A personalized tent camping checklist is a handy tool for novice campers to get an idea of what basic equipment is necessary to enjoy tent camping.
It is also useful for seasoned campers to ensure that important camping gear does not get left behind.
This list is both an organizing and a brainstorming tool. Campers will want to customize it to their own situation and personal preferences. Feel free to create your own, selecting items from the list below and adding new ones.
Essential and optional gear are listed in separate columns, so novice campers don't forget anything important and can also identify items to add to their camping kit over time.
Some of the optional gear is highly recommended, depending on season, weather and comfort.
A camping food checklist greatly help campers organize meals.
Essential Gear
Optional Gear
Comfortable & seasonal outdoor clothing
Long pants
Tennis shoes or hiking boots for walking
Hooded sweatshirt
Fleece jacket
Raingear
Umbrella
Swimsuit
Hat
Bandanna
Sunglasses
Backpack
Walking stick
Binoculars
Compass or GPS
Whistle
Bear Spray
Survival blanket
Camping stove, LP gas, matches
Fry pan or skillet, cover, spatula.
Cooking pot or pan, cover, stirring spoon
Coffee pot
Can opener
Aluminum foil
Spray oil
Paper towels
Plates & glasses or cups
Bowls
Knives, forks, spoons
Napkins (paper towels)
Freshwater container
Bucket
Plastic garbage bags
Twist ties
Drinking water
Firewood
Firestarter
Matches
Pie irons
Dutch oven
Solar oven
Gas grill
Charcoal grill
Charcoal
Lighter fluid
Roasting sticks or fork
Roasting or grilling basket
Pot lifter or spondonicle
Camp kitchen
Coffee mug
Soup bowl(s)
Kitchen knife
Meat fork
Serving bowl and plate
Corkscrew
Measuring cups and spoons
Meat thermometer
Pizza cutter
Cloth for picnic table
Washing tub, dish soap, towel
Resealable plastic bags
Coffee maker
Ice cream maker
Soap
Towel
Toilet paper
Shampoo
Shaving kit
Toothbrush and paste
Shower footwear
Antisceptic: Rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, iodine etc.
Antibacterial soap or wipes
Hand sanitizer
Bandaids
Gauze roll and tape (or duct tape)
Elastic compression bandage roll (Ace bandage)
Deodorant
Pain medication
Shower tent
Solar shower
Campground directions and map
Camping chairs
Flashlight
Pocket knife
Mosquito repellent
Sunscreen
Frisbee, ball, cards, games, etc.
Fishing kit
Headlamp
Camping lantern
Glowsticks
Radio
Camera
Batteries
Clothes line
Clothes pins (handy for securing items)
Bungie cords
Scissors
Baking soda (handy for cleaning, toothpaste, etc.)
Multi tool
Hatchet
Bow saw
Hand shovel
Plastic storage containers
Folding table
Outdoor electrical extension cord
Air conditioner
Fan
Inverter (12 volt to 120 volt)
Reading material
Sleeping bag
Air mattress and inflator (or)
Self-inflating sleeping pad
Tent
rainfly
poles
stakes
guylines
groundcloth
hammer
Plastic tarp
Blankets
Pillows
Sweatpants
Ski mask (for cool evenings)
Camping cot
Hand broom and dustpan
Tent fan
Bungee cord
Parachute cord
Carabiners
Duct tape
Pole repair kit
Tent fabric repair kit
Seam sealer
Sheet plastic
Screen house
Door mat
Carpet remnant for tent floor