TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2025
Camping Checklist
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This article is part of our series: How to Go Camping
Illustration of items in camping checklist
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Camping is a fun way to enjoy time outside with family, friends or even just yourself. And there are myriad ways (and places) to do it. You can camp with just the essentials or zhuzh up your site with blankets, pillows, a hammock and more. You can pitch a tent in many state and national parks, at private campgrounds, in the backcountry or even in your own backyard. (For more info, read Where Can I Camp?)
Most campsites include a picnic table, a place to park your vehicle and a spot to pitch your tent. Many also have shared bathrooms and running water (though you'll want to check this before setting out).
Part of the joy of camping is needing very little gear to exist outdoors. But it's also nice to have a comfortable, convenient and homey setup. If it's your first time camping, it might be best to borrow or rent some of these things. As you become a more experienced camper, you may find that part of the fun is figuring out what to bring along to meet your needs.
While you're packing, use this handy camping checklist to make sure you don't forget anything important and to make sure you've stocked up on the things you need. This is a comprehensive list, so we don't expect you to bring along every item—though we won't judge you if you do!
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tent icon
Campsite
These are important items for your camping essentials checklist:
Tent (and footprint, stakes)
Sleeping bags
Sleeping pads
Camping pillow
Headlamps or flashlights (and extra batteries)
Camp chairs
Camp table (if no picnic table)
Lantern (and mantles and fuel/batteries if needed)
Optional:
Sunshade, tarp or screen house
Hammock
Cots
Sleeping bag liners
Firewood sourced near campsite
Camp rug
Tablecloth and clips (or tape)
Clothesline with clips
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Tools & Repair Items
Multi-tool
Duct tape
Extra cord
Tent-pole repair sleeve
Pad/Mattress repair kit
Mallet or hammer (for hammering tent stakes)
Saw or axe (for cutting firewood)
Small broom and dustpan
camp mug icon
Kitchen
Many campgrounds have drinkable water. If not, bring your own, or be prepared to treat water if there's a water source. Also, for even more ideas and food suggestions, see our separate Camp Kitchen Checklist.
Stove and fuel
Matches/light/firestarter
Cook pots (and pot holder)
Frying pan
Eating utensils
Cooking utensils
Bottle opener, can opener, corkscrew
Sharp knife
Plates/bowls
Mugs/cups
Cutting board
Cooler
Ice or ice substitutes
Water bottles
Camp sink or wash bins
Biodegradable soap
Pot scrubber/sponge(s)
Trash/recycling bags
Dish towel
Optional:
Camp grill and fuel
Grill rack
Griddle
Dutch oven
Charcoal
Portable coffee/tea maker
Rolling ice cream maker
Marshmallow/hot dog roasting forks
Small food-storage containers/bags/foil
Large water jugs
Large, clear plastic bins to store kitchen gear
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Campsite Extras
Most of the following items are optional, though depending on how remote your campsite is, navigation tools such as a map, compass and/or GPS may be required (for more info, read about the Ten Essentials).
Solar and portable power
Binoculars
Navigation tools
Field guides (flowers, insects)
Star chart/night-sky identifier
Book/reading material
Notebook and pen/pencil
Music player with headphones
Games and toys
Dog gear
Dry bags, stuff sacks or clear plastic bins to store items
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Clothing & Footwear
Moisture-wicking underwear
Moisture-wicking T-shirts
Quick-drying pants/shorts
Long-sleeve shirts (for sun, bugs)
Lightweight fleece or jacket
Boots or shoes suited to terrain
Socks (synthetic or wool)
Sleepwear
Additional items for rainy and/or cold weather:
Rainwear (jacket and pants)
Long underwear
Warm insulated jacket or vest
Fleece pants
Gloves or mittens
Warm hat
Optional:
Swimsuits
Water sandals
In-camp sandals or booties
Bandanas
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Health & Hygiene
Toilet paper
Hand sanitizer
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Toiletry kit
Quick-dry towel
Menstrual products
Prescription medications
First-aid kit or first-aid supplies (see First-Aid Checklist)
Sun and bug protection:
Sunscreen
Sunglasses (and sunglasses straps)
Sun hat
Lip balm
Insect repellent
Insect repellent device
Optional:
Urinary products
Sanitation trowel (if no toilets)
Baby wipes
Alcohol or antiseptic wipes
Mirror
Brush/comb
Cosmetics
Spare eyeglasses/contact lens supplies
Eyeshades
Earplugs
Portable camp shower
personal ID and credit card icon
Personal Items
Credit card and/or cash
ID
Cellphone
Campsite reservation confirmation (if required)*
*Recreation.gov is a great resource for public lands campsite reservations; Hipcamp is a great resource for private lands campsite reservations.
Posted 11:19 AM