Camping Check List

Here is our list of items you should bring with you on your next camping trip.

Toiletries

Many companies send out sample sizes of their products. I throw the stuff I get in a box and save it all up for camping trips.

Toothpaste
Toothbrushes
Dental Floss
Mouthwash or Breath Mints
Shampoo
Hair Conditioner
Metal Mirror	For shaving, hair combing, or "What do I look like today?"
Toilet Paper and a Small Shovel	Just in case you can't find a rest room!
Quarters for the Showers
Hair Combs and/or Brushes
Hand Soap	I find the anti-bacterial soaps very reassuring on camping trips
Sun Screen
Bug Repellent
Skin Lotion
Shaving Accessories	Don't forget the power cord!
Tweezers	Someone is always getting a wood or glass sliver.
Aspirin or Tylenol
Children's Tylenol	Some kid size fever reducer.
Forehead Thermometer
Finger Nail Clippers or Nail File
Antiperspirant
Lip Balm	Some come with U.V. protection.
Prescription Medications	Get spares of all you can; especially allergy and athsma medications as these conditions an be worsened by changing climate and vegetation.

Basics

Flashlights with Batteries
Wooden Matches and a Lighter
Basic Tools	Phillips head and slot head screwdrivers, a hammer, and a camp knife are a must. If you know anything about car maintenance add to this basic list.
Fire Extinguisher	It may sit in your trunk for years or you might find yourself putting out an engine fire like I did a few years ago.
First Aid Kit
Sewing Kit	Scissors, thread, a few needles and safety pins will do it.
Duct Tape
Dish Soap
Rope
Swiss Army Knife	Or something comparable
Folding Multi-Purpose Tool
1 Cup per Camper
Roll of Trash Bags	Great for packing up wet gear, dirty laundry, dirty dishes, and trash.
5 Gallon Buckets	Can be used for water, trash cans and they are great to sit on.

Gear

Tent	Make sure you have all the stakes, ropes, poles, etc. Most tents come with lousy stakes that bend after the first few uses - I buy 'industrial strength' stakes at my local hardware store.
Ground Cloth or Tarp	You should always have a two or more tarps to go with your tent.
Tent Carpet	A piece of used or remnant carpet, cut to fit your tent floor, makes for a comfortable tent experience.
Sleeping Bags
Fleece Sleeping Bag Liner	Not only does this add warmth to a sleeping bag, it helps keep your sleeping bag clean. it's easier to wash a bag liner than it is to wash the whole sleeping bag.
Canteen
Blankets
Inflatable Cushions	For under the sleeping bags.
Pillows	Coats work great if you're in a pinch for space.
Camping Lanterns	We use the battery operated kind. They are not as bright as gas lamps, but are much safer with a small child and can be used in the tent without fear.
Camp Stove	Make sure to bring fuel.
Propane Grill
Charcoal and Lighter Fluid
Long Handle Pick Ax
Bandanna
Cooler
Backpacks	Include ones for the kids - Why carry snacks for everyone? Let the kids pack and carry what they want to bring (they might want to bring less stuff next time).

Food Bin

Plastic Dish Pan	This keeps stuff from rolling all over in the trunk and comes in handy for dish washing and bathing.
Paper Plates	Twice as many as you think you need. Bring plenty, they burn very well for fire starting purposes.
Can Opener
Cup-O-Noodles
Granola Bars
Silverware	2x everyone in your party. Bring some regular silverware and some plastic stuff.
Napkins or Paper Towels
Toothpicks
Coffee (Sugar / Cream)	The makings for a good cup of coffee. Also, single serving coffee bags or tea bags
Beef Stew
Corned Beef Hash	Great with eggs!
Canned Pie Filling	Excellent!
Ravioli	Even good cold and kids love it!
Macaroni and Cheese	Very soupy but tasty.
Baked Beans
Soups	Pick the stuff your family likes best.
Canned Vegetables	Green beans, peas, mushrooms, corn, carrots, etc.
Canned Fruits	Pineapple, applesauce, peaches, pears, apricots, etc.
Bread	Bring a good loaf of bread.
Cheese	Cheddar or mozzarella
Sandwich Meat
Butter
Condiments	Almost all condiments will keep well - Just make them easy to get to.
Adult Beverages
Kids Drinks
Hot Dogs	Excellent food.
Box of Cereal	Cherrios, Chex's, any cereal that requires no sugar. Eat this out of a cup. It's a quick and easy breakfast.
S'more Fixings	Marshmallows, Hershey chocolate bars, and graham crackers!
Zip-Lock Storage Bags	Really handy if you hate seeing your butter floating around in the bottom of the cooler.
Aluminum Foil
Spatula
Cooking Utensils	A serving spoon, a pitch fork, a pair of tongs, and a good knife.
Hot Pads
Clothes Pin
Frying Pan	I use an old cast iron pan.

Car / Glove Box

Car Registration
Car Insurance Information
Medical Insurance	Bring everyone's cards; better safe than sorry.
Travelers Check Receipts
Camera and Film	Many cameras take strange batteries - bring a spare!
Bring a Book	If you read, bring something. You never know where you'll be waiting.
Your Wallet
Your Drivers License	Obvious, but please make sure!
Your AAA Card	If you don't have one, I recommend you get one. Free tows in the U.S.A. are only the beginning. Your policy may say they only tow 7 miles - but that's not the full truth. AAA will tow you seven miles in town.
Your Checkbook	Most self-service campgrounds accept checks.
Your Credit Cards and ATM Cards	Yes, I have left my VISA at home accidentally- the only time I have needed it.
Money	Don't bring hundreds please!
Water	I use a large container for the bulk of the water and keep a soda bottle with water in reach for drinking in the car or on hikes.
Maps
Toys	Let your kids pick out what they want.
Snacks	Good distractions for the little ones.
Towels	I use them as seat covers to protect from accidents for easy packing.

Clothing

Good Hat
Rain Poncho
Bug Head Net
Multi-Pocket Vest	A great piece of apparel. Keeps all your little items handy.
Sport Sandals
Long Underwear
Filp-Flops	Great for showering in as well as lake swimming.

E-mail us with any additional items info@thecampingsource.com