Camping Essentials Checklist

This camping checklist includes all the essentials, plus some handy extras to make your next camping trip as comfy and convenient as home.

Campsite 🏕️
Tent (and footprint, stakes)
Sleeping bags
Sleeping pads
Camping pillow
Headlamps or flashlights (and extra batteries)
Camp chairs
Camp table (if no picnic table)
Lantern (and mantles and fuel/batteries if needed)
Optional:
Sunshade, tarp or screen house
Hammock
Cots
Sleeping bag liners
Firewood sourced near campsite
Camp rug
Tablecloth and clips (or tape)
Clothesline with clips
Tools & Repair Items ⚒️
Multi-tool
Duct tape
Extra cord
Tent-pole repair sleeve
Pad/Mattress repair kit
Mallet or hammer (for hammering tent stakes)
Saw or axe (for cutting firewood)
Small broom and dustpan
Kitchen 🍳
Many campgrounds have drinkable water. If not, bring your own, or be prepared to treat water if there’s a water source.
Stove and fuel
Matches/light/firestarter
Cook pots (and pot holder)
Frying pan
Eating utensils
Cooking utensils
Bottle opener, can opener, corkscrew
Sharp knife
Plates/bowls
Mugs/cups
Cutting board
Cooler
Ice or ice substitutes
Water bottles
Camp sink or wash bins
Biodegradable soap
Pot scrubber/sponge(s)
Trash/recycling bags
Dish towel
Optional:
Camp grill and fuel
Grill rack
Griddle
Dutch oven
Charcoal
Portable coffee/tea maker
Rolling ice cream maker
Marshmallow/hot dog roasting forks
Small food-storage containers/bags/foil
Large water jugs
Large, clear plastic bins to store kitchen gear
Campsite Extras 🔋
Solar and portable power
Binoculars
Navigation tools
Field guides (flowers, insects)
Star chart/night-sky identifier
Book/reading material
Notebook and pen/pencil
Music player with headphones
Games and toys
Dog gear
Dry bags, stuff sacks or clear plastic bins to store items
Clothing & Footwear 🥾
Moisture-wicking underwear
Moisture-wicking T-shirts
Quick-drying pants/shorts
Long-sleeve shirts (for sun, bugs)
Lightweight fleece or jacket
Boots or shoes suited to terrain
Socks (synthetic or wool)
Sleepwear
Additional items for rainy and/or cold weather: 🌧️
Rainwear (jacket and pants)
Long underwear
Warm insulated jacket or vest
Fleece pants
Gloves or mittens
Warm hat
Optional:
Swimsuits
Water sandals
In-camp sandals or booties
Bandanas
Health & Hygiene 🪥
Toilet paper
Hand sanitizer
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Toiletry kit
Quick-dry towel
Menstrual products
Prescription medications
First-aid kit or first-aid supplies
Sun and bug protection: 🌞
Sunscreen
Sunglasses (and sunglasses straps)
Sun hat
Lip balm
Insect repellent
Insect repellent device
Optional:
Urinary products
Sanitation trowel (if no toilets)
Baby wipes
Alcohol or antiseptic wipes
Mirror
Brush/comb
Cosmetics
Spare eyeglasses/contact lens supplies
Eyeshades
Earplugs
Portable camp shower
Personal Items 💳
Credit card and/or cash
ID
Cellphone
Campsite reservation confirmation (if required)*
Original Article

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Camping Essentials Checklist

This camping checklist includes all the essentials, plus some handy extras to make your next camping trip as comfy and convenient as home.

Campsite 🏕️

Tools & Repair Items ⚒️

Kitchen 🍳

Campsite Extras 🔋

Clothing & Footwear 🥾

Additional items for rainy and/or cold weather: 🌧️

Health & Hygiene 🪥

Sun and bug protection: 🌞

Personal Items 💳