Car Camping Checklist

Thinking about taking a camping trip over spring break? Camping is fun, but it can take a lot of planning depending on how long you intend to be out in the elements. Over the years, I have become more of a “glamper” than a camper, but my husband and boys still camp regularly. Based on their feedback and the input from a group we previously belonged to called Families in Nature, I am attaching an inclusive list of items to consider packing if you plan to be camping near your car. Hopefully it will serve as a great starting point for your next camping trip!  Stuff happens: unexpected thunderstorms, gear malfunctions, blisters, mosquitos so big they bite through your jeans, and there is not a darn thing you can do about it. Get yourself and your camping companions prepared and in the right frame of mind before your trip. Flexibility, a sense of humor, and goodwill toward fellow campers will make your outdoor adventure much more enjoyable. 

Shelter

• Tent
• Ground cloth/tarp
• Extra stakes
• Shade tarp/poles/rope/stakes
• Axe or hammer
• Mat for tent entrance

Bedding

• Sleeping bags/Sheets/blankets
• Pillow
• Air mattress/sleeping pad/cot/tarp
• Air pump
• Repair kit for air mattress

Clothes

• Shoes/boots
• Shorts/pants
• T-shirts
• Socks/extra socks
• Hat
• Bandana
• Sweatshirt/jacket
• Underwear
• Sleep clothes
• Rain gear
• Swimsuit/towel
• Laundry bag

Personal

• Shower shoes/flip flops
• Towels/washcloth
• Soap in plastic case/shampoo
• Toothbrush/toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Comb/brush
• Feminine products
• Toilet paper/tissues
• Personal medications – take extra

Cooking

• Large water jug
• Coolers/ice
• Stove with fuel/propane
• Matches/lighter
• Firewood
• Fire starters/newspaper
• Plates & bowls
• Silverware
• Containers for food storage
• Pots and frying pans with lids
• Cooking/serving utensils: spatula, tongs, skewers, grill forks, etc
• Folding table
• Dutch oven/Pie irons
• Mugs/paper cups
• Mixing bowl
• Cutting board
• Ziplock bags
• Napkins/paper towels
• Dish tub/soap/sponge
• Potato peeler
• Hand wipes/sanitizer
• Seasonings/sugar/condiments

Miscellaneous

• Sunscreen/Chapstick
• Lantern with fuel & mantles/LED light strings
• Extra batteries/bulbs
• Compass
• Bug repellant/candles
• Backpack/fanny pack
• Camp chairs
• Sunglasses/hat
• Flashlight/batteries
• Pocket knife
• Plastic grocery bags
• Binoculars
• Rope/clothes line
• Canteen/water bottle/coffee pot
• Bungee cords/straps
• Cards/games/toys
• Duct tape/electrical tape
• 2-way radios/walkie talkies
• Umbrella/rain coat/poncho
• Tablecloth with clips