Heading out on your first car camping* trip, or just trying to keep track of your gear? Take this packing list and make it your own. You’ll find your own balance between making it comfortable and bringing the kitchen sink–we believe in you!

If you camp a lot, you may want to designate a shelf or closet to keep this gear together for easy packing (also handy in emergency situations). We also like to put all the kitchen goods in one bin, as well as packing separate totes to grab for showers and beach trips.

If you’re a true beginner without any gear, start with the essential list for first-time campers.

Either way, you can use and reuse this list to help avoid that “what did I forget?” feeling.

EZPZ tip! Download and print this list to put it in one of those sheet protectors from your office supply stash. When it’s time to pack the car, use a dry erase marker to cross things off as you go. 

 

Don’t leave home without

  • Camping reservation info**

  • Directions**

  • ID

  • Cash

  • Any necessary medicines, epi pen, etc.


Main gear

  • Tent

  • Poles

  • Stakes

  • Tarp

  • Sleeping bags/quilts

  • Pillows

  • Chairs

  • Cooler

  • Table

  • Flashlights/headlamps

  • Lantern

  • Hatchet

  • Sleeping pads or cots

  • Hammock

  • Popup shade

  • Trash bags

  • First aid kit


For cooking & eating

  • Matches/lighter

  • Kindling (newspapers or dryer lint are fine)

  • Stove

  • Pot and pan

  • Plates/bowls (disposable or washable)

  • Cups

  • Paper towels

  • Eating utensils

  • Pot holder

  • Dish soap

  • Sponge

  • Dish towel

  • Foil 

  • Ziplocs or containers for leftovers

  • Coozy

  • Cooking utensils:

    • Marshmallow forks

    • Can opener

    • Wine/bottle opener

    • Spatula

    • Tongs


Other gear/accessories

  • Extra batteries

  • Extra blankets

  • Tablecloth

  • Spare car key

  • Charging cables for car or backup charger

  • Broom/dustpan

  • Gloves

  • Propane

  • Rope

  • Doormats

  • Trash can


Personal care

  • Sunscreen 

  • Lip balm

  • Deodorant

  • Toothbrushes/toothpaste

  • Bug spray

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Tissues

  • Baby wipes 

  • Washcloth and hand towel

  • Soap

  • Toilet paper

  • Shampoo/conditioner 

  • Shower towels and/or beach towels


Pet stuff

  • Food

  • Water dish (factor pets into your water supply)

  • Pet first aid kit

  • Bed

  • Blanket


Just for fun

  • Bikes/skateboards/scooters

  • Fishing poles/tackle

  • Radio

  • Camera

  • Books

  • Art supplies

  • Ball

  • Frisbee

  • Board games

  • Playing cards

 

**Remember to print or take screenshots as cell service is never guaranteed.

 

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