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Camping is something that everyone should experience at one time or another, but it can be involved, so a camping checklist can help you get started. While some campers may opt to rent an RV and others want to rough it with a tent, there are quite a few things that you can’t leave home without.
We wanted to ensure that you have the best camping experience possible and return home with great memories—which is why we’ve created a list of all the items you’ll need on your camping trip. From clothes to kitchen supplies and gear to help you sleep, we’ve got you covered. Check it out below.
Camping checklist by category
There are a lot of things to consider when going on a camping trip, and it can be hard to keep them all in order. It can help to break down your camping checklist into different categories like sleep, tools, food, clothes, and hygiene so you don’t miss anything.
Campsite setup essentials
Below each category, you’ll find our list of camping essentials, or the basic things you’ll need during a camping trip. While it may not be clear why certain items are listed, you’ll understand exactly why these items need to be brought along when you’re in the wilderness sleeping under the stars.
Sleep
- Ground tarp
- Sleep pad or cot
- Sleeping bag or bedding
- Pillow
- Ear plugs
- Eye mask
Tools
- Lanterns
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Multi-tool
- Fire starter
- Paracord
- Portable phone power bank
- Portable power station (optional)
- Satellite communications device (optional)
Kitchen
- Cooking equipment (grill, griddle, etc.)
- Cooking fuel
- Cooking pans (skillet, cast iron skillet, saucepan)
- Spatulas
- Utensils
- Trash bags
- Ice chest/cooler
- Water bottle
- Paper towels
- Plates
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Cooking oil
- Resealable bags
- Cups/mug
(Read more: Ideas and tips for planning the ultimate camping adventure)
Clothing & footwear
- Waterproof or resistant shoes or boots
- Slide-on shoes
- Moisture-wicking shirts
- Hiking bottoms
- Hat
- Merino wool socks
- Light jacket, sweater, or sweatshirt
- Moisture-wicking undergarments (bra and underwear)
- Sunglasses
Health & hygiene
- Toilet paper
- Biodegradable body wash and shampoo and/or body wipes
- Sunscreen
- Bug repellant
- Medical kit
- Hand sanitizer
- Lip balm
- Deodorant
- Hair products (dry shampoo, hair bands, head bands, etc.)
- Small shovel (optional)
- Shower shoes (optional)
- Camping shower (optional)
Camping checklist to-do’s
Before you hit the road on your camping adventure, there are quite a few things you need to do to keep you safe and secure for the entirety of your trip.
• Book a campsite that fits the type of camping you want to do. Is the campsite suitable for tent camping or RVs? Does it have water and/or electricity? Do you need a restroom with showers nearby? Is there a grill on the site? Can you build a fire at the campsite, and is it outfitted with a built-in grill or fire pit?
• Plan your meals and buy groceries, ice, and all camping essentials.
• Fill up on gas and check the tire pressure and oil levels of your car.
• Pack an emergency kit in your car (for example, jumper cables or portable battery jumper, first aid kit, water/snacks, flashlight, basic set of tools, etc.)
• Bring your cell phone and a charging bank, especially if there is no electricity at the campsite. You may also want to invest in a satellite communications device if you don’t expect cell phone service.
• Download off-line maps to your destination and/or hiking maps.
• Inform someone where you’ll be and provide them with the phone number and address of the campsite in case you need to be contacted.
• Have a friend or neighbor watch your home, take care of your pets or plants, get your mail, etc.
Camping checklist by season
Depending on when you want to camp, you may need some additional or different gear and tools that will make your camping experience more comfortable. Below we’ve listed camping essentials that can help you survive the varying environmental elements of a particular season.
Summer camping essentials
- Swimsuit
- Flip flops or slides
- Hiking shorts
- Mosquito repellant products like candles, torches, spray, or tech
- Sunshade (umbrella shades, pop-up shade)
Winter camping essentials
- Rain- and wind-proof tent (if tent camping)
- Winter sleeping bag
- Winter coat
- Winterproof boots
- Gloves
- Wool socks
- Beanie and/or ear warmers
- Ice scraper
- Firewood (and starter log)
Spring camping essentials
- Waterproof tent (if camp tenting)
- Towels and rags (to clean off mud)
- Cold weather and rainproof clothes
- Firewood (and starter log)
- Dry bags
- Tarp
Fall camping essentials
- Waterproof tent (if camp tenting)
- Firewood (and starter log)
- Cold weather and rainproof clothes
- Tarp
Alex Temblador is an award-winning journalist and author based in Dallas. Her work has appeared in National Geographic, Travel + Leisure, and Fodor's Travel, among many others.
*Although we are sharing our personal opinions of these experiences or products with you, National Geographic is not endorsing these experiences or products on behalf of anyone. It has not performed product safety testing on any of these products, did not manufacture them, and is not selling, or distributing them and is not making any representations about the safety or caliber of these products or experiences for individual consumers. Prices and availability are subject to change from the date of publication.
