Ready to start packing for an upcoming camping trip? We’ve put together this camping checklist to help you stay organized. Our list covers just about everything you’ll need, including camping gear, toiletries, clothing, cooking gear and a few optional items that may come in handy around the campsite.
Camping Gear
- Tent
- Tent footprint or small tarp
- Sleeping bags
- Sleeping pads or air mattresses
- Travel pillows
- Camp chairs
- Pocket knife or multi-tool
- Small saw or hatchet
- Matches or lighter
- Flashlights or headlamps
- Lantern
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Water bottles
Camp Toiletries
- Toilet paper and small trowel
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Small towel and washcloth
- Wash basin
- Biodegradable camp soap
- Hand sanitizer
Camp Clothing and Footwear
- Long underwear
- Shirt
- Pants
- Mid layer
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Brimmed hat
- Winter cap or beanie
- Gloves
- Sunglasses
- Socks
- Hiking boots or shoes
- Sandals
Camp Cooking
- Large water jug (filled)
- Camp stove
- Cookset (pots, pans, Dutch oven, griddle, etc.)
- Extra stove fuel
- Wash basin for dirty dishes
- Biodegradable dish soap
- Meals and snacks
- Coffee or tea
- Coffee pot
- Pot grabber or pliers
- Utensils
- Plates and bowls
- Drinking cups or mugs
- Locking cooler
- Bear bag or bear canister
Hiking Gear
- Hiking Clothing
- Daypack
- Map and compass
- Whistle
- Water bottles or hydration reservoir (filled)
- Trekking poles
Emergency Preparedness
- First-aid kit
- Emergency blanket
- Signaling mirror
- Fire starter
- Water purification tablets
- Parachute cord or thin rope
- Wire saw
- Candle
- Fishing line and lures
- Small amount of cash
Optional Gear
- GPS Unit and spare batteries
- Water purifier or filter
- Portable solar charger
- Hammock
- Hand warmers
- Sewing kit or repair kit
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Bear repellent spray
- Field guide
- Book/cards/entertainment
- Fishing gear