Camping Checklist: The Ultimate Guide for Packing What You Need

It’s time to get outside and enjoy the beauty, adventure, and relaxation that nature has to offer. We want to make sure you’re ready! 

Our team loves the outdoors. We also love camping and the lifelong memories that come from getting away and spending time with friends and family.

But, trying to lay out a checklist of items to pack for your camping trip can be a huge pain. That’s why we created this list. 

Use this list TODAY to save time and get packed for your next adventure!

How to Use The Camping Checklist

There are 3 ways: 1. Open & edit the list in Evernote. 2. Download & edit with Microsoft Word. 3. Use list right on this page (note: checked boxes don’t save on page refresh)

Don't take it all...but take what you need. The complete checklist is broken down into sections that group related items together. Just open the list and edit the items to create your own personalized checklist. We've also included an Essentials Camping Shortlist for your convenience. 

See why we recommend EVERNOTE

Essentials Camping Shortlist

For a quick camping trip that does not require a lot of preparation... The Essentials Camping Shortlist includes items essential to pack for your trip. The shortlist should be considered a bare minimum for a comfortable camping trip. Add detailed items to it, to round out a complete a packing list of specifics you want to take with you.

IcyBreeze Cooler Air Conditioner
Tent & rain fly
Tent stakes
Ground tarp
Sleeping bags
Folding chairs
Duct tape
Charcoal
Lighter fluid
Lighter
Matches
Lantern
Lantern fuel
Flashlights
Pocket knife or multi-tool
Hammer or mallet
Fire starter or newspaper
Utility cord / rope
Zip lock bags (large & small)
Firewood
Clothing
Shoes
Towels
Washcloths
Shampoo & conditioner
Bodywash
Sunscreen
Aloe vera gel
Insect repellent
Wet wipes
Personal toiletries
Grill brush
Grill utensils kit
Heavy duty aluminum foil
Paper towels
Cooking pot
Skillet
Can opener
Cooking utensils
Sharp knife
Dishes
Drinking cups
Eating utensils
Dish soap
Dish scrubber
Dish towel
Trash bags
Food
S’mores supplies
Seasonings & spices
Ice
Bottled water
First aid kit
Extra car keys
Spare cash
Printout of campsite reservation
Cell phone charger

Complete Camping Checklist

The list below is broken down into sections. In general, the more necessary items are near the top with extras or luxury camping items near the bottom. This is a general rule of thumb only, as every trip will vary based on location, season, and planned activities. Have fun planning your next trip!

Campsite Gear

IcyBreeze Cooler Air Conditioner - Watch the Video
Tent & rain fly
Tent stakes
Ground tarp
Sleeping bags
Folding chairs
Duct tape
Charcoal
Lighter fluid
Lighter
Matches
Lantern
Lantern fuel
Flashlights
Cooler
Pocket knife or multi-tool
Hammer or mallet
Fire starter or newspaper
Utility cord / rope
Zip lock bags (large & small)
Firewood
Tablecloths
Tablecloth clips
Lantern hanger / pole
Citronella candles
Tent entrance mat (rug or outdoor carpet)
Pillows
Sleeping pads
Air mattresses
Pump for air mattresses
Sheets
Blankets
Hatchet
Saw (bow or folding)
Charcoal chimney starter
Camp shovel
Bungee cords
Clothesline
Clothes pins
Camp towel drying rack
Folding table
Tarp shade shelter
Cots
Hammocks
Bug nets
Small broom & dust pan
Handheld vacuum
Camp holiday lights
Tiki torches
Tiki torch fuel
Pop-up shelter

Clothing & Personal Gear

T-shirts
Jeans / pants
Shorts
Socks
Underwear
Bras
Flip-flops or sandals
Tennis shoes
Light jacket
Sleepwear
Towels
Washcloths
Hats
Lounge pants
Long-sleeve shirts
Pocket knife
Small flashlight
Swimsuit
Boots
Slip-on shoes
Water shoes
Running shoes
Bandanas
Headlamp
Wrist watch
Backpack
Daypack / fanny pack
Hydration backpack
Water bottle / canteen
Compass
Trekking poles
Quick-dry shirts
Quick-dry underwear
Quick-dry pants
Quick-dry shorts
Long underwear
Hand warmers
Insulated jacket
Insulated pants
Insulated gloves
Insulated caps
Lanyard
Work gloves
Rain gear
Note pad & pen
Survival knife
Pocket shovel
Machete
Survival saw

Did you know?

43% of campers plan their trips at least one month in advance. DO THIS

34% of campers make no reservation for a campsite in advance. DON'T DO THIS  well...maybe sometimes :)

Toiletries & Personal Care Items

Body wash
Shampoo & conditioner
Bar soap
Sunscreen
Aloe vera gel
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Dental floss
Mouth wash
Deodorant
Insect repellent
Hand sanitizer
Feminine products
Comb / brush
Sunglasses
Eyewear retainers
Glasses case
Toilet paper
Drawstring bag
Wet wipes
Facial tissues
Nail clippers
Chapstick / lip balm
Anti-chafing powder
Microfiber cloths
Spare eyeglasses
Eyeglass cleaner
Contact lenses
Contact lens cleaner
Razor
Shaving gel / cream
Pain / headache medication
Prescription medications
Children’s medications
Personal toiletries
Cosmetics
Hand mirror
Solar shower
Clothing detergent

Cooking & Kitchen Items

Grill brush
Grill utensils kit
Heavy-duty aluminum foil
Paper towels
Cooking grate / grill rack
Frying pan or skillet with lid
Stock pot with lid
Sauce pans
Cook pots
Hot pads or oven mitts
Dish soap
Dish scrubbers
Pan scrubbers
Bottle opener
Can opener
Clothes pins / bag clips
Recipes
Roasting sticks for marshmallows & hot dogs
Food storage containers
Zip lock bags (large & small)
Trash bags
Plastic grocery bags
Plates
Bowls
Mixing bowls
Coffee mugs
Insulated cups
Drinking cups
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Skewers
Cooking utensils
Eating utensils
Napkins
Paring knife
Sharp knives
Knife sharpener
Cutting board
Scissors
Potato peeler
Pie irons
Griddle
Dutch oven
Dutch oven tripod
Dutch oven lid lifter
French press
Camp coffee maker
Camp cooking stove
Stove windscreen
Cooking stove fuel
Fuel funnel
Tongs
Spatula
Wire whisk
Toothpicks
Cheese grater
Sealed totes for storage
Plastic wrap
Freezer paper
Wax paper
Collapsible water containers
Shallow dishwashing tub
Dish towels
Dish drying rack
Insulated bottles
Funnel
Thermos
Camp popcorn popper
Tea kettle
Corkscrew
Disposable wine glasses
Small portable grill
Personal (small) cooler
Camp kitchen

Beat the Heat with IcyBreeze

Stay cool anywhere with an IcyBreeze battery-powered air conditioner. 

It's a cooler and air conditioner in one - keep your tent cool and your drinks cold.

Food & Drinks

Ice
Bottled water
Marshmallows
Graham crackers
Chocolate bars
Coffee
Creamer
Cereal
Eggs
Seasonings & spices
Breakfast bars
Pancake mix
Seasoned batter mix
Syrup
Butter / margarine
Peanut butter
Jelly / jam
Bread
Meats
Soups
Cooking oil
Non-stick cooking spray
Ketchup
Mustard
Sauces
Salt
Pepper
Tea
Milk
Hot chocolate
Drink mixes
Sport drinks
Cold beverages
Granola / snack bars
Protein bars
Dried snacks / trail mix
Beef jerky
Energy gels
Fruits
Vegetables
Cheese
Snack foods
Sugar
Popcorn
Freeze-dried meals

Safety & Preparedness

Extra car keys
First aid kit
Snake bite kit
Bee sting kit
Antiseptic cleaners
Safety pins
Safety whistle
Lantern batteries
Lantern bulb spares
Lantern mantles
Flashlight batteries
Flashlight bulb spares
Tent repair kit
Tent pole repair kit
Elastic shock cord
Sleeping pad repair kit
Air mattress repair kit
Sewing kit
Tool kit
Utility wire
Waterproof matches
Pocket sharpener
Carabiners
Water filter
Water treatment tablets
First-aid manual
Emergency fire starter
Emergency flares
Compact fishing kit
Bear spray

Every Day is a Good Day to Get Away

The average camper will take five camping trips this year.

...Enjoying 15 days away from the grind. The campfire is calling you.

Miscellaneous Items

Spare cash
Printout of campsite reservation
Cell phone
Cell phone charger
Electronics chargers
Camera
Video camera
Memory cards
Camera film
Camera lenses / gear
Tripod
Binoculars
Minocular
Maps
Guidebooks
Field guide books (birds, flowers, insects)
Star chart / map
Books
Magazines
Sketchbook & pencils / charcoal
Radio or MP3 player & headphones
Two-way radios
Handheld GPS
Travel alarm clock
Umbrella
Pet leash
Pet tent
Pet kennel / bed
Pet food
Pet toys

Recreation & Fun

Playing cards
Frisbee
Football
Kickball set
Glow sticks
Fishing poles
Fishing license
Tackle box
Fishing bait
Play-pen
Baby shade blankets
Child carrier
Stroller
Jogging stroller
Bicycles
Skateboards / longboards
Helmets
Hacky sack / footbag
Kites
Geocaching materials
Bocce ball
Croquet set
Crosswords / Sudoku puzzles
Board games
Water guns
Water balloons and filling nozzle
Electronic toys
Boomerang
Guitar
Ukulele
Harmonica
Inflatable boat with paddles
Canoeing / kayaking gear
Rock climbing gear

We recommend Evernote to work with this checklist. With Evernote, you can:

1. Edit the list to include exactly what you want to take on your trip
2. Use the checklist capabilities of Evernote to keep track of items as you gather them
3. Take the list with you on your phone or tablet
4. Share the list with others Back to top

Make it yours! Open this list in Evernote and take it with you on your phone.

Leave us a comment below. Did we leave anything out? What do you like to pack when you go camping? What is the most luxury item you've ever seen at a campground?

Finally, if you found this list to be useful, please share it!

Camping stats provided courtesy of  The Outdoor Foundation.