Quick Tips

The camping checklist is an easy way to make sure you end up remembering to take everything you need or want to use during your campout. Remember...you may not always have access to a convenience store or drug store right on the corner!!

Really it is a very simple process, made even simpler if you have a camping checklist as a guide. If you have never been camping before don't panic, just relax, and bring what keeps you comfortable. Within reason of course!

Essentially you want to pack to meet your basic needs: Mainly, food, shelter, and of course, comfort!

There are all different levels of camping. Some people camp in an RV where they have all of the comforts of home, some like to test their endurance in nature and camp with only the most minimal of equipment, and many others fall somewhere in between these two camping extremes, preferring to stay in tents or cabins (that's me!! – I heard that echo ladies “me too!”), roughing it a little but not to the extreme.

Your camping checklist will vary depending on what kind of camping you will be doing, so do not get to disheartened with the check list at the end of this article, customize it to fit your trip..

The common thread that runs through all of these different methods of camping is enjoyment.

Me? I enjoy camping where there are hot showers available as well as clean toilets. On a few special campouts (for example an overnight canoe trip down the Peace River) I have done without, but for the most part, I do love my comfort, and well, room service is always a nice bonus as well.

Most family's camping is what is known as "car camping," meaning usually the car is right on our site and we don't have to haul anything very far. This is the easiest form of tent camping. Keep in mind how far you will be hauling your gear when packing for your trip.

You will not need to bring or buy everything on each camping list! In fact, unless you are pulling a trailer, you probably don't have room for everything!

Within each category, choose which items suit you, your campout, and your family and modify each list according to your needs. I have starred those items on each list that I recommend you bring.

Camping Check List

SHELTER

Tent

Stakes

Hammer/Mallet

Stake Puller

Rope

Tarp for groundcover under tent

Tarp for rain fly if necessary

Broom

Dustpan

Small doormat for tent entrance

BEDDING

Sleeping Bag

Sheets

Comforter

Air Mattress

Cot

Sleeping Pad

Pillow

Air Mattress Pump

Batteries

OTHER TOOLS AND ACCESSORIES

Clothesline

Rope

Flashlights (one for each person)

Lanterns

Propane or Fuel for Lanterns

Mantles for Lanterns

Batteries

Chairs

Tarps (bring multiple, for under tents, dining flys, and rain protection)

Compass

Shower Bag

Duct Tape

Axe

Hammer

Saw

Small Shovel or Trowel**

CLOTHING

T-shirts

Long-sleeved shirt

Shorts

Jeans/Pants

Socks

Underwear

Pyjamas

Bathing Suit

Jacket or sweater

Rain Jacket or poncho

Hat

Bandana

Closed-Toed Shoes (Sneakers or Boots)

Sandals or flip-flops

Laundry Bag

PERSONAL CARE ITEMS

Shower Shoes/Flip Flops

Toilet Paper (keep in Ziploc bag)

Towel

Washcloth/Scrubby

Comb or Brush

Soap (bar or liquid)

Shampoo

Conditioner

Hair Styling products

Toothbrush

Toothpaste

Deodorant

Shaving Cream

Razor

Feminine Products

Toiletry Bag

Over the door hooks

Wipes

Bug Spray

Sunscreen

Lip Balm

Medications/Contact Lens Care

CAMPING WITH BABIES CHECKLIST

Portable Playpen

Portable High Chair

Portable Hook-On Chair

Front or Back Carry pack or Sling

Sleeper Pyjamas

Favourite Toys

Hats

Baby or Natural Insect Repellent

Sunscreen

CAMPING GAMES AND ACTIVITIES

GAMES

□ Deck of Cards

□ Other Card Games (Uno)

□ Board Games: (we try to avoid those with lots of tiny pieces

□ Rummikub

□ Scrabble

□ Checkers

□ Chess

□ Risk

□ Other Favourite Games

□ Horseshoes

□ Frisbees

□ Football

□ Beach Balls

□ Golf Balls

□ Cornhole Games

Ladder Golf

YOUNG KIDS

Bubbles

Crayons

Paints

Paper

Glue

Scissors

Coloring books

Matchbox Cars

Puzzles

Favourite Toys

Chutes and Ladders

Candyland

EVERYBODY

Disposable Camera

Word Puzzle Books

Fishing Gear

Telescope

Binoculars

Star Maps

Nature Books

Bug Box

Bicycle

Scooter

Jump Rope

A good book you have been meaning to read

Craft or Hobby projects (cross stitch, woodcarving, or leatherwork)

KITCHEN/COOKING SUPPLIES

Lots of WATER for Drinking, Cooking, and Washing

Tableware

Spoons

Forks

Knives

Plates

Bowls

Drinking Cups

Coffee Cups

Cooking Equipment

Camp Stove

Grill

Charcoal

Charcoal Chimney

Newspaper

Lighter

Matches

Dutch Oven

Nesting Camp Pots (with lids)

Frying Pans (with lids)

Pie Irons

Coffee Pot

Kitchen Supplies

Can Opener

Wine Bottle Opener

Measuring Cups

Measuring Spoons

Potholders

Tongs

Spatula

Wooden Spoons

Slotted Spoon

Pronged Fork

Whisk

Paring Knife

Chef's Knife

Grater

Campfire roasting forks (for hot dogs or marshmallows)

Cutting Board

Basting Brush

Vegetable Peeler

Meat Thermometer

Colander or Strainer

Cleanup and Put Away

Ziploc Bags (sandwich and quart)

Aluminium Foil

Dish Soap

Small container of chlorine bleach for sanitizing

Dishcloth

Dishpans (3)

Plastic Scrubby

Sponge

Paper Towels

Trash Bags

Other

□ Folding Table

□ Tablecloth

□ Tablecloth clips

□ Coolers:

□ Wet Cooler

□ Dry Cooler

□ Drink Cooler

□ Large Water Container

□ Hand Soap

□ Hand Sanitizer

Pantry Food Items

Small Bottle of Vegetable Oil

Salt and Pepper

Baking Powder

Baking Soda

Flour

Sugar

Creamer

Coffee

Tea

Hot Chocolate Mix

Garlic Powder

Onion Powder

Your Favourite Herbs and Spices

CAMPFIRE EQUIPMENT

Firewood

Tinder

Kindling

Newspaper

Dryer Lint

Lighter

Matches

Campfire Ring

Charcoal Table

FIRST AID

WOUND AND BURN CARE

Bandages, assorted sizes and shapes

Gauze Pads

Ace Bandages

Moleskin

Sanitary Napkins (make great bandages!)

Medical Tape or Adhesive

Q-Tips

Hydrogen Peroxide

Antiseptic wipes or ointment**

Antibiotic Cream or ointment**

Burn Ointment

OTHER

Scissors

Tweezers

Snake Bite Kit

Bee Sting Kit

Insect Repellent

Sunscreen

Hot/Cold Packs

First Aid Instruction Book

MEDICATIONS

Prescription Medications

Sunburn Care Lotion

Hydrocortisone Cream

Allergy Medication

Topical Antihistamine (Benadryl)

Pain Reliever (Tylenol, Aspirin, Advil)

Eye drops

Antacid

Antidiarrheal

Vicks Vapour rub

Cold Medication

~Janice Collins~

© Copyright, 2010 Main Street Magazine/Rain Enterprises

As seen in the May Issue of Main Street Magazine.

Printed in Canada, ISSN: 1920-4299 by Rain Enterprises

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