One of the most important elements to a successful camping trip is planning. There’s nothing worse than being miles from home when you realize that you forgot that important something. This can happen whether you’re a beginning camper or experienced. We all have our forgetful moments.
A checklist can help you plan and organize your packing so that your trip goes smoothly. We’ve included in the list below some of the most common items that you may need to make sure you have before you head out.
Of course, everyone’s needs will be different, but we hope this list will give you a good base to work with. We also included a printable version in PDF format so you can check the items off as you go.
Checklist By Category
Campsite
- Chairs
- Cots
- Firewood/Kindling
- Hammock
- Pillows
- Rope/Paracord
- Sleeping Bags
- Sleeping Pads
- Sunshade Tarp
- Tent & Footprint
Camp Tools
- Axe/Hatchet
- Broom & Dustpan
- Camping Knife
- Camping Saw
- Camping Shovel
- Mallet
- Pliers
Accessories
- Extra Rope / Paracord
- Extra Tarp
- Fire Starter/Matches
- First Aid Kit
- Flashlight/Batteries
- Headlamp
- Lantern
- Thermacell
Personal/Hygiene
- Brush / Comb
- Crocs / Flip Flops
- Deodorant
- Feminine Hygiene Products
- Insect Repellent
- Prescription Meds
- Shampoo
- Soap
- Solar Shower Bag
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Toilet Paper
- Toothbrush / Toothpaste
- Towels/Bathcloths
Camp Kitchen
- Aluminum Foil
- Camp Stove
- Can Opener
- Charcoal & Lighter Fluid
- Coffee Percolator
- Condiments
- Cooking Grate/Grill
- Cooking Utensils
- Cooler
- Cutting Board
- Dish Pan
- Dish Rags & Cloths
- Dish Soap
- Drinks
- Dutch Oven
- Eating Utensils
- Folding Camp Table
- Food
- Fuel
- Iron Skillet
- Kabob Skewers
- Kitchen Knife
- Mugs/Cups
Plates - Pots/Pans
- Tongs
- Trash Bags
- Water Container
Clothing*
- Boots/Shoes
- Light Or Heavy Jacket
- Long Pants
- Long-Sleeve Shirts
- Shorts
- Sleepwear
- Socks
- Thermal Clothing
- T-Shirts
- Underwear
*As appropriate for weather/conditions
Miscellaneous
- Bikes
- Board Games/Cards
- Cell Phone/Charger
- Cornhole Set
- Canoe
- Fishing Gear
- Frisbee/Football /Soccer Ball
- Money
Find These Items Here
Printable Checklist
Download and print the free tent camping checklist in PDF format
