Packing List for Car Camping
Are you a last minute packer, or a pack-ahead kind of camper? I like to pack ahead, generally over-pack, then spend days trying to take things out of the pile so I will travel lighter. Regardless, using a packing list is helpful for guidance. I have been regularly packing for camping trips for over twenty years, and I still use this list.
To be sure we cover all bases, items are categorized by the things we may be doing when away from home: eat, sleep, bath, adventure activities, clothing, and misc..
When considering what clothes to pack, start from head to toe and inner to outer, and plan for climate changes. For example, begin with hats, and work your way down to underwear, and pants, gloves, long underwear, shirts, and jackets, socks, and, finally, shoes.
Weather, trip activities, and number of participants will alter this list somewhat, but this is a good place to start, and a good way to catch the little things that are easily forgotten.
Feel free to print this out and use it as a checklist. I do!
Eat
meals + campfire + car snacks
car snacks
food for meals
filled water jugs
cooler + ice
firewood + charcoal
camping stove + propane, gas
pots + pans + spatula + big spoon
plates, bowls, cups, utensils
matches, lighter
dish sponge, dish soap, towel
camping knife
hand sanitizer
table cloth
tin foil
camp chairs
trash bags
Sleep
tent camping
tent
sleeping bag
sleeping pad
pillows/neck pillow
extra fleece blanket
bedside bag (books, electric plugs)
headlamp + lantern (fully charged + batteries) + glow sticks
Bath
shower + personal
toothbrush + paste + travel cup
hairbrush + hair ties + clips
Dr. Bronner’s soap + wash cloth
toilet paper
shower shoes
towel-cloth
Adventure Activities
hike+ climb +hot springs + lakes + rivers
water bottles + bladders
trekking poles
day pack
climbing gear + harness + climbing shoes + helmet
first aid kit
sun hat
handkerchief or scarf
camera
bug repellent
swim suit + sun shirts
sunscreen
towel
sunhat
water shoes
Clothing
Sun + Wind + Rain + Snow
down jacket
fleece jacket
fleece vest
long underwear + top & bottom
mittens + beanies
warm wool or synthetic socks
rain jacket + rain pants
wind breaker jacket
hiking pants
tanks + t-shirts
shorts
underwear + sports bras
socks
walking, hiking shoes
Misc.
optional items
checkbook (to pay for campsite)
bikes + helmets
s’more making ingredients + sticks
play tarp or tent + water toys + dolls + stuffed animals
reading + activity books
