The Perfect Camping Checklist for a Cozy Night Beneath the Sky
Including a comprehensive, downloadable version that you can utilize for your upcoming camping trip.

Make sure you have everything you need for your next camping trip with this handy packing list. Camping can mean a variety of things to different people, from rugged backcountry trips to more comfortable car camping experiences. Whatever your style, it's always better to be prepared.

To ensure you have a happy and stress-free camping adventure, we recommend finding a balance between your creature comforts and essential gear. Whether you're a seasoned camper or trying it out for the first time, this packing list will help you stay organized and ensure you don't forget anything important. So grab your tent and hit the great outdoors with confidence!

Camping is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and connect with nature. Whether you're an experienced outdoors person or a first-time camper, having the right gear can make all the difference in ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable trip.

For those who prefer to drive to a campsite, it's important to have all the basic essentials such as a tent, sleeping bag, and food supplies. However, it's also nice to have a few creature comforts to enhance the experience. A comfy chair for stargazing, fire starters for a cozy campfire, a fluffy pillow for a good night's sleep, a cast-iron skillet for a delicious breakfast, and some lip balm for chapped lips are all simple additions that can make a big difference.

Camping is a chance to unplug and unwind, and being prepared with the right gear can help you fully enjoy your time in the great outdoors. Whether you're seeking adventure or just some time to relax, there's no better way to do so than by spending a weekend under the stars, surrounded by nature.

But you also have the space to bring a bit more than just the basics, like trash bags, a toothbrush and toothpaste, and other personal items. To make sure you’re prepared and comfortable, use this camping checklist to guarantee you pack everything you need.

Tip: Download or save this printable camping checklist to use for your next camping trip.

First-Time Camping Tips

Before we jump into the camping checklist, let’s get some basics out of the way. The idea of camping is romantic—you never immediately think of the things that could bring discomfort like, say, some unexpected weather or a noisy crew at the neighboring site. Buying gear may seem like the biggest task, but make sure you know where you’re going to be camping first. Choosing a location is very important, as you want to know what kind of weather to prepare for, as well as the wildlife that also call the area home. Once you have that decided, narrowing down your gear will be easier.

Take the time to read customer reviews on the big ticket items, like tents, hiking boots, camp stoves, and car camping structures. If needed, give retailers a call to talk through your options. More often than not—especially at shops like REI that celebrate outdoor communities—the staff will have opinions and experience using various pieces of gear.

Many campsites are on review sites like TripAdvisor and Yelp—if you’re curious about amenities, it’s best to refer to those who have experienced the spaces firsthand. You can also search for the campsite on Instagram and scroll through tagged photos to better know what to expect.

Tip: Download or save this camping checklist to use for your next camping trip.

Illustration by Emily Blevins

Campsite

To set up your campsite, you’ll always need a shelter, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad, which can help you warm at night by keeping you off the ground. Other items—like chairs and pillows—add an extra touch of comfort. Also: Check your campground amenities before you pack. Most drive-up campgrounds will provide a picnic table and firepit and sell firewood on site.

Tent, with footprint and stakes

Sleeping bags

Sleeping pads or cots

Camping chairs

Headlamps

Lighting, like a lantern and string lights

Lighter

Pillow

You may also want:

Camping table

Hammock

Games

Firewood (aim to buy locally-sourced wood close to your campground to avoid introducing invasive insects)

Duct tape

Extra batteries

Axe or hatchet (for chopping wood)

Multi-tool

Tent repair kit

Trowel

To keep everything organized, consider packing everything in a dedicated camping gear bin or box, like the foldable Thule Go Box ($130.

Toiletries and first aid

When packing toiletries for camping, it’s more about being prepared for cuts, bug bites, and basic hygiene. If you’re only camping for a night or two, you might even skip showering entirely—though that doesn’t mean you can’t stay clean(ish). A simple body wipe and a stick of deodorant can do wonders after a night in a tent. Try and skip the paper towels (less trash!) and utilize quick-dry towels or a washcloth instead.

Biodegradable soap

Deodorant

Body or face wipes

Toilet paper

Quick dry towel

Sunscreen

Hand sanitizer

Insect repellent (plant-based Natrapel, $13, is a good DEET-free option)

First aid kit, like the Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight Kit ($33) which includes adhesive bandages, gauze, tweezers, and pain relievers in a weatherproof bag.

You may also want:

Camp shower

Flip-flops (if your campsite has a shower)

Clothesline

Clothing

As a kid tagging along on my brother’s Boy Scout campouts, I learned that you should always, always, bring an extra set of clothes and shoes. No, not because it was part of the Boy Scout manual, but because I could never manage to make it through a night of s’mores without getting marshmallow all over myself. Bottom line, first time campers: The unexpected happens in the great outdoors, so check the weather and pack clothes that will keep you warm and dry during cold weather and at night and cool during the day.

Short- and long-sleeved shirts

Pants and shorts

Warm jacket for evenings

Boots or shoes for hiking

Socks

Sandals for lounging around the campsite

Sleep or loungewear

Sunglasses

Hat

You may also want:

Rain jacket

Gloves or mittens

Swimsuit

Earplugs

Camp kitchen and cooking

Sure, you could get creative with nothing but a roll of tinfoil and a campfire to cook your meals (hello, fire-baked potato). You’ll also want to bring along a few other camp kitchen essentials for cooking and cleaning up after, for those campfire taco dinners and pancake breakfasts.

Keep in mind that if you’re camping in bear country, it’s a good idea to bring a bear canister to store your food (some coolers, like the Yeti Tundra, double as a bear canister). However, drive-in campsites will often provide metal lockers to keep your food safe from bears and other wildlife.

Stove and fuel

Matches or lighter

Kitchen kit (pots and pans) and cooking utensils

A good knife

Mess kit (plate, bowl, and eating utensils)

Portable coffee maker (like Snow Peak’s collapsible coffee drip, $43)

Biodegradable soap (we like Joshua Tree camp soap, $10, which doubles as dish and body soap)

Sponge

Cooler

You may also want:

Trash and recycling bags

Filled water jugs (if your campsite doesn’t have potable water)

Grill and charcoal

Cutting board

Tablecloth

Bottle opener

Tinfoil

Water container or reusable water bottles

Can opener (if you’re bringing canned foods)

Food

Before you leave, its helpful to plan what meals you want to make while camping and draft a food shopping list. Oatmeal, freeze-dried soups, sandwiches, and hot dogs are always easy-to-cook camp classics but if you’re looking for more inspiration, we love the delicious camp-friendly recipes (like a tinfoil shrimp boil or skillet pizza) in The Campout Cookbook ($19).

Don’t feel like prepping and shopping for your camp meals? Patagonia Provisions makes things dried fruit, dehydrated bean soups, and even canned mussels that you can pack for a weekend of low-fuss food.