MAIN PHOTOGRAPH BY NICKYLLOYD/GETTY IMAGES, PRODUCT PHOTOGRAPHS CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: BACKCOUNTRY, AMAZON, SMARTWOOL, REI, REI

The essential camping checklist for beginners

Whether you’re renting an RV or roughing it, there are quite a few things you shouldn’t leave home without. From clothes to cooking equipment to sleep, we’ve got you covered.

ByAlex Temblador
March 08, 2024
By clicking on the featured links, visitors will leave NationalGeographic.com and be directed to third-party e-commerce sites that operate under different terms and privacy policies. As a participant in multiple affiliate marketing programs, National Geographic will earn a commission for certain purchases. See full disclaimer below.*

Camping is something that everyone should experience at one time or another, but it can be involved, so a camping checklist can help you get started. While some campers may opt to rent an RV and others want to rough it with a tent, there are quite a few things that you can’t leave home without. 

We wanted to ensure that you have the best camping experience possible and return home with great memories—which is why we’ve created a list of all the items you’ll need on your camping trip. From clothes to kitchen supplies and gear to help you sleep, we’ve got you covered. Check it out below.

Camping checklist by category

There are a lot of things to consider when going on a camping trip, and it can be hard to keep them all in order. It can help to break down your camping checklist into different categories like sleep, tools, food, clothes, and hygiene so you don’t miss anything.

Campsite setup essentials

Below each category, you’ll find our list of camping essentials, or the basic things you’ll need during a camping trip. While it may not be clear why certain items are listed, you’ll understand exactly why these items need to be brought along when you’re in the wilderness sleeping under the stars.

Sleep

A Mountain Summit Gear cot
Sleep warmer and cozier with a camping cot that keeps you off the cold ground and replaces the need for a sleeping pad. We like the sturdy steel frame and 300-pound weight capacity on this Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot. Check the price at REI.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY REI

Tools

A Duracell lantern
You can use a camping lantern to read a book under the stars, light your camping kitchen for a late-night dinner, or accompany you on a dark walk to the bathroom. We like that this Duracell lantern works via solar or rechargeable batteries, and has a handle to hang it. Check the price on Amazon.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY AMAZON

Kitchen

A white Camelbak mug
A camping mug with a lid is perfect for morning coffee hikes or a walk with your wine to a stellar sunset view. We love the vacuum insulation and non-slip silicone base on this CamelBak mug. Check the price at Backcountry.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY BACKCOUNTRY

(Read more: Ideas and tips for planning the ultimate camping adventure)

Clothing & footwear

A pair of Smartwool socks
A comfy pair of hiking socks is a must for multiple days on the trail. Plus, wool hiking socks do the trick when you want to keep your feet warm at night while tent camping. We love the light cushioning and secure arch fit on these Hike Classic Edition crew socks. Check the price at Smartwool.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY SMARTWOOL

Health & hygiene

A red Surviveware first aid kit
It’s always a good idea to have a first-aid kit while camping. Between chopping wood and making fires to hiking blisters and bug bites, you never know when you’ll need it. We like that this Surviveware Premium First-Aid Kit has all of the essentials, while being portable and water-resistant. Check the price on Amazon.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY AMAZON

Camping checklist by season

Depending on when you want to camp, you may need some additional or different gear and tools that will make your camping experience more comfortable. Below we’ve listed camping essentials that can help you survive the varying environmental elements of a particular season. 

Summer camping essentials

A Trekway shelter attached to the back of a car
Hanging out at camp during the summer just doesn’t have the same appeal when the sun’s beating down on you. This Offroading Gear Camping Sun Shade can be set up off the back of your car, and is roomy enough for a couple of camping chairs and a cooler. Check the price on Amazon.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY AMAZON

Winter camping essentials

A Danner boot
Insulated, waterproof boots like the Danner Arctic 600 are a must for winter camping. Whether you’re hiking in the snow or hanging around the campground, you’ll want to keep your feet warm and dry for ultimate, winter-camping comfort. Check the price at Backcountry.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY BACKCOUNTRY

Spring camping essentials

A dry bag can keep your essentials, like toilet paper and clothing, out of the rain. They’re also handy when heading to the lake for kayaking or fishing. You’ll get two durable dry bags in this ALPS Mountaineering Torrent Multi-Pack, which is a great value. Check the price at REI.

  • Waterproof tent (if camp tenting)
  • Towels and rags (to clean off mud)
  • Cold weather and rainproof clothes
  • Firewood (and starter log)
  • Dry bags
  • Tarp

Fall camping essentials

  • Waterproof tent (if camp tenting)
  • Firewood (and starter log)
  • Cold weather and rainproof clothes
  • Tarp

Alex Temblador is an award-winning journalist and author based in Dallas. Her work has appeared in National Geographic, Travel + Leisure, and Fodor's Travel, among many others. 
*Although we are sharing our personal opinions of these experiences or products with you, National Geographic is not endorsing these experiences or products on behalf of anyone. It has not performed product safety testing on any of these products, did not manufacture them, and is not selling, or distributing them and is not making any representations about the safety or caliber of these products or experiences for individual consumers. Prices and availability are subject to change from the date of publication.

LIMITED TIME OFFER

Get a FREE tote featuring 1 of 7 ICONIC PLACES OF THE WORLD

Go Further

Animals

Environment

History & Culture

Science

Travel