Camping Checklist

Adapted from REI's.

Campsite

• Tent (and footprint, stakes)
• Tarp
• 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 (see First-Aid Checklist)

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)*