Camping Essentials Checklist

Whether it’s your first camping trip or you’re an experienced camper, use this camping checklist as a guide when you pack for your trip away.

We asked our Facebook followers, “What top tips would you share with someone new to camping? ” Around 200 campers commented with advice, tips, and suggestions on what to bring to make your camping trips seamless. Below you’ll find their ideas as well as our expertly curated camping packing list essentials.

Your packing list may vary slightly from the items below, depending on your camping unit, but it’s a good guide to get you started. Take this list and make it your own. You might find you’re a camping minimalist and prefer to pack light, or someone who needs their creature comforts from home (wine glasses, anyone?).

And if you forget something? Don’t panic because our campsites have on-site shops stocked with all the basics.

Missing the essentials? Being a member of the Club gives you access to brilliant discounts with outdoor retailers, savings accessories and even cuts the cost of pitch nights on our campsites, making it even easier to get kitted out for your next trip.

Tent & Comfort | Kitchen | Tools & Repair | Clothing | Personal | Extras

Camping checklist download

Download and print your free camping checklist (PDF)

Tent and comfort checklist

“Buy a good sleeping bag because whatever the weather is like it can get blooming cold at night.” - Chris Roberson

These are the most essential items for a tent camping checklist:

• Tent and required components (tent footprint, porch etc.)
• Spare tent pegs
• Rubber mallet
• Sleeping bag/Duvet for each camper
• Sleeping pad or mat for each camper if tent camping
• Pillows
• Extra blankets
• Camping chairs
• Camping table
• Toilet roll
• Torches/lanterns

Kitchen checklist

“A flask of tea and some sandwiches so you have something whilst setting up to avoid that hangry feeling!“- Maggie Franks

We’ve got camping food inspiration aplenty but here’s the main equipment you’ll need:

• Water container
• Water bottles
• Camping stove
• Fuel – gas / charcoal depending on your cooking method
• Matches or lighters
• Coolbox & ice packs
• Oven glove/heatproof mat
• Sharp knife
• Kettle
• Frying Pan
• Saucepan
• Serving dishes
• Plates
• Bowls
• Cups
• Glasses
• Mugs
• Cutlery
• Bottle opener
• Corkscrew
• Can opener
• Scissors
• Tin opener
• Cooking utensils
• Washing up liquid & sponge
• Tea towel
• Bin bags
• Trays

Tools and repair items

“Duct tape!!! Don’t forget the duct tape!” - Joanne Lilley

• Duct tape
• Tent repair kit
• Spare batteries
• Peg puller
• Carabiners
• Multitool
• Paracord
• Clothes pegs
• Dustpan and brush
• Headlamps

Clothing and footwear checklist

“Layers and good waterproofs if you're warm and dry, you can cope with anything the weather throws at you” - James Nance

• Pyjamas
• Warm layers
• Socks
• Underwear
• T-shirts
• Long-sleeved T-shirts
• Shorts
• Trousers
• Jumpers
• Waterproof
• Sun/winter hat
• Sandals
• Trainers/walking shoes
• Swimwear

 Personal items

“Enough toothpaste tubes so you’re not waiting outside the opposite gender toilets brush in hand.” - Denise Eggleston

• Towel
• Brush/comb
• Soap/shower gel
• Shampoo & conditioner
• Deodorant
• Sanitary items
• Razor
• Shaving cream
• Contact lenses/glasses
• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Sun cream
• After sun
• Insect repellent
• First Aid Kit
• Any regular medication
• Anti-bacterial hand wash and sanitizer

Useful camping extras

“I had a box which I labelled 'The box that has everything' for those little things that I realised I hadn't taken on earlier trips but needed - spare batteries, a mirror, midge repellent, hand sanitiser, a few pegs, paracord, first aid kit, matches, ladies essentials…just any other little bits and bobs.” - Kathryn Purchase

• Entertainment (a deck of cards, board games, beach ball etc.)
• Binoculars 
• Mirror 
• Dirty laundry bag

Finally…

”Produce a take list beforehand and tick off when it’s loaded.” - Tony Byrne