Welcome to our camping checklist! Designed for easy use on mobile, this checklist allows you to tick off items as you go, helping you stay organised while saving paper. Keep it handy for future adventures!
This gear list is ideal for car or family camping but can also come in handy for lightweight trips. One of the greatest advantages of camping with a vehicle—whether it’s a 4WD, camper van, or car—is the ability to create a fully equipped and comfortable campsite.
The checklist covers most of the essential gear you’ll need for a car camping trip, but it’s up to you to tailor it to your preferences and decide what’s necessary.
If you’re new to camping, many items can be sourced from around the house. As you gain more experience, you’ll naturally build a dedicated camping kit—ideally stowed in labelled containers, ready to grab for those spontaneous getaways.
Note: If you’re planning remote 4WD camping, be sure to do your research. You’ll need recovery gear and other specialised tools to stay safe and prepared.
Shelter & Sleeping Essentials
Most of these items are essential for a comfortable camping trip.
- Tent (double-check poles, guy ropes, pegs, and spares)
- Mallet with a heavy metal head
- Sleeping pads (we recommend Exped)
- Sleeping bag, blankets, and/or doona (comforter)
- Pillows
- Camp chairs
- Foldable camp table
- Hard-wearing picnic rug and blanket
- Sunshade or extra tarp with poles (essential in summer)
- Tarp or groundsheet (for under the tent or extra shelter)
Cooking & Food Prep
A good kitchen setup is key to camping success. You will need to keep food cool and be able to cook on either an open fire or with a gas stove. Some items such as lighters or matches are essential for any trip.
- Stove and fuel
- Cool box and ice (one for beverages, one for food)
- Drinking water and container for collecting water onsite
- Water filters or treatment tablets
- Funnel
- Lighters and matches (in waterproof containers)
- Charcoal and firestarter
- Firewood and kindling (check site regulations for wood collection)
- Favourite camp coffee-making device (Aeropress or Nanopresso)
- Dutch oven (perfect for camp roasts)
- Campfire grill or BBQ grill (e.g., Homecamp Firepit and Grill)
- Frying pan (25.5 cm / 10 in ideal size)
- Cooking pots (two sizes recommended)
- Plates, bowls, and mugs (bamboo, BPA-free plastic, or enamel)
- Mixing bowl
- Utensils: chef’s knife, paring knife, serving spoon, cutlery, long metal skewers
- Utensil roll (for safe knife transport)
- Can opener/bottle opener
- Barbecue spatula and fork
- Chopping board
- Seasoning, condiments, salt, and pepper
- Potato peeler
- Cooking oil or spray
- Foil and plastic wrap (or eco-friendly bee’s wax paper)
- Vacuum bottle/thermos
- Water bottles
- Tupperware or airtight containers
- Ziplock or resealable plastic bags
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Cleaning
We recommend a leave-no-trace attitude to camping, especially in our wonderful National Parks and state forests. If you plan on camping in a state forest, you may need to prepare for a latrine. Most of these items are essential.
- Collapsible washing-up tub (two if possible)
- Biodegradable soap
- Steel scrubs and sponges
- Collapsible water container(s)
- Kitchen towels and tea towels
- Dustpan and brush (essential if camping with kids)
- Bucket with lid
- Rubbish bags
- Clothesline and pegs (for drying clothes and towels)
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Tools & Safety Gear
You probably won’t need all of these tools but they are certainly useful, especially if you are making your own campfire or are remote camping.
- Portable lanterns or headlamps (with spare batteries)
- Fixed-blade knife (sharp and stored in a sheath)
- Saw or folding saw/axe/hatchet (for firewood)
- Foldable shovel (useful for fire pits, latrines, or vehicle recovery)
- Multi-tool (e.g., Leatherman or Swiss Army knife)
- Cable ties
- Gaffer tape
- Rope or paracord
- Carabiners and adjustable webbing straps
- Portable power bank (for charging devices)
- Whistle (useful for emergencies)
- First aid kit (with snake bite kit for remote areas)
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Personal Gear & Toiletries
Things can get messy whilst camping. Especially with kids. Keeping your campsite clean and orderly is the way to go.
- Toiletry bag with essentials
- Baby wipes and hand sanitiser
- Toilet paper (in a resealable plastic bag)
- Sunscreen, lip balm, insect repellent
- Towels (including old ones for cleaning)
- Spare clothing: jackets, hoodies, beanies, shorts, thermals, socks, swimwear
- Wet-weather gear
- Sun hat with detachable mosquito/fly net
- Hiking boots or trail shoes
- Thongs (flip-flops)
- UGG boots (for cold nights)
- Gloves (fingerless for practicality)
- Daypack
- Backpacks, duffel bags, or tote bags
- Maps and compass
- Spare car key (stored safely)
- Spare batteries and extra fuel (for lanterns and stoves)
- Sunglasses
- Spare eyeglasses/contact lenses
- Emergency blanket (for unexpected cold)
- Watch with alarm
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Comfort & Fun Extras
Some other bits, some essential, some not.
- Hammock
- Mosquito/fly netting
- Camping shower or solar shower bag (for longer trips)
- Umbrella
- Binoculars
- Solar-powered batteries (e.g., Goal Zero)
- Trekking poles
- Two-way radios
- Waterproof Bluetooth speaker
- Outdoor gear (biking, kayaking, or fishing equipment)
- Board games or deck of cards
- Favourite beverages
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Ideally, store your kitchen and camping equipment in labelled plastic tubs. Invest in durable tubs that fit neatly in your vehicle’s boot to maximise space and organisation.
When packing for an extended trip, be mindful of your vehicle’s GVM rating (The gross vehicle mass (GVM)) so as not to overload your vehicle. Place heavy gear in the boot to keep it secure and out of harm’s way. If your vehicle has an open boot, secure your equipment with webbing straps attached to the boot’s D-rings, and consider installing a cargo barrier for added safety.
For additional storage, soft gear can be stowed on the roof using a rack, basket, or platform system. If you have roof racks, you can easily attach a basket or rooftop bag to keep your gear organised and accessible.
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