Everything You Need To Get Started

A camping gear checklist can go on forever. However, I’ve created this list of camping gear essentials to leave out items I’ve found less than helpful or just extra weight. The article is broken into sections of gear that you’ll need for each stage of your camping experience, and ends with some non-essential items that make the adventure more enjoyable. 

Camping Gear Essentials

It’s important to keep in mind that what seems essential to one camper isn’t always critical to another. Some campers don’t mind roughing it a little more than others, and some campgrounds have amenities that others don’t. So feel free to pick and choose the items on the following camping lists that best suit your camping style.

Sleeping Arrangements

You can always use the handy pillow rock and cover yourself with leaves, but I strongly recommend bringing the following items to ensure you stay comfortable, warm, and protected while you sleep.

• Tent, RV, or Vehicle
• Sleeping bags/blankets
• Sleeping pads
• Pillow

Cooking Arrangements

You’ll need a way to cook and clean up after yourself. This section is where you’ll need more gear than you initially think. I always forgot a cooking-related item, so I created the following checklist.

• Camp food (Keep it simple with pre-packaged meals, canned foods, and other non-perishable food items)
• A way to cook your meals and treat water if needed (firewood, charcoal, camp stove, griddle, Dutch oven, and/or grill)
• Firestarter/matches/lighter
• Camp pots and pans
• Cooking utensils
• Eating utensils
• Bottle opener, can opener, and corkscrew
• Sharper knives
• Plates and bowls
• Cups
• Aluminum foil
• Paper towels
• Food storage containers
• Cutting board
• Cooler (with plenty of ice or cold packs)
• A way to wash dishes (large water jugs, wash bin, soap, sponge, and dish towel)
• Trash and recycling bags

Clothing

I always pack at least one pair more than the days I’ll be camping, just in case something gets wet or soiled. 

• Moisture-wicking underlayers (T-shirt, underwear, and synthetic socks)
• Quick-drying pants and top layers
• Long-sleeve shirt (Performance sun hoodies are amazing)
• Hat/sunglasses
• Pajamas (Your typical sleepwear will work)
• Rain jacket and pants
• Long underwear (When camping in cold weather)
• Insulated jacket (When camping in cold weather)
• Gloves (When camping in cold weather)
• Beanie or warm hat (When camping in cold weather)
• Hiking boots or shoes

Hygiene/Toiletries & Health

A quick way to ruin a camping trip is to get hurt or sick. Bring as many of these items as you can to ensure you don’t have bad hygiene or health while you’re camping. 

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Hand sanitizer
• Toilet paper/baby wipes
• Towel
• Feminine products (For the ladies)
• Toiletry kit/bag
• First-aid kit
• Sunscreen
• Lip balm
• Insect repellent/ Insect repellent device
• Sanitation shovel/trowel (When no toilets are available
• Brush/comb
• Alcohol/ antiseptic wipes

Personal Items

These are must-have items to get you to and from the campground.

• Cash/credit card
• Identification
• Cellphone
• Proof of campsite reservation (If needed)

Tools

On top of the small toolbox I keep in my vehicle, I also bring these tools while camping. 

• Map of the area
• Compass
• Headlamp/ flashlight/ Lantern
• Multi-tool
• Duct tape
• Paracord/rope
• Tent-pole repair sleeve
• Pad/air mattress repair kit
• Mallet/hammer
• Saw and axe
• Hand broom and dust pan
• Camp chairs
• Camp table (If the campground doesn’t have tables)
• Whistle
• Fire blanket

Nice-To-Haves

The following items will make camping much more enjoyable, but are unnecessary for a successful camping trip. 

• Binoculars
• Field Guides
• Hammock
• Fishing gear
• Kayak, paddleboard, canoe
• Cards, board games, frisbee
• Musical instruments
• Books
• Portable power bank
• Dog gear
• Swimsuits
• Water shoes
• Cosmetics
• Spare glasses/ contact supplies
• Earplugs
• Portable camp shower/bathroom
• Tarp/sunshade
• Sleeping bag liners
• Cots
• Camp rug
• Clothesline and clips
• Tablecloth and tape or clips
• Portable coffee/tea maker
• Hot dog and marshmallow roasting forks

Final Thoughts: Camping Gear Essentials

Since you’ve reached the end of my camping gear essentials checklist, I’ll leave you with a packing tip. I pack all my related gear together in clear plastic bins and dry bags. This helps with organization, so I don’t have to get all my sleeping gear out when searching for a cooking utensil or vice versa. 

The items above are beneficial for backpacking, tent camping, SUV camping, or RVing. However, as you become more serious about your specific type of camping, you might need some additional items. If you believe I left off any essential camping items, be sure to let me know in the comments.

Wes Littlefield

Wes is an avid outdoorsman from Oklahoma always on the hunt for the next adventure. When he’s not writing, he’s probably in his kayak reeling in a fish or trying to trick waterfowl into checking out his spread.