Checklist

Tent

Be sure to rent, buy or borrow a tent that will keep you dry and comfortable. Practice setting up the tent at home before your first camping trip.

Groundsheet

A groundsheet is a piece of fabric that you place under your tent to help protect your tent’s floor.

Tarp

Bring a tarp and hang it above a picnic table so you can stay dry in case of rain.

Sleeping bag

If you don’t have a sleeping bag, bring a blanket and sheet from home.

Pillow

For extra comfort, bring a small pillow. If you prefer, stuff a sack with extra clothing for a makeshift camping pillow.

Sleeping pad or air mattress

A sleeping pad or mat goes under your sleeping bag for extra comfort and warmth.

Lantern

Use a battery-powered lantern inside your tent; gas or propane powered lanterns are fine outdoors but should never be used inside tents.

Flashlights or headlamps with extra batteries

A flashlight headlamp keeps your hands free while shining light on whatever you are doing. One headlamp per camper is ideal.

Rope or cord

Rope and cord can be used for many things including making clotheslines and hanging tarps.

Mess kit (plate, mug, bowl, utensils)

Plastic or steel plates, mugs, bowls and utensils are best as they are sturdy, quite lightweight, and reusable.

Camp stove

There are many types of camp stoves, so get advice to find a model that is ideal for you.

Fuel

Fuels come in many different shapes and forms so be sure that you have the right one for your stove or lantern.

Large bowl

A large bowl is useful for mixing ingredients while preparing meals at the campsite.

Cutting board

A cutting board will come in handy to chop ingredients while preparing snacks and meals.

Spatula, Wooden spoon, Strainer, Tongs

Consider which meals you are preparing and remember to pack the utensils you will need to cook them.

Pots, Frying pans

Bring pots and pans that are designed for fire cooking if you plan to cook on the fire.

Oven mitt

A pot holder or oven mitt will keep your hands comfortable when you move your pots and pans to and from the stove or fire. 

Dishpan

Bring a large plastic container or bin you can use to fill with water and wash your dishes in.

Biodegradable dishwashing soap

Be sure your dish soap is biodegradable, and dispose of it in sinks or drains not in lakes or on the ground. Check out the "Camping Basics" section to learn more.

Food cooler

Your cooler is not wildlife-proof so be sure to store it properly at night or anytime you are not at your campsite.

Waterproof matches/ lighter

If you don’t have waterproof matches or a lighter, keep your matches in a waterproof container or bag.

Can opener

If you don’t have a can opener on your pocket knife a separate one will be handy.

Tablecloth

Bring a sturdy plastic, reusable tablecloth. It will be easy to wipe off after meals and it won’t be damaged by rain.

Aluminum foil

Aluminum foil is handy around the campsite, especially for cooking on the fire and wrapping up leftovers. 

Garbage bags

A few garbage bags are handy for storing all your garbage. Don’t forget to store your garbage in your vehicle at night.

Insect repellent

There many insect repellents available with different ingredients so make sure you find one that is right for you.

Sunscreen

Sunscreen is essential – especially at higher altitudes where the sun’s rays are even stronger, and on the water, where the rays are multiplied through reflection. 

Aloe gel

Aloe is soothing to skin that is sunburned.

Biodegradable shampoo & soap

Look for shampoo and soap that are biodegradable. Remember - even biodegradable products need to be disposed of down a sink or drain, not in a lake.

Setting time aside to pack well and in an organized way for camping with young children will spare you the headaches at the campsite.

Crib / play pen

If your baby typically sleeps in their own crib at home consider trying to replicate something similar while camping. Some families have a large enough tent that they can simply bring a standard. Others have less space and opt to acquire a smaller version of a playpen (travel playpen).

Stroller / baby carrier / chariot

if a child has troubles falling asleep in the tent you can try taking a walk on a quiet trail with your child in a sling or stroller. This will also be useful for your daytime activities throughout your stay.

Booster seat (for meals)

You likely will want somewhere you can put your baby for their meals. Some options could be a perch chair (that clamps onto a picnic table), a baby portable camp chair with a tray, your highchair at home or even your stroller! 

Diapers & wipes

Bring only enough diapers and wipes (plus a few extras) for the trip. No need to pack a whole package!

Extra clothing and footwear

Pack several extra sets of clothing and footwear to make sure children stay dry and warm. Children enjoy camping, but tend to get wet and dirty faster than at home.

Leash

Many national parks have regulations regarding pets and leashes – make sure you are familiar with them before you go.

Doggie bags

Remember to clean up after your pet at all times.

Pet food & treats

Just like your food, pet food should be stored properly at night and any time you are away from your campsite.

Brush

A brush will come in handy to get the dirt and anything else out of your pet’s fur.

Clothespins

Bring a few clothespins to hang up wet items on the clothesline.

Small broom and dust pan

Use a small broom and dust pan to sweep out any leaves, pines needles and dirt and to keep your tent clean and tidy.

First Aid Kit

Make sure your first aid kit is complete and up to date.

Newspaper to start the fire

If you don’t have any newspaper, just about any other type of paper will do.

Whistle

A good whistle can alert people within earshot if you are in trouble.

Multi-tool / Swiss knife

A small pocket knife with folding blades in the handle or a multi-purpose tool can be useful for different occasions during your stay: repairing equipment, open canned food, cutting almost anything, etc.

Duct tape

Duct tape is strong, water resistant and can temporarily fix just about anything!