Maine Tent Camping Checklist
Camping is one of the best ways to spend quality time with people you love. Whatever the reason is for your camping trip—nostalgia, relaxation, or maybe just connecting with nature, MyMaine can help you effortlessly prepare for your trip so you can focus on what really matters—making memories that will last a lifetime.
Through many years of camping experience and small mishaps, I like to think that I’ve perfected the tent camping checklist. It has everything you need to sleep comfortably, lounge freely, and cook on the campfire. I’ll even add links to some of my tried and true camping items!
Tent Camping Packing Checklist
Sleeping
Tent (my husband, dog, and I sleep comfortably in this Adventure Dome tent from L.L Bean)
Sleeping pads/cots (we love these therm-a-rest self-inflating pads)
Bedding/sleeping bag (a 35 or 40 degree bag is usually sufficient for June-September, I like this sleeping bag from L.L Bean)
Pillow (I like to bring a “normal” pillow from home and throw on a different pillow case that I don’t mind getting dirty)
Extra blanket (either a nice outdoor down blanket or a wool-blend blanket)
Handheld broom (to sweep dirt out of your tent—I like this one from OXO)
Kitchen
One large frying pan (we like to use cast iron pans or this cook set from GSI when camping)
One medium frying pan
Large pot
Medium pot
Mixing bowls
Camp stove (we like this stove from Coleman because it has a removable cast iron skillet)
Propane tanks for camp stove
Metal spatula
Heat resistant spoon
Metal/heat resistant tongs
Whisk
Strainer (this collapsible one from Amazon stores well)
Can opener
Aluminum foil
Oven mitts
Knife/cutting board set (like this one from GSI Outdoors, or you can just bring a variety of knives/cutting boards)
Bins/cloths/dish soap for dishes
Garbage bags
Plates (we LOVE this durable dish set from GSI)
Cups
Silverware
Paper towels or kitchen towels
Entertainment
Bluetooth Speaker (we LOVE our Bose revolve speaker—it has kept our spirits high during many windy, rainy camping trips)
Board game(s) (pick your favorites—Yahtzee! Catan! Clue!)
Cards
Lawn game(s) (corn hole, ladder ball)
Campfire Essentials
Axe
Camp chairs (like these from REI)
Lighter/matches
S’mores sticks (these metal s’mores sticks are worth the investment)
Hammock stand (needed if you’re going to be camping somewhere without a lot of trees)
Hammocks (these are essential!!)
Wood (we usually buy this at campground to prevent spread of pests)
String lights (optional, but can be really festive)
Side table (also optional, but very convenient for sitting around the campfire!)
Additional Items
Extension cord (you just never know when you’re going to need one!)
Toilet paper (I usually bring two rolls—just in case)
Towels (quick-drying towels or beach towels work great!)
Safety Items
Extra batteries (for headlamp, lantern, etc,.)
Jackery power station (we bring this on every camping trip to keep our phones, bluetooth speaker, and Garmin InReach charged)
Garmin InReach (we always have a satellite communication device when we are camping, you can send a signal to first responders, track/send your location, and send messages via satellite to loved ones)
Duct tape (no explanation needed)
Flashlight/headlamp (this is my current headlamp)
Lantern (great for lighting up the picnic table at night while playing cards)
Hand sanitizer
Utility knife
Scissors
I hope this comprehensive packing list helps make packing for camping easier and less stressful. The less time we spend packing, the more time we can spend with loved ones.
Happy camping!
MyMaine
