Camping means different things to different people, from “roughing it” to basically glamping. But no matter which level you choose, every version of camping can—and should—be comfortable. Knowing which items are essential will make all the difference between waking up well fed and rested or miserably swearing off the whole thing.
While you could pack your car with extra luxuries, from foldable chairs to Dutch ovens, there are some pieces of equipment, like a sleeping pad and water container, that you really shouldn’t go camping without. To maximize your time in a national park like Yosemite or sleep to the sound of ocean waves on a national seashore campground like on Fire Island, make sure you’re bringing the necessary gear.
Here are the items you absolutely must have, as well as a few extra ideas for making your camping trip even more enjoyable.
Important beginner camping tips
First thing before you pack: Check the weather report. If it’s going to be windy or cooler at night, you may want layers and the thickest four-season sleeping bag; for rain, you could pack tarps and rope to create dry shelters beyond just your waterproof tent; hot and humid weather could mean a bug net and thinner sleeping bag; whereas dry heat could mean you don’t pack a tent at all and just sleep directly under the starry sky, maybe even in a hammock. One of the most important lessons you learn quickly in the outdoors is how much we’re all subject to Mother Nature. Being prepared can make nearly any situation a refreshing, peaceful experience.
Stores such as REI allow customers to rent gear, so you can give the whole thing a try before you invest. If you know you’ll camp multiple times a year, then owning the gear is the cheaper and more convenient option. Make sure to do the research and read reviews so you know which purchases are best for the type of camping you want to do.
You’ll need to decide if you want to go easy car camping, DIY glamping, or strenuous backpacking. Car camping is the most casual option, where you drive right up to a spot that’s usually outfitted with a picnic table, firepit, clear space to pitch a tent, bathrooms, and sometimes even Wi-Fi. You often need to pay a fee and book your site, and most campgrounds have details and reviews online, so you can know what you’ll need to bring. Since so much is already provided, you could go as minimal as you want, with just a tent, rollout bed, and tinfoil baked potatoes. Or you could basically create your own version of glamping by packing your car full of cushy luxuries like string lights, foldable chairs, a heavy Dutch oven to cook elaborate meals, and other fancy gear to create a stylish outdoor abode.
Backpacking is the most heart-pumping version, where you hike (or kayak) to your desired destination with all your gear squeezed into a pack. This option is also the most private, since you typically trek for miles until you leave the crowds behind. In this case, you’ll want to buy the most lightweight and compact gear—mini stoves, dehydrated meal packs, water filters, and any sleeping pad, tents, or gear that says ultralight—which can often be pricey, since more cutting-edge technology is necessary.
You could camp without any reservation or payment needed (called “dispersed,” “primitive,” or “backcountry” camping) on some public lands, like those managed by Bureau of Land Management and national forests, as long as you take all your trash with you and “leave no trace.” Some natural areas allow you to primitive camp anywhere you like, as long as it’s a certain distance from any trails or water, while others will allow it only if you use designated sites tagged with a specific marker. Quickly searching the name of the forest or national park beforehand will show you what their specific rules are, so you don’t end up with a fine or a flashlight in your face come morning.
Tip: Download or save this camping checklist to use for your next camping trip.
Illustration by Emily Blevins
Campsite checklist
To set up your campsite, you’ll most likely want a shelter, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad, which enhances comfort and warmth by keeping you off the ground. Other items—like chairs and pillows—add extra comfort. Also, check if your campground has amenities before you pack. Most drive-up campsites will provide a picnic table and firepit and sell firewood on site.
Absolute essentials:
- Tent, with footprint and stakes
- Sleeping bags
- Sleeping pads or cots
- Camping chairs
- Headlamps
- Lighting, like a lantern or string lights
- Lighter
- Pillow
Nice to have:
- Camping table
- Hammock
- Games
- Firewood (you’ll need to buy wood from within the state or locally sourced close to your campground to avoid introducing invasive insects)
- Duct tape
- Extra batteries
- Axe or hatchet (for chopping wood)
- Multi-tool
- Tent repair kit
- Trowel
To keep everything organized, consider packing everything in a dedicated camping gear bin or box, like the foldable Thule Go Box ($130).
Toiletries and first aid
When packing toiletries for camping, you’ll want to think about basic hygiene but also being prepared for cuts and bug bites. If you’re only camping for a night or two, you might even skip showering entirely—although that doesn’t mean you can’t stay clean(ish). A simple body wipe and a stick of deodorant can do wonders after a night in a tent. Try to skip the paper towels (less trash!) and use quick-dry towels or a washcloth instead.
Absolute essentials:
- Biodegradable soap
- Deodorant
- Body or face wipes
- Toilet paper
- Quick-dry towel
- Sunscreen
- Hand sanitizer
- Insect repellent (plant-based Natrapel, $14, is a good DEET-free option)
- First aid kit, like the Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight Kit ($35), which includes adhesive bandages, gauze, tweezers, and pain relievers in a weatherproof bag.
Nice to have:
- Camp shower
- Flip-flops (if your campsite has a shower)
- Clothesline
Clothing
One expert tip is that you should always, always, bring an extra pair of socks. If you’re sticking to car camping, you might want to bring a few extra clothes in case you can’t make it through a night of s’mores without getting melted marshmallows all over yourself. Bottom line: The unexpected happens in the great outdoors, so check the forecast and pack clothes that will keep you warm and dry at night and cool during the day.
Absolute essentials:
- Short- and long-sleeved shirts
- Pants and shorts
- Warm jacket for evenings
- Boots or shoes for hiking
- Socks
- Sandals for lounging around the campsite
- Sleep or loungewear
- Sunglasses
- Hat
Nice to have:
- Rain jacket
- Gloves or mittens
- Swimsuit
- Earplugs
Camp kitchen and cooking
Sure, you could get creative with nothing but a roll of tinfoil and a campfire to cook your meals (hello, baked potato), but it’s also fun and satisfying to cook more elaborate meals in the outback. You’ll also want to bring along a few other camp kitchen essentials for cooking and cleaning up after, for those campfire taco dinners and pancake breakfasts.
Keep in mind that if you’re camping in bear country, it’s a good idea to bring a bear-proof canister to store your food (some coolers, like the Yeti Tundra, can be used with bear-proof locks). However, drive-in campsites will often provide metal lockers to keep your food safe from bears and other wildlife.
Absolute essentials:
- Stove and fuel
- Matches or lighter
- Kitchen kit (pots and pans) and cooking utensils
- A good knife
- Mess kit (plate, bowl, and eating utensils)
- Portable coffee maker (like Snow Peak’s collapsible coffee drip, $43)
- Biodegradable soap ( Joshua Tree camp soap, $14, doubles as dish and body soap)
- Sponge
- Cooler
Nice to have:
- Trash and recycling bags
- Filled water jugs (if your campsite doesn’t have potable water)
- Grill and charcoal
- Cutting board
- Tablecloth
- Bottle opener
- Tinfoil
- Water container or reusable water bottles
- Can opener (if you’re bringing canned foods)
Food
It’s also helpful to plan what meals you want to make while camping and draft a food shopping list beforehand. Oatmeal, freeze-dried soups, sandwiches, and hot dogs are always easy-to-cook camp classics. If you’re looking for more inspiration, try the delicious camp-friendly recipes (like a tinfoil shrimp boil or skillet pizza) in The Campout Cookbook ($19).
Don’t feel like prepping and shopping for your camp meals? Patagonia Provisions supplies such items as dried fruit, dehydrated bean soups, and even canned mussels that you can pack for a weekend of low-fuss food.
Many brands like Good To-Go also offer dehydrated meals, so all you have to do is add hot water to the pack and wait a few minutes, as with instant ramen, but with more advanced recipes. Some favorites come from Outdoor Herbivore, which has plant-based meals and cold water options in case you don’t have a way to boil water.
This article originally appeared in 2019. It was updated on May 13, 2025, to include current information. Danielle Hallock contributed to the reporting of this article.
