Continuing this week’s mini-series on camping, today I’m sharing my “annotated” packing list. I first compiled this list years ago when we were primarily tent campers.

I’m sure your list will differ from mine, but hopefully this will give you a starting point. I would highly recommend customizing it for your family’s needs. Some of the equipment is redundant and some you may not have or need. You’ll want to plan your menu before deciding what you need to take for cooking. More on that tomorrow.

I’m using Amazon affiliate links for some items to show you what I’m talking about. (That means if you end up ordering from Amazon I might get a small commission.) Also, I’ve added a printable list at the bottom of the post.

From Little Golden Book: Smokey Bear and the Campers, circa 1961

Campsite Equipment

lanterns
- We have a Coleman lantern that takes fuel, as well as a couple of battery-powered lanterns with removable side panels. We like to use the Coleman lantern on the picnic table for playing board games after dark. The battery lantern is great for inside the tent when you’re getting ready for bed. You can take the four sides off so each person has their own piece. It’s is also great for after-dark treks to the outhouse because it has a wider beam than a flashlight.
small propane tanks
- These are super handy with this little single-burner set-up for heating water or anything else in a small pot.
ax
flashlights
spare batteries
camping chairs
- Bag chairs are most convenient for transporting, but Lyle has a “recliner” that he especially enjoys.
hammock

Shelter and Bedding

tent
folding canopy
- We set this up over the picnic table for extra shade and shelter in case of rain.
tarps
- For ground cover under the tent, or could be tied to trees as shelter if you don’t have a canopy. We also keep one to throw over the firewood if it rains.
rope
- It’s just one of those things you never know if you’ll need… for a clothesline if nothing else. And you’ll definitely need a clothesline if there will be swimming going on, for those wet swimsuits and towels.
sleeping bags
pillows
air mattress
air pump
- Either a hand pump or one that plugs into your car’s cigarette lighter.
whisk broom
- It’s amazing how much debris gets tracked into a tent.

Campfire Gear

matches and/or lighter
hot dog sticks
burger basket
- For cooking burgers over the fire.
fire gloves
bucket for water

Cooking Equipment

camp stove
portable grill
coffee pot
- You can take the percolator pieces out of it to just heat water. We use it that way often.
grill utensil set
iron skillet
sauce pan
knife
can opener
mixing bowl
pot holders

For Meals

insulated mugs (for hot beverages)
- The blue granite mugs are cuter–and we do have some–but I like the insulated mugs for coffee or cocoa because they aren’t too hot to hold, plus they keep your drink hot longer.
granite ware dishes
flatware
tablecloth
pitcher
dishpan
drain rack
dish towels
dish cloths

Consumable Supplies

firewood
- Wood is generally available by the bundle from the campground host or local convenience stores, but we usually buy a half-cord or so at the beginning of each camping season and then just take what we need for each trip. It’s a lot cheaper this way.
ice
garbage bags
- Some campgrounds have a dumpster. Others have a “pack-it-in-pack-it-out” policy.
insect repellent
paper towels
paper plates
- Yes, we have reusable camp dishes but we still use paper a lot to save on washing dishes, particularly when we need to conserve water.
dish soap
plastic bags
heavy-duty foil
Lysol spray
toilet paper
- Campgrounds often have pit toilets and for some reason, you just can’t count on them always having toilet paper.
hand sanitizer
- For when soap and water is not convenient.

Toiletries

soap
washcloths
- If the campground doesn’t have showers I’ve been known to fill a dishpan with water and have what my mother calls a “cat bath” with a washcloth and a bar of soap.
towels
shampoo
toothpaste
toothbrushes
deodorant
combs
wipes
first aid kit

Clothing

jacket
underwear
socks
tennis shoes or hiking boots
flip-flops
- Especially if you’ll be using the public showers.
shorts
t-shirts
long pants
sweat shirts
hat or ball cap
- I rarely wear a hat in general, but I’ve found I do sometimes want one when camping for keeping the sun off my face.

Swimming Gear

swimsuits
floaties
sunblock
beach towels
beach umbrella

For the Dog

leash
chain set up
dog food
food and water dishes

Recreational

binoculars
camera
bikes
frisbee
reading material
board games
card games
Bible
paper and pens
glow sticks
walkie-talkies
- Many of the campgrounds where we stay are “off the grid” with no cell phone service. Walkie-talkies are especially good if you have kids who like to go exploring.

Did you notice food was missing from my packing list? I didn’t forget! Tomorrow I’ll be sharing our camping menu plan and shopping list. See you then!

Printable Packing List

Camp Packing List

What to Pack for Camping