Going camping quite often as a child made me think I was a camping expert as an adult. It wasn’t until I started camping on my own how little I realized I actually knew. With that in mind, I figured I would put together our typical, basic camping packing list.
Keep in mind that this is not for backcountry camping. You need many other items for that and can obviously leave out some of these. This list is just for your typical campground site.
Shelter & Bedding
Tent/Tent Footprint/Rainfly
We personally use the REI Arete ASL 2 Tent and love it! It’s very lightweight, but plenty of space for both of us and our dog if he is coming along. The footprint is what stakes to the ground (similar to a tarp) and the rainfly is obviously added protection from the weather.
Sleeping Bag
During the summer, I don’t tend to use a sleeping bag…I usually unzip it, lay it flat and just use a blanket. However, I love the North Face Snow Leopard Sleeping Bag.
Pillow
Not necessarily a necessity, but it’s nice to have.
Air Mattress/Pump
I don’t personally camp with an air mattress. I prefer to the ground – personally I think it’s better for my back. But, I’m a big camping advocate and if the only way you’re going to go is if there’s added comfort then please bring along the air mattress!
Hiking
Daypack
I hope when you’re camping that you’re taking advantage of the very nearby outdoors. I use a good sized Camelbak as my daypack. Therefore you have your hydration system and extra storage in one space.
Hiking Boots
Hiking boots or trekking shoes are definitely needed. I also sometimes just use my trail running shoes.
Water Bottle
Never go hiking without water. If you don’t have a camelbak, take a water bottle. Or, take both to be safe!
Camp Basics
Knife
Always bring along a good knife. We actually usually have 5 different ones around. They are good for just about anything – even making PB&J when someone (**cough, cough**) forgot the silverware.
Folding Chairs
For enjoying the fire and relaxing.
Hammock
We take our hammocks with us that just attach to two trees. Very nice for taking an afternoon nap or reading your book in.
Flashlight
Always, always have a flashlight. Have more than one. And, extra batteries!
Headlamp
Headlamps are great for getting in & out of the tent at night and for walking to the restrooms at night.
Cooler & Ice
Just make sure to lock up all your food tight at night so the animals don’t come scavenging!
Stove with Fuel
Matches/Lighter
I usually bring both lighters and waterproof matches.
Lighter Fluid/Firestarters
Making fires isn’t the easiest thing in the world. Some good firestarters are newspaper, toilet paper rolls with dryer lint stuffed inside and so on.
Firewood
Wait to get the firewood until you get close to your campground. There are specific laws about bringing and taking firewood into different areas and for good reason. So, pay attention. Also, most places you gather your own firewood as long as it’s already on the ground and dead.
Wire hangers
For roasting marshmallows, or hot dogs. But, I hate hot dogs so yea… Don’t buy the special roasting utensils. Wire hangers do the trick.
Plates/Bowls/Cups/Silverware
Ziploc bags
Trash Bags
Quick Dry Towels
We love our quick dry towels. They are super lightweight and take up so much less space than a regular towel.
First Aid Kit
Just have the basics with you – advil, tylenol, neosporin, alcohol wipes, bandaids, etc.
Bug Spray
You’ll need it.
Antibacterial wipes
Entertainment
Playing Cards
Cornhole Boards/Horseshoes/Ladder Golf
Bluetooth Speaker
It’s pretty awesome having a wireless speaker to have music around the campfire.
What do you have on your camping packing list? Any recommendations? Sound off below in the comments
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This is a timely list for me as we may end up hiking and potentially camping at Yosemite next weekend! I also need to share our Kili trek packing list on the blog before I completely forget it:)
Nice list, thank you! I’m planning a camping trip so perfect timing too ๐ I try to be as minimalistic as possible because I hate carrying a lot of stuff with me, especially for longer hikes. Too bad you can’t really do camping with just a thing or two lol
I’m more of a glamper but a few friends are trying to convince to try roughing it.
Great list! The first time my husband and I went camping, it was a complete disaster. We forgot the most basic things like a flashlight and lighter and can opener. We did, however, remember all of the ingredients for S’mores so we felt pretty accomplished.
Great list. We usually forget something. I would definitely add wine to my list though. I usually need that to sleep in a tent in the first place! ๐
Ashley, I did not get to do as much camping this summer as I had planned. It seemed to rain and rain and rain everywhere we went. Great packing list!
Awww you make camping sound so romantic!
I need to bookmark this list because I ALWAYS forget something when I camp! Although usually they are hygiene things…like a toothbrush. I always forget a toothbrush haha!
It is a very good idea to have a check list. On the personal list I always include earplugs ๐
“Never go hiking without water.” – you spelled wine wrong. ๐ Haha jk, great list, and yeah, I’m totally the kind of girl who has to have an air mattress!
Great tips Ashley! I wish my back would still handle the ground but I need a little something for buffer. They make so many light weight pads though that are much easier to haul around than an air mattress. I take a deck of playing cards with me everywhere!!!
You actually do not need air mattress and the pump anymore, they have those amazing self inflating mattresses now. It take like 30 sec!
Great list to getting started on an ultimate camping trip!
What a fantastic list for going on an epic camping trip!
Really good packing list! We don’t have a car and usually when we camp we have to carry the stuff, so we never take things like chairs, but I would so love one sometimes!
I am going camping for a few days soon and this checklist helps me creating my own packing list.
Great list! People underestimate needing to take water bottles with them – and also a knife; a knife can be used for pretty much any emergency situation!!!
Great list! Might actually save this for the next time we go camping ๐
Great overall list! Although the kind of backpacking and camping my boyfriend and I do would not be able to support so much stuff! ๐
I always bring a Machete in case I find bears or Mexicans ๐ฎ
Great list…you never want to forget a tarp for the hammock, just in case! ๐ lol
Looks like a great list! I’ve only been camping once.. but it was barely camping and only for one night. Would love to try it for multiple nights though.
That’s a pretty great list! One thing I actually picked up was a cast iron dutch oven – fill it with tasty things like eggs, veggies, cheese and spices, throw it in the fire and you’ll soon have one of the tastiest camp meals ever!