How to use this camping trip checklist
This checklist is designed to be used as a working document. Start by copying it to your ChecklistFox account so you can tick items off, add your own, and share progress with others.
Copy the template to your account
Click "Copy template" to save it to your ChecklistFox workspace. Free - no card required.
Customise for your trip type
Car camping, backpacking, or glamping? Remove sections that do not apply and add items for your specific campsite rules, weather forecast, or group size.
Share with your camping group
Send a link to everyone coming on the trip. Split packing responsibilities so you are not duplicating gear or forgetting shared items like the camp stove.
Download for offline use at the campsite
Export as PDF - phone signal is often weak at remote campgrounds. Keep a printed copy for setup day and a final gear check before you leave home.
Pro tip:Lay everything out at home before you pack the car. A dry run takes 20 minutes and catches the items most campers forget - headlamps, extra stakes, a mallet, and a spare tarp for rain. Test your tent setup once in the backyard if it has been in storage all year.
What's included in this checklist
This camping trip checklist is structured across 6 sections - giving you clear priorities at each stage without being overwhelmed by a single massive list. Here's what each section covers:
Planning & Reservations
Sort logistics before you pack. Confirm your site, check campground rules, and note fire restrictions or wildlife storage requirements.
- Book campsite or obtain backcountry permit (Important)
- Check campground rules - fires, quiet hours, and check-in times
- Review weather forecast and plan for rain or cold (Important)
- Share itinerary and campsite location with someone at home (Safety)
- Download offline maps for the area
- Confirm park entrance fees or parking passes
Shelter & Sleep
Your tent and sleep system are the foundation. Test setup at home if gear has been in storage - missing poles or stakes ruin the first night.
- Tent with rain fly, poles, stakes, and guylines (Important)
- Ground tarp or footprint (Important)
- Sleeping bags rated for expected temperatures (Important)
- Sleeping pads or air mattresses with repair kit
- Pillows or stuff-sack pillow alternatives
- Mallet or hammer for stakes
- Extra tarp for shade or emergency rain cover
Cooking & Food
Plan meals before you shop. Pre-chop and pre-measure at home to keep camp cooking simple and reduce waste.
- Camp stove with fuel or fire-starting supplies (if permitted) (Important)
- Matches, lighter, or fire starter in a waterproof bag
- Cookware, utensils, and a sharp knife
- Plates, bowls, cups, and cutlery for each person
- Cooler with ice packs for perishable food (Important)
- Meals, snacks, and extra non-perishable backup food
- Drinking water or water filter / purification tablets (Important)
- Biodegradable soap, sponge, and dish towel
- Trash bags and food storage (bear canister or locker if required) (Important)
- Coffee or tea setup
Clothing & Personal Items
Pack in layers - mornings and evenings are colder than midday, even in summer. Quick-dry fabrics beat cotton for outdoor trips.
- Base layers, mid-layers, and warm fleece or puffy jacket (Important)
- Waterproof rain jacket and rain pants
- Hiking boots or sturdy shoes plus camp sandals (Important)
- Extra socks and underwear
- Hat, sunglasses, and sun protection
- Toiletries and quick-dry towel
- Insect repellent and sunscreen SPF 30+ (Important)
- Personal medications (Important)
Safety & Navigation
Remote campsites mean you are your own first responder. Pack for minor injuries, darkness, and getting back to the trailhead safely.
- First aid kit with plasters, antiseptic, and pain relief (Important)
- Headlamp or flashlight per person with spare batteries (Important)
- Whistle and basic multi-tool or knife
- Map, compass, or GPS device with offline routes
- Emergency blanket or bivvy sack
- Fully charged phone and portable power bank (Important)
- Tick remover and blister plasters
Campsite Setup & Extras
Day-of and comfort items. Tick these off as you set up camp and before you break down to leave no trace.
- Camp chairs or picnic blanket
- Lantern or string lights for the campsite
- Rope and clothespins for drying wet gear
- Games, books, or activities for downtime
- Camera or binoculars for wildlife watching
- Set up tent on level ground away from dead trees (Important)
- Store food properly overnight per campground rules (Important)
- Pack out all trash and check site before leaving (Important)