Get ready to pack up and sleep under the stars. This car camping checklist covers off the camp essentials, plus has some extras to make your campsite extra sweet – you may not need everything on this list, so adjust your camp checklist for what makes sense for your group and plans.
Heading into the backcountry? See our backpacking checklist or canoe or kayak touring checklist instead.
Sleep and shelter
- Tent
- Tent footprint (groundsheet)
- Tarp and cord
- Sleeping pads or air mattresses (don’t forget the pump)
- Sleeping bags
- Pillows
- Camping cots
- Bug shelter
Campsite set-up
- Camping chairs
- Portable table and tablecloth
- Hammock
- Lanterns or string lights
- Cord to tie up as a clothesline
Kitchen and cooking
- Coffee maker
- Camp stove and fuel
- Matches and fire starters
- Axe or hatchet
- Pots, pans or Dutch oven
- Pot grabber
- Knife and cutting board
- Mugs and cups
- Plates and bowls
- Cooking utensils
- Cutlery
- Can opener
- Cooler with ice
- Food storage containers
- Aluminum foil
- Corkscrew and bottle opener
- Water jug and filter/treatment
- Garbage bags
- Bear-resistant food containers
- Biodegradable soap and scrubbers
- Portable sink
- Plan for firewood (check regulations where you’re staying)
Outdoor essentials
- Daypack
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Water bottle
- Multi-tool
- Bug spray
- Bear safety gear
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Map
- Campsite reservations and park pass
Clothes and shoes
Check the weather forecast for where you’re going and think about what kinds of activities you’ll be doing, then adjust your packing to match. If you’re staying near the water or in the mountains, it can get cooler than you’d expect so be ready to layer.
Bring clothes made of quick-drying, moisture-wicking materials. Here are some ideas for where to start:
- Socks
- Underwear
- Sports bra
- Short-sleeved shirts
- Long-sleeved shirts and sweater
- Shorts
- Pants
- Cozy layers to sleep in
- Fleece jacket or puffy jacket
- Rain jacket
- Rain pants
- Wide-brimmed sun hat
- Bathing suit
- Toque
- Gloves
- Sturdy shoes or boots (waterproof is a good idea)
- Sandals
Personal stuff
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Toilet paper
- Quick-drying towel
- Earplugs
- Hand sanitizer
- Toiletry kit with your essentials
- Extra set of contacts or glasses
- Medications
- Power bank or spare batteries for electronic devices
- Phone
Fun extras
- Bikes (great for kids at the campground)
- Binoculars
- Books or magazines
- Paper and art supplies (get inspired to make art in the wild)
- Watersports gear and PFDs
- Hand-powered blender
- Cards and games
- Roasting sticks
- Epic s’mores recipes
