible and perfect for roasting s’mores or hotdogs over the campfire. This is one of the most fun housekeeping camp items I would recommend for your packing list.

Cleanup:

• Dish soap and sponge for dishes. Plus an extra bag to store your wet sponge after use. Tip: There is only cold water in the dish sinks.
• Tupperware and/or foil for leftovers if you’re planning on cooking.
• Zip lock bags. I never leave without my zip locks. These are useful for packing sandwiches for picnics, securing leaky toiletry items, or packing some leftovers to store in your cooler.
• Trash bags. I’m serious about the trash bags. You will need to dispose of your trash multiple times a day to keep it from animals. I also use a couple trash bags to line the food storage locker. Save the earth and go biodegradable.
• Tissue and paper towels

Misc Outside Items for Your Packing List:

• Rope always seems to come in handy for all kinds of things: clothing line for drying wet swimsuits and towels, fastening your canvas tarp shut, hanging a drop cloth for extra privacy on your patio.
• Clothespins to help secure the above mentioned items.
• Combination lock for food storage bin if you want to use it to secure personal items.
• Table cloth for picnic table. It will get dusty in the day while you’re out exploring. I recommend a round waterproof one that is easy to wipe clean.
• Folding chairs for sitting by the fire pit. I love these chairs with the built in insulated pocket for your drinks and cold snacks!
• Extra blankets to cozy up in the unit or while sitting by the fire.
• Drop cloth, tarp, extra sheet or thin blanket. This isn’t the most usual thing you will find on other packing lists for Housekeeping Camp in Yosemite, but I find these very useful for hanging with rope if you want a bit more privacy in your patio.
• Decorative lights. You will be amazed at what a difference hanging a couple strands of lights in the unit will do. Hang them on the outside too. Go crazy.

For Camping, Safety, Emergency and Tech Items:

My separate, more generic Packing list for Yosemite covers more Yosemite packing list topics in detail, including:

• Camping essentials
• Health and Safety Items
• Emergency and Survival Gear
• Recommended Tech Items
• Clothing and Protection

I hope this list helps make your visit to the beautiful housekeeping camp a fun one. If you’ve been to housekeeping camp and have a suggestion for this list, please feel free to leave me a comment below.

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Planning a Trip to Yosemite?

• Check out my post on 10 Things to Do in Yosemite Valley.
• Get great recommendations from my 2 Day Itinerary and my 4 Day Itinerary for Yosemite.
• The more detailed Ultimate Yosemite Valley Travel Guide gives you the tips you need to experience the valley like an expert. Learn when to go, where to stay, and what to do.
• Be sure to make your reservations ahead of time through Travel Yosemite.