How to Camp: Best Camping Checklist

Camping is so much fun when you have the right gear. Part of what makes it fun is simplifying your daily routine. Being in nature. Not being surrounded by a bunch human-made crap. But what makes camping immediately un-fun is not having the essentials. And that’s where the Wilderdad Best Camping Checklist comes into play.

Nothing can ruin a camping trip quicker than showing up at the campsite only to realize you left the matches at home. Or the toilet paper. Or your sleeping bag. So, do yourself a favor and use this camping checklist to make sure you have everything you need for a fun family adventure.

Print the Best Camping Checklist with essentials and extra items here > [coming soon!]

Essential Camping Gear Checklist

These are the absolute most important items to pack for your camping trip. It’s the basic list to help you have a successful trip. If this list looks sparse to you, don’t worry. Scroll down for lots more ideas to make your camp even more comfortable.

Basic Campsite Needs

• Tent(s) (and footprint, poles, stakes, rainfly)
• Sleeping bags
• Sleeping pads
• Headlamps or flashlights (check batteries and pack extra)
• Campsite reservation confirmation (if required)*

Essential Camp Kitchen

• Camp stove and fuel
• Matches (or lighter or firestarter)
• Cook pots and pot holder
• Cooking utensils (a spatula and a spoon are plenty)
• Eating utensils
• Plates and bowls
• Mugs for hot drinks
• Sharp knife
• Water bottles (and water jugs – think a half-gallon for each person for each day unless you’re 100% sure there is a reliable water source at the campsite)
• Biodegradable soap
• Pot scrubber or sponge
• Trash and recycling bags
• Paper towels or dish towel
• Cooler and ice
• And don’t forget the dog stuff! (food, bowls, collar, leash, etc.)

Must-Have Camp Tools and Supplies

• Multi-tool
• Duct tape
• Extra cord
• Tent-pole repair sleeve
• Pad/Mattress repair kit

Basic Camping Clothing & Shoes

• Underwear (moisture-wicking and antibacterial, if possible)
• T-shirts (also moisture-wicking and antibacterial)
• Quick-drying hiking pants and shorts
• Long-sleeve shirts (for sun and bug protection)
• Warm midlayer (hoodie, sweatshirt, or fleece)
• Water-resistant or waterproof jacket
• Warm knit beanie and gloves (good to have, just in case temps drop unexpectedly)
• Hiking boots or trail running shoes
• Socks (synthetic or wool)

 Health & Hygiene

• Toilet paper
• Poop shovel or trowel (if your campsite has no toilets)
• Hand sanitizer
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Toiletry kit
• First-aid kit or first-aid supplies

Sun and Bug Protection

• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Lip balm
• Insect repellent

Additional Camping Checklist For Being Extra Comfortable

Whew! That’s a lot of essentials. But with the above checklist you can handle just about anything in the outdoors. Now that you’ve got the basic list sorted out, let’s keep going down the best camping checklist and add in some extra items that will take your camping experience to the next level.

Elevate Your Campsite to 5-Star Status:

• Camping pillow
• Camp chairs
• Camp table
• Lantern (and mantle and fuel/batteries if needed)
• Hammock
• Sunshade, tarp or screen house
• Cots
• Firewood sourced near campsite
• Camp rug
• Tablecloth and clips (or tape)
• Clothesline with clips
• Solar and portable power
• Binoculars
• Navigation tools
• Field guides (animal, plants, flowers, insects)
• Star chart/night-sky identifier
• Books and magazines
• Notebook and pen or pencil
• Music player and headphones
• Games and toys
• Dry bags, stuff sacks or clear plastic bins to store items

For a Homier Kitchen:

• Frying pan
• Cutting board
• Bottle opener and corkscrew
• Camp sink or wash bins
• Griddle Dutch oven
• Coffee or tea maker
• Marshmallow and hot dog roasting forks
• Ziploc bags or foil

Handy Tools and Supplies

• Mallet or hammer (for hammering tent stakes)
• Saw or axe (for cutting firewood)
• Small broom and dustpan

Extra Clothing for Sunny or Sketchy Weather

• Rain pants
• Long underwear
• Warm insulated jacket or vest
• Fleece pants
• Swimsuits
• Water sandals
• In-camp sandals or booties
• Bandanas

More Health and Toiletry Stuff

• Quick-dry towel
• Baby wipes
• Alcohol or antiseptic wipes
• Mirror Brush/comb
• Spare eyeglasses/contact lens supplies
• Earplugs Portable camp shower

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