--- title: "Camping Checklist: Don’t Forget These Must-Have Items" description: "Handy camping checklists for to remembering everything you need before heading out to the great outdoors solo, with kids, or your dog." date: "2023-07-03" modified: "2023-07-03" authors: - name: "Laura Lancaster" job_title: "Contributor" link: "https://www.outdoorlife.com/authors/laura-lancaster/" url: "https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/camping-checklist/" categories: - "Adventure" - "Camping Gear" - "Gear" tags: - "Project Redwood" --- # Camping Checklist: Don’t Forget These Must-Have Items ![Big Agnes is one of the best tent brands]() *Your checklist should include everything from essentials to luxuries. Big Agnes* Even experienced campers have trouble remembering all the odds and ends that you need to set up your home away from home in the great outdoors. There are so many easy-to-forget items, like a pillow, matches, permits, that it makes sense to consult a camping checklist before heading out. We’ve put together a quick reference guide for campers and their families to consult before going off grid. If you’re looking to plug some gaps in your setup, we’ve also rounded up our top picks based on dozens of in-depth tests of [tents](), [sleeping bags](), [camping stoves](), [cookware](), [ultralight chairs](), and more. ## The Camping Checklists ### The Master Camping Checklist You’ve been camping for years, but you always seem to forget something. Review this list before you pull out of the driveway. [Camping Checklist: The Master-Checklist]()[Download]() ### Camping Checklists for Kids, Dogs, and Reluctant Campers Whether you’re bringing your kids, your dog, or your significant other for the first time, here are the camping checklists you need to make it a success. [Camping Checklist: Other Must-Haves]()[Download]() ## Get the Camping Gear ![We tested the best camping tents.]() *Car camping allows for big, spacious tents and plenty of gear. Laura Lancaster* When you’re ready to round out your camping gear checklist with some best-in-class options, we’ve done the testing to get you started. #### Tent - Our Top Pick: [MSR Habiscape]() - Beginner Tent: [Coleman Skydome Camping Tent]() - Family Tent: [Eureka Copper Canyon LX8]() - Overlander's Tent: [iKamper Skycamp 2.0]() See the in-depth reviews: [Two-person tents](), [8-person tents](), [budget backpacking tents](), [rooftop tents](), [camping tents]() #### Sleeping Bags - Our Top Pick: [NEMO Forte]() - For Beginners: [Klymit Wild Aspen]() - For Kids: [Morrison Outdoors Big Mo]() See the in-depth reviews: [Sleeping bags](), [sleeping bags for camping](), [backpacking quilts](), [cold weather sleeping bags]() #### Sleeping Pads - Our Top Pick: [Exped MegaMat]() - For Beginners: [REI Trailmade]() - For Kids: [Therm-a-Rest Ridgerest]() - For Couples: [Sea to Summit Comfort Deluxe]() See the in-depth reviews: [Camping cots](), [camping mattresses for couples](), [backpacking sleeping pads]() See also: [What is R Value? Its Why Your Sleeping Bag Doesn’t Keep You Warm ]() ### The Kitchen #### Stove - Our Pick: [Coleman Eventemp 3 Burner Propane Stove]() See the story: [Camping Stoves]() #### Cookware - Our Pick: [Stanley Adventure Even-Heat Camp Pro Cookset]() See the story: [camping cookware]() #### Cooler - Our Pick: [Rovr Rollr]() - Best Value: [RTIC Hard Cooler]() Read the full reviews to see which products are best for your camping checklist: [camping coolers](), [small coolers]() #### Water Container - Our Pick: [Dometic GO Hydration Water Jug]() - Budget Pick: [Igloo 6-Gallon Camping Water Container]() See the story: [water containers]() #### Camping Dishes - Our Pick: [Sea to Summit X-Plate]() - Best for Families: [Snow Peak Tableware Set]() See the story: [camping dishes]() #### Camping Utensils - Our Pick: [Ust Klipp Utensil Set]() See the story: [camping utensils ]() ## Camping Accessories ![Setting up for our first night of camping at Spencer Spit State Park in the San Juan Islands.]() *Setting up for our first night of camping at Spencer Spit State Park in the San Juan Islands. Laura Lancaster* #### Lantern - Our Pick: [Black Diamond Apollo]() - Also great: [BioLite AlpenGlow 500]() See the story: [camping lanterns]() #### Flashlight or Headlamp - Our Pick: [Decathlon Forclaz HL 500]() - Also Great: [Gear Light S1000 LED]() See the stories: [headlamps](), [flashlights]() #### Hammock - Our Pick: [ENO Doublenest]() See the story: [camping hammocks]() #### Blanket - Our Pick: [Kammok Mountain Blanket]() - Best wool: [Ibex Wool Blanket]() - Best Picnic: [YETI Lowlands Blanket]() See the story: [camping blankets](), [wool blankets for camping ]() #### Games - Our Pick: [Deck of cards]() - Best Late Night: [One Night Ultimate Wearwolf]() Read the full review for more options to add to your camping checklist: [camping games]() #### Camping Table - Our Pick: [Dometic GO Compact Camp Table]() - Also Great: [Nemo Moonlander Dual-Height Table]() See the story: [camping tables ]() #### Shower - Best Overall: [Decathlon Quechua Solar Pressure Shower 500]() - Also Great: [Coleman OneSource Rechargeable Built-In Pump Camp Shower Sprayer]() See the story: [camping showers ]() #### Power Bank - Our Pick: [BioLite Charge 40 PD]() - AC Outlet: [Anker 511 Portable Power Station]() See the story: [power banks for camping]() ### Solar panel - Our Pick: [Anker 625 Solar Pane]()l - Also Great: [Lion 50W Foldable]() See the story: [solar panels for camping]() ## FAQs ## Final Thoughts on Camping Checklists I always consult a camping checklist before heading out on an adventure. It’s saved me from getting all manner of things—toothbrush, first-aid kit, even my tent—and provides peace of mind before getting off grid. Keep this link bookmarked for easy future reference before your next off-grid adventure. ## Author Laura Lancaster is an Outdoor Life's gear writer where she focuses on in-depth testing of backpacking and camping gear, with a particular interest in lightweight and ultralight gear. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and daughter. ### Author social links [Instagram]()