Camping Checklists

We are gearing up for our next camping trip, so join me as I double-and triple-check my camping list.

Before every trip I go through my “Ready-to-Go” bins and a checklist. The Ready-to-Go bins are the items that we either leave in the camper or storage bins that are ready to throw in the truck when we are packing up for a camping trip.

“But these are supposed to be ‘Ready-to-Go’, why are you also going through a checklist?”

For three reasons. First, you should always do a quick check of what’s in there just to make sure nothing got damaged and everything is actually in there (oh, I know I had paper towels in the go-bin… yeah and you used them up during the last trip).

Second, the bins can’t contain everything. Maybe you don’t have extra extension cords to stow away in a specific bin and I don’t know about you, but I haven’t found a way to store ice in a bin I keep in the garage year-round.

Third, you might forget to pack something obvious. The checklist makes sure you remember to pack your underwear.

Tip: If you’re making your first camping checklist or looking to add or upgrade your supplies, check around the college move-in sections for a lot of these items like bedding, kitchen kits, and shower supplies.

Checklists

I’ve created some helpful checklists that you can save to your phone or print to get you ready for your next camping adventure! I have a more universal list, as well as two specialty lists catered to RV and tent camping. All three have extra spaces for anything else you might need!

I have never car camped or done “van life”’ and I won’t pretend to know what that needs. I have backpacked once, but that deserves an article of its own – so stay tuned!

Here are some actual items that I’m bringing on this trip:

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Kitchen

Hand towels, kitchen towels or paper towels.

Not everything needs to be brand new or camping-specific. We have a large pack of hand towels for the house and just keep 3-4 of them in the camper.

This set includes two pots and it’s great for sides, single-serving meals or when you need to boil some water. It is very convenient if you’re tight on space.

Moka Pot

Because we deserve good coffee even when we’re camping.

This stuff is thick, leaves a white cast like a beacon being lit to call for aid, but I love it.

OFF! Deep Woods Insect Repellent and Repel 100 Insect Repellent.

Yes, I’m packing two kinds. OFF! Deep Woods has a better all-day feel, but Repel 100 is what I’m using at night or through overgrown trails.

Rinse-free Shower Wipes

No plumbing? Is the shower house a little funky? Or maybe you need a quick clean from your layers of sunscreen and insect repellent. These wipes are always in the camper.

Portable toilet

Yup, let’s talk about it. This is a real thing I own and it has a freaking cushioned seat. It folds up flat and takes up little space, so it always stays in the camper. Would I rather have plumbing? Absolutely. But that’s not always the case. Many campgrounds turn off their water due to cold temperatures during the off-season, but we live in the Midwest and sometimes you just have to go enjoy a random 75⁰ weekend in February.

This means no modern bathrooms besides my least favorite campground amenity: vault toilets. See ‘What Makes A Campground Great”.

Toilet bags and gel deodorizer

You know what’s worse than going to the bathroom in a bag? If said bag also rips. DO NOT SKIMP OUT ON THE TOILET BAGS.

Gear/Other

Not all campsites offer great shade. This is a great way to cool off or provide shelter from a LIGHT rain. Not a monsoon, take it down or Mother Nature will take it down for you.