Camping is a great way to get outside with family and friends or even by yourself. You can go camping in many state and national parks, at private campgrounds, in the backcountry or even in your own backyard.
Most campsites include a picnic table, a place to park your car and a spot to pitch your tent. Many also have shared bathrooms and running water.
What to Bring Camping
If it’s your first time camping, it might be best to borrow some of these things.
- Tent
- Sleeping Bags
- Sleeping Pads
- Plenty of Food
- Weather-appropriate Clothing
- Hygiene & Medical Essentials
Camping Checklist
In and Around Camp
- Tent
- Tent footprint
- Tent-pole repair sleeve
- Sun shade, tarp or screen house
- Sleeping bags
- Sleeping pads
- Air mattresses
- Pad/mattress repair kit
- Pump for air mattresses
- Pillows
- Multi-tool or knife
- Daypacks
- Trekking poles
- Child carrier
- Rolling jogger
- Folding chairs
- Folding table
- Cots
- Mallet or hammer
- Headlamps
- Flashlights
- Lanterns
- Lantern fuel or batteries
- Water filter or treatment tablets
Clothing & Footwear Packing List
If chilly nights are possible, come prepared.
- Moisture-wicking T-shirts
- Moisture-wicking underwear
- Quick-drying pants/shorts
- Long-sleeve shirts (for sun, bugs)
- Sun-shielding hats
- Boots or shoes suited to terrain
- Socks
- Long underwear
- Sleepwear
- Insulated pants
- Clothesline with clips
- Water sandals
- In-camp sandals or booties
Kitchen Supplies
Select according to personal tastes and needs:
- Stove
- Windscreen
- Fuel
- Fuel bottle(s) with fuel funnel
- Matches/lighter
- Charcoal
- Firewood sourced near campsite
- Grill rack
- Cook pots
- Pot grabber
- Dutch oven
- Portable coffee/espresso maker
- Hot-cold vacuum bottle
- Hand-crank blender
- Bottle opener/corkscrew
- Can opener
- Recipes
- Resealable storage bags
- Trash bags
- Coolers
- Mugs/cups
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Utensils
- Paring knife
- Spatula
- Funnel
- Foil
- Egg holder(s)
Food
- Coffee
- Cereal/granola/oatmeal
- Eggs
- Breakfast bars
- Batter mix
- Syrup
- Butter/margarine
- Jelly/jam
- Bread/bagels
- Meat
- Soup mixes/bouillon cubes
- Cooking oil/spray
- Salt/pepper
- Tea
- Milk (powdered or fresh)
- Drink mixes
- Bottled/canned beverages
- Energy food (bars, gels, trail mix)
- Fruit (dried and fresh)
- Vegetables
- Cheese
- Marshmallows
- Spice kit
- Herbs
Personal Items
Tip: To more easily locate gear, keep similar items in a single duffel.
- Toilet paper
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Insect repellent
- Hand sanitizer
- Alcohol or antiseptic wipes
- Spare eyeglasses/contact lenses
- Mirror
- First-aid kit
- Prescription medications
- Toothbrush, toiletry kit
- Menstrual and urinary products
- Cosmetics
- Brush/comb
- Shower water bag