Tent Camping Checklist

Having a good tent camping checklist is the secret to a successful trip.

A good list makes packing for a car camping trip easy and stress-free!

I'll show you the list we use. You'll probably want to modify it and make it your own.

How to use this list

Go through this list, crossing off the items you won't use.

Add other items that you know you'll want. (Perhaps you need your coffee maker, or a GPS.)

I've given a general list. Make it as specific as possible.

For example, cross out "bowls" and write something like this:

cereal bowls (4)
large metal mixing bowl
green plastic bowl

Creating your family's own personal tent camping checklist from this list will take some time - but you have to do it just once. When your camping gear list is done, packing for your tent camping trips will be easy forever after!

If you'd rather use this exact list, click here for the printable tent camping checklist.

Okay - here we go! Get ready to start packing!

Tent camping checklist

The basics

A camping candle not only provides light and atmosphere, but can even keep your tent cozy on a chilly evening!

Cooking and eating

stove and fuel and funnel
barbecue and small propane tank
matches or lighter and lighter fluid
pots and lids
skillet
oven mitts
cutting board
knives, forks, spoons
steak knives, paring knife, large knife
plates, bowls, cups
mugs
kettle or coffee pot
serving spoons, wooden spoons
flipper
measuring spoons
garlic press
grater
can opener
pot lifter
spatula
tongs
potato masher
containers for leftovers, with lids
water jug
cooler and ice - or camping refrigerator
stainless steel water bottles
Thermos
aluminum foil
hamburger cooker
marshmallow roasting sticks
tablecloth and tablecloth weights
food

This set of nesting camping dishes for 4 is compact and easy to pack. The bowls come with lids so that you can store your leftovers. You can use the mugs as coffee cups for the adults, or sippy cups for the kids.

But what should we eat?

Excellent question! Here's my camping food list, and here are some great easy camping recipes.

Cleaning

dishpan or portable sink
dish soap
dishcloth and dishtowels and scrubbie
cleaning cloths
tent sponge
dustpan and whisk

This sturdy dishpan collapses to one-third its height for easy packing. Just look at all the enthusiastic reviews!

Hygiene

basin
washcloth
hand towels
beach towels
soap
toothbrushes and toothpaste
hairbrush or comb
sunscreen
aloe gel
lip balm
deodorant
women's sanitary supplies
shampoo
hand cream
toilet paper

Clothing

bathing suits
pants
shorts
T-shirts
long shirts
pajamas
underwear
socks
sunhats
sun wear
warm hats
rain gear
warm layers (fleeces and jackets)
footwear (hiking shoes, beach shoes, rubber boots, sandals)

Other

bikes, helmets
bike bottles
bike tools, bike lock, bike pump
axe, hatchet
shovel
clothesline and clothespins
beach blanket
beach toys (inflatables and pump, pails and shovels, toy trucks, balls, Frisbees)
campsite games
day pack
hammock and hammock straps
books
board games
pad of paper, pens and pencils
deck of cards
scissors
pliers, screwdriver
camera and batteries
garbage bags
laundry bag
insect repellent