When you’re stuck in the woods, you don’t want to forget anything. But you don’t want to pack too much, either.
Also, will your tent be big enough? And if you have a sleeping bag, do you really need a sleeping mat?
If you’ve got questions like these, we’ve got the answers. Below, you’ll find a complete first-time camping checklist that tells you everything you need for your first camping trip. You’ll also learn how to avoid the burden of packing too much.
Put your first-time camping worries to rest. Pack your bags according to this camping checklist for the best first camping trip ever.
1. Campsite Information
A lot of first-time campers don’t realize that overpacking is as troublesome as underpacking, especially if you’re going backpacking. (It adds unnecessary weight to your pack.)
Besides that, camping usually puts you in a tiny, cramped living space for several days. The last thing you need is a bunch of stuff you won’t use being in the way of the items you will use.
So, the most important thing for first-time campers to have is information. Before you pack, check the campground website and see what amenities your campsite provides. This lets you know what items you don’t need to burden yourself with.
Add These to Your List
Here are some items you’ll need if the camp is missing certain amenities, like electric lighting. As you check out the campground information, cross out any of these items you won’t need.
- Flashlights/lanterns
- Campfire kit (lighter, grill, etc.) or portable stove
- Water, food, other drinks
- Soap, toothpaste, other bathroom substances
- Medicine, first aid items
- A portable shovel for digging a latrine
- Shower caddy, flip flops (shower shoes)
- Biodegradable cleansing items and extra water for bathing (if there is no shower)
Some of these items may also be irrelevant due to campsite regulations and restrictions. For example, you don’t need a lighter if the campground prohibits campfires. Cross these irrelevant items off your list, too.
2. Your Pack(s)
Camping backpacks are your best option because they have all the compartments you need to organize your stuff in one bag. There are even spots for your sleeping bag/mat. If you’re not backpacking, though, a backpack is not a necessity.
Luggage is your next-best option, and maybe some extra bags for your sleeping bag and your toiletries. Basically, pack the way you would if you were traveling and staying at a hotel.
3. Tent Plus Accessories
The rule of thumb when choosing a tent: tent manufacturers lie. They always overestimate the number of people that can fit in a tent.
For example, if the label says the tent fits 8 people, technically that means that 8 unrolled sleeping bags will fit inside without overlapping. That also means that, if 8 people are sleeping in the tent, 7 of them are going to get stepped on if one gets up to go to the bathroom.
There’s no room to walk or even open your suitcase if the tent is filled to capacity. Always bring a tent that sleeps more people than the actual number of people who will be using it.
Accessories
Next, you need a hammer to drive in the tent stakes. You also need a tarp under the tent (to protect the tent floor) and a rain fly to go over it (to shield the rain). If your tent kit doesn’t include these, you’ll need to buy them separately, especially the rain fly.
The roof of your tent will not keep the rain out without a rain fly. Choose a reliable, name-brand rain fly like the Chill Gorilla Hammock.
4. Other Items/Checklist
Lastly, here is the condensed checklist:
- Tent plus accessories
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping mat (yes, you need both)
- Pillow and case
- Backpack/bags
- Clothes for all weather (you never know)
- Swimsuits
- Sunscreen
- Plastic zipper bags
- Trash bags
- Portable lighting
- Campfire stuff or portable grill (with extra propane)
- Cooking items (pans, spatulas)
- Dish soap, sponge, dishtowel, and water for washing cooking items
- An ice chest with lots of fresh ice
- Nonperishable foods (canned ravioli)
- Lots of drinking water
- Napkins
- A can opener, disposable dishes/utensils, a sharp knife
- Toiletries including soap (assume nothing will be provided by the campground)
- Shower stuff in shower caddy, shower shoes
- Medicine, medication, first aid items
- Cell phone, car chargers, power banks
One final note: make sure none of your “portable” items require electricity unless you have a way to plug it in. Also, you can skip the cooking items if you want to live off of cold pantry foods (peanut butter sandwiches, trail mix) for the trip.
Print This First-Time Camping Checklist
Make your first camping trip memorable for the right reasons. Print this first-time camping checklist and use it for reference when packing for your trip.
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