Tent Camping Packing List

Have you ever gone tent camping? If so, you know you really need to have a good plan in place for packing. This Tent Camping Packing List is a perfect list to make sure you don’t arrive in the outdoors without must-have items. Making sure you have everything you need is a must. Especially if you plan to hike out into nature with no convenience stores nearby!

Tent Camping Packing List

This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission on purchases made from these links.

You’ve decided to try to rough it in the great outdoors and now you need to figure out what exactly to bring. There are a few key things that you absolutely need and then others that just make life a little easier if you have them. A lot of what you need depends on how long you are going to be camping for, in what season, and if you will be near a town or not. This is a good list of what to pack for your first camping trip.

The right tent

Tent camping can be a wonderful adventure and learning experience no matter your age. You can go completely rustic and throw a tarp over a few sticks as a simple shelter, or pack a pup tent that is just enough room for one person. We much prefer a bit fancier tent option that has tall ceilings so we aren’t bending over constantly, as well as individual rooms for some added privacy. There are literally tents for any and all needs. Some of our top picks are below.

Proper sleeping gear

You may think a sleeping bag is all you need, but tent camping often brings different needs when it comes to proper sleeping gear. First, you need to determine the weather situation for when you will be camping. Colder weather requires much different bedding than the summer months. There are a number of sleeping bags you can check out that we will list below, but you may also be interested in foldable cots, or even an air mattress. A tent, no matter which you choose, is still going to leave you laying on the ground. That’s where these items make your sleep much more comfortable and manageable while on the trails or out at your favorite state park camping.

Must have toiletries

We only camp when we have access to a bathroom and bathing facilities. State parks and designated camping areas are a must in our travels. That said, not everyone will have access to a traditional bathroom while camping. So, your must-have toiletries list may be vastly different depending on the type of camping you will be doing.

Toiletries for camping without amenities:

Bottled water for washing hands, drinking, and bathing
Hand soap, body soap, shampoo, conditioner, and hand sanitizer
Feminine hygiene products
Baby wipes or sanitizing wipes
Toilet paper
Toothpaste, toothbrush, mouthwash
Sunscreen, bug repellant, and aftercare products for bites or burns
Toilet system (Portable Travel Toilet System, Camping Shower or Toilet Privacy Tent, Portable Self Contained Toilet)
Washcloths, towels, or microfiber towel for drying
Bug repellant and sunscreen

Toiletries for camping with amenities:

Hand soap, body soap, shampoo, conditioner, and hand sanitizer
Feminine hygiene products
Baby wipes or sanitizing wipes
Toilet paper
Toothpaste, toothbrush, mouthwash
Sunscreen, bug repellant, and aftercare products for bites or burns
Shower bag to carry items to and from bathrooms
Washcloths, towels, or microfiber towel for drying
Bug repellant and sunscreen

A full first aid kit

This is just a must no matter what kind of travel you are doing. I definitely include a fully loaded first aid kit on any tent camping packing list. Everyone considers a first aid kit differently. For our family, it would include various medications, bandages, and emergency supplies. For others, it is a much larger or smaller list. No matter what you include, make sure to go prepared. Below are two of our top picks for good ready-made first aid kits.

Cooking and eating utensils

One of the best parts of camping comes when you enjoy the foods prepared over an open fire. Whether you are camping in luxury at a Glamping location like the ones my friend Deb shares of her 10 Favorite Glamping Destinations, you’ll need to eat. We love going simple and rustic, but some want to cook gourmet meals on their camping trips. Invest in a set of camping plates and utensils, as well as a simple set of camping cooking gear that can all easily be stored in a collapsible bag or tote between camping trips.

Dry and wet bags

When you go camping, laundry is usually the farthest thing from your mind. That said, depending on the time of year you head out to explore, you will need a dry bag and a wet bag for garments. If you are going swimming, or just going hiking, things might get wet and stinky. If you want to keep things separate for easier cleaning down the road, these are a must. Wet and dry laundry bags are a must in my camping kit.

**Searching for the best places to camp around Michigan? See our detailed guide about the places to camp out!**

Games and entertainment

While you may have plans to hike, fish, hunt, or swim during your camping trip, there will be some downtime. Taking along games and entertainment is really important, especially if you plan to have kids along for the trip. We have always packed the simple things like card and board games, coloring books, magazines, and books to read. If you have access to a charging device, you can pack game systems or phones as well. Just remember to pack a spare cable and charging brick just in case!

Camping is a wonderful family activity. This tent camping packing list contains just a few of the basic items you will want along for your next camping trip. Whether this is your first time camping or your one thousandth, you can always use a refresher before heading out for a new adventure in the great outdoors.

Tent Camping Packing List

More Travel Tips:

Reader Interactions

Join the Discussion! Cancel reply