Camping Checklist – Don’t Forget Any Essential Gear

I know, there’s a lot of packing involved when planning a camping trip, especially if you take your family with you. But it’s important not to forget anything, so I spent some time and made a checklist with everything that would be useful for your adventure. This gear list is comprehensive, I don’t expect you to take everything that’s in it, but at least you can make sure you don’t miss any essential equipment.

The camping checklist is dynamic; if you click an item, you will check it, and it will turn green. I know you have a lot to consider, especially if you’re a beginner, so I’ll let you dive into this.

In a hurry? I attached a printable version of the list, in multiple formats: PDF, WORD, and EXCEL.

Downloadable and Printable versions

Printer Friendly PDF Version

Editable Word Version

Excel Version

Camping Checklist

The most important thing on a campsite is the shelter. I know you will not forget your tent, but make sure you check out some other additions that will enhance your experience.

• Tent
• Groundsheet
• Extra Stakes
• Hammer
• Shade Tarp/Gazebo
• Hammock
• Cots
• Camp Chairs

A sleeping bag alone won’t be enough. Don’t rely solely on weather predictions; you’ll never know how cold it can get during the night. Bring in some extra wool blankets.

• Sleeping bags
• Wool Blankets
• Camping Pillow
• Air Mattress + Air pump
• Sleeping Pad
• Space Blanket

If you are like me, cooking is the most important experience on a camping trip. There is a lot of cookware that you can pack, but make you at least have a knife, grill, silverware and some plates. Or you can take it to the next level and try a dutch oven. I’m sure you’ll never regret it. Don’t forget those campfire gloves; they will come handy.

• Water Buckets
• Campfire Gloves
• Coolers
• Thermos
• Camping Stove (propane or conventional fuel)
• Matches/Lighter (waterproof)
• Charcoal
• Dutch Oven
• Campfire Grill
• Tinder/Newspaper as Fire Starters
• Plates and Bowls
• Sharp Knife
• Mugs
• Cutting Board
• Frying Pan for Open Fire
• Can Opener
• Bottle Opener
• Cutlery/Silverware
• Trash Bags
• Cooking oil
• Paper Towels
• Tongs
• Seasonings
• Skewers
• Dish Soap
• Water Filters

Here’s where you need to take extra care. I usually skip this part and let my girlfriend handle it because I always forget something.

• Hiking Boots/Shoes
• Socks
• Sleepwear
• T-shirts
• Jacket
• Underwear
• Long-sleeve Shirts
• Sweatshirts
• Backpack

Not much to say about this. Just remember that you might be gone for some days and personal hygiene should not be neglected.

• Biodegradable Toilet Paper
• Hand sanitizer
• Toothbrush and Toothpaste
• Feminine products
• Towels
• Shower Gel
• Shampoo
• Deodorant
• Razor
• Cosmetics

Exploring nature should be fun enough, but some do get bored quite easily. Perhaps packing some entertainment is not a bad idea, especially if you go camping with kids.

• Movies
• Board Games/Card Games
• Laptop
• Audio System
• Sport Gear
• Books/Magazines
• Crafting Equipment
• Camera

Camping in the wild means that you’ll most like not have access to the power grid, and a camping generator might be needed. Even more, if you know that’s going to be some hot weather, perhaps you should consider a fan or a camping air conditioner. You can also check my guide on how you can cool a tent without electricity.

• Generator
• Solar Panels
• Camping Lights
• Tent Air Conditioner
• Heaters
• Fans
• Extension Leads
• Lantern

The First-Aid kit you have in your car should do the trick, but it’s better to check it first to see if everything is in there. You might have used some of the stuff and didn’t remember.

• Personal Medication
• Bandages
• Antiseptic wipes
• Hydrogen Peroxide
• Eye Wash
• Dressings
• Cotton Balls
• Band-Aids

You should not be scared of camping in the rain. Prepare ahead, pack some rainwear, even though the forecast says it’s going to be sunny. And make sure the shelter is waterproof and doesn’t have any leaks. For snow and cold weather, the guys from Rei made a winter checklist that you might want to see.

• Umbrella
• Poncho
• Waterproof Jacket
• Warm Hat
• Gloves
• Waterproof Boots
• Dry Bags

Depending on what your hobbies are, you might want to take some other extra gear with you. Now, I’m sure I haven’t listed every possible thing here, but you can think about what you want to do there and come up with better ideas.

• Binoculars
• Navigation
• Pet Supplies
• Fishing gear
• Gloves
• Waterproof Boots
• Walkie Talkie
• Personal Items
• Hunting Gear
• Bug repellent

 

10 Essentials

According to the National Park Service, the ten essentials you need to bring with you are:

• Navigation
• Sun Protection
• Insulation
• Illumination
• First-Aid Supplies
• Fire Starters
• Repair-Kit
• Food
• Water
• Emergency Shelter

Additional Resources and Information

• If you plan a day hike, the guys from Trespass have a handy hiking checklist.
• For more information about National Parks and how you safely camp there, visit the NPS website.
• If you want inspiration when choosing a campsite, you can view this campgrounds list in America.