Camping Checklist: Updated June 2023
If you're planning to go camping this summer (Which you absolutely should), it's important to have a checklist to make sure you have all the necessary items for a safe and fun camping trip. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve gotten out to a campsite to find out I forgot something I definitely shouldn’t have. I remember one time hiking all the way to the top of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. Which was a crazy hike by the way. And I forgot fuel for my stove, so I ended up just having to eat uncooked hard pasta for dinner and oatmeal made with cold water for breakfast. Needless to say, after that, I made myself a checklist to make sure I always have the items I need camping. Take a moment before you pack for your camping trip and refer back to this list to make sure you have everything you need for an amazing camp trip.
The term I’m using for camping here is going to refer to camping at a drive-up campground so this list is going to be more extensive than a backpacking checklist where keeping your weight down is critical.
Shelter and Sleeping
Tent (with stakes, poles, footprint and guylines)
Sleeping bags
Sleeping pads or air mattresses
Foam Pad
Tenatious Tape repair Patches
Hammer or mallet for tent setup
Optional
Sleeping Bag Liner
Hammock
Pillows
Eye mask (Tents get bright really early)
Cooking and Food
Camp stove
Fuel for stove
Cookware (pots, pans, cooking utensils)
Cutting board with knife
Plates, bowls, and utensils
Double wall insulated mug
Cooler with ice or ice packs
Breakfast for each day
Lunch for each day
Dinner for each day
Snacks (I like trailmix, dried mango, fresh fruit, and of course chocolate)
Water bottles or containers
Trash bags and reusable zipable bags for food storage
Paper towels or napkins
Biodegradable Soap
Optional
Can opener and bottle opener
Way the Make Coffee ( French Press, Pourover, or Mocha Pot)
Marshmellow forks for smores
Clothing and Personal Items
And it should go without saying bring enough changes of clothes for each day plus an extra set just in case. Also with all your clothing for the outdoors keep it all synthetic materials or merino wool. Cotton is your enemy while camping. If it gets wet it’ll take forever to dry out.
Pants
Shorts
T-shirt
Long Sleeve Shirt
Warm jacket/sweater
Rain jacket
Underwear
Socks
Sleepwear
Sturdy hiking boots or Trail-Runners
Comfy shoes for around camp
Hats and sunglasses
Personal toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, lip balm etc.)
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Camping chairs or portable seating
Optional
Portable camping table
Swimsuits and towels (if swimming is available)
Quick-dry Towel
Lighting and Tools
Lantern or headlamp (with extra batteries)
Flashlights or torches
Lighter or matches
Pocket knife or multi-tool
Rope or paracord
Gorilla Tape
Camping axe or hatchet (if permitted)
Recreation and Entertainment
Maps and compass or GPS (if needed)
Outdoor games (frisbee, cards, slackline etc.)
Binoculars (for birdwatching or stargazing)
Fishing gear and licenses (if applicable)
Camera or smartphone for capturing memories
Books or magazines for leisure reading
Musical instruments (if you enjoy playing around the campfire)
Safety and First Aid
Bear spray
First aid kit (band-aids, gauze, antiseptic, etc.)
Prescription medications (if needed)
Emergency whistle
Emergency contact information
Tell a friend where you are going and when you’ll be back before leaving
Personal identification (ID, insurance card, etc.)
Fire extinguisher (if required)
Hand Sanitizer
Miscellaneous
Camping permits or reservations
Cash or cards (for any unforeseen expenses)
Campsite reservation confirmation
Download maps of the area and directions to the campsite on your phone
Cell phone and charger
Portable power bank or solar charger (if needed)
Extra batteries (for electronic devices)
Waterproof bags or containers (to protect valuables)
Hope this checklist is helpful for you. I know it is for me. If you have any suggestions of additional stuff you like to bring on camping trips leave them in the comments below.
