The Big Camping Checklist

The big camping checklist is here to help you plan for your next trip. Nothing beats spending time with your loved ones out in the bush, the scent of the campfire, and sleeping under the stars.

Camping is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors with family and friends. Preparing all of your equipment helps make for a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience.

Checklists are a necessary tool to help you prepare for any type of trip. Everything on the list may not be applicable to you, so make any adjustments to suit the needs of your group.

This camping checklist is geared for car camping which is the most popular type of camping for families and beginners. Just to be clear, car camping is where you park your car right on the campsite and set up camp.

This list will vary if you decide to do some backcountry camping which is where you hike in or paddle your boat to your campsite.

Please feel free to contact us or drop a comment below with any items you think should be added to the big camping checklist

This checklist is divided into sub-sections so that you might have an easier time determining what you have packed and what you still need.

I have added links to gear that I personally own and use for both our car camping and backcountry adventures.

Pair this camping checklist with the 55 best camping tips for all campers for a really enjoyable time.

Shelter

Tent
Footprint/Ground tarp
Tent entrance door mat
Tarp
Extra stakes
Sleeping bag or blanket
Pillows0
Air mattress, sleeping pad or cot
Air Pump
Mattress or sleeping pad repair kit
Sun shade/bug shelter/Dining Tent

Camp Essentials

Compact first aid kit
Reservation and Park pass
Map
Compass
Day pack or backpack
Ropes or paracord (Great to hang wet clothes)
Umbrella
Waterproof matches
Mosquito coils or Thermacell (Effectively repels mosquitoes)
Bug repellant
Bear whistle
Camping chairs
Hammer/mallet
Small shovel
Saw &/or Hatchet
Firewood, kindling and fire starter
Lighter and matches
Headlamp
Solar light or LED Lantern.
String Lights (makes for a nice touch)
Extra batteries
Power bank chargers
Portable power station – Great for those extended trips.

Toiletries

The toiletries you pack will vary depending on the type of camping you are doing. If you’re car camping then there will most likely be showers available for use. That means you can bring along a bar of soap and some shampoo.

Backcountry camping means swimming in the lake for a bath or using wipes to clean up. It also means using the “thunderbox” aka outdoor toilet.

If there’s no thunderbox then you’ll be digging a hole and squatting in the woods. Just be sure to bury your waste when you’re done!

Microfiber towel
Toilet paper
Wet naps or baby wipes
Feminine hygiene products
Biodegradable soap
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Deodorant
Sunscreen
Lip balm with SPF
Shampoo
Body wash
Vitamins
Medication
Hair brush/comb

Camp Kitchen Supplies

You can cook on a gas stove or over the open fire. Many parks have a built in BBQ grill attached to the fire pit.

Cooler – I have this cooler and it keeps ice for 3-4 days depending on the outdoor temps.
Ice
Stove
Propane/gas
Pot/pan
Fireproof gloves or oven mitt
Cooking utensils – tongs, spatula etc.
Cutting board
Cutting knife
Plates
Bowls
Cups
Cork screw or Bottle opener
Utensils – fork, spoon, knife
Aluminum foil (Always comes in handy)
Large Ziploc bags (to store leftover food/scraps)
Biodegradable soap for dishes
Sponge
Bucket or basin for washing dishes
Dish towel
Water filter
Refillable water jug
Refillable water bottles
Paper towel or wipes
Garbage bags
Water filter – Great for camping with no potable water

Clothes

Always check the weather forecast for where you are traveling to and be mindful of what you plan to do while you’re there.

You never know what kind of weather you’ll get when you’re out there, so I always like to be ready to layer up with a flannel sweater and warm hat just in case the temperature gets chilly.

I also pack my rain poncho or rain jacket with me for every trip since it always seems to rain for a day or two when I go camping.

The change in air temperature in the evenings typically brings along some moisture in the air here in Ontario, Canada so moisture wicking clothing really helps. It also helps you dry faster after the rainfall.

Shorts
Pants
Long sleeve/flannel
Sweater
T-shirts
Pajamas/Sleep wear
Swimming trunks/swimsuit
Swimming towel
Underwear
Socks and extra socks
Laundry bag
Hat
Sunglasses
Rain jacket or Poncho
Warm hat and gloves (You never know)
Water shoes or sandals
Flip flops or slippers
Running shoes or hiking boots

Fun and Entertainment

There are so many fun activities to do while camping. Below are just a number of items to get you started on a fun filled adventure.

PFD or life jacket
Kayak/Canoe
Paddle
Board games
Playing cards
Bluetooth speaker – Waterproof and 15 hour battery life
Books
Magazines
Marshmallow smores kit (a yummy treat)
Roasting sticks for smores!
Binoculars
Bird guide
Fishing Rod
Net
Tackle Box or Bag

Camping with Babies

Pack everything you typically need when traveling with your baby and then pack for the outdoors too.

Baby carrier or back pack
Diapers
Baby wipes
Baby food
Bottles
Sippy cup
Plate/bowl/utensils
Baby medicine/first aid
Sunscreen
Sun hat
Swimwear
Floaties
Play Pen
Toys
High chair or booster seat
Picnic blanket

I hope this checklist helps you have a safe, smooth and fun camping adventure. Everyone’s vision of a camping trip can look a little different.

Some like to sit in the shade and read a good book while others may want to be on the water fishing for their next big catch.

The great outdoors is for everyone to enjoy and connect with mother nature.

Have a fantastic time outdoors!