Get a printable car camping checklist, click here.
BEFORE YOU LEAVE
□ Charge rechargeable batteries
□ Charge camera batteries
□ Freeze blocks of ice/packs
□ Grocery shopping
□ Get cash (some campgrounds have coin-operated laundry & showers, so bring quarters)
□ Print campsite directions & reservation information
SHELTER & SLEEPING
□ Tent w/ poles, stakes and rain fly
□ Footprint or tarp
□ Sleeping pad, cot, or air mattress
□ Sleeping bag
□ Pillow
□ Camp Chair/ Stool
COOKING, MEALS & CLEANUP
□ Camping Stove & propane/butane
□ Cooking Grate (for campfire grilling)
□ Kettle/Percolator
□ Camping Cookware
□ Dishes & Utensils
□ Cutting board & knives
□ Potholders/oven mitts
□ Towels/napkins
□ Biodegradable soap/sponge
□ Buckets or sink for washing dishes
□ Can opener/bottle opener/cork screw
□ Ziploc bags (in various sizes)
□ Storage Containers
□ Trash bags
□ Aluminum Foil/ Plastic Wrap
□ Cooler and ice
□ Tablecloth for picnic table
□ Firewood/charcoal (if grilling)
□ Fire starter/BBQ style lighter (long)
FOOD
When it comes to food, plan by meal and based on your activities. Be sure to pack enough fruit and other snack items to keep you going between meals.
□ Ingredients for each meal + recipes
□ Snacks/fruit
□ Condiments & spices
□ Butter & cooking oil
□ Beverages/coffee/tea/hot chocolate
□ Drinking water & water bottle (many campgrounds provide safe drinking water or potable water)
PERSONAL ITEMS
□ Toiletries
□ Toothpaste/Toothbrush
□ Deodorant
□ Toilet paper/wet wipes
□ Sunscreen & sunglasses
□ Personal prescriptions & meds
□ Lip balm
□ Hand sanitizer
□ Mirror/brush/comb
□ Razor
□ Eyeshades/earplugs
□ Washcloth & towel
□ Nail kit w/ clippers & tweezers
CLOTHING & FOOTWEAR
□ Shirts (for layering)
□ Quick-drying pants/shorts
□ Underwear
□ Sun-shielding hat or baseball cap
□ Warm hat and gloves
□ Swimsuit
□ Hiking shoes or boots
□ Socks (synthetic or wool)
□ Long underwear (wool or polypro)
□ Sleepwear
□ Rain gear
□ Fleece jacket
□ Camp shoes (flip flops/crocs)
SAFETY & FIRST AID
□ First-Aid Kit
□ Ibuprofen & Aspirin
□ Insect Repellent/Insect-sting relief
□ Allergy Medication
□ Antacid tablets
□ Burn cream
□ Hydrocortisone
□ 100% Aloe Vera Gel
□ Moleskin (for blisters)
□ Lubricating eye drops
□ Loperamide tablets (for diarrhea)
□ Poison Oak/Ivy prevention & treatment
□ Emergency whistle
□ Directions to the nearest ER
MISCELLANEOUS
□ Trowel/hand shovel/axe/hammer
□ Camping lantern
□ Travel alarm clock
□ Head lamp and/or flashlight
□ Extra batteries
□ Camera/camcorder & memory cards
□ Maps/guidebooks
□ Cell phone car charger
□ Swiss Army Knife
□ GPS or compass
□ Daypack + 10 essentials
□ Entertainment – Games, cards, books
Are there any items that you would add to this list? If we’ve forgotten anything, please mention in the comments below.