Canoe / Kayak Camping
For paddlers carrying camp in a boat on multi-day lake, river, or sheltered-coast trips.
- SeasonLate Spring-Early Fall
- Length2-6 nights
- Sections9
- Items74
- Essential41
- Reviewed2026-10-07
Use this template All templates
A starting point for 2-6 night paddle-in trips by canoe or kayak on flatwater, mild rivers, or protected coastal routes. Assumes portages or long carries are possible, everything must survive a capsize, and cold water is a hazard even in summer. Adapt for whitewater, open coast, or tidal trips (more rescue gear, immersion wear, VHF radio) and for area rules such as group-size limits and container bans.
Check before you go
- Check current entry permits and quotas; popular wilderness routes such as the Boundary Waters require reserved permits in peak season.
- Check water temperature, not just air temperature; dress for immersion whenever the water is cold.
- Check wind and weather daily, plus tide and current tables on coastal routes, and plan bailout landings.
- Check current container, fire, and campsite rules; some areas ban cans and glass bottles or require designated sites.
- Check current fishing license rules for the state or province if you plan to fish.
- Lake and river water must be filtered or boiled; plan treatment capacity for the whole group.
What's inside
- Essential
- Optional
- Needs a permit
Planning & Permits 4/7
- Entry or overnight permit for the route (quota permits in peak season) Check current quota dates and reservation rules for the area.
- Float plan filed with someone: route, campsites, return date, who to call
- Waterproof map or chart in a map case, plus compass
- Weather and wind forecast; tide and current tables for coastal trips
- Fishing license for the state or province Carry it on the water; check current regulations for the area.
- Shuttle, put-in, and take-out logistics arranged
- Group-size and watercraft limits checked (e.g., 9 people and 4 boats in the BWCAW)
Boat & Paddling Gear 8/16
- Canoe or kayak suited to the water, with adequate flotation
- Paddle per person plus one spare per boat
- PFD (life jacket) per person, properly fitted and worn
- Whistle attached to each PFD
- Throw bag or rescue rope
- Bilge pump and/or bailer, plus sponge
- Bow and stern painters and tie-down straps for the car
- Boat repair kit: duct tape, sealant or epoxy putty, spare parts
- Spray skirt (kayak)
- Paddle float and rescue sling for kayak self-rescueEssential for sea kayaking; practice re-entry before the trip.
- Tow line
- Portage yoke and portage pack (canoe)
- Deck compass and strobe or light for low light
- River knife clipped to the PFD
- Helmet for whitewater
- VHF radio or satellite messenger for coastal or remote trips
Dry Storage 3/5
- Dry bags: several small ones labeled by category
- Food barrel or bear-resistant container with harnessBear-resistant storage is required in some areas; check current rules.
- Trash bags to pack out everything
- Waterproof phone case
- Pack liners for sleeping bag and clothes
Shelter & Sleep 3/6
- Tent with fly and stakes, plus cord for rocky sites
- Sleeping bag rated for the expected lows
- Sleeping pad
- Tarp with rope for a rain kitchen
- Groundsheet
- Pillow
Kitchen & Water 7/10
- Camp stove and fuel (fires may be restricted)
- Lighter plus waterproof matches
- Pots, pan, and cooking utensils
- Plates or bowls, cups, and cutlery
- Water filter or purifier plus backup tablets
- Water bottles or bladder; extra capacity on salt water
- Food, repackaged out of cans and glass where banned
- Biodegradable soap and scrubber (wash 200 ft from water)
- Fire gloves and small saw or hatchet where fires are allowed
- Soft cooler for the first day or two
Clothing 8/12
- Quick-dry paddling clothes (no cotton)
- Wetsuit or drysuit when the water is coldDress for the water temperature, not the air; cold water can incapacitate in minutes.
- Rain jacket and rain pants
- Warm layer (fleece or puffy) kept in a dry bag
- Dry camp clothes and sleep layers
- Water shoes or sandals with heel straps for wet landings
- Sun hat with brim, plus a warm hat
- Sunglasses with a retainer strap
- Camp shoes
- Paddling gloves
- Bug shirt or head net
- Swimsuit
Safety & First Aid 5/8
- First-aid kit in a dry bag, with blister and burn care and medications
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Sunscreen and SPF lip balm
- Emergency blanket or bivy
- Knife or multi-tool
- Insect repellent
- Signal mirror and flares for coastal trips
- Spare glasses or contacts
Hygiene & Waste 3/6
- Trowel for catholes, or use provided latrines; stay 200 ft from water
- Toilet paper in a zip bag
- Hand sanitizer
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Quick-dry towel
- WAG bags or portable toilet where requiredMany river corridors require packing out human waste; check current rules.
Extras 0/4
- Fishing gear
- Lightweight camp chair
- Camera in a waterproof case
- Cards or a book
Sources 2026-10-07
Rules, fees and conditions change. Verify with the official source before you go.
- Paddler's Safety Checklist American Canoe Association · 2026-10-07
- How to Plan and Pack for Multiday Kayaking Trips NRS · 2026-10-07
- Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness USDA Forest Service, Superior National Forest · 2026-10-07
- Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Permits USDA Forest Service, Superior National Forest · 2026-10-07
- Leave No Trace Seven Principles National Park Service · 2026-10-07
- Fishing Regulations National Park Service · 2026-10-07