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Camping Checklist

Camping is a great way to get outside with family and friends or even by yourself. You can go camping in many state and national parks, at private campgrounds, in the backcountry or even in your own backyard.

Most campsites include a picnic table, a place to park your car and a spot to pitch your tent. Many also have shared bathrooms and running water.

Part of the joy of camping is needing very little gear to exist outdoors. But it’s also nice to have a comfortable, convenient and homey campsite. If it’s your first time camping, it might be best to borrow or rent some of these things. As you become a more experienced camper, you may find that part of the fun is figuring out what to bring along to meet your needs.

While you’re packing, use this handy camping checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything important and make sure to stock up on the things you need. This is a comprehensive list, and we don’t expect you to bring along every item — though we won’t judge you if you do!

Campsite

These are important items for your camping checklist: 

  • 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. Also, for even more ideas and food suggestions, see our separate Camp Kitchen Checklist. 

  • 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

Most of the following items are optional, though depending on how remote your campsite is, navigation tools such as a map, compass and/or GPS may be required (for more info, read about the Ten Essentials).

  • 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 candles

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)

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