Camping checklist

camping checklist photo

Make sure you bring everything you need for your trip by using this camping checklist.

Attire/footwear

  • Hat for warm weather
  • Hat for cool weather
  • Scarf
  • Gloves
  • Rain gear
  • Undergarments
  • Sleepwear
  • Warm-temperature clothing
  • Cool-temperature clothing
  • Sturdy boots or shoes
  • Water shoes/sandals
  • Shoes for relaxing
  • Socks (wool or synthetic)
  • Swimsuit
  • Bandana or neck gaiter

Sleeping/shelter

  • Tent (including rain fly)
  • Tent stakes
  • Tarp/ground cloth
  • Tent entrance mat
  • Tent repair kit
  • Sleeping bags
  • Sleeping bag liners
  • Sleeping pads or air mattress/pump
  • Sleeping pad repair kit
  • Pillows
  • Extra bedding (sheets, blankets)

Food and drink-related

  • Water
  • Water filter
  • Water bottles
  • Cooler
  • Trash & recycling bags
  • Dish soap (biodegradable)
  • Sponge/scrub pad
  • Wash bin
  • Dish towel
  • Cook stove or grill
  • Fuel
  • Cookware (including lids)
  • Pot holder
  • Plates
  • Bowls
  • Cups/mugs
  • Utensils (cooking)
  • Utensils (eating)
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Skewers
  • Paper towels
  • Spices
  • Cooking oil
  • Coffee-making supplies
  • Bottle opener
  • Can opener

Personal care

  • Sunglasses
  • Glasses/contacts/contact supplies
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Soap (biodegradable)
  • Towel
  • Portable shower
  • Personal wipes
  • Toilet paper
  • Trowel
  • First aid kit
  • Tissues
  • Sunscreen
  • Lip balm with sunscreen
  • Bug spray
  • Bug bite ointment
  • Toothbrush & toothpaste or baking soda
  • Hair care supplies
  • Skin care supplies (unscented)
  • Shaving supplies
  • Menstrual supplies
  • Deodorant (unscented)
  • Nail clippers/scissors
  • Tweezers
  • Ear plugs
  • Eye shades
  • Prescription medication
  • Over-the-counter medication (pain, allergy, sleep)

Campsite

  • Camp chairs
  • Camp table
  • Camp rug
  • Canopy
  • Hammock
  • Lantern
  • Campfire supplies
  • Firewood (sourced near campsite)

Miscellaneous

  • Lighter/matches
  • Headlamps
  • Batteries
  • Maps/navigation supplies
  • Phone
  • Wallet
  • Keys
  • Daypack
  • Laundry bag
  • Clothesline/clothespins
  • Detergent or other soap for clothes (biodegradable)
  • Small dustpan/broom
  • Multitool
  • Duct tape
  • Rope/cord
  • Electronics recharging supplies
  • Campground information/reservation

Fun (all optional!)

  • Books/reading material
  • Games, like a pack of cards
  • Camera
  • Nature guides
  • Binoculars
  • Magnifying glass
  • Notebook and pencil
  • Craft/art supplies
  • Swimming supplies
  • Kite
  • Frisbee
  • Ball for playing catch

Kids

  • All types of attire required for grownups (including spares)
  • Kid-friendly food
  • Kid-appropriate water bottles, dishes, and utensils
  • Comfort item like stuffed animal or blanky
  • Toys/games
  • Books
  • Whistle
  • Headlamp
  • Bug spray
  • Sunscreen
  • Skin, hair, teeth, and nail care supplies
  • Prescription medication
  • Pain, allergy, and car-sickness over-the-counter medication with child dosage
  • Sleeping bag
  • Sleeping pad
  • Other sleeping gear, such as crib
  • Child carrier
  • Playpen/mat
  • Stroller
  • Diapering supplies
  • Toddler toilet
  • Nursing- or formula-related supplies
  • Mosquito netting for infant

Dog

  • Food
  • Food bowl
  • Water bowl
  • Poop bags
  • Leash
  • Collar with contact info
  • Blanket/bag for sleeping
  • First aid supplies
  • Stake, tie-out line, or zip line
  • Booties or wax for paw pads
  • Current photo of dog (in case dog is lost)
  • Brush/comb
  • Coat (for rain or cold weather)

Backpacking

  • Proper attire
  • Proper footwear
  • Backpack
  • Water treatment supplies
  • Water bottles
  • Tent
  • Tent stakes
  • Sleeping pad
  • Sleeping bag
  • Inflatable pillow (optional)
  • Chair/stool (optional)
  • First aid kit
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Bug spray (optional)
  • Personal care: teeth, hair, skin, eyes, bug bite ointment
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Trowel
  • Toilet paper
  • Supplies to pack out human waste
  • Trash bag
  • Lighter/matches
  • Headlamp or other light with extra batteries
  • Map/navigation
  • Bear canister/bag or bag/rope for hanging from tree
  • Food (including extra)
  • Cook stove
  • Fuel
  • Cookware
  • Pot holder
  • Bowl
  • Utensils (eating and cooking)
  • Cup/mug (optional)
  • Knife
  • Repair kit
  • Reading material or games (optional)
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