Suggested Camping Supplies

Below are general lists of camping supplies.  You should consider carefully your destination, preferred style of camping, and other factors when packing for a trip.

Here are some additional resources you might like to check out:

Camp in comfort using these handy tips – Scouting magazine

When and How to Wash Your Hands – Centers for Disease Control

Outdoor Smarts: Camping With an Eye to the Weather – Scouting magazine

The New Ten Essentials – A System Approach

Start with the “Ten Essentials”

Also known as the “Scout Basic Essentials”, these ten items can be useful on any outdoor adventure.

These items, coupled with the skills and experience a camper can acquire over time, can mean the difference between an enjoyable camping trip and a ruined one.  Pack these Essential items for every camping trip.  Then consult the more extensive lists of gear further down on this page for ideas and suggestions for additional items you may wish to bring.

Also see Clarke Green’s excellent “10 Essentials” infographic and related articles.

Shelter

Your shelter can make or break your camping trip.  Nothing ruins a camping trip quicker than a leaky tent or a broken tent pole.  A quality shelter is important, but even more important is your ability to maintain and repair your shelter and adapt to changing conditions as needed.

Again, we very strongly recommend that you set up / try out your camping gear at home before your camping trip, especially your tent and sleeping gear, just to make sure everything is in order and functioning properly. It’s better to discover problems at home than at the camp site.

Bedding

A big part of enjoying a camping trip is getting some good sleep at night.  Carefully consider your sleep preferences in addition to anticipated weather conditions and temperatures when planning your sleeping arrangements.  On chilly nights, plan to have plenty of bedding between yourself and the ground, and wear a hat or beanie while sleeping to keep your head warm.

Clothing

A core concept to remember here is the idea of “layering”.  To help in being prepared for any potential weather changes, consider packing multiple light layers of clothing rather than single, all-or-nothing layers.  Dressing in layers can help you stay comfortable in all conditions – from the hot afternoon sun to the post-sunset chill.  It’s always a good idea to have a fleece jacket or pullover and a nylon shell.

Camp Kitchen

For camping trips in which you’ll be providing and preparing your own food, the following items can help make your trip much more enjoyable.

Personal Items

If you’re going to a campground with shower facilities, then your camping checklist should include the necessary towels, shower shoes, and other amenities. However, if you’re heading out to the middle of a State Park or other remote area, keep your list to just those things that will keep your tent-mates happy!  Baby wipes go a long way.  Pack ‘em.  Use ‘em.

Miscellaneous

Tell someone of your plans.  Give details of where you are going and when you expect to return.  Provide directions and possible alternate routes you may take.  Provide cell phone numbers, vehicle description and license plate numbers, hand-held radio channel and codes that you will use, and provide local authority phone numbers (State Police, Game & Fish Commission, Sheriff Department, etc.) for the county or area you will be in.

Basic First Aid Kit

Take a first aid / CPR class and keep your certification current.  Keep first aid supplies in a highly visible, durable, moisture-resistant container.  Keep the contents of your first aid kit organized and know how to use everything in your kit.  Inspect your kit often and replace used or expired items as needed.  Keep your first aid kit readily available at all times while camping or hiking.

Disclaimer: None of the following information should be construed as medical advice.  We recommend that you discuss your personal needs with a medical professional before using any of the items listed below.