Camping Checklist

Click here for printable version.

Shelter Bedding
Tent and canopy Sleeping bag
Ground cloth/tarp Sheets & blankets
Extra tent stakes Pillow
Shade tarp Air mattress, sleeping pad or cot
Axe or hammer Air pump
Entry mat Air mattress repair kit
Dust pan & brush Utility Bag
   

Clothing

Personal

Underwear and/or long johns

Towel and wash cloth

Socks and extra socks

Soap in plastic case

Long pants

Shampoo

Shorts

Toothbrush & toothpaste

Belt

Deodorant

Shirts and T-shirts

Brush or comb

Boots: hiking or wet weather

Razor and shave cream

Shoes

Toilet paper

Bandana

Shower shoes, flip flops

Hat

Chapstick

Sweatshirt or jacket

Hand wipes

Rain gear

Tweezers

Sleeping clothes

Medications

Swimsuit and towel

Money, I.D., etc…

Laundry bag

Dental floss

 

Mirror

Miscellaneous

 

Fanny pack

Scout handbook

Compass

Maps or guidebooks

Whistle

Notepad and pen

First aid kit

Camp chair

Sewing kit with safety pins

Musical instrument

Sunscreen

Camera and film

Sunglasses

Rope for clothes line

Insect repellant

Bungee cords

Pocket Knife

Plastic trash bags

Flashlight, extra batteries & bulb

Duct tape

Alarm clock or watch

Waterproof matches

Candle

Ziploc Bags

Canteen or water bottle

 
   

Dining

 

Mess kit

Potholders or hot gloves

Knife, fork & spoon

Skewers

Thermally insulated cup or mug

Pot lifter or pliers

Napkins

 


Unpacking


A good place to start is with the checklist you used to pack up before the camping trip. Write down from
your mental notes things to add to or remove from to the list from your latest experience. This will help
with the checklist for your next trip. Now put your gear away so you can rest.

A few things to consider...

- As you unpack your gear, take inventory. Did you leave anything behind? Identify any items that are
damaged or broken; make a list of what needs repair or replacement.

- Separate all clothes and bedding items that may need laundering. Don't wait to start doing the laundry,
wash whatever you can, as soon as you can, to remove outdoor smells that can come from campfires,
or from lakes, streams, and beaches, or from dirt, mud, and sand, etc.

- Set up your tent to air it out, especially if it got wet while camping, and to give it a good sweeping
before stowing it. Be sure to air out any other camping gear that may have gotten wet on the trip, to
avoid possible mold and mildew.

- Clean all kitchen utensils, cookware, dishes, glasses, and silverware. Return items not normally
dedicated to camping to where they belong and store all camping specific cooking items together.

- Make sure that any battery-operated devices are turned off or have the batteries removed.

- Repack your gear in your backpack or store it all in a footlocker. This way all your gear is in one place
and you will be able to find it quickly before your next trip. Take good care of your camping gear and it
will reward you for many years to come! Follow a check-in routine when you return from each camping
trip, and you'll always be ready for the next.