This Beginner Camping Essentials Checklist Will Make Your Next Trip Epic

You may not be able to bring home with you when you explore the outdoors. However, you can create a safe, comfortable space with the right campsite setup. Here is everything you need to make sleeping under the stars more relaxing:

When you buy a tent, size up larger than the total number of people in your family or party. You’ll be able to enjoy a more spacious sleeping experience while also usually getting a higher peak. This gives you more space to move around, store equipment, and dress. You can also look for a few extra features like extra doors or privacy screens.

Footprints, also known as ground covers, protect your tent floor from damage caused by rocks, twigs, and general use over time. A footprint spans the size of a tent floor. They best prevent water from pooling under your tent and can also add up to money saved long-term since they are cheaper to replace than tents.

A rectangular sleeping bag is the roomiest and most comfortable for casual camping. There is no need for a super snug shape unless you are backpacking. We recommend a three-season one because it is a flexible option to camp for most of the year. A lightweight bag may be plenty warm for your needs if you plan to camp only in the summer.

Multiple lighting sources can help you to see and navigate around your camp at night. While you can’t go wrong with a classic flashlight, a headlamp helps free up your hands while cooking or setting up tents or cooking stations at your campsite. Lanterns provide a steady, ambient light. Just don’t forget to pack plenty of charged batteries for all your lighting options.

Other Shelter + Sleeping Gear for Your Campsite

There are several ways to cook at your campsite. Always remember to bring plenty of food and water on your first trip. It’s better to over-prepare before you leave home and make adjustments the next time you camp. We suggest a minimum of two gallons of water per person per day when car camping. That amount allows each person enough for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and personal hygiene.

Have one cooler for raw and uncooked food and a separate one for drinks and other items. Doing so eliminates the risk of raw food bacteria transfer. Don’t forget to keep your cooler under a shaded area or umbrella out of direct sunlight.

Even if your campsite has picnic areas, bringing your own table and chairs means more flexibility and room for supplies. A simple, foldable table or two and chairs will do the trick and are easy to pack.

Campsite hygiene is just as important as anywhere else! Don’t leave home without plenty of toilet paper, soap, hand sanitizer, and a small bath towel just in case the campground doesn’t have well-stocked bathrooms. Sunscreen, insect repellent, and a first aid kit are all must-haves, too.

A portable emergency radio helps when severe weather rolls in. Radios are essential when you lose cell service. This Life Gear Stormproof Crank Radio Light even has an emergency siren for added safety.

Always check the weather forecast before packing! It's also a good idea to plan out your activities, too. Having extra clothes is never a bad idea. Avoid moisture-trapping cotton. Instead, pack moisture-wicking layers like merino wool, nylon, or polyester. Hats can keep the sun off your face and out of your eyes.

Bring insulated jackets when it is cold out. The weather can often be unpredictable. Packing a waterproof layer for rain can save a camping trip! Layers are the best camping strategy year-round.

Wear a pair of sturdy shoes (suited to the terrain of your specific campsite) for exploring and pack a comfortable pair of slip-on shoes for hanging around camp and late-night bathroom runs.

Have Fun Out There!

Camping is more than grabbing a tent and sleeping bag. You may need less than what we have laid out in this guide. But predicting your needs to spare yourself from last-minute runs when you’re already in the middle of nowhere is never a bad idea! Here are a few of our best camping tips:

• See if your campsite has gear reserve options for bulkier or heavier items, like chairs or kayaks

• Have a plan (and appropriate supplies, like an emergency rain poncho) for if the weather shifts

• Make sure your vehicle has the appropriate emergency supplies, like a spare tire and air compressor

• If possible, practice setting up and tearing down your gear before arriving at your campsite

• Always, always, always let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be back

Still have questions? Print out our checklist, and head to your local Academy Sports + Outdoors. A team member can help you gear up with the camping essentials you need for your next adventure.