Classic CampList (all-round car camping)
The original CampList: a complete pre-trip script plus gear for a typical drive-in campground trip.
- SeasonSpring-Fall
- Length2-7 nights
- Sections11
- Items85
- Essential72
- Reviewed2026-10-07
Use this template All templates
A general-purpose list for a weekend to a week of car camping at a developed or semi-developed campground. It covers planning tasks, shelter, kitchen, clothing, first aid, hygiene, navigation, tools and campfire gear. Trim sections you do not need and add trip-specific items from the other templates.
Check before you go
- Check the campground's current fire restrictions and firewood rules before you buy or bring wood.
- Confirm reservation, quiet-hours and check-in rules for your specific campground; they vary by season.
- Review the weather forecast 48 hours before departure and adjust clothing and shelter accordingly.
- Food-storage rules (bears, raccoons) differ by region; follow posted guidance at your site.
What's inside
- Essential
- Optional
- Needs a permit
Pre-Trip Planning Script 12/13
- Pick destination & reserve campsite
- Check permit rules (fires, fishing, drones)
- Verify seasonal hazards (bears, fire bans, bugs)
- Inspect/repair tent, stakes, zippers
- Test camp-stove & fuel canisters
- Create shared food plan & divide groceries
- Check 7-day weather forecast & adjust clothing
- Download offline maps & GPX route
- Charge power banks, camera batteries, headlamps
- Freeze one gallon of drinking water (acts as ice)
- Pre-pack cooler & label meal bags
- Put house on away-mode (thermostat, trash, mail)
- Turn off stove, lock doors, set alarm
Shelter & Sleep 6/6
- Tent (poles, stakes, groundsheet)
- Footprint or tarp
- Sleeping bag (temp-rated)
- Sleeping pad / air mattress & repair kit
- Pillow or stuff-sack pillowcase
- Extra guy lines & stake hammer
Camp Kitchen 14/14
- Stove + full fuel canisters
- Lighter + stormproof matches
- Cook pot / pan & lid
- Utensils (spatula, long spoon, knife)
- Cutting board (thin plastic)
- Insulated mugs & bowls
- Eating utensils / spork
- Biodegradable soap & scrub pad
- Collapsible sink / wash basin
- Cooler & ice packs / frozen water jugs
- Water filter / purification tablets
- Refillable water bottles / hydration bladder
- Bear-proof canister or hang-kit
- Trash bags & zip-locks
Power 0/6
- Solar charger
- Battery pack
- Phone charger
- Headlamp
- Lantern
- Radio
Clothing & Footwear 9/9
- Moisture-wicking base layers (top & bottom)
- Insulating mid-layer (fleece or puffy)
- Rain jacket (waterproof/breathable)
- Rain pants
- Extra hiking socks
- Sun hat / brimmed cap
- Warm hat/beanie
- Light gloves / mittens
- Camp shoes / sandals
First Aid & Health 7/7
- First aid kit
- Personal medications & copies of prescriptions
- EpiPen / allergy meds (if needed)
- Blister treatment (moleskin, leukotape)
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen SPF 30+ & lip balm
- Electrolyte tablets / rehydration salts
Hygiene & Sanitation 7/7
- Toilet paper & zip-lock bag to pack out
- Trowel / cathole digger
- Hand sanitizer
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Quick-dry camp towel
- Feminine hygiene products (if needed)
- Biodegradable wet wipes
Navigation & Safety 6/6
- Paper map of area
- Compass
- GPS device / smartphone with offline maps
- Emergency whistle
- Signal mirror
- Personal locator beacon / satellite messenger
Tools & Repair 6/6
- Multi-tool / knife
- Duct tape / gear repair tape
- 50 ft paracord
- Sewing kit / safety pins
- Zip ties
- Spare AA/AAA batteries
Campfire 5/5
- Fire permit (if required)
- Fire starter cubes / cotton-vaseline balls
- Dry tinder in waterproof bag
- Hatchet or folding saw
- Heat-resistant gloves
Recreation & Comfort 0/6
- Camp chair / stool
- Hammock & straps
- Cards / travel games
- Journal & pen
- Binoculars
- Camera & accessories
Sources 2026-10-07
Rules, fees and conditions change. Verify with the official source before you go.
- CampList original default checklist camplist.guide · 2026-10-07
- Camping Checklist REI Co-op Expert Advice · 2026-10-07