A complete camping gear checklist will help you enjoy a stress-free an fun filled weekend. Forgetting any of the camping essentials will make for a long and uncomfortable weekend. If you’re just getting started with your camping gear checklist, use the list below as a template, then add your own items that you like to bring. Having your own custom camping gear checklist is vital whether you go camping once a year or once a week!
Essential Camping Gear Checklist
We’ll start with the essentials, start your camping gear checklist here. Forgetting these items could mean a rough trip. Don’t forget a thing and you’re sure to have more fun.
Shelter Items
- Tent
- Rain fly
- Tarp
- Sleeping Bags
- Sleeping Pads
- Pillows
- Extra Blankets
Cooking Gear
- Propane Camp stove
- Barbecue
- Campfire cooking equipment
- Can opener (or multi-tool)
- Cooler
- Propane (or other fuel)
- Water Jugs
- Folding Camping Table
- Pots & Pans
- Utensils
- Plates & Bowls
- Food
- Water
- Dish soap
Other Essential Camping Gear
- Firestarter/matches
- First Aid Kit
- Tooth brush
- Toothpaste
- Washcloths
- Towels
- Toilet Paper
- Feminine Hygiene
- Shovel
- Rake
- Toolkit
- Flashlights
- Extra Clothes
- Extra Shoes
- Rain Gear
- Splitting Maul
- Rope
- Whistle
- Lantern
Optional Camping Gear Checklist
Along with the list of essential gear there’s also a lot of optional camping gear that you can take as well. These items will make your camping trip more fun, easier, more convenient, etc. Decide how many luxuries you want on your camping gear checklist then plan accordingly. =)
Optional Shelter Gear
- Camping Cots or other bedding
- Mat for outside tent
- Broom
- Pavilion
Optional Cooking Gear
- Camping coffee pot
- Extra coolers
- Folding camping chairs
- Spices
- Mugs
- Can coolers
- Cutting board
- Pie irons
- Cooking sticks
- Aluminum foil
- Steak knives
- Dutch oven
- Table cloth
- Butane lighter
- Pot holders
- Tongs/Spatulas
- Ziplock bags
- Corkscrew
Other Optional Camping Gear Checklist
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Camping Games
- Pen & Paper
- Chainsaw
- Bungi cords & tie downs
- Books or Kindle
- Bug repellant
- GPS
- Sunscreen
- Extra batteries
- Fishing Gear
- Radio
- Backpacks
- Sunglasses
- Hammock
- Garbage bags
- Duct tape
- Work gloves
- Hand wipes
- Fire extinguisher
- Scissors
- Watch/clock
Making Your Own Camping Gear Checklist
Use the above camping gear checklists as a template, then add your own items as you think of them. Copy them all into your own word document so you can add/subtract as needed. If you ever see a piece of camping gear that you need but isn’t on the list, just write it in and change it when you get home.
Having your own custom camping gear checklist is by far the easiest and most efficient way to pack for camping. You’ll be stress-free knowing that you have everything you need and be able to have more fun as a result.
