The Ultimate Camping Checklist
Camping is a great way to unwind, disconnect from the daily hustle and bustle of life, and connect with nature! That said, camping requires proper planning and preparation.
If you’re new to camping and are just getting started, it might seem daunting, camping gear and essentials, camping food, camping cookware, etc. The best way to deal with this is to get everyone involved and make it fun, and the rest, I have you covered!
Your camping checklist will significantly vary depending on the type of camping, so I wanted to cover different kinds of camping, which will give you a better idea about must-carry camping equipment.
Types of Camping
This is one of the most popular kinds of camping, where typically you reserve a campsite in a National Park or State Park; you still carry your camping gear, including your tent and other equipment but will most likely have access to some basic amenities like bathrooms, barbecue pits, power outlets, etc.
The word Glamping is a combination of two words, “glam” short-form for “glamorous,” and camping. You got it, it’s camping in a luxury setup! You still sleep in a tent, under the sky but in a pre-built, luxury, and well-attended campsite. This greatly reduces the camping gear you need to carry with you, but these Glamping sites are limited, and you need to make reservations in advance.
Recreational Vehicle (RV) camping, this is when you either drive or tow a recreational vehicle. Most RVs come equipped with a bed, stove, small bathroom units, etc. This greatly reduces the amount of camping equipment you would need to carry with you. The only couple of RV camping downsides are (1) it’s expensive to rent or buy, and (2) there are limited campsites for RVs.
This is viable for solo and couple campers; basically, you seep inside your car, an SUV, or a small van is preferable as it has plenty of space to hold your camping gear and still room for you to sleep. This reduces the need for carrying tents, sleeping pads, etc. but you would need to make sure you get the required permits, follow the local rules, and are not trespassing.
Quite similar to Car/Van camping, but in this case, the tent mounted on the roof of your car/van. Generally, these tents are fixed on the rooftop of your car, can be easily popped up and folded, has a ladder attached, has a built-in sleeping pad, and can sleep a family of four. This hugely reduces the effort and time spent setting up and disassembling tents, but you would still need to obtain the required permits and follow the local rules and guidelines.
This typically means that you’re camping in a much remote area, away from developed areas and campsites. This sounds much more fun, but you need to carry all your camping gear in a backpack, need to pack everything you need to be safe and comfortable, and at the same time, it has to be light and durable.
Your camping checklist will vary depending on the type of camping, but in my camping checklist, I have included almost everything, and you can tailor it based on your needs.
To make it easy to use, I have organized my camping checklist by sections like bedding, kitchen, hygiene, etc. There’s also a pdf version of the camping checklist that you can download and print; you will find it at the bottom of the post.
Here is my ultimate camping checklist, outlining everything you would need to bring on your camping trip!
You can click on the items listed below to learn more about the exact product I use and recommend.
Please note that some of them are affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission if you purchase an item using my link, at no extra cost to you.
Campsite Setup
Kitchen Setup
- Portable Camp Kitchen
- Stove & Fuel
- Grill
- Stove Windshield
- Lighter
- Cooler
- Water Containers
- Drinking-Water Pitcher / Purifier
- Trash Can / Bags
- Cooking Pot / Frying Pan
- Cooking Utensil Set
- Camping Cutlery Set
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Can Opener
- Bottle Opener
- Corkscrew
- Vegetable Peeler
- Tongs
- Skewers
- Cast Iron Broiler & Cooker
- Oven Mits
- Grilling Gloves
- Plates & Bowls
- Cups / Mugs
- Pour-over Coffee Maker
- Disposable Tablecloth
- Tablecloth Clips
- Food Storage Bags / Containers
- Food Cover / Tents
- Camp Sink / Wash Bins
- Collapsible Bins
- Biodegradable Soap
- Scrubbing Brush
- Biodegradable Dishcloth
- Dustpan & Brush
- Paper Towels
- Aluminum Foil
- Ziplock Bags
- Kitchen Shelf System
- Egg Container
- Cast Iron Reversible Griddle / Grill
Hygiene & Toiletries
Firstaid & Safety
Extras
Storage & Organization
I have separate storage bins for each category, with proper labels, to store and carry my camping gear. It’s best to clean, dry, and store your camping gear into their designated storage bin before leaving the campsite. I also maintain a separate storage bin for items I would like to rewash upon arriving home like cookware, utensils, plates, etc. This is how you can keep your camping gear organized and always be ready for your next camping trip!
And there you have it! This is my ultimate camping checklist!
You can download the PDF camping checklist by subscribing to my monthly newsletter!
Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. I personally use these companies and products, and based on my experience, I recommend them. Some of these links are affiliate links, meaning, at no cost to you, I may earn a small commission that helps me run this website and keeping it free for everyone to use.
I hope you will find my camping checklist helpful in preparing for your camping trip!
Happy feeding your soul!
6 comments
Wow, this list is so detailed. I’m definitely using this on my next camping trip!
I’m glad that you find this useful!
My family and I have been camping almost every year since I was a young girl. It’s been a family tradition for decades. Just printed a list for our next trip, I can’t wait!
Hey Jessica! That sounds so much fun! I have been camping for a couple of years, and I absolutely love it! It’s so much fun but, at the same time, requires proper planning and preparation.
This list is absolutely wonderful. I thank you for such a detailed, organized list. By following this list, there’s no way I should miss packing everything we need. I can hardly wait for out camping vacation. Thank you so very much!
Hi Eva! You’re most welcome, and I’m glad you found this helpful! Several times I have been in situations where I forgot to carry something or other when going camping. So decided to create this list and stick to it every time I pack for a camping trip.