The ability to successfully complete a camping trip relies heavily on the camper’s ability to bring along the necessary supplies and equipment. The following camping checklist is intended to serve as a general reference for the typical weekend spent camping by a family. Your camping supply list might look different if you go to a different place, experience different weather, or stay in a different kind of campground than usual. Check out our advice on lightweight backpacking if you are going backpacking, camping in a kayak or canoe, or participating in any other sort of camping where the weight of your gear is an important consideration.
When you go camping, the things you bring with you that are most vital to have are a place to take shelter and bedding. Primitive camping vacations may require little more than a tarp to shield you from the wetness in the ground and a comfortable sleeping bag, but your family camping checklist should contain one or two tents that are appropriately sized, tent stakes and extra stakes, as well as a hammer and stake puller. Ground covers, which may also be described as tarps that are somewhat larger than the base of your tent, are an excellent way to shield your camping shelter from dust and dampness. You should also consider bringing along an outside mat for the entrance of your tent as well as a compact broom to keep your tent clean.
There is a wide variety of alternatives available for bedding and sleeping equipment, but some items that should be on your camping checklist include air mattresses or camp pads, such as the Coleman Rest Easy pad, sleeping bags, and possibly even pillows and blankets. Don’t forget to pack additional blankets and comforters to keep warm during the evenings, at picnics, and in play areas. You might also want to bring along a Coleman shelter so that you can hide your food from the elements or simply take a break from the heat.
On the list of things you need to bring camping, clothing is another must-have item. The kinds of clothes you bring with you should, of course, be determined by the climate and the kinds of activities you have planned for your trip. Packing for a straightforward weekend excursion requires three complete changes of clothes, in addition to something to sleep in, a jacket or sweatshirt, and rain gear. Long pants, hiking boots, and additional socks are all essential pieces of equipment for anyone who intends to go hiking. Remember to bring your bathing suit, sandals or flip-flops for the beach or pool, and a hat or cap of some kind for added protection from the sun. Take advantage of the laundry facilities that the majority of campgrounds have and limit the number of extra sets of clothing you bring along with you on longer camping trips to just one or two.
Maintaining the same level of cleanliness that you would at home is essential while you are out camping. Carefully go over your camping checklist, and make sure you remember to bring all of the personal things and amenities you will need. If you are staying at a campground that has shower facilities, be sure that the containers your toiletries are stored in are waterproof and easy to carry. In any case, you can choose from a number of different Coleman showers for your camping trip. Don’t forget to bring your medications and any other personal stuff, such as shampoo, deodorant, dental care products, products for your hair, and so on.
Totes made of rubber or durable duffel bags are excellent options for storing and transporting your camping stuff. To make things less complicated, you might want to think about bringing a separate duffel bag and shower caddy for each person. Organize less frequently used things, such as camping games, beach toys, and rain gear, together in different bags or containers so that they are easier to find. It is very helpful to have laundry bags for the bathhouse as well as for keeping dirty garments segregated from clean ones. Remember to bring a bath towel, a washcloth or sponge, and a container for change containing quarters, as some showers and washing facilities require payment.
