Do you have a tent camping checklist? Have you ever forgotten essential items for your camping trip?

It’s bound to happen sooner or later. You get to the campsite; start setting things up, and realize you left the mallet at home…and your spatula…and your pillow…and one of your kids!

Sure, the fun of camping is spending time outdoors with minimal gear, but essentials are, well…essential.

Tent Camping Essential Checklist

To help you get the most out of your camping excursions, I’ve put together a tent camping essential checklist.

This checklist contains all of the must-haves, as well as some luxury items.

Campsite Checklist

• Tent
• Tent Stakes
• Tarp or Tent Footprint (protects the tent floor)
• Mallet
• Sleeping Bags or Blankets
• Sleeping Pads or Cots
• Pillows
• Folding Camp Chairs
• Light Source (Flashlight, Lantern, Headlamp)

Cookware Checklist

• Camp Stove or Portable Grill with Fuel/Charcoal
• Matches or Lighter
• Eating Utensils:
  • Forks, Knives, Spoons
  • Plates, Bowls, Cups and Mugs
• Cooking Utensils:
  • Spatula, Spoon, Tongs, Knife, Small Cutting Board
  • Plates, Bowls, Aluminum Foil
  • Pot, Pan, and/or Skillet
• Bottle Opener, Can Opener
• Cooler
• Food, Snacks, Beverages
• Clean-up:
  • Dish Towel and/or Paper Towels
  • Wash Bins
  • Soap
  • Dish Scrubber
  • Trash Bags

Camper Hygiene Checklist

• Toothbrushes and Toothpaste
• Toilet Paper
• Body Soap
• Shampoo, Conditioner
• Towels
• Menstrual and Personal Products
• Hand Soap
• Hand Sanitizer
• Hair Products
• Cosmetic Products
• Deodorant
• Laundry Bag

Health and Safety Checklist

• Sunscreen
• Hats
• Bug Repellent
• Bug Bite Medicine
• First Aid Kit

Entertainment Checklist

• Campfire
  • Firewood
  • Lighter
  • Fire Starters
  • Bowie Knife or Hatchet
• Yard Games
  • Horseshoes
  • Volleyball
  • Football
  • Soccer Ball
• Fishing Gear
• Books or E-reader
• Swimming Gear
• Hiking Shoes

Family Checklist

• Spouse
• Kids
• Dog

Camping Your Way

This tent camping checklist is only meant to jog your memory when packing for your next trip. You can add or take away items to adjust to your way of camping.

Some people like the luxurious set up, and others are minimalists. I don’t think there’s a wrong way to do it as long as you’re having fun (while respecting the outdoors and other campers).

To keep this tent camping essential checklist readily available, be sure to bookmark it in your smartphone’s browser.

I hope to see you out in the wild!

Safe Travels!

Matt McCoy, writer and photographer, Rugged Kansas

Where to Camp in Kansas

Cross Timbers State Park

Harvey County East Park

Marion Reservoir

Historic Lake Scott State Park

Featured Photo by Brooks Rice on Unsplash