How to Camp "Check List" - a Handy List for Packing

Camping is one of the greatest outdoor adventures we can still experience, and every trip provides a new source of wonder. But sometimes planning and packing can feel a bit overwhelming. It's so easy to forget something, and not always a delight to have to purchase a forgotten item along the way, or to have to come out of the woods in search of some tool or piece of gear. Following is a packing list you can easily print out and use to check off as you pack. Of course, feel free to modify!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. BASIC EQUIPMENT:
   
   tent (stakes, hammer)
   tarps (for a rain fly or outside the door, etc.)
   sleeping bags
   sleeping pads/cots/rugs (something between you and a potentially damp tent floor)
   pillows
   clothesline and clothespins
   plenty of extra rope (for tarps, tying anchors, etc.)
   lawn chairs
   boat cushions / life vests
   (boat/canoe/kayak/paddles/anchors)
   hatchet or small saw (for cutting or collecting dead and down wood only, and with express permission!)
   flashlights / lantern
   camp stove / fuel cylinder if required
   matches
   paper for fire starter
   broom or whisk broom / dust pan for tent or camper
   cookware (pots, pans, coffee pot, kettle for heating water)
   toilet paper/kleenex
   paper towels / rags / wash clothes
   dish soap (biodegradeable)
   bar soap (biodegradeable
   dish pan for washing
   cooler
   2 or 3 clean milk jugs filled 2inches from the top with fresh water and frozen for ice blocks. You can use them when they unthaw for drinking or mixing with powdered drink mixes. (Freeze unlidded in case of over-expansion.)
   buckets/pails
   extra towels
   fillet knife/small cutting board
   paper plates or dishes, cups, tableware
   can opener
   roasting forks for over the fire
   bug repellent
   sun screen
   zip lock bags (for fish, berries, left-overs, treasures...)
   First Aid supplies / medicines
   fishing or other liscenses

2. (The food and beverage lists are merely suggestions for items that are easy to prepare and store while roughing it. Modify to your tastes and abilities. NOTE: Freeze foods that you don't plan to consume for a day or two. They'll help keep the cooler chilled and will unthaw gradually, to be ready as needed.)
   
   FOOD & BEVERAGES:
   coffee/tea/cappucinno mix
   powdered cream
   cocoa mix
   milk (powdered or partially frozen so that it will stay cold over several days in a cooler.)
   soda
   tang (for an easy-to-use breakfast drink)
   water (frozen jugs)
   ***
   ramen cups
   pre-made stew or canned (like dinty moore)
   pre-patted burgers
   hotdogs/bratwurst
   buns/bread
   hamburger helper/any sauces required
   meats (hamburger, chicken, etc. Pre-cooked is easiest)
   lunchmeat/peanut butter & jelly/tuna
   seasonings/butters/spreads
   canned vegetables or fresh
   ketchup/mustard/other condiments
   ***
   pancake mixes or pre-made pourable
   eggs, pre-whipped or powdered
   cereal/oatmeal
   breakfast meats (bacon/sausage)
   sugar/syrup
   ***
   cookies(Fudge striped instead of graham crackers make easy s'mores)
   marshmallows chips,
   crackers or other snacks
   granola/trail mix
   pre-made sweets/muffins/brownies, etc

3. PERSONAL ITEMS:
   
   beach towels
   toothbrush/paste
   shampoo
   lots of socks/undergarments
   hiking shoes or tennis
   sandals/beach shoes
   warm layers for cool evenings (extra pants/jeans/sportswear; extra sweatshirts, hoodies, flannels)
   pajamas
   hat
   sunglasses

4. OTHER:
   
   books, magazines, notebooks, sketchbook, pens/pencils
   camera/camcorder/batteries
   fishing gear/bait/tackle
   sports equip
   beach toys

Tips & Warnings

• There are many things you can probably add to this list which are meaningful to you. But hopefully, these ideas will get you going, and make your next trip a little bit easier to prepare for.
• Remember to practice eco-friendly camping habits. Never pour soapy water into a lake or stream. Allow the ground to filter it. Don't litter. Don't leave food scraps in the woods where animals might be attracted.
• Don't cut or collect wood where prohibited.
• Adhere to state boating, fishing regulations
• Leave No Trace (Leave your campsite as unspoiled or better than you found it.)