Pack the Perfect Picnic: Tips For the Campground, Beach, or Anywhere Else You Roam
Publish Date: June 11, 2024
Last Update: August 6, 2026
Eating al fresco takes on a whole new meaning when you turn your lunch into a picnic. There’s no better way to enjoy the outdoors this summer than by sharing a meal somewhere scenic, whether that’s at the beach, the park, or even the top of a mountain after a long hike.
We put together a few kits to inspire your summer picnicking, including snacks, drinks, suncare essentials, and other handy picnic basket additions to make cleanup a breeze.
The Family-Friendly Picnic
Picnicking with young kids invites a bit more mess, but also a whole lot more fun. Here are the essentials you’ll need to keep little ones full and help make cleanup a bit easier on the grown-ups.
- Veggie sticks
- Apple sauce pouches
- Cheddar bunnies or cheese puffs
- Wholesome PB&Js
- Fresh-cut fruit and vegetables
- Fruit circles
- Individual bags of popcorn
- Sustainable paper towels
- An easy-to-carry backpack
- A soft blanket
- A kid-friendly sunscreen
The Campground Picnic
Whether you’re hiking to your dining spot or car camping, the main thing to keep in mind for a campground picnic is the old outdoor adage: Leave no trace. Things like easy-to-pack cutting boards, reusable napkins, and low-waste snacks are all great ways to stick to these tenets while camping.
- A cutting board
- Reusable cloth napkins
- Reusable utensils
- A reusable water bottle
- Tinned meat and seafood meals (like shredded beef or this Moroccan-inspired salmon)
- Dried fruit or nuts
- S’mores supplies (like graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows)
- Bug spray
The Paris-Inspired Picnic
Can’t make it to Europe this summer? Create a picnic inspired by the City of Lights with French favorites like red wine, a crusty baguette, and cheeses galore. You may not be picnicking under the Eiffel Tower, but you’ll still feel très chic!
- A French baguette
- A selection of French cheeses (like brie, camembert, or comté)
- Your favorite French wine (we recommend Domaine de Roquemale Les Terraces 2020)
- A selection of charcuterie (the French word for cured meats)
- Dark chocolate
- Crème brûlée (like this healthier homemade recipe)
- A classic wicker basket or tote bag
- A beret, of course!
The Beach Party Picnic
Simple snacks with minimal cleanup are the way to go when it comes to a beach picnic. Hats and sunscreen are also a must for sun protection, especially if you’re planning on spending the whole day in the sand.
- Pre-made sandwiches (think classic turkey or a veggie-packed sammy)
- Compostable or reusable sandwich bags
- Better-for-you potato chips
- Cold beverages (like probiotic sodas or sparkling water)
- A cooler with ice
- A protective hat
- Sunscreen spray
The Romantic Couples’ Picnic
A romantic sunset with the one you love makes the perfect backdrop for your picnic. This couples’ picnic kit contains all the Mediterranean classics — like olives, spritzes, and dates.
- Medjool dates
- Olives
- Smoked oysters
- Crackers
- Marinated artichokes
- A refreshing spritz (either alcoholic or non-alcoholic)
- Playing cards
- A cozy blanket
The Game Day Picnic
Tailgating for your favorite team? If you have a setup with a grill, you can create a pretty serious spread to help you fuel up for a day of fandom.
- High-quality burger patties (whether beef, turkey, or plant-based)
- Burger buns
- Your favorite toppings (like lettuce, sliced onions, ketchup, mustard, mayo, or cheese)
- Chips and dips
- Beer or non-alcoholic hops beverages
- Nostalgic ice cream
- Compostable plates and cutlery
- A folding table and chairs