Sometimes it can be hard to figure out what to pack, especially if you haven't done a lot of camping before. This list is a good starting point for most people. Of course, if you are staying in a non-electric tent site you won't need your phone charger, and if you are staying in a canoe-in site you will need a bunch of extra water-related things...but this list is a good basic starting point. (And don't forget your food, just because it isn't spelled out on the list!)
Clothing
- Long pants
- Shorts
- Socks (plus extras in case you get wet)
- Underwear (plus long underwear if needed)
- Pajamas or other sleepwear
- Short-sleeved t-shirts
- Sweatshirts or fleeces
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Gloves and stocking cap if needed
- Windbreaker or jacket
- Spare shoes or boots
- Rain gear
- Baseball hat
- Swimsuit with plastic bag
- Laundry bag
- Water shoes (for swimming and in the shower)
Personal Gear
- Backpack or other day pack
- Insect repellent
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Spare batteries
- Wallet
- Notebook and pencil
- Board games, lawn games, books, playing cards, Frisbee
- Water bottle
- Sunglasses
- Phone charger
- Baby/antibacterial wipes (for quick and easy cleanup)
Personal Hygiene and Safety
- Soap
- Hand sanitizer
- Shampoo
- Brush and comb
- Family first aid kit (medications, Band-Aids, tape and gauze, antiseptic, etc.)
- Feminine products
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Glasses and contact lens storage and cleanser
- Washcloth
- Sunscreen (SPF 30 or greater)
- Towels
- Hand sanitizer
- Lip balm
- Deodorant
- Toilet paper
- Surface disinfectant supplies
Camp Gear
- Directions to campground
- Tent with ground tarp
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad
- Pillow
- Rope or cord
- Multi-tool or small tool kit with hammer to pound tent stakes
- Lighter and matches
- Newspaper to light fire
- Lantern with fuel
- Small broom and dustpan
- Folding camp chair
Kitchen Gear
- Water
- Camp stove
- Camp stove fuel
- Water jugs
- Bucket or tub for washing
- Dishcloth and scrubber
- Dish soap
- Dish towels
- Knife or scissors
- Pot
- Pan
- Utensils and roasting sticks
- Stove-top coffeepot
- Can opener
- Plates
- Bowls
- Paper towels or napkins
- Mugs or cups
- Measuring cup
- Roasting forks
- Food
- Cooler and ice
- Resealable plastic bags (quart or gallon sized)
- Aluminum foil
- Trash bags
- Tablecloths and clips for picnic tables