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The Essential Camping Checklist (12 Free Printable Templates)

Preparation is key for any outdoor adventure. Having the right equipment and supply can make a huge difference in your general enjoyment and experience. Part of the joy of camping is needing very little gear to survive outside.

However, depending on where you are planning to go for your camping and how long you will take camping, you will have to create a camping checklist to ensure that you don’t leave out some basic things that may be very important during camping.

Sections of Camping Checklist

Following are a few main sections of any camping checklist:

Shelter and Bedding

Camping shelter is what will protect you and your friends from the elements while sleeping outdoors. The bedding will keep you warm and cozy while sleeping. These are the basics you will need for your camping shelter and bedding:

  • Mat for tent entrance
  • Tent
  • Exe or hammer
  • Ground cloth
  • Dustpan
  • Shade trap
  • Pillow
  • Air pump
  • Sleeping bag
  • Repair kit
  • Utility bag for storage
  • Sheets and a blanket
  • Air mattress/ sleeping pad

Cooking

One of the best parts about camping is cooking and eating at the campground. To make sure that you have carried everything you will need to cook with to have a fun-filled, comfortable, enjoyable, and memorable camping trip, here are the things that you should add to your camping checklist and should carry with you when going camping:

  • Cooler
  • Measuring cups
  • A large water jug and water bucket
  • Charcoal/buddy burner/ firewood
  • Plates/bowls
  • Plastic plates
  • Stove with fuel
  • Dutch oven
  • Table cloth/clips
  • Paper towels
  • Silverware/plastic silverware
  • Thermos
  • Matches/lighter
  • Campfire grill
  • Trash bags
  • Tongs
  • Clothespins
  • Dish soap
  • Folding table
  • Heavy-duty aluminum foil
  • Firestarter/newspaper
  • Cooking oil/Pam spray
  • Pie irons
  • Pots and frying pans with lids
  • Ziplock bags
  • Pie irons
  • Folding table
  • Napkins
  • Potato peeler
  • Scrub pad
  • Mixing bowl
  • Cutting board
  • Can opener

Clothes

When packing your clothes for camping, it is important that you first check on the weather and pack your bags according to the weather and climate forecast. Make sure you pack an extra layer for warm nighttime outside and rain layers for when it will be raining. Also, remember to carry with you sun protection as you will be spending more time outdoors.

  • Rain gear
  • Sweatshirt/jacket
  • Shoes/ boots
  • Laundry bag
  • Underwear
  • Bandana
  • Shorts
  • Hat
  • Swimsuit
  • Towel
  • Sleep clothes
  • Socks
  • Jeans
  • Belt

Personal Hygiene

There are a few basic hygiene items that can go a long way in making your camping experience more fun. Even when you are outside camping, you should always keep in mind that your hygiene matters a lot. Here are some of the basics you should mention in your camping checklist and pack when camping in the great outdoors:

  • Razor
  • Feminine products
  • Shower shoes
  • Deodorant
  • Toilet paper
  • Personal medications
  • Comb/brush
  • Soap/shampoo
  • Feminine products
  • Camping shower/shower pump
  • Lip balm
  • Sun hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Insect repellent
  • Toothbrush/toothpaste
  • Soap
  • Towels
  • Prescription medication
  • Quick-dry towel
  • Hand sanitizer
  • First aid kit

Miscellaneous

Depending on what time of the year and where you are going camping, there are several things that you ought to carry with you. Before going, you must research the camping site and look at these miscellaneous items to add to your camping checklist:

  • Compass/ GPS
  • Camera
  • Whistle
  • Candles
  • Maps/directions
  • Misc. tools
  • Radio
  • Sunglasses
  • Hammock
  • Tissue
  • Water filters
  • Extra batteries
  • Lantern with fuel
  • Popcorn
  • Saw/exe
  • Binoculars
  • Park map
  • Marshmallows
  • Straps
  • Camp chairs
  • Fishing gear
  • Backpack
  • First Aid kit
  • Pocket knife
  • Cards/toys/golf
  • Notepad
  • Cell phone/charger
  • Safety pins
  • Small shovel
  • 2-way radios
  • Duct tape
  • Water bottle/coffee pot
  • Alarm clock
  • Watch
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Scissors
  • Work gloves
  • Teabags
  • Umbrella
  • Money
  • Small sewing kit

Basic First Aid Kit

With the great experiences of the great outdoors come many things like cuts, burns, bee stings, and scraped knees. Having a first aid kit with you is very important, especially when dealing with stings, injuries, and small cuts. Here are some of the basic first aid items you should make sure to add to your camping checklist when you are going camping:

  • Cotton swabs
  • Scissors
  • Bug repellent
  • Personal medication
  • Adhesive tape
  • Sunscreen
  • Sinus medication
  • Safety pins
  • Antiseptic wipes
  • Tweezers
  • Ipecac
  • Sterile compresses
  • Sterile gauze pads
  • Ipecac
  • Splinting materials
  • Blanket
  • Ace bandages
  • Burn ointment
  • Anti-acids
  • Triangular bandages
  • Antibiotic cream
  • Eye drops
  • Feminine products
  • Antibiotic soap
  • Twine
  • Nail clippers
  • Snake bit kit
  • Sunburn ointment
  • Nail clippers
  • Road flares
  • First aid manual
  • Poison ivy cream
  • Hydrogen peroxide

Tips for Camping with the Family

  • Get a camping date on your calendar: the first thing to do when you are planning on going camping is to set the date on your calendar. Camping grounds can fill up quickly, so you don’t want to miss out.
  • Invite friends: the fun part about going camping is bringing your friends along to help keep everyone happy and occupied. Spending time with your friends and family is a great way to enjoy the adventures of camping.
  • Prepare the gear: below are some of the things to include when going camping. Make sure to carry the essentials so as not to be inconvenienced.
  • Prepare the food: it is important to carry some food for the road and the first day of camping. Also, make sure to prepare the food that you will be using at the camp. Write down what you plan to eat for each meal in a meal planner.

Printable Camping Checklists

To make your work much easier, you can download ready-to-use camping checklists. The templates cover all the basic items you will need for camping. Also, remember that not every camper will need all the items listed in this checklist. You can download and use the camping checklist as a guide.

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Camping-Food-Checklist.png

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 Camping Checklist Coleman

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Camping Essentials Checklist

Camping Checklist Format

Get-Ready Checklist For Camping

Outdoor Camping Checklist

    Conclusion

    Even for seasoned campers, one may find themselves forgetting some of the basic things that may be important when packing hence the reason for using a checklist. As you prepare to go out camping, you must have a camping checklist that is super complete. Make sure to cross off all the items you have packed in your bag to avoid packing twice or forgetting to pack some things.

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