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If you are camping for the first time or often forget things to bring camping, there are solutions! Here is the camping checklist (and packing list printable) we use for outdoor adventures. We adjust the list if we are going to a unique location or if we are dry camping at a free campsite.
Avoid extra trips to the store by keeping track with a camping essentials list. Since we are road trippers and minimalists who don’t want to carry a lot when we travel (nor do we want to take hours to set up) this camping packing list works great for us, and can for you too!
Tent Camping Checklist: Gear & Essentials
We always have our old REI Hobitat 4 tent on our gear list for camping. It fits four people (perfect for a queen air mattress) and is spacious and tall.
Note that if you buy a tall tent and are camping in cold places, it will make it hard to heat up the space. Camping tents that are low to the ground are most recommended for cold-weather camping.
Tent options that are tall-friendly:
what to bring for your camping tent and shelter:
Tent and rain fly
Stakes, rope, hammer/rubber mallet
Camping tarp (to place under tent)
Sleeping bags
Inflatable mattress or sleeping pad
Sheets, pillow, and wool blankets
Mud mat (to place dirty shoes)
Campsite Furniture & Camping Gear
Not every campsite has a picnic table or fire pit. Investigate the type of campsite before you book in order to bring the right supplies. Tent camping at primitive campsites, for instance, won’t have access to potable water, electricity, or bathrooms.
More essentials for Camping Gear:
Folding table (if no picnic table)
Gas grill/camping stove (+ propane)
Entertainment (Bluetooth speaker, games)
Camping Food & camp kitchen Supplies
A good camping food list (and the right kitchen supplies) can elevate your camping experience. You want to make it easy enough to get done quickly and avoid anything that can become too difficult to clean up.
Our camping food list is based on quick meals and a carnivorous diet, but if you are camping near a supermarket you can create fresher menus. Also note, if your campsite allows firewood, only buy from the park or local concessions to prevent the transportation of invasive species.
kitchen supplies you should bring when camping:
Cooler (+ freezer pack/ice)
Water filters or reusable water jugs (if no potable water)
Lighter (x2-3)
Firestarter (if allowed/not using gas)
Can opener/Bottle opener
Condiments (seasoning, spices)
Aluminum foil
Pot and pan
Cooking spray
Reusable dinnerware set and mugs
Spatula, cooking spoon, roasting fork, sharp knife
Dishwashing supplies (sponge, steel wool, biodegradable soap)
Garbage bags
Quick dry towels (x3)
To maximize daylight, don’t forget to give yourself a couple hours before sunset to get set up or start cooking dinner if you’re surrounded by mountains or forest; because of the mountainscape and canopy of trees around you, your campsite will get darker much faster.
Never leave food or fragranced items out while away from your campsite or while sleeping.
camping Checklist for foods to Pack:
Breakfast:
Oatmeal/granola
Milk & cereal
Boiled eggs
Eggs & bacon / fried salami
Coffee / Tea (creamer if needed)
Snacks:
Fruits (apples, bananas, oranges)
Snack bars (for hiking and camping)
S’mores
Bag(s) of chips/popcorn
Lunch or Dinner:
Sandwiches (bread/cold cuts)
Soup/noodles
Canned tuna
Pasta & olive oil
Burgers (+ buns)
Hot dogs (+ buns)
Grilled chicken /steak
Grilled veggies
Mac & Cheese
Camping Health & Safety Kits
To stay safe and healthy while camping, there are a few small but important items you should have packed and easily accessible!
Medications + doctor info
Bug spray
Bear spray
Headlamp (1-2 per person)
Large flashlight
Maps/compass
First Aid Kit (include moleskin for blisters)
Whistle
Toilet paper (+ shovel for primitive sites)
Hand sanitizer (soap, antiseptic wipes)
Toiletries/sanitary products
Earplugs/eye mask
Tent Repair kit, Storage, & tools
You can’t predict what will go wrong with your camping setup, but you can equip yourself with the following tools:
Duct Tape
Scissors or box cutter
Spare batteries for electronics
Car charger adapter
Air pump for air mattress
Waterproof storage bin
Emergency bag of dry clothing (separate from baggage)
Extra tarp
Clothing Packing List for Camping
Everyone has their own clothing needs so let’s stick to the basics. These are the clothing and linen items I recommend you double-check are packed for your camping trips.
Don’t forget: even if the forecast predicts sunny skies for the whole camping trip, always expect and plan for rain.
Clothesline (and clips)
Wool socks
Sweat-wicking underclothes
Rain jacket/windbreaker
Billed hat and beanie, gloves
Quick-dry hiking pants/tops
Waterproof hiking shoes (I love Adidas Terrex)
Campsite shoes
Shower shoes
Daypack with hydration bag (hiking/exploring)
Swimsuit
Get the Camping Checklist Printables
If you found this camping packing guide helpful but work better with it all on one sheet of paper, I designed a camping checklist printable, plus a bonus camping food shopping list for free. Sign up below to get it free or donate here instead.
More Packing Lists to Download
If you found the camping gear + food packing list useful, consider my other packing lists too! Whether you are looking for a road trip packing list or a hiking packing list, it will make sure trip so much easier.
Where will you go camping next?
Camping is a great way to get exploring without breaking the bank on expensive hotels (you can even pair it with exploring these amazing hikes around the world). Your camping experience doesn’t always have to “rough it” or feel ultra uncomfortable either.
If you choose parks that offer all the facilities you need you can make yourself right at home!
You can even book glamping sites if you’re unable to acquire shelter and camping gear (though those are often similar pricing to hotels) – I discuss your options in my Simplify Camping mini-training and my premium Outdoor 101 course, so you can find the right camping style for you.
Use this ultimate camping list to help you remember the best things to take camping and you’ll be right on your way to having a comfortable and memorable experience.
xx, O.
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Did I miss a checkbox for prescription medications. We left ten days worth of Type 2 diabetic medications at home when we took our first seventeen day trip this summer. It was fixable in our home province but added stress and took up half a day of vacation.
good call! my meds are usually paired with my toiletries/first aid items by second nature but i’ve added a separate line item to be clearer — can definitely be a headache (and life threatening!) if forgotten. thank you 🙂
Thank you so much!! we go camping every year but we never remember what to bring!! This will surely make my life so easy.
olivia and Alex you both are the best in teaching and guiding all who are interested in many things. I love all your events places to go and how to prepare for it all. Thank you so much much love mom
thanks so much!