Tent Camping Checklist
Camping is one of the best ways to spend quality time with people you love. Whatever the reason is for your camping trip—nostalgia, relaxation, or maybe just connecting with nature, MyMaine can help you effortlessly prepare for your trip so you can focus on what really matters—making memories that will last a lifetime.
Through many years of camping experience and small mishaps, I like to think that I’ve perfected the tent camping checklist. It has everything you need to sleep comfortably, lounge freely, and cook on the campfire. I’ll even add links to some of my tried and true camping items! Note that clothes, hygiene products, water, and food, are not included in this list. I cover those in separate posts that you can find under the camping tab.
Tent Camping Packing Checklist
Sleeping
Tent (my husband, dog, and I sleep comfortably in this Adventure Dome tent from L.L Bean)
Sleeping pads/cots (we love these sleeping pads from L.L Bean)
Bedding/sleeping bag (a 35 or 40 degree bag is usually sufficient for June-September, I like this sleeping bag from L.L Bean)
Pillow (I like to bring a “normal” pillow from home and throw on a different pillow case that I don’t mind getting dirty)
Extra blanket (usually one that is fleece or a wool-blend)
Handheld broom (I like this one from OXO)
Kitchen
One large frying pan (we like to use cast iron pans when camping)
One medium frying pan
Large pot
Medium pot
Mixing bowls
Camp stove (we like this stove from Coleman)
Propane tanks for camp stove
Metal spatula
Heat resistant spoon
Metal/heat resistant tongs
Whisk
Strainer (this collapsible one from Amazon works nice)
Can opener
Aluminum foil
Oven mitts (silicone oven mitts are great for cooking over the campfire)
Knife/cutting board set (like this one from GSI Outdoors, or you can just bring a variety of knives/cutting boards)
Bins/cloths/dish soap for dishes
Garbage bags
Plates
Cups
Silverware
Paper towels
Entertainment
Bluetooth Speaker
Board game(s) (pick your favorites—Yahtzee! Catan! Clue!)
Cards
Lawn game(s) (corn hole, ladder ball)
Campfire Essentials
Axe
Camp chairs (like these from REI)
Lighter/matches
S’mores sticks (I find that it’s worth it to invest in the metal s’mores sticks, the wooden ones are cheap but they burn and then you have to buy more!)
Hammock stand (needed if you’re going to be camping somewhere without a lot of trees)
Hammocks (these are essential!!)
Wood (we usually buy this at campground to prevent spread of pests)
String lights (optional, but can be really festive)
Side table (also optional, but very convenient for sitting around the campfire!)
Additional Items
Flashlight/headlamp (this headlamp is one of my favorites)
Lantern (great for lighting up the picnic table at night while playing cards)
Extension cord (you just never know when you’re going to need one!)
Extra batteries (for headlamp, lantern, etc,.)
Duct tape (no explanation needed)
Toilet paper (I usually bring two rolls—just in case)
Towels (quick-drying towels or beach towels work great!)
Hand sanitizer
First aid kit
Scissors
Happy camping, friends!
MyMaine
