The Best Easy Weekend Car Camping Gear Packing List

Hooray—you’re going camping! Whether this is your first time pitching a tent or you need a refresher as you pack, below you’ll find a very basic packing list for two to three nights at a campsite.
Every campground is different. First, check the amenities available. These may include:
- Picnic table
- Fire pit (with or without grill)
- Gravel, concrete, dirt or wooden tent pads
- Utility hookups for RVs
- Pit toilets (outhouses)
- Flush toilets
- Wheelchair accessible toilets
- Showers
- Sink or tap
- Potable water (safe to drink)
- Playground
- Picnic shelter
- Boat launch
- Firewood for sale
- Convenience store
Next, check the weather forecast. It’s always wise to bring a warm jacket or fleece and rain gear, but if the sun is supposed to shine all weekend long, you may want to add in extra shorts or a tank top. If it’s calling for colder temperatures, bring extra layers for warmth.
Download & Print a Copy of this Car Camping Packing List!
If you’re heading out to a vehicle accessible campground close to a city, here’s a basic list of necessities for an awesome weekend camping trip (not including your transportation to/from the campsite):
Camping Gear:
Sleeping:
- Tent
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping mat
- Tarp/ground sheet
- Pillow
Food:
- Cooler
- Ice or ice packs
- Bucket/wash bin
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus snacks
- Drinks
- Water
- Camp stove
- Fuel
- Fire starter/matches
- Camp cookware (pot, pan, ladle, spatula)
- Oil or butter
- Spices
- Plates, bowls, cutlery
- Cups and mugs
- Roasting sticks
- Wash cloth
Clothing:
- Cozy clothes to wear around the campfire
- One set of warm base layers
- One set of mid layers
- Two quick-dry t-shirts
- One pair of lightweight pants
- Extra socks and moisture-wicking underwear
- Sleepwear
- Rain gear
- Brimmed hat
- Closed-toed shoes or hiking boots
Gear:
- Knife
- Axe
- Backpack
- Bug repellent
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Flashlight or headlamp
- First-aid kit
- Hand sanitizer
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, medication, toilet paper, glasses/contacts)
- Soap
- Towel
- Communication device (cell phone)
- Campsite reservation confirmation
Extras:
- Blanket
- Camp chair
- Canopy
- Guitar
- Hammock
- Fishing gear
- External battery
- Coffee
- Bear spray or bear bell
- Hand warmers
- Hiking poles
- Book
- Playing cards
- Lantern
- Rope
- Firewood
- Repair kit
- Cash and credit card
- Sleeping bag liner
- Camp slippers or flip-flops
- Swimsuit/shorts
- Toque
- Gloves or mittens
- Map and compass
Download & Print this Car Camping Packing List or Save it on your Phone!
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Need a more detailed list?
Essential Camping Gear Checklist
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