Camping Checklist & Tips for Easy Camping (audio)

Camping dad and son at a campsite

Even if you’ve camped a hundred times before, it’s always a good idea to create a checklist for your next outing – especially if it’s the first of the camping season. Here’s a generic camping checklist to help make sure you don’t forget not only the little things, but the big things, on your next camping trip.

Tip: If you're camping in a controlled campground be sure to scope out the area if possible before choosing your campsite. Think about: where the amenities are located.  How close are you to water, the restrooms, and other campers? Here are 15 questions in a printable PDF to ask the campground host. Printable - Checklist of question to ask a camp host before you book a camping spot

Shop camping gear at Bass Pro Shops here, or shop camping gear at Cabela's here

Tip: Simply check the item off and print it out, or print out the camping checklist PDF here, then check it off the checklist while you load up.  

List of Camping Gear for the Trip

Tent
Hammer/mallet
Canopy
Tarp
Sleeping bag, sleeping pad, cot, air mattress (pump, if needed)
Flashlight, batteries (all sizes), lanterns, fuel
Pillows, linens
Extension cords
Coolers
Chairs, stools, tables
Water storage
Insect repellent
Hatchet, ax, shovel
Bungee cords, rope
Fans, tent fans
Sunscreen

List of Camp Cooking, Food Prep & Cleanup Gear for the Camp Kitchen

Camp stove, fuel
Charcoal, lighter fluid
Matches (waterproof preferred)
Firewood (sometimes sold at campsites)
Grill, cooking grate, racks and skewers
Skillets, pots, pans and griddle
Spatula, tongs, serving spoons and eating utensils
Cutting board and manual can opener
Aluminum foil and plastic wrap
Plates, cups and bowls
Napkins, paper towels, dish towels and sponge
Wash basin for dishes, detergent
Food storage containers
Trash bags
Oven mitt, pot holder

List of Emergency Gear for Camping Trips

First-aid kit
Emergency car kit
Pain relieve
Sunscreen
Sting kill swabs
Sunburn relief
Scissors
Multi-tool, shovel
Antihistamine
Antibiotic cream
Anti-itch cream
Eye drops
Antacid
Elastic bandage