Minneapolis is a treasure trove of outdoor activity year-round, and no more so than in the summer. A 2025 study from the Trust for Public Land showed that 99% of Minneapolis residents live within a half mile (or six blocks) from a public park. While these green spaces are wonderful places to enjoy the outdoors, many of us look forward to a longer getaway and opportunities to sleep under the stars. Fortunately, Minnesota is home to 64 designated state parks where you can camp, hike, fish, and more. At Seward Co-op, we’re here to get you geared up to make your next camping trip a success. From wellness items to keep you cool, hydrated, and refreshed on day-long hikes or ultralight overnights, to outdoor kitchen ideas to keep you fueled for adventure, we’ve got what you need.
Seward Co-op’s Camping Guide
Camping Body Care Essentials
Don’t head into the wilderness unprepared! In addition to a first-aid kit and sunscreen, a pre-stocked camp kit filled with wellness necessities for body care will have you ready for any adventure.
Wash off the wild. Solid shampoos from Komoni, Wild Carrot, Moon Valley, Badger, and HiBar are not only more environmentally friendly, but they’re also perfect for keeping hair and scalps squeaky clean while camping. Plus, pack Ursa Major face wipes if you’re looking to snooze with a fresh face free of bug spray, sweat, and sunscreen.
Keep bugs at bay with bug sprays like Quantum Health’s Buzz Away, Badger Anti-Bug Spray and Balm, and tick-specific plant powered tick repellant. If they manage to bite you, Badger also makes a cooling, mentholated outdoor itch-relief solid stick and Pranarōm has a roll-on After-Bite Eraser. Both are easy to throw in your bag and less prone to spills than a bottle of calamine lotion…but we have that too.
Aches, pains, and period days can happen on any trip. Pop a small jar of Tiger Balm in your kit for sore muscles at the end of the day. To avoid cramps and dehydration while exploring, grab electrolyte powder packets from True Grace, Ultima, Nuun, or Liquid IV. And for those who menstruate, don’t forget to tuck a Honey Pot menstrual cup or organic cotton tampons and pads in your bag in case of emergencies.
Bring nature’s pharmacy into your camp kit. Hyland’s homeopathic PRID (pain relief and irritant drawing salve) helps remove thorns and splinters, and can soothe insect bites, minor cuts and scrapes, and more. Or, supercharge your morning brew with Four Sigmatic and Host Defense’s instant mushroom coffees and tea lattes, which are packed with adaptogens and nootropics from fungi powerhouses like reishi, lion’s mane, chaga, cordyceps, turkey tail.
Featured sales at the Co-op | July 15 - August 4, 2026
Stock Your Camp Kitchen
Cooking is an essential part of camping, whether it’s over an open fire or on a fancy, lightweight stove. Whether you’re glamping or an ultralight bikepacker, the co-op is the perfect place to stock your camp pantry.
Bulk Basics and Ready-to-Eat Options
Bulk is a one-stop shop for snacks and lightweight meal prep ingredients. Grab exactly as much as you need of items like soup mix, granola, chunks of energy, trail mix, beans, lentils, quick-cooking couscous, and more. If you’re looking for pre-made items to simply cook and eat, don’t skip pre-cooked rice packets from Tasty Bite and saucy packets of satisfying, pre-cooked, and plant-based South Indian-inspired Everyday Dals from Maya Kaimal. Want to keep it cool and simple? For meat eaters, it’s hard to beat tuna packets on crackers or flour tortillas for quick fuel on the trail.
Tips and Tricks
Reusable silicone bags like Stashers can stand temperatures up to 425°F, so use them for rehydrating oatmeal, dehydrated camp meals, and soups.
Pre-make foil packets for your meals full of hearty vegetables from Seward Co-op’s Produce departments to have filling sides for whatever you’re roasting over the fire. Potatoes, onions, peppers, carrots, and cabbage are delicious cooked at camp. Try to keep the size of each item roughly the same for even cooking. Toss in a high heat neutral oil and add your favorite spices to make it your own.
DIY dips made from beans and spices dehydrate well on sheet pans or in a dehydrator and can be turned into soups or rehydrated into thick, flavorful dips that take up very little room in your camp pack