Camping is one of the best outdoor activities to experience that mother nature has to offer. The benefits of camping are plentiful, such as quality time with loved ones, escaping the hustle and bustle of the city, and the numerous health benefits associated with being in the outdoors. Camping is also an activity that can be enjoyed in several locations, whether that is in a national park, state park, your backyard, the backcountry, or any other campground.

With camping comes a little bit of preparation to make sure that the overall experience is both safe and as pleasurable as possible. To help with your next camping trip, we have compiled a list of items to bring, with a printable checklist as well.

While packing, make sure to reference this list or the printable camping checklist to make sure you have everything!

Download Camping Checklist

Camping Checklist

Around The Campsite

Items around the campsite will include the essentials when it comes to shelter and bedding, as well as anything that will help you navigate around. As for a tent and sleeping bad, these are things that could be rented from your local outdoor goods store so keep that in mind.

Tent

Tent stakes

Tarp

Sun shade

Axe

Tent entrance mat

Air mattress or sleeping pad

Air mattress pump

Sleeping bag

Pillows

Blankets

Batteries

Folding table

Flashlights

Headlamps

Lanterns

Lantern Fuel

Firewood

Clothing

Clothing is a necessity when going camping and should be planned for accordingly. Depending on the weather conditions of your campsite and the dates you go, types of clothing will vary. Dressing in layers will help you keep warm in colder environments and light colored clothing will keep you cool in warmer environments.

T-shirts

Shorts

Pants

Shoes or boots

Sandals

Socks

Underwear

Hat

Bandana

Sleepwear

Rain gear

Swimsuits

Sweatshirt or jacket

Gloves or mittens

Kitchen

The kitchen items are essential tools for cooking and cleaning while camping. By bringing the correct cooking and cleaning items, your camping adventure will be that much easier and enjoyable.

Stove

Fuel

Lighter or matches

Frying pan

Cooking pots

Oven mit

Bottle opener

Can opener

Cooler

Ice

Plates

Bowls

Mugs

Cups

Silverware

Spatula

Whisk

Biodegradable soap

Sponge

Water container

Wash basin

Paper towels or napkins

Aluminum foil

Food

Food is one of the most important things to consider when camping because of the different variations of meals that can be created. Eating in the outdoors is a different experience since the cooking methods can be different, like using the campfire as your stove. We have listed basic staple camping foods, but feel free to spice things up to your liking.

Cereal or oatmeal

Eggs

Pancake batter mix

Syrup

Butter or margaring

Jam or jelly

Coffee

Meat

Bread

Cooking oil

Salt and pepper

Seasonings

Tea

Cocoa

Energy bars

Trail mix

Fruit

Vegetables

Cheese

Crackers or chips

Graham crackers

Chocolate

Marshmallows

Spaghetti

Condiments

Personal Items

Long days spent in the sun or any other environment will cause anyone to break a sweat. Personal items will help you freshen up and feel your best throughout your trip.

Toothbrush

Toothpaste

Deodorant

Soap

Sunscreen

Lip balm

Insect repellent

Flip flops or shower shoes

Feminine products

Razor

Comb or brush

Toilet paper

Personal medications

Towels

First Aid Kit

While camping, anything can happen when in the outdoors, from minor to major injuries. It is best to always have a first aid kit with you when you go camping, that so you are prepared for any situation.

Compress dressings

Adhesive bandages

Adhesive cloth tape

Antibiotic ointment packets

Antiseptic wipes

Ibuprofen

Loperamide tablets

Breathing barrier

Instant cold compress

Scissors

Roller bandages

Sterile gauze pads

Non-latex gloves

Tweezers

Safety pins

Cotton balls

Cotton swabs

Duct tape

Whistle

Space blanket

Hand sanitizer

First-aid manual

Emergency phone numbers

Miscellaneous

Camera and/or video camera

Memory cards

Cell phone

Cell phone charger

Campsite reservations

Maps

Notebook

Pens and pencils

GPS

Umbrella

Pet food

Pet leash

Pet toys

Pet bed

Playing cards

Books

Sporting goods

Games and toys

Camp chairs

Hammock

Fishing gear

Rope or paracord

Kayaks, inflatable boats, etc.

Compass

Water bottle or canteen

Binoculars

Bikes

Helmets

Water filter

The camping items listed above goes into everything you could possibly need, so everything listed out isn’t mandatory, outside of food, shelter, clean water, and clothing. If you camp often, we recommend filling storage bins with all your camping goods. This way, when you go on your next adventure, you can just pop your items in the car, pack your clothes, hit the grocery store, and be ready for your next outdoor adventure.

Download Camping Checklist