Camping for the first time? Not sure what to take? This brilliant camping packing list will guide you through the essentials for your trip, as well as giving you the optional camping kit, for making your trip more comfortable.
Camping is an amazing way to have a low-cost holiday and spend quality time with family or friends outdoors. However, if you haven’t been before, it can be a minefield knowing what to take.
In reality, there is no one list fits all for camping. Your equipment list will depend on who is going, where you are going and the type of camping you want to do. Furthermore, you’ll need to decide exactly how many of your home luxuries you are prepared to do without!
The camping checklist below tells you all the equipment you could possibly need for a family camping trip. You can use it as your starting point and adapt it to suit your needs.
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Contents: click to jump to a section
Shelter
Tent
At the top of your camping packing list is the tent.
However, tents
- How many people will be sleeping in it?
- How long are you going away for?
- Where are you going?
- How are you getting to the campsite?
- What type of camping do you want to do?
Honestly, if you are going camping for the first time, it might be worth borrowing a tent or going somewhere with pre-pitched tents, or even a pod.
Tent Accessories
Next on your camping packing list are the tent essentials. Basically, this is everything you need to erect the tent.
- Pegs – These usually come with the tent. For hard ground you need rock pegs
.
- Mallet – A rubber mallet
for banging the pegs in.
- Peg pull – For pulling pegs
out
- Ground sheet – Although most modern tents have a fitted ground sheet, a multi-purpose tarpaulin is useful, especially when packing and unpacking the car. You can also use it for the kids to sit on outside.
- Duct tape – Waterproof duct tape is extremely useful for emergency repairs at the campsite.
.
for banging the pegs in.
outWind break and gazebo
Neither of these are essential for you camping packing list, but are useful if you have space.
- A windbreak – Many campers use a wind break
to create their own zone and provide more privacy. Obviously it also provides shelter if you are on a windy site.
- A gazebo – These are great for socialising
in the evenings. They also provide a useful area for preparing food, if the weather isn’t great.
to create their own zone and provide more privacy. Obviously it also provides shelter if you are on a windy site.
in the evenings. They also provide a useful area for preparing food, if the weather isn’t great.Sleeping
Sleeping bag
Another essential item for your camping packing list is a sleeping bag
Choose your sleeping bag based on the destination, season and weather conditions you are camping in.
You can choose from 3 different types of sleeping bag, mummy, square, and sleeping pod. The sleeping pod is wider than traditional sleeping bags and provides more room for movement.
Pillows
Although you can buy travel pillows, we always bring our own pillows from home.
Alternatively, if you have limited space, just roll up some clothes.
Camping mat
There are three main options for something to sleep on. Although not essential, your camping trip will be far more enjoyable if you’re not sleeping on the ground.
- Camping mat – A foam roll mat
is a cheap, basic option. It will provide basic comfort and lessen the impact from the rough ground. It will also provide some insulation from the cold.
- Self-inflating mats (SIMs) – These mats self inflate
when they are rolled out and just need an additional manual puff of air. They will provide more comfort than the basic camping mats.
- Air bed – An inflatable matress
will provide the most comfort at night, but is the most expensive and bulkiest option. Check your tent is big enough and you have spare space in the car. And don’t forget the pump!
is a cheap, basic option. It will provide basic comfort and lessen the impact from the rough ground. It will also provide some insulation from the cold.
when they are rolled out and just need an additional manual puff of air. They will provide more comfort than the basic camping mats.
will provide the most comfort at night, but is the most expensive and bulkiest option. Check your tent is big enough and you have spare space in the car. And don’t forget the pump!Cooking
There are a number of options for cooking at the campsite.
- A disposable BBQ – This is probably the cheapest, simplest option and fine if you want to stick to basics, such as sausages and burgers.
- Gaz stove – Another cheap, simple option is the Camping Gaz
stove. This work with cartridges, in the same way as a gas hob. You can get single or double options.
- Tripod BBQ – We love our tripod BBQ
. You can cook on the hanging grill or even put tin foil wrapped food in the embers. In the evening, you can use the BBQ as a fire pit to keep warm.
- Cadac – If you are a more experienced camper, you may wish to invest in a Cadac
, which is a low-pressure gas BBQ. These come in different sizes. You will need to bring a gas cylinder if you choose to take a Cadac.
stove. This work with cartridges, in the same way as a gas hob. You can get single or double options.
. You can cook on the hanging grill or even put tin foil wrapped food in the embers. In the evening, you can use the BBQ as a fire pit to keep warm.
, which is a low-pressure gas BBQ. These come in different sizes. You will need to bring a gas cylinder if you choose to take a Cadac.Cooking equipment
Next on your camping packing list is your cooking equipment. How much you need, will depend on how much campsite cooking you want to do. But remember, cooking outside is great fun and doesn’t just have to be sausages!
- Pots and Pans
– You will need pots and pans to cook your food in. You can bring these from home or buy a compact set that are easy to store.
- Kettle – You can bring a camping kettle to put on the hob. Alternatively, if you have electric hook-up, you can bring a regular electric kettle.
- A colander – You can buy an Outwell collapsible colander
, or just use a lid.
- Matches, firelighters, gas cylinders (as required)
– You will need pots and pans to cook your food in. You can bring these from home or buy a compact set that are easy to store.
, or just use a lid.Cooking utensils
Don’t forget some utensils to prepare, cook and serve your food.
- BBQ tools – If you are planning to BBQ, a spatula, tongs
and a fork are very useful.
- Wooden spoon – For stirring
- Chopping board – A small chopping board is useful for hygienic food preparation
- Sharp knives – For chopping and slicing food
- Aluminium foil – For cooking and storing
- Kitchen utensil set – Alternatively buy a camping kitchen organiser set, which includes everything you need in a handy case.
and a fork are very useful.Food
The quantity of food you bring will depend on your transport. However, even if you don’t have room for much food, you can still bring basics. If you’ve got kids, it’s useful to have a picnic or snacks for when you arrive at the campsite.
Here are some other basic food ideas for your packing list:-
- Teabags
- Milk
- Cooking oil
- Bread
- Breakfast cereal
Eating & Drinking
Camping Table
- Foldaway Table – Camping tables
come in all sizes and are very useful. We usually have a small one in the tent for storage and a larger one outside. We use the big one for food preparation and dining, though sometimes we just use our laps.
- Side tables – You can even get tiny side tables for your drinks and nibbles in the evening, but this can’t be considered essential kit!
come in all sizes and are very useful. We usually have a small one in the tent for storage and a larger one outside. We use the big one for food preparation and dining, though sometimes we just use our laps.
Chairs
- Foldaway camping chairs
– I consider this to be a camping packing essential. We try to get fairly light ones, that we can carry to the beach.
– I consider this to be a camping packing essential. We try to get fairly light ones, that we can carry to the beach.Plates & bowls
- Plates and bowls – Plastic plates and bowls are perfect for camping. Take enough for everyone in the family.
- Serving bowls – You could also take a few extra plates and bowls for serving food.
- Cups and beakers – I have some old china mugs from home, as I prefer not to drink my tea out of a plastic cup. Plastic beakers are ideal for kids though!
- Cutlery – First time campers can bring this from home. We have a cheap set that we keep in the camping box.
- Wine glass – A plastic wine glass is another essential item!
Storage
Cold storage
There are several options for keeping your fridge items (milk/butter) cool when camping.
- Cool Box
– This is used with ice packs to keep your items cool.
- Electric cool box
– A good option if you have chosen a pitch with electric hook up,
– This is used with ice packs to keep your items cool.
– A good option if you have chosen a pitch with electric hook up,Water storage
You will need something to collect and store water in. This could be a collapsible water carrier/jerry can or just a very large water bottle.
Tent storage
It is really important to have some sort of system to keep your tent tidy.
- Hanging tent tidy – Some larger tents will have an multi-pocketed hanging tent tidy with pouches. Alternatively, you can buy one to keep small items in.
- Storage boxes – We usually stack some empty plastic containers in the car and then use them for storage when we arrive. We always have one for shoes by the front door.
- Tent cupboards – Tent cupboards, wardrobes and kitchen units are all available, but really are very optional luxuries.
Lighting
It is very useful to have a light for your tent, though make sure you don’t leave it on, as you will attract insects.
- Torch – an essential packing item, especially if you are heading to the toilet block in the dark.
- Lantern – battery operated
- Hanging light – if you have electric hook-up
- Citronella candles – these are useful for keeping insects away in the evening
- Fairy lights – Children will love some magical lights around your tent at night.
- Solar panel lights
– We take a couple of these for the entrance.
– We take a couple of these for the entrance.A unique way to see in the dark is a led lighted Beanie cap. They come in a choice of colours.
Personal Items for camping
Camping clothes and footwear
Of course, the family will be far happier if they are warm and dry. Ideally, lots of layers are best and don’t forget your waterproof.
Now, Flipflops or crocs are great for the shower rooms and crossing a wet field in the morning. Alternatively, if you have little kids, you may want to bring their wellies.
Swimwear – if the site has a pool or your are near a beach
Wash kit
Don’t forget your wash bag with toiletries. Men and ladies will have separate wash blocks, so bring 2 sets.
You will also need to add towels to your camping packing list. If you are short on space, bring microfibre travel towels
First aid kit
You only need basic items:-
- paracetamol/calpol
- plasters
- antiseptic cream
- anti-histamine (if needed)
- insect repellent
- bite relief cream
- sun cream
Cleaning
- washing-up bowl
- washing up brush/cloth
- scrub pad/brillo or BBQ brush
- washing up liquid
- anti-bacterial wipes
- tea towels
- bin bags
- kitchen roll
- dustpan and brush (for sweeping the tent out)
Leisure Activities
Before you go, you should consider how you will entertain the family on the camping trip? Do you intend to spend a lot of time at the campsite, or go out on day trips? Either way, you will still want some leisure items for when you are back at base.
Inside the tent
Pack a few games for inside the tent. This could be for a rainy day or some quiet time.
- Travel games
- Books
- Colouring
- Teddy
- Cards
- Craft kits
For more ideas check out our 77 fun things to do at the campsite.
Outside fun
There are plenty of ideas for outside fun at the campsite. Some ideas include:-
- Swingball
- Bat and balls
- Badminton Set
- Frisbee
- Boules
- Mölkky
- Bubbles
- Bucket & Spade (if you are near a beach)
- Bikes (if you have room)
In addition, you may wish to bring a beach bag or rucksack and travel rug if you plan on days out.
Luxury Items
- Tent carpet – yes, this really is a thing!
- Electric hook-up
– a mains kit for hooking to the campsite electric
– a mains kit for hooking to the campsite electricConclusion
As you can see the ideas for a camping packing list are never-ending. If you’re a first-time camper, it’s really not worth spending loads of money until you know you’ll enjoy it.
We have accumulated camping equipment over many years and upgraded as we’ve gone along. We now keeping our equipment in storage boxes, so that we don’t have to go hunting for it every time we go.
It is wise to remember that the more you take, the longer it takes you to pack and unpack!
For more helpful hints on camping and campsite reviews, check out our camping guide:
Pin for later: Camping Packing List: the best guide on what to take.
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