Picture this…you’re all excited about your upcoming camping trip, ready to sleep under the stars and enjoy the serenity of nature. But wait! Did you remember to pack everything?
First aid kit? Salt and pepper? Toilet paper?! 😱
Fear not! We’ve got you covered with this tent camping checklist.
Whether you’re a seasoned camping expert or a newbie setting up your tent for the first time, having a comprehensive checklist is absolutely essential. It helps you avoid those “oops!” moments when you realize you forgot fuel for the camp stove, or even worse…the marshmallows for s’mores!
Keep going to get the tent camping checklist printable!
Tent Camping Checklist
Campsite Setup:
Essentials:
- Tent (Make sure you have the rain fly with it)
- Tent footprint or tarp
- Ground stakes
- Rope or guy lines for securing the tent
- An extra 50-100 ft of paracord (can you ever have enough paracord?)
- Sleeping bags
- Camp pillow
- Sleeping pad or cot
- Camp chairs
- Camp lighting (lantern, string lights, led lights, etc.) *Don’t miss a super easy lighting option later in the article!
Optional depending on where and how you are camping:
- Camp table (if there’s no picnic table or you want an extra one for food prep)
- Small rug for in front of the tent (helps keep tent clean)
- Clothesline with clips
- Canopy or tarp and necessary poles for covering the picnic table/cooking area
- An extra tarp or two for additional shelter or ground cover if needed
Camp Kitchen:
Essentials
- Cooler(s)
- Cooking stove
- Fuel for stove
- Cookware (pots & pans)
- Cooking utensils (spatula, tongs, large spoon, etc.)
- Potholders
- Plates & bowls
- Cups (for regular drinks and hot drinks)
- Eating utensils
- Bottle opener
- Can opener
- Corkscrew (I can’t tell you how frustrating it is to be in the middle of nowhere, wanting to enjoy your favorite vintage only to realize you forgot the corkscrew…I’m obviously not speaking from personal experience 🤣)
- Cutting board and knife
- Food storage containers and ziplock bags
- Biodegradable dish soap and sponge
- Water bottles for drinking water
- Water containers or jugs for dishwashing/handwashing water
- Salt, pepper, spices and sweeteners
- Oil and cooking spray
- Food for your camp meals
- Aluminum foil
- Collapsible sink for dishwashing
- Dishwashing sponge and pot scrubber
- A way to make coffee
- Trash bags
- Dish towels
Optional depending on where and how you are camping:
- Tablecloth and clips
- Campfire grill grate or tripod
- Griddle
- Dutch oven or cast iron skillet
- Charcoal
- Fire starter cubes
- Marshmallow/hot dog roasting sticks
- Camp toaster or grill rack
- Sanitizing wipes
- Portable fire pit (propane or Solo Stove)
Tools and Miscellaneous Items:
Essentials
- Multi-tool or pocket knife
- Hammer or mallet
- Hatchet or axe (for splitting firewood)
- Shovel or folding camp shovel
- Duct tape and zip ties (for quick repairs)
- Inflatable mattress/camp pad repair kit
- Extra rope or cordage (paracord or nylon)
- Portable camping saw
- First aid kit (including bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, etc.)
- Windproof or waterproof matches
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Hand sanitizer or soap
- Toilet paper (and trowel if you’re gonna do your business in the woods)
- Cash and identification
- Cell phone and charger
- Waterproof bags or containers for storing delicate items
Optional depending on where and how you are tent camping:
- Small handheld broom and dustpan
- Small fire extinguisher or fire blanket
- Bear spray or deterrent (if camping in bear country)
- Snakebite kit (if camping in snake-prone areas)
- Emergency whistle or signal mirror
- Emergency shelter (lightweight tent or bivy sack)
- Campsite reservation confirmation and permits (if required)
- Portable camping shower and privacy tent
- Portable Wi-Fi hotspot
- Books, magazines, or games for downtime
Clothing:
Choose the correct clothing for the season and type of camping you’ll be doing.
- Quick dry pants/shorts
- Moisture-wicking shirts
- Moisture-wicking underwear
- Sleepwear
- Sturdy hiking boots or shoes
- Durable socks
- Sandals or water shoes
- Hat or cap for sun protection
- Sunglasses
- Swimwear (if needed)
For cold weather
- Lightweight jacket
- Vest
- Warm, insulated jacket with hood
- Beanie
- Gloves or mittens
- Long underwear
- Fleece-lined pants
- Thick socks
- Gaiters (for hiking in muddy or snowy conditions)
Personal Care:
- Toilet paper (That’s not the first time it’s on this checklist…I really don’t want you to forget it!)
- Hand sanitizer
- Personal toiletries
- Bath towel
- Washcloth
- Prescription medications
- Feminine products
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Lip balm
- Baby wipes
- Mirror
- Brush/Comb
- Extra set of glasses or contact lenses
Accessories:
- Backpack or daypack for hiking
- Water bottles or hydration system
- Campsite lighting (headlamp, lantern, flashlight)
- Maps or navigation tools
- Binoculars or telescope (for stargazing or wildlife spotting)
- Camera and extra batteries
- Portable power bank or solar charger
- Outdoor games or recreational equipment (frisbee, ball, etc.)
- Camping hammock or swing
- Batteries for camp lighting, fans, or other accessories
- Portable camp shower
Stuff for Kids:
- Camp journal
- Appropriate clothing for all weather conditions
- Sleeping bags or bedding
- Snacks and drinks
- Activities or toys for entertainment
- Child carriers or strollers (if applicable)
- Portable high chair or booster seat
- Travel crib or playpen
- Kids’ camping chairs and table
- Nature exploration kits or field guides
Reddit has a couple of good threads regarding camping gear as well – this one “First time campers must haves” in the camper gear subreddit is super helpful. This other subreddit question addresses the best things you WONT find on a camping checklist… lots of wisdom in one spot!
*If you need some more specific camping checklists, check these out…
Don’t Forget Your Printable Tent Camping Checklist
Don’t miss out on the convenience of having our Tent Camping Checklist in a printable form. Sign up for the exclusive Resource Library to access the downloadable PDF version (along with a bunch of other FREE camping printables for organization and FUN!
And don’t forget to check out these other articles that’ll help you be prepared for your next tent camping adventure!
- 53 Camping Games to Keep Kids (and Adults!) Entertained Outdoors
- 61+ Camping Hacks – GENIUS Visual Examples To Get You Inspired!
- 47 Tent Camping Set Ups You’ll LOVE (With Pics!)
