Camping itself is an amazing opportunity to get out into nature and enjoy some peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Packing for a camping trip, however, can be a bit stressful and can feel pretty overwhelming at times. You don’t want to forget anything that you will need. You want your camping trip to feel like you are ‘one with nature’ not ‘one against nature’.

Now obviously, you don’t need to have everything on this list to make your next camping trip an enjoyable experience. This is a general guideline of what to pack. How much you bring depends entirely on your camping preferences, whether that be roughing it with the bare minimum or glamping in style or somewhere in the middle.

Save this camping checklist page and give it a look over before your next camping trip so you never forget a thing.

Let me know in the comments below if I missed anything.

Shelter/Warmth

• Tent and Tent Flysheet
• Tent Poles
• Tent Pegs
• Sleeping Bag
• Gazebo (optional) – For extra campsite outdoor coverage
• Groundsheet/Plastic Tarp – Use your Sandals/Flip-Flops to keep grass and dirt out of the camping area

Toiletries

• Daily Vitamins
• Prescription Medication
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Dental Floss
• Body Soap
• Shampoo
• Razors/Electric Shavers
• Toiletry Bag – For carrying everything between the showers and your tent
• Facial Soaps/Creams
• Tampons/Pads
• Facecloth
• Towels – 1 for Showers and 1 for Swimming
• Deodorant/Perfume
• Back Scrubber
• Breath Mints
• Comb/Brush
• Hand Soap/Sanitiser
• Toilet Paper Rolls
• Water Purification Tablets
• Painkiller Tablets
• Headache Tablets

Cooking/Cleaning

• Box of Matches
• New Lighter
• Gas Canister
• Gas Cooker Attachment
• Frying Pan
• Large Pot
• Fire Starters
• Chopped Firewood
• Meat Tongs
• Spatula
• Meat Knife
• Chopping Board
• Dish soap
• Dishcloths
• Pot Scourer
• Cleaning Sponge
• Plastic Bowels
• Plastic Mugs
• Plastic/Paper Plates
• Table Knives and Forks
• Teaspoons
• Tablespoons
• Heat Gloves

Accessories

• Tent Light (try get one with a hook to attach to the top of the tent)
• Camp Spotlight/Lantern
• Spare Batteries
• Sunscreen
• Bug Spray
• Insect Repellent
• Kettle
• Power Extension Cords (Go for at least 20m to be safe)
• Multiplug Adapter
• Phone Charger
• Laptop Charger
• Power Cables
• Hiking Backpack
• Day Pack
• Hiking Poles
• Snake Gators/Guards
• Duct Tape
• Rope – Can be used to set up a washing line
• Portable Coffee Grinder
• Multi-Tool
• Superglue
• Bush Knife
• Portable Spade
• Watch/Smart Watch
• Scissors
• Water Purification Filter
• Brush and Scoop
• 3x Black Plastic Garbage Bags – For wet clothes, dirty clothes and campsite trash

Navigation

• Map of Area
• GPS device
• Compass – For Hiking
• Pencil
• Ruler
• Eraser
• Cellphone
• Guidebook of Area

Comfort

• Camping Chairs
• Foldable Tables
• Ground Mat (Bonus points if it’s an inflatable one)
• Pillow
• Handwarmers

Food

Obviously, this section is highly personal based on what meals you want to prepare and your dietary preferences but these are some basic items to consider packing.

• Cereal
• Milk
• Sugar
• Coffee
• Tea
• Snacks
• Lasagna
• Water Bottles
• Bread
• Sausages
• Potatoes
• Stir Fry
• Juice
• Steak
• Wors
• Cheese
• Tomatoes
• Lettuce
• Cucumbers
• Noodles
• Tomato Sauce
• Onions
• Green Beans
• Salt
• Pepper
• Mince
• Rice
• Bananas
• Apples
• Nartjies
• Bacon
• Eggs
• Butter/Margarine
• Bread Rolls
• Chips
• Salad Dressing
• Sweet Potatoes
• Carrots
• Wraps

Check Out Fresh Off The Grid’s 27 Easy Camping Meals to Make Camp Cooking a Breeze for some Inspiration…

Emergencies

• Reflective Blanket – Used to increase body temperature when hyperthermia sets in
• First Aid Kit
• Cellphone – To call emergency services in the event of an incident
• Emergency Flare (optional) 

Clothes

• Hiking Shoes/Trail Running Shoes
• Sandals/Flip-Flops – For walking around camp
• Full-Length Thermal Set (Pants and Top)
• Wool Socks (always bring at least 2 more pairs than you think you will need)
• Rainjacket
• Gloves
• Beanie
• Thick Jacket/Hoodie
• Underwear
• Swimming Costume
• Breathable Short Shirts
• Breathable Short Pants (I find running shorts work well. Great for hiking)
• Long Sleeve Shirts
• Sweatpants
• Hat – For Sun Protection

Documentation

• I.D
• Driver’s License
• Passport
• Campsite Bookings Printed Out

Personal Items

• Wallet
• Cash
• Cellphone
• Journal and Pen
• Camera and Spare Batteries
• Headphones/Earphones

Entertainment

• Laptop/Tablet – For watching Movies and Shows
• Laptop/Tablet Charger
• Frisbee
• Soccer Ball
• Cricket Set
• Rugby Ball
• Bow and Arrows
• Catapult
• Books
• Badminton Set
• Tennis Rackets
• Tennis Balls
• Swing Ball
• Fishing Rod
• Bait
• Fishing Set
• Running Shoes

Surfing

• Surfboard
• Surf Wax
• Spare Surf Leash
• Wetsuit

Mountain Biking

• Mountain Bike
• Mountain Bike Helmet
• Mountain Bike Shoes
• Breathable Shirt
• Riding Shorts
• Riding Gloves
• Repair Kit
• Spare Tube
• Spare Chain
• Oil

Climbing

• Harness
• Rope
• Quickdraw Set
• Trad Set
• Helmet
• Belay Glasses
• Belay Gloves
• Climbing Shoes
• Chalk and Chalk Bag
• Set of Slings
• Belay Device
• Locking Carabiners
• Local Route Guidebook
• Crashpads
• Hangboard

Photography/Videography

• Camera
• Spare Batteries
• Tripod
• On Camera Flash
• Mic Set
• Lenses
• Lens Support Stand (for the big boy lenses. Wildlife and Landscape Photographers)
• Spare SD card
• Charging Cable
• Camera Bag
• Cleaning Kit
• Waterproof SD Card Case
• Portable Diffuser
• Portable Light
• Lightstand

The Ultimate Camping Checklist. Save this page and come back to it any time you are planning your next camping trip. Hope this was helpful. Did I miss anything?