Family/Base Camping Checklist

Note: This list is intentionally extensive. Not every family will bring every item on every trip.

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In and around camp

• Tent (with stakes and guylines)
• Tent footprint
• Tent-pole repair sleeve
• Sun shade, tarp or screen house
• Sleeping bags (with optional liners)
• Sleeping pads
• Air mattresses
• Pad/mattress repair kit
• Pump for air mattresses
• Pillows
• Multi-tool or Knife
• Daypacks (see our Day Hiking checklist)
• Trekking poles
• Child carrier
• Rolling jogger
• ______________________

• Folding chairs
• Folding table
• Cots
• Other furniture __________________
• Headlamps (with extra batteries)
• Flashlights (with extra batteries, bulbs)
• Lanterns (with mantles, if needed)
• Lantern fuel or Batteries
• Water filter or treatment tablets
• Bikes
• Bike trailers
• Inflatable boat with Paddles
• Fishing gear (and license)
• Canoeing/kayaking gear
• ______________________

Clothing and footwear

(if chilly nights are possible, come prepared)

• Moisture-wicking T-shirts
• Moisture-wicking underwear
• Quick-drying pants/shorts
• Long-sleeve shirts (for sun, bugs)
• Sun-shielding hats
• Swimsuits
• Bandanas or buffs
• Boots or shoes suited to terrain
• Socks (synthetic or wool)
• ______________________

• Long underwear
• Sleepwear
• Insulating jacket or vest
• Insulated pants
• Gloves or mittens
• Rainwear (jacket and pants)
• Clothesline with clips
• Water sandals
• In-camp sandals or booties
• _______________________

Kitchen

(select according to personal tastes and needs)

• Stove
• Windscreen
• Fuel
• Fuel bottle(s) with fuel funnel
• Matches/lighter
• Charcoal (with fire starter)
• Firewood (plus saw or ax)
• Grill rack
• Frying pan
• Cook pots
• Pot grabber
• Dutch oven
• Portable coffee/espresso maker
• Hot-cold vacuum bottle
• Hand-crank blender
• Bottle opener/corkscrew
• Tablecloth and clips (or tape)
• Recipes
• Marshmallow/wiener roasting sticks
• Food-storage containers
• Resealable storage bags
• Trash bags
• ________________________

• Coolers
• Ice
• Water bottles
• Plates, bowls, mixing bowls
• Mugs/cups
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Utensils
• Paring knife
• Spatula
• Whisk
• Kitchen organizer
• Cutting board or cutting surface
• Funnel
• Foil
• Egg holder(s)
• Biodegradable soap
• Pot scrubber/sponge(s)
• Collapsible water container(s)
• Portable or standing camp sink
• Drying rack
• Quick-dry towels
• _______________________

Food

(for more options, see our Outdoor kitchen checklist)

• Coffee
• Cereal/granola/oatmeal
• Eggs (freeze-dried or fresh)
• Breakfast bars
• Batter mix
• Syrup
• Butter/margarine
• Jelly/jam
• Bread/bagels
• Meat (fresh and jerky)
• Soup mixes/bouillon cubes
• Prepared or freeze-dried meals
• Cooking oil/spray
• Salt/pepper
• _______________________
• ______________________
• ______________________

• Tea
• Milk (powdered or fresh)
• Cocoa
• Drink mixes
• Bottled/canned beverages
• Energy food (bars, gels, trail mix)
• Fruit (dried and fresh)
• Vegetables
• Cheese
• Crackers/chips
• Chocolate/sweets
• Marshmallows
• Spice kit
• Herbs
• ______________________
• ______________________
• ______________________

Personal items

(tip: To more easily locate gear, keep similar items in a single duffel)

• Toilet paper
• Sunscreen
• Lip balm
• Insect repellent
• Hand sanitizer
• Alcohol or antiseptic wipes
• Spare eyeglasses/contact lenses
• Mirror
• ______________________

• First-aid kit (see First-Aid checklist)
• Prescription medications
• Toothbrush, toiletry kit
• Cosmetics
• Brush/comb
• Eyeshades; earplugs
• Biodegradable soap
• Shower water bag
• _______________________

Other items

• Camera
• Camcorder
• Memory cards/film
• Binoculars
• Campsite reservation confirmation
• Maps
• Guidebook
• Interpretive field guides (flowers, insects)
• Star chart/night-sky identifier
• Pet tent
• Pet bed
• _______________________

• Paperbacks/DVDs
• Notebook and pen/pencil
• Sketchpad with art supplies
• Radio or music player with headphones
• Two-way radios
• GPS receiver
• Cell phone
• Travel alarm clock
• Umbrella
• Pet food (with favorite bowl)
• Pet toys (such as Chuckit!)
• ______________________

Fun stuff

(search "toys" at REI.com for more ideas)

• Playing cards
• Rolling ice cream maker
• Kick-around foot bag
• Kites
• Geocaching materials (with GPS receivers)
• Paddle ball set
• Glow sticks
• _______________________

• Flying discs
• Puzzles (crosswords, etc.)
• Board games
• Water toys
• Electronic toys
• Boomerang
• _______________________ for kids
• _______________________

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