Tent camping packing list
- This list is for pitching a tent or car camping with your own shelter — not sleepaway cabin camp.
- Test your tent at home before the trip — missing stakes ruin a first night.
- Pack wool or synthetics, not cotton — cotton stays wet and chills you.
What you’ll likely need
A quick peek at must-bring and strongly suggested items for this trip. Your full checklist with checkboxes appears in a moment.
- Extra warm layer for kids at night
- Headlamp + extra batteries
- Kids headlamp (hands free at night)
- Kids sleeping bag (rated for night temps)
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad / mat
- Tent
- Trash bags (pack it out)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Hiking boots
- Kids sun hat with strap
- Pants / shorts
- Socks
- T-shirts / tops
- Underwear
- Camping permit
- Credit / debit cards
- Driver's license / ID
- Flight / booking confirmations
- Health insurance card
- Passport
- Phone
- Phone charger
- Basic first aid kit
- Prescription medications
- Child's own carry-on backpack
- Children's pain/fever medicine (proper dose)
- Comfort item (stuffed animal or small blanket)
- Spare outfit for each child
- Tablet or phone with offline shows & games
- Wired headphones (plane & car)
- Ziplock bag of snacks your child picked
- Extra socks & underwear per child
- Deodorant
- Kids sunscreen SPF 50+
- Sunscreen SPF 30+
- Day backpack
- Packing cubes
- Sunglasses
- Biodegradable camp soap
- Camp cookware set
- Camp knife / multitool
- Camp mug / cup
- Camp stove
- Emergency whistle
- Fire starter / matches (waterproof)
- Fuel canister
- Ground tarp / footprint
- Kids rain jacket
- Spork / utensils
- Water filter / purification
- Extra warm mid-layer
- Light jacket / layer
- Packable rain jacket
Tips for this trip
- Headlamp beats flashlight — hands free for cooking and tent setup.
- Check if your campsite requires a bear canister before you drive out.
- A ground tarp under your tent extends gear life and keeps you dry.
More camping packing lists guides on our camping packing lists hub , or use the full packing tool
Common questions
What is on a tent camping packing list? +
Tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, headlamp, water, and a simple cook setup. Add rain layers and a warm mid-layer for cold nights.
Is this the same as a summer camp packing list? +
No. Summer camp is labeled clothes for cabins without parents. This page is for family or adult tent and car camping — open our summer camp list for Scout and sleepaway stays.
Can I use this for backpacking? +
Yes — select carry-on in the bag setting to highlight lighter gear and trim bulky optional items.
What goes on a camping packing list with kids? +
Each child needs a sleeping bag, headlamp, rain jacket, and warm layers — plus your family tent and cook gear. Open our camping with kids list for a preset family checklist.