What To Bring Camping: The Ultimate Checklist

You don’t really know what you forgot, until you’re already at the campsite.

Maybe it’s your headlamp. Maybe it’s the tent stakes. Either way, now you’re stuck figuring it out in the dark.

Packing for a camping trip can feel like a lot. There’s gear, food, clothes, and all the little things that are easy to overlook.

This complete camping checklist takes out the guesswork.

We’ve spent years living in the Rockies and camping in all kinds of conditions, so we’ve learned what’s worth bringing and what’s not. Read Our Story >>

It’s simple, thorough, and built from REAL experience.

Gear Organization

Packing for a camping trip gets a lot easier when your gear is organized and stored in one place.

One system we’ve used for years is a mix of a small 3-drawer organizer and a couple of plastic bins. It keeps everything sorted and ready to go, so we never have to scramble or dig through bags at the last minute.

The drawers are great for the small stuff that’s easy to lose track of, and the bins hold our bigger gear. With this setup, we just grab the drawers and bins, toss them in the car, and head out.

Here’s how we organize our camping gear:

3-Drawer Organizer

• Top Drawer: Sanitary items (toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, wet wipes, toilet paper)
• Middle Drawer: Electronics (headlamps, batteries, chargers)
• Bottom Drawer: Miscellaneous (dry bags, bug spray, bungee cords, extra rope)

Plastic Bin #1: Sleeping Essentials

• Sleeping bags
• Sleeping bag liners
• Pillows
• Extra blanket

Plastic Bin #2: Cooking Gear

• Camp stove
• Fuel
• Lighter or matches
• Cooking utensils (spatula, tongs, etc.)
• Pot and pan
• Napkins or paper towels
• Tin foil
• Plates, bowls, and cutlery

Once you’ve got your gear stored like this, packing just takes a few minutes. It also helps you keep track of what needs to be cleaned, refilled, or replaced after each trip.

Sleeping Equipment

Getting good sleep while camping makes the whole trip better.

You’ll hike farther, feel better, and actually enjoy your time outdoors.

Tent Setup

• Tent
• Tent footprint or tarp
• Extra tent stakes
• Mallet or rock to drive in stakes
• Ground cloth or mat for the tent entrance

Sleeping Gear

• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping bag liner
• Sleeping pad, cot, or camping mattress
• Pillow
• Extra blanket or camp quilt

We each keep two sleeping bags—one for warm weather and one for colder trips—so we always have the right one for the season.

We’ve also learned not to cut corners on sleeping pads. Comfort matters more than you think when you’re out there for days.

We LOVE our Hest Sleep System. Read our review here

No matter your setup, the goal is the same: sleep well so you can enjoy your time outside.

Electronics

You don’t need much when it comes to electronics for camping—but the right tools can make a big difference.

We’re not talking about bringing your laptop or tablet. Out here, it’s more about staying safe, having enough light, and keeping a few key devices charged.

Lighting

• Headlamp
• Camping lantern
• Extra batteries

Power Sources

• Portable battery pack
• Solar panel
• Charging cords

Navigation & Safety

• GPS device with SOS (like the Garmin InReach—we never camp without it)
• Fully charged phone
• Offline maps or a downloaded trail app (like onX or AllTrails)
• Compass and paper map

If you’re heading out for just one night, you can keep things simple. But for multi-day trips or backcountry camping, having a few key electronics adds safety and convenience.

They don’t take up much space, and they can make all the difference in an emergency—or just help you find your way back to camp after dark.

Campfire & Cooking Equipment

Campfires and camp cooking are some of the best parts of any camping trip.

Whether it’s roasting marshmallows, warming up with a hot meal, or just sitting by the fire with friends, these moments often become the memories you keep. But they only happen if you pack the right stuff.

Here’s everything we bring to cook meals and enjoy time around the fire:

Campfire Essentials

• Lighter (bring two, just in case)
• Fire starter
• Local firewood
• Roasting sticks
• Camping chairs
• S’mores ingredients (marshmallows, graham crackers, chocolate)
• Fire pit grill grate
• Bucket or jug of water

Cooking Gear

• Camping stove
• Propane or stove fuel
• Lighter or matches (yep, again—important enough to list twice)
• Cooking utensils
• Pot and pan
• Plates, bowls, and eating utensils
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Cooking oil, salt, pepper, and spices
• Paper towels or napkins
• Tin foil (handy for cooking over the fire and for cleanup)
• Biodegradable soap and scrub sponge
• Trash bags

Food & Storage

• Prepped meals (do as much as you can at home to save time)
• Easy snacks
• Cooler with ice
• Food storage bin
• Bear-proof containers or vehicle storage (mandatory in bear country)

Cooking Surface

• Folding table

Water

• At least one large water jug (we use a 7-gallon container)
• Refillable water bottles
• Water filter or purification tablets

The key is to plan meals ahead of time and pack only what you need—but don’t skip the comforts. A good camp meal and a warm fire can make even a simple campsite feel like home.

Entertainment

Once camp is set up and dinner’s done, you’ll want something to do besides scroll your phone.

Most campsites don’t have great service, and charging electronics isn’t always easy. That’s why we recommend planning for screen-free fun and bringing a few things to help you relax and enjoy your time outdoors.

Here’s what we like to pack for entertainment at camp:

Games & Activities

• Deck of cards
• Board games or travel-sized games
• Dice games
• Outdoor games (cornhole, frisbee, bocce, spikeball)
• Puzzle books
• Coloring books or drawing supplies

Books & Music

• A good book or e-reader (pre-loaded before you leave)
• Journals or notebooks

Group Fun

• Campfire stories
• Stargazing
• Nature scavenger hunt

Time at camp is a great chance to slow down, connect with your group, and enjoy being outside. A few simple activities go a long way, especially when the sun goes down and it’s just you, the stars, and the fire.

Personal Items

Staying comfortable, clean, and prepared while camping comes down to having the right personal items.

You don’t need to overpack, but you do need to bring the basics—clothing, toiletries, and a few things for safety and hygiene. These essentials will help you feel your best, even when you’re off the grid.

Here’s a full list of what we bring on every camping trip:

Clothing

• Shirts (short- and long-sleeved)
• Pants and shorts
• Underwear and sports bras
• Warm layers (fleece, hoodie, or puffy jacket)
• Rain jacket or shell
• Sleepwear
• Hat for sun protection
• Beanie and gloves (for cold nights)
• Hiking boots or trail shoes
• Camp shoes or sandals
• Flip flops (for showers)
• Extra socks (at least one pair per day)

Toiletries & Hygiene

• Toothbrush and toothpaste (biodegradable if no restroom)
• Biodegradable soap or all-in-one wash (for body, hair, and dishes)
• Personal medications
• Towel (quick-dry camp towels work great)
• Hairbrush or comb
• Deodorant
• Wipes or hand sanitizer
• Toilet paper (always bring your own, just in case)
• WAG bags (for human waste if there’s no bathroom access)
• Shower tent and portable shower (if needed)
• Flip flops for campground showers

Health & Safety

• First aid kit (stocked and not expired)
• Sunscreen
• Lip balm with SPF
• Bug spray (DEET or natural options)
• Bear spray (if camping in grizzly territory)

Most of these items live in the top drawer of our camping organizer so they’re easy to grab when needed.

And don’t forget—your personal gear is what keeps you safe and comfortable, especially when weather or plans change. Bring enough to stay warm, clean, and covered for the whole trip.

Things You Shouldn’t Bring Camping

When you’re packing for a camping trip, it’s just as important to know what not to bring.

Some items are unnecessary, others can create problems for you or for the people camping around you. Keep things simple, low-impact, and focused on the experience—not the stuff.

Here’s what we recommend leaving at home:

• Lots of electronics – You won’t have many ways to recharge them, and you probably won’t use them.
• Perfumes or cologne – Strong scents can attract bugs and animals, and no one at camp cares how you smell.
• Glass bottles or breakables – They can shatter and leave a mess. Use cans or reusable containers instead.
• Valuables or expensive jewelry – It’s easy to lose or damage them at camp. Better to keep them safe at home.
• Fashion clothing – Camping is about comfort and durability. Leave anything fancy or delicate behind.
• Difficult-to-make meals – Keep food simple. Go with easy prep and low-mess meals to save time and cleanup.
• A bad attitude – Weather changes, bugs bite, things break. Stay flexible and remember to have fun.
• A speaker – Keep music to yourself. Most campers are out here for peace and quiet.

When in doubt, choose gear and supplies that are useful, easy to manage, and respectful of the outdoors and those around you.

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