Preparation is essential for any outdoor adventure. Having the necessary supplies and equipment can make a difference in your overall enjoyment and experience. Checklists are a great tool to help with your organization. Your camping list will vary according to the type of camping and activities you have planned, the places you are going, the time of year and the length of your trip. Add or remove items to suit your individual needs. Please email us with any other items that you would include in your camping checklist or write comment below.
Tell someone of your plans - give details of where you are going and when you expect to return, give directions and possible alternative roads that you may take, provide cell phone numbers, vehicle description and license plate numbers, hand-held radio channel and codes that you will use, and provide local authority phone numbers (State Police, Game & Fish Commission, Sheriff Dept, etc.) for the county or area that you will be in.
Additional First Aid Tips
Take a First Aid class and a CPR class – keep current on this information
Keep supplies in a well marked, durable, waterproof container
Keep the contents organized
Know how to use everything in your first aid kit
Inspect content often, re-supply as needed
Keep readily available at all times
747 Replies to “Camping Checklist”
How about an Air Horn in some areas we plan to visit ride ATVs bears have been spotted and so have Panthers, this will scare them away.
An exhaustive list to be sure, but you did leave out one thing, expecially if you are going to an improved campsite. You will need an outdoor extension cord
Great list. Obviously wouldn’t take all the things on it though.
This list is great if you are going to cross country RV for over a month. What i normally pack is a simple list. Tent, sleeping bag, pillow. Some food, bbq and 1 element gas stove. A few things to cook with such as pot and pan. Lighter, change of clothes and swimwear. Hiking shoes, axe, flashlight and camera. And do not forget a reservoir to keep water in.
At all cost try to stay away from Alkaline batteries. They destroy your camping gear when left unused. This happens a lot especially with camping that is not used often. Next time your are out in the woods, your flashlight doesn’t turn on.
If you’re camping in a group for an extended period of time, I could understand having maybe a quarter of the things on this list, but the 184 items on this list? Are you going camping or setting up a homestead? If you’re using a sleeping bag, why do you need to bring sheets and a blanket? And when it comes to the “Personal” items on the list, really? Shower shoes/flip flops? I guess. Towels/washcloth? Sure. Soap in plastic case/shampoo, tooth brush/tooth paste, deodorant, comb/brush, and a razor? You’re CAMPING, not going to visit your family for the weekend. This list is so excessive for a weekend camping trip it’s excessive, it’s even excessive for a week long camping trip.
Here’s a very simplified list of actually necessities:
Tent or camping hammock
Sleeping bag
Hatchet
First aid kit
Camping mess kit (unnecessary if you pack in MREs)
Shovel for latrine
Water purification system of some kind
Flint, matches, or lighter
Flashlight or lantern
Fixed blade or pocket knife
Multi-tool
Wow this is one massive list. I would not use everything on it but it does have lots of things i will need for my camping trips. Thank you for putting this together.
BEST THING!
Wow, this list includes almost everything.
To the creature-comfort campers: This is a great list. My family is the “car camping” variety and I bring almost all of the stuff on this list. Does it feel like I’m packing the house up and bringing it with me? Yes, kinda sorta, but I don’t care. When my kids were little, all this stuff was useful and made camping viable with little kiddos. Now I’m older and I enjoy having my Starbucks coffee in the morning after having slept soundly on my plush camp mat and down pillow, or lounging in the hammock under the dappled shade of the aspen, or cooking a meal that’s as savory as one made at home.
To the negative naysayers – duh…no you would not take all this stuff if you are backpack camping in the wilderness. And just because YOU don’t need or want all this stuff on YOUR camping trip, others are entitled to camp THEIR OWN way so why do you to criticize? Isn’t the point to get out of the house and commune with nature, be it in complete wilderness or in a campground with coin showers? BTW, the backpack campers who were being swarmed by mosquitoes and pelted by hail during our last camping outing didn’t hesitate to get a lift down the mountain in our child-laden minivan. I guess some people are in such utter darkness that they will burn you just to see a light. So sad for you.
I agree that preparation is essential for an outdoor vacation or adventure. My family is going on a camping trip soon and I honestly don’t know what to bring. I would like to make sure we bring the best supplies we need. Thank you for the checklist! This is a great resource!
This is the best I think it would be useful for First time campers
I love the list. There’s allot of items I wouldn’t bring all the time, but it’s very organized and well structured. It gives me plenty of ideas to add to my list. I am a Boy Scout leader and have a camping site of my own. Great post!
Awesome list!! Thanks
Thank you, reminded me of things i would have forgotten
i love this list.we are planning a camping trip in 2 weeks. i keep my camping stuff in totes but found this awesome list and added to my list, I love it because it reminds me of the things I forgot. all these negative comments about this list. I personally like having lots of stuff to do that’s what makes it fun we takes games bikes anything that makes it more fun, camping is supposed to be fun not just sit around a fire and look at it, so you negative nancys keep you opinions to yourself and let us campers camp the way we want to
People are so judgmental. Of course it is a long list. Maybe some campers are out for months on end, or have babies with them, or nine kids or just like to cook like chefs.
A fantastic list of reminders of everything. Thank you.
One of the coolest lists i’ve seen. Very comprehensive and as much as it’s not necessary to take all of those things, it’s a great help to reminds you of all those you wanna take 🙂
Relax people these are just suggestions. Good one at that if you go for only two days pack accordingly it’s a no brainer. Have a great day.
What are Nail Slippers?
Great list to use as a guideline. Thanks for all the tips. To those with negative comments if this is not helpful to you don’t use it. Make your own. Again it is a guideline and not a list you have to fill.
These negative people have obviously never been camping with children, pets or scouts. This is a very thorough list and while I’m an avid camper I always come to the tips websites to make sure i didn’t forget something on my own personal list because it always happens and I always end up forgetting something regardless of my list. Great job!
Great list!! I have checked several sites with list and they have all been helpful. They all had things on them that I hadn’t thought of that I would have for sure needed, and of course there was things listed on them all that I would never need, but I’m sure there are many others out there that would! Oh, and for all the Negative Nancy’s, if you know so much about camping and your so good at it, why are you here?? You shouldn’t even be on this site searching for list and tips, you should be way to busy doing other things such as, managing your own site of useful information or camping!! You gave yourself away when you posted your know it all comments!
Thank you to whoever posted these list. This is just a list of things that you can bring or not it’s not mandatory. For you ”negative people” if you have nothing good to say then just don’t say anything.
Awesome list…. covers all but leaves room to adjust for individual needs. Thank you.
Great list! Preparing for an upcoming trip with the family. I am now adding several things to my packing list, great reminders here!!!
I never leave comments this is the first one but I just have to say this list is a great list thank you to who ever made it if you think it is to much great for you everyone needs different stuff and they have even thought of that as well that is why you can check off what you need and who cares if it’s alot yes bring you couch and kitchen sink if you want at least it’s getting out of the house away from normal life I think it’s a great thing to be out and about there are many different camping styles as for us we like to say we go glaming and we love every min being together with my family and friends
I don’t believe this list was made with the idea that one must bring all the items on the list to go camping. The list was constructed so that certain items could be taken camping if one chooses to put it on their own list. For example Steve doesn’t take a bike with him because where he is going does not have a bike trail but he brings a Dutch oven (aka 2 handle pot w/ a lid) because he is gonna cook a slow chili over the fire. Cindy brings an air mattress because of her bad back so also brings an alarm clock so she can wake up really early to go fishing. The collapsible drying rack I’m a little confused about I mean really,use a tree…. but i’m sure if I think about it from a different view it would make better sense. In conclusion different people different types of camping, different items needed.
Your Article is Wonderful! A lot of Great Tips and Very nicely written. I have learned a lot from your article Thank you for sharing with us.
There are tons of different campers. Great list. Thank you
Thanks for the great list. Very well done. For all those negative comments, keep them to yourself. This is just a list to help people. There is no need to be ignorant.
I’d add a few needles to dig out splinters, pop blisters (if absolutely necessary).
Love this list.⛳
Okay guys, don’t forget your candles.
Something is bound to go wrong.
What about the rice cooker and slow cooker,board games,pool toys, marshmallow sticks, lol just grab the kitchen sink while you’re at it. I do like the suggestion to use these as guidelines and make your own then purge after you gone for awhile and think about what you can do without
Needed supplies
I think this list is very helpful, thank you.
I can select what I want to take for the site we are going to / and according to our needs. The list is a nice reminder for anything that may have been forgotten.
I see that several people have negative comments about the size and details of this list however it’s just a generalized list that gives a lot of ideas depending on the level at which you camp. Honestly I have many of these items in a Rubbermaid tote that I keep prepacked for not just camping trip but can be a quick grab & go in an emergency situation. I think this list is a helpful tool and provides great direction to those looking for help.
I live in Alaska. I go camping all the time and I can tell you WE DON’T BRING A POTATO PEELER!
Sooo useful thanks
TOO MUCH STUFF
There is no way that ANYONE needs this much stuff on any camping trip EVER this is not a very good source for camping essentials I mean you might as well just bring your couch too
Thank you for the supplies
Ideas
this ani’t camping, this is a picnic weekend
Lol Never forget your “Dutch Oven” haha
this is so not useful. You do not need this much stuff to go camping. This is city/trailer camping. learn something about camping
How about an Air Horn in some areas we plan to visit ride ATVs bears have been spotted and so have Panthers, this will scare them away.
An exhaustive list to be sure, but you did leave out one thing, expecially if you are going to an improved campsite. You will need an outdoor extension cord
Great list. Obviously wouldn’t take all the things on it though.
This list is great if you are going to cross country RV for over a month. What i normally pack is a simple list. Tent, sleeping bag, pillow. Some food, bbq and 1 element gas stove. A few things to cook with such as pot and pan. Lighter, change of clothes and swimwear. Hiking shoes, axe, flashlight and camera. And do not forget a reservoir to keep water in.
At all cost try to stay away from Alkaline batteries. They destroy your camping gear when left unused. This happens a lot especially with camping that is not used often. Next time your are out in the woods, your flashlight doesn’t turn on.
If you’re camping in a group for an extended period of time, I could understand having maybe a quarter of the things on this list, but the 184 items on this list? Are you going camping or setting up a homestead? If you’re using a sleeping bag, why do you need to bring sheets and a blanket? And when it comes to the “Personal” items on the list, really? Shower shoes/flip flops? I guess. Towels/washcloth? Sure. Soap in plastic case/shampoo, tooth brush/tooth paste, deodorant, comb/brush, and a razor? You’re CAMPING, not going to visit your family for the weekend. This list is so excessive for a weekend camping trip it’s excessive, it’s even excessive for a week long camping trip.
Here’s a very simplified list of actually necessities:
Tent or camping hammock
Sleeping bag
Hatchet
First aid kit
Camping mess kit (unnecessary if you pack in MREs)
Shovel for latrine
Water purification system of some kind
Flint, matches, or lighter
Flashlight or lantern
Fixed blade or pocket knife
Multi-tool
Wow this is one massive list. I would not use everything on it but it does have lots of things i will need for my camping trips. Thank you for putting this together.
BEST THING!
Wow, this list includes almost everything.
To the creature-comfort campers: This is a great list. My family is the “car camping” variety and I bring almost all of the stuff on this list. Does it feel like I’m packing the house up and bringing it with me? Yes, kinda sorta, but I don’t care. When my kids were little, all this stuff was useful and made camping viable with little kiddos. Now I’m older and I enjoy having my Starbucks coffee in the morning after having slept soundly on my plush camp mat and down pillow, or lounging in the hammock under the dappled shade of the aspen, or cooking a meal that’s as savory as one made at home.
To the negative naysayers – duh…no you would not take all this stuff if you are backpack camping in the wilderness. And just because YOU don’t need or want all this stuff on YOUR camping trip, others are entitled to camp THEIR OWN way so why do you to criticize? Isn’t the point to get out of the house and commune with nature, be it in complete wilderness or in a campground with coin showers? BTW, the backpack campers who were being swarmed by mosquitoes and pelted by hail during our last camping outing didn’t hesitate to get a lift down the mountain in our child-laden minivan. I guess some people are in such utter darkness that they will burn you just to see a light. So sad for you.
I agree that preparation is essential for an outdoor vacation or adventure. My family is going on a camping trip soon and I honestly don’t know what to bring. I would like to make sure we bring the best supplies we need. Thank you for the checklist! This is a great resource!
This is the best I think it would be useful for First time campers
I love the list. There’s allot of items I wouldn’t bring all the time, but it’s very organized and well structured. It gives me plenty of ideas to add to my list. I am a Boy Scout leader and have a camping site of my own. Great post!
Awesome list!! Thanks
Thank you, reminded me of things i would have forgotten
i love this list.we are planning a camping trip in 2 weeks. i keep my camping stuff in totes but found this awesome list and added to my list, I love it because it reminds me of the things I forgot. all these negative comments about this list. I personally like having lots of stuff to do that’s what makes it fun we takes games bikes anything that makes it more fun, camping is supposed to be fun not just sit around a fire and look at it, so you negative nancys keep you opinions to yourself and let us campers camp the way we want to
People are so judgmental. Of course it is a long list. Maybe some campers are out for months on end, or have babies with them, or nine kids or just like to cook like chefs.
A fantastic list of reminders of everything. Thank you.
One of the coolest lists i’ve seen. Very comprehensive and as much as it’s not necessary to take all of those things, it’s a great help to reminds you of all those you wanna take 🙂
Relax people these are just suggestions. Good one at that if you go for only two days pack accordingly it’s a no brainer. Have a great day.
What are Nail Slippers?
Great list to use as a guideline. Thanks for all the tips. To those with negative comments if this is not helpful to you don’t use it. Make your own. Again it is a guideline and not a list you have to fill.
These negative people have obviously never been camping with children, pets or scouts. This is a very thorough list and while I’m an avid camper I always come to the tips websites to make sure i didn’t forget something on my own personal list because it always happens and I always end up forgetting something regardless of my list. Great job!
Great list!! I have checked several sites with list and they have all been helpful. They all had things on them that I hadn’t thought of that I would have for sure needed, and of course there was things listed on them all that I would never need, but I’m sure there are many others out there that would! Oh, and for all the Negative Nancy’s, if you know so much about camping and your so good at it, why are you here?? You shouldn’t even be on this site searching for list and tips, you should be way to busy doing other things such as, managing your own site of useful information or camping!! You gave yourself away when you posted your know it all comments!
Thank you to whoever posted these list. This is just a list of things that you can bring or not it’s not mandatory. For you ”negative people” if you have nothing good to say then just don’t say anything.
Awesome list…. covers all but leaves room to adjust for individual needs. Thank you.
Great list! Preparing for an upcoming trip with the family. I am now adding several things to my packing list, great reminders here!!!
I never leave comments this is the first one but I just have to say this list is a great list thank you to who ever made it if you think it is to much great for you everyone needs different stuff and they have even thought of that as well that is why you can check off what you need and who cares if it’s alot yes bring you couch and kitchen sink if you want at least it’s getting out of the house away from normal life I think it’s a great thing to be out and about there are many different camping styles as for us we like to say we go glaming and we love every min being together with my family and friends
I don’t believe this list was made with the idea that one must bring all the items on the list to go camping. The list was constructed so that certain items could be taken camping if one chooses to put it on their own list. For example Steve doesn’t take a bike with him because where he is going does not have a bike trail but he brings a Dutch oven (aka 2 handle pot w/ a lid) because he is gonna cook a slow chili over the fire. Cindy brings an air mattress because of her bad back so also brings an alarm clock so she can wake up really early to go fishing. The collapsible drying rack I’m a little confused about I mean really,use a tree…. but i’m sure if I think about it from a different view it would make better sense. In conclusion different people different types of camping, different items needed.
Your Article is Wonderful! A lot of Great Tips and Very nicely written. I have learned a lot from your article Thank you for sharing with us.
There are tons of different campers. Great list. Thank you
Thanks for the great list. Very well done. For all those negative comments, keep them to yourself. This is just a list to help people. There is no need to be ignorant.
I’d add a few needles to dig out splinters, pop blisters (if absolutely necessary).
Love this list.⛳
Okay guys, don’t forget your candles.
Something is bound to go wrong.
What about the rice cooker and slow cooker,board games,pool toys, marshmallow sticks, lol just grab the kitchen sink while you’re at it. I do like the suggestion to use these as guidelines and make your own then purge after you gone for awhile and think about what you can do without
Needed supplies
I think this list is very helpful, thank you.
I can select what I want to take for the site we are going to / and according to our needs. The list is a nice reminder for anything that may have been forgotten.
I see that several people have negative comments about the size and details of this list however it’s just a generalized list that gives a lot of ideas depending on the level at which you camp. Honestly I have many of these items in a Rubbermaid tote that I keep prepacked for not just camping trip but can be a quick grab & go in an emergency situation. I think this list is a helpful tool and provides great direction to those looking for help.
I live in Alaska. I go camping all the time and I can tell you WE DON’T BRING A POTATO PEELER!
Sooo useful thanks
TOO MUCH STUFF
There is no way that ANYONE needs this much stuff on any camping trip EVER this is not a very good source for camping essentials I mean you might as well just bring your couch too
Thank you for the supplies
Ideas
this ani’t camping, this is a picnic weekend
Lol Never forget your “Dutch Oven” haha
this is so not useful. You do not need this much stuff to go camping. This is city/trailer camping. learn something about camping