Camping Checklist

• A well-equipped campground with parking spaces will have more options than if you’re backpacking and carrying all of your gear. When “car camping,” you can bring practically anything your vehicle will hold. Plan your camping checklist accordingly.
• Research whether it’s a primitive campground or one with facilities. Many of the latter may have amenities such as fresh water, picnic tables, outhouses or first aid kits. Nevertheless, plan back-ups to any of those in case you arrive and find they’re unavailable. You will also want to make reservations where applicable to ensure you have a spot in a busy campground.
• Before your trip, familiarize yourself with proper use of composting toilets, as these are often common at campgrounds and RV parks, where full plumbing may be scarce.

No matter how carefully you plan for a rain-free trip, weather can be unpredictable. Shelter and comfortable bedding is crucial to staying safe and enjoying a good night's sleep.

• Tent (which may include stakes and guy wires for assembly)
• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping pad
• Camp pillow

Optional: Portable hammock, ground cloth (or tent footprint), sleeping bag liner, blanket, air mattress with pump and repair kit, mallet for driving tent stakes and extra tarp if backpacking to camp site.

Bring food and cooking equipment based on the type of experience you want, such as simple, cold goods compared to hot meals you cook yourself. Items like s'mores may not be considered essential, but they are a tradition for many campers.

• Water filters or purification items
• Potable water containers
• Matches or firestarters
• Camping stove and fuel
• Frying pan
• Cook pots
• Mugs/cups
• Plate/bowl
• Cooking and eating utensils
• Sharp knife or camping knife
• Food for three meals per person per day
• Cooler
• Biodegradable dish soap
• Dish towel
• Trash bags

Optional: Condiments, spices, cooking oil, beverages, ice, coffee pot, coffee/tea, firewood or peanut butter.

Bring at least one change of clothes since wet garments can put a damper on a good time. Before camping, select clothing made of fabrics that wick moisture and dry quickly.

• Boots or appropriate footwear
• Socks (wool or synthetic)
• Moisture wicking underwear and T-shirts
• Quick-dry pants and/or shorts
• Long sleeve shirts to protect against sun, insects
• Lightweight jacket
• Insulated vest or jacket
• Rainwear
• Long underwear
• Gloves

Optional: Sleepwear, swimsuits, bandana, sandals/flip-flops or sunglasses.

In addition to medication, at the top of your camping packing list should be a first aid kit or emergency essentials.

• Antiseptic wipes
• Pain relief medication (ex. ibuprofen)
• Insect sting/anti-itch
  medication or antihistamines
• Butterfly bandages
• Gauze pads
• Medical adhesive tape
• Multi-tool with tweezers and scissors
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray or repellent
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Toilet paper

Optional: Baby wipes, sanitary trowel or small shovel, mirror, brush/comb, eye mask, thermometer or other toiletries.

• Camp chairs
• Lantern
• Headlamp or flashlight
• Hatchet
• Rope or general use cord
• Duct tape
• Food hanging bag
• Whistle
  for each person on trip

Optional: Camping table, clothesline, clothespins, table cloth, tent door mat, small broom and dustpan.

Every adult camper should bring items such as identification, money and more if things go wrong or your phone loses its charge. But don't just prepare for the worst. As you plan what to bring camping, remember items for having fun.

• Smartphone or cell phone
• Charger and extra batteries
• Identification
• Cash/credit card
• Permits as needed
• Map
• Compass

Optional: Playing cards, sports or fishing gear, camera, local camping guide or binoculars.