The Essential Camping Checklist

Whether you’re a pro camper or just starting out, packing the right gear can distinguish between a relaxing getaway and a weekend spent cursing your missing tent pegs.

The team at Small Campsites has put together this practical, easy-to-follow checklist to help you pack smart and avoid common mistakes. This guide will cover the bare camping essentials, including family, festival, wild, and seasonal camping checklists for every type of adventure.

So grab a cup of tea, read and plan your perfect camping trip.

What to Take Camping

The first step to a successful trip is sorting your essential camping gear. Here, we will cover sleeping, cooking, clothing, and health and safety equipment:

Shelter and Sleeping Arrangements

Your tent is your home away from home. Here’s what you’ll need:

• A tent with good ventilation and enough space
• Tent pegs, guy lines, and spare pegs for stability
• A mallet or hammer to secure pegs into hard ground
• A rain cover and groundsheet to keep the tent dry
• A tent repair kit for patching tears or fixing poles
• A sleeping bag suited to the summer or winter seasons
• A sleeping mat, foam pad, or air mattress for added comfort
• An air pump for your air mattress to save your lungs
• A lightweight camping pillow
• Extra blankets for colder nights
• Earplugs or headphones to help block out noise
• Mosquito nets or bug-proof screens if camping in insect-heavy areas

Tip: Practice setting up your tent before you go to avoid confusion in the dark.

Need to buy camping gear? Explore a range of high-quality options at Ultimate Outdoors and find the perfect kit for your next adventure.

Outdoor Cooking Checklist

Cooking on a camping trip is like putting on a show; without the right gear, it can flop. Here’s your cooking checklist:

• A portable stove and enough gas
• Cookware, including pots, pans, and a kettle
• Plates, bowls, reusable cutlery, and travel-friendly cups
• A cooler with ice packs to keep food fresh
• Airtight containers or zip-lock bags for snacks and leftovers
• Soap, a sponge, and a quick-dry towel for washing up
• A washing-up bowl or collapsible bucket
• Fire-starting tools such as matches, lighters or fire-starting kit
• A chopping board and a small, sharp knife for food prep
• A heat-resistant glove for handling hot cookware
• Aluminium foil for cooking directly over a fire or wrapping leftovers
• Cooking oil, salt, spices, and condiments
• A water container for cooking and cleaning

Tip: Pre-chop veggies and marinate meat at home to save time on-site.

For detailed food safety guidelines, visit the UK Government Camping Food Safety page.

Clothing and Personal Items

Mother Nature doesn’t follow a script, so pack for all possibilities:

• Lightweight, quick-drying clothing
• Warm layers for chilly evenings
• A waterproof jacket and sturdy boots
• Flip-flops for showers or lounging
• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, and shampoo)
• A compact, quick-dry towel
• A portable camping toilet for nighttime convenience
• A small mirror for cleaning or grooming
• Hats and gloves for sun or cold protection
• Extra socks and underwear
• Sunscreen and bug repellent

Please read our guide on the best midge bug repellent and protect yourself.

Tip: Fold your clothes to save space and keep outfits in resealable bags for easy access.

Need more tips? Our detailed guide on What to Wear Camping offers advice on choosing the best clothing for any camping trip.

Health and Safety Must-Haves

Accidents are inevitable, so come prepared with:

• A fully stocked first aid kit (plasters, antiseptic, painkillers, tweezers)
• Any personal medications
• A whistle for emergencies
• A torch or headlamp with spare batteries
• A multi-tool or compact knife
• Sunscreen for UV protection
• A small fire extinguisher or fire blanket (for camps with open flames)
• Hand sanitiser for quick hygiene
• An essential survival blanket for emergencies

Tip: Always take a first aid kit camping, and you’ll thank yourself later.

Special Camping Scenarios

It’s all about the preparation. If you’re going camping with the kids, heading to a festival or going solo in the wild, this section has tips for each situation:

Family Camping Checklist

Are you planning a family camping trip? Here’s our family camping checklist to help you make it fun and stress-free:

• Child-friendly sleeping bags and mats
• Snacks to keep energy levels up
• Games like frisbees or a cricket set
• A torch for each child
• A whistle in case they wander off

Tip: Let the kids help pack, as it gets them excited and keeps them involved.

Festival Camping Checklist

Camping at a festival is an entirely different beast. Here’s your survival guide:

• Wellies or waterproof boots for muddy grounds
• A portable phone charger
• A lightweight rain poncho
• Earplugs to block out noise at night
• A small backpack for carrying essentials during the day
• A padlock to secure the tent door
• Glow sticks or a small torch to help you navigate the campsite at night
• A foldable camping chair
• A roll-out matt or picnic blanket
• Wet wipes for quick clean-ups
• Bum bag for keeping personal items close and safe

Tip: Mark your tent with a flag or colourful decoration so it’s easy to spot.

For more advice on surviving and thriving at festivals, check out the BBC’s Festival Survival Guide.

Wild Camping Checklist

For those heading into the wilderness, you’ll need to pack smart:

• A detailed map and a compass (don’t just rely on your phone)
• Water purification tablets or a portable filter
• A small stove and compact cookware
• Weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy boots
• Rubbish bags and eco-friendly soap to minimise your impact
• Signal mirror and survival kit

Tip: Check the rules for wild Camping in your area to avoid surprises.

To understand where wild Camping is allowed and the rules you must follow, read our post on Wild Camping in the UK.

Cold Weather Camping Checklist

If the temperature’s dropping, pack for warmth and comfort:

• A four-season sleeping bag and thermal liners
• Thermal base layers, wool socks, and gloves
• A thick, insulated jacket
• A hot water bottle to keep you warm at night
• A well-ventilated tent to prevent condensation

Tip: Store batteries and electronics inside your sleeping bag to stop them from draining in the cold.

The Oxfordshire County Council website offers excellent tips for cold-weather camping to help you stay safe and comfortable.

Pro Packing Tips

Keep your gear organised and your load light:

• Use compression sacks for bulky items like sleeping bags
• Group smaller items into labelled pouches
• Pack multi-use items, like a sarong that doubles as a towel
• Test your backpack or bag at home to ensure it’s manageable

Environmental Responsibility

Camping is all about enjoying nature, so leave no trace:

• Use biodegradable products to minimise your impact
• Reusable water bottles to avoid single-use plastic
• Pack out all your rubbish and recycle wherever possible
• Avoid feeding wildlife or disturbing natural habitats

Tip: Make sure you always stick to designated walking trails whenever possible.

For more on respecting the environment and enjoying the countryside responsibly, read the UK Countryside Code.

Pre-Trip Prep

Before heading off, double-check these key essentials:

• Weather forecasts so you can pack appropriately
• Campsite rules and regulations
• Share your travel plans with a friend in case of an emergency

Tip: Before heading out, check the weather forecast to pack appropriately and plan around potential challenges. The Met Office provides reliable weather updates.

Ready for Your Next Adventure?

Every type of camping holiday is different, so consider this checklist a starting point rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.

Packing the right gear doesn’t just mean the trip will go smoother; it helps you enjoy the moments without worrying that you might have forgotten anything essential.

The best gear to take camping is the kind that works for you, so don’t be afraid to personalise your checklist and experiment. Now start packing and get ready to hit the road!