First Camping Trip Checklist: What to Pack (and What to Skip)

• Tent — big enough for everyone plus some bags. Not sure? Read what size tent do I need.
• Tent footprint or tarp — goes under the tent to protect the floor and keep water out. See tent footprints.
• Extra stakes and a mallet — the stakes that come with tents are often weak.
• A second tarp (optional) — hang it over the picnic table as a rain shelter. See camping tarps.

• Sleeping bag for each person, rated a little colder than the lowest temperature in the forecast. See sleeping bag temperature ratings explained.
• Sleeping pad or air mattress — this matters as much as the bag, because the ground pulls heat out of you. See best sleeping pads or camping air mattresses.
• Pillow — a camp pillow or your pillow from home.
• Extra blanket — easy insurance on a cold night.

• Camp stove and fuel — a two-burner propane stove is easiest for car camping. See best camping stoves.
• Lighter or matches — bring two.
• Pot, pan, and cooking utensils — a spatula, a spoon, and a knife. See cookware sets.
• Plates, bowls, cups, and eating utensils.
• Cooler with ice — see best camping coolers and how to keep a cooler cold.
• Water — about a gallon per person per day for drinking and cooking, unless the campground has safe water. See water containers.
• Dish soap, sponge, a wash bin, and trash bags.

Keep meals simple the first time: pre-made chili or pasta sauce, hot dogs, sandwiches, oatmeal, and eggs. Prep and chop at home.

• A headlamp for each person — keeps your hands free for cooking and the bathroom walk. See best headlamps.
• A lantern for the picnic table or inside the tent. See camping lanterns.
• Spare batteries or a charged power bank.

Nights are colder than you expect, even in summer. Pack in layers:

• Base layer or comfortable clothes for sleeping — dry ones you only wear at night.
• A warm fleece or puffy jacket.
• A rain jacket, even if the forecast looks dry.
• Warm hat and extra socks.
• Sturdy shoes plus camp sandals or slip-ons.

• First aid kit — see camping first aid kits.
• Multitool or knife — see best multitools.
• Sunscreen and insect repellent.
• Toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and a small towel.
• Phone charger or a small power bank.
• Campground reservation and directions saved offline — many campgrounds have no signal.

• Camping chairs — much better than a picnic bench. See best camping chairs.
• A folding table if your site has none. See camping tables.
• Firewood — buy it near the campground; many areas ban bringing wood from far away to stop tree pests.
• Games, a book, or a deck of cards.

• Expensive ultralight gear — that's for backpacking, not car camping.
• A complicated menu — simple food means less cleanup.
• Too many clothes — pack layers, not outfits.
• Gadgets you haven't tested at home.

1. Pick a campground with toilets and drinking water for your first time.
2. Arrive with daylight to spare — at least two hours before sunset.
3. Set up the tent on flat ground, away from low spots where rain collects.
4. Store food in the car or a bear box at night, never in the tent.
5. Check the campground's rules on fires and quiet hours.