There is more to a good camping checklist than a tent, sleeping bags, and clothes. (Read the first part of Creating a Camping Supply List for more info on these items.) You will also want to include the right food, cooking and kitchen supplies, and a variety of other camping items on your checklist.



Camp cooking and preparing your favorite camping recipes is one of the best parts of a camping trip. Take care to include everything you need to prepare your meals, eat, and clean up. Many campgrounds provide charcoal grills at each campsite as well as picnic tables. If you are planning to use the facility grill, remember charcoal, and bring a table cloth, as well as table clips for breezy days.

You may also want a camp stove or a camping grill. Bring along plenty of fuel to last through your trip, matches, and fire starters, as well. Skewers, camp forks, camp grills, and broiler baskets are all ideal for cooking over the open fire. You will also want camp cookware, pots, pans, and a Dutch oven, depending on the camping recipes you plan to prepare. Don't forget the cooking utensils, spatulas, knives, and lids for your pots, as well as potholders or oven mitts. An extra folding table may come in handy for camp cooking and you will want plenty of garbage bags to dispose of your trash and leftovers.

Avid campers often keep a set of dishes for camping trips, while some use paper plates and plastic utensils. Whichever you prefer, be sure to include them on your camping supply list. Plates, bowls, cups, mugs, and eating utensils are a must. You may also need measuring cups, a can opener, and other specialty utensils like peelers or shredders. Other important camp cooking items include dish soap, a dishpan, dish cloths and towels, and scrub pads for dirty pots and pans. Heavy duty aluminum foil is a camping necessity and you will want to remember cooking spray and storage containers as well.

Your camping supply list may include several coolers and, after a few family camping trips, you will see how useful more than one cooler can be. The Coleman 50 Qt. ice chest and 9 Qt. Excursion cooler combo is ideal. A chest cooler is great for your campsite to hold soft drinks, juice, water, and perishable foods, while a smaller 6 pack cooler is perfect for visiting the beach or taking to the pool.

There are several other items you should considering including on your camping checklist. Keep your maps, guidebooks, and any reservation confirmations nearby for easy access. Don't forget sunscreen, bug repellant, and lip balm, as well as a pocket knife or multipurpose tool, flashlight, a camping lantern, and extra batteries, bulbs, and fuel for gas, kerosene, or propane lanterns.

Regardless of where you are camping or how long your trip will last, one of the most important items on your camping checklist is a good first aid kit. It is a good idea to carry an emergency kit in your vehicle at all times and especially important while camping. If you are planning day hikes, boating outings, horseback riding, or other outdoor activities, you will want a smaller first aid kit that can fit inside your daypack as well.