These are important items for your camping essentials checklist:
Camp table (if no picnic table)
Optional:
Firewood sourced near campsite
Camp rug
Tablecloth and clips (or tape)
Clothesline with clips
Tools & Repair Items
Duct tape
Tent-pole repair sleeve
Pad/Mattress repair kit
Mallet or hammer (for hammering tent stakes)
Small broom and dustpan
Kitchen
Many campgrounds have drinkable water. If not, bring your own, or be prepared to treat water if there’s a water source. Also, for even more ideas and food suggestions, see our separate Camp Kitchen Checklist.
Cook pots (and pot holder)
Ice or ice substitutes
Camp sink or wash bins
Pot scrubber/sponge(s)
Trash/recycling bags
Dish towel
Optional:
Camp grill and fuel
Charcoal
Rolling ice cream maker
Marshmallow/hot dog roasting forks
Small food-storage containers/bags/foil
Large, clear plastic bins to store kitchen gear
Campsite Extras
Most of the following items are optional, though depending on how remote your campsite is, navigation tools such as a map, compass and/or GPS may be required (for more info, read about the Ten Essentials).
Navigation tools
Field guides (flowers, insects)
Star chart/night-sky identifier
Book/reading material
Notebook and pen/pencil
Music player with headphones
Dry bags, stuff sacks or clear plastic bins to store items