There are few moments in life better than pulling off the road to find that perfect campsite. You see the perfectly secluded area complete with a soft landing for your tents, a gorgeous view overlooking the lake, and just you and your camping crew.
What could be better?
As you take in a giant lung full of the fresh, mountain air, you suddenly hear the faint buzz of a mosquito whizz by your ear.
Then it dawns on you.
The bug spray is still sitting on the kitchen table next to your work laptop and pile of bills you left behind. Now all you can hear are the dozens of blood-thirsty mosquitoes buzzing. That single item you forgot to pack is suddenly the most important one of them all.
Does this sound familiar? Maybe it wasn’t the bug spray but it was the toilet paper, or cast iron skillet, or any number of things that would have made your camping trip just a little bit more comfortable.
Well trust us when we say, we’ve been there too. In fact, we can relate so much that we took the time to compile and write an all-encompassing camping checklist detailing every possible item you might need.
Some of these things are obvious to any camper while others are only necessary for certain types of camping trips. In either case, we want you to use this checklist to give you ideas on items to bring which you may have forgotten or if you’re a complete newbie, use this as your actual checklist.
The Camping Checklist That Has Everything
Below is the camping checklist that has everything you may possibly need. The list is broken down into sections to make it easier to navigate and get some quick ideas on items you may have not considered bringing but just might make your camping trip a little bit better.
Shelter and Sleeping Arrangements
- Tent
- Stakes
- Tent poles
- Ground cover for tent (tent footprint)
- Sleeping Bag
- Sleeping Pad (for use under sleeping bag)
- Pillow
- Blanket
- Portable camping chair
- Portable camping hammock
- Lantern
- Flashlight
- Extra tarp
- Tent entrance matt
- Air mattress
- Air pump
- Air mattress repair kit
Camping Tools and Personal Items
- Hunting knife
- Multi-tool knife
- Hammer
- Headlamps
- Batteries
- Hiking poles
- Aspirin/Ibuprofen
- Bandages
- Rubbing alcohol
- First aid kit
- Prescription medications
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
Campsite Cooking
- Matches and lighters
- Charcoal
- Firewood
- Easy campfire starters
- Newspapers and kindling
- Water jugs
- Water bucket
- Water filter
- Wine and whiskey
- Thermos
- Coolers
- Plastic or silverware
- Plates and bowls
- Cast iron skillet
- Dutch oven
- Portable grill
- Portable smoker
- Cooking pots and pans
- Cleaning sponge
- Cleaning brush
- Aluminum foil
- Tablecloth
- Cooking oil
- Non-stick cooking spray
- Food storage containers
- Oven mitts
- Cooking utensils (spatulas, tongs, grill forks)
- Skewers
- Cooking gloves
- Folding table
- Cups and mugs
- Cutting board
- Seasoning kit
- Washing bin
- Fishing gear
- Fish cleaning kit
Clothes for Camping
- Beanies
- Hats
- Waterproof jacket
- Windproof jacket
- Warm hoodie
- Light jacket
- Shirts
- Shirts for layering
- Underwear
- Pants
- Shorts
- Waterproof pants
- Socks
- Belts
- Hiking boots
- Waterproof boots
- Light shoes
- Sandals
- Water shoes
- Gloves
- Pajamas
Hygiene
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Mouthwash
- Shower soap
- Hand soap
- Deodorant
- Comb
- Hair brush
- Razor
- Towels
- Washcloth
- Lotion
- Lip balm
- Mirror
Comfortable Camping
- Portable fan
- Tent air conditioner
- Water mister
- Portable heater
Fun Techie Extras
- Portable stereo
- Bluetooth speakers
- Portable DVD/Blu Ray player
- Portable phone charger
- Camera
- Walkie talkies
- Travel alarm clock
- Binoculars
Campsite Cleanup
- Garbage bags
- Laundry bags
- Waterproof storage containers
- Ziploc bags
- Dust pan
This camping checklist is far from complete. If you can think of any items we’ve forgotten, let us know so we can add it to our current camping checklist.
Happy camping techies!