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Camping Lists

Camping check lists are easy to put together. We will give you some guidelines to help you make your own customizable camping packing list.

Camping Lists? The one time we went on a camping trip without a camping list, proved the value of having one. We went to Land Between the Lakes during spring break. The weather forecast looked like it would be cool and it was. Well, you can guess what we didn't bring for our kids. Jackets. They ended up wearing a lot of shirts- all at the same time.

Camping lists as you can see, they can save you a lot of "Oops" experiences and expense (if you forget say, the tent).

Click here for one of our past camping lists. Feel free to modify it to your needs.

Below is part of a sample camping/packing list from a recent camping trip:

This (partial) camping packing list might seem too detailed. However, we prefer to write down everything, and then make eliminations as we decide whether we really need that item.

TIP: It is easy to bring too much, and that can take the joy out of camping. Nobody wants to put too much work into camping. Slim it down, and allow it to be enjoyable.

Next, we check it off as it is packed. We have found it is better to do that, than to assume that we brought something just to find out that we didn't.

Camping check lists are easy to make on you computer. Just use your favorite word processor or spreadsheet program. That way, you can edit and reuse it for the next year. We name our lists by the year or trip that we take, so we have a record of what we brought.

Here are some items you should consider including in your list:

The key is to optimize your camping list to where and when you are going camping. Obviously, if you want to go biking, then consider bringing the bicycles (unless you can rent them from where you are going). If it is going to be cold, then bring cold weather clothes. Do you want to grill, then bring a small gas BBQ or charcoal BBQ (unless there is a built-in grill at your campsite- then just bring charcoal).

What I do before I make my list is visualize the trip. I picture setting up and what it requires to do that. I picture food preparation and cooking, and then make sure I have written down all that I I just pictured. What do I want to wear during the day and the night. Is that on my list too? I think you get the picture.

Be sure to check our Guide to Camping Gear for more ideas, and our recommendations.

Now it's time to pack...