The Ultimate Camping Packing List for 2026

There is nothing worse than arriving at your campsite and realising you have forgotten something essential. Whether you are a seasoned camper or heading out for the first time, a comprehensive packing list saves stress and ensures you can enjoy your holiday from the moment you arrive.

Shelter and Setup

Your shelter is your home for the duration of the trip. Get this right and everything else falls into place.

• Tent (or confirm your caravan or motorhome is prepped)
• Groundsheet or footprint (protects the tent floor from moisture and punctures)
• Tent pegs (bring extras, and match them to the surface type — check the pitch surface on MyCampingSpot.app before you go)
• Mallet or peg hammer
• Guylines and tensioners
• Tarp or rain fly (for extra shelter over your cooking area)
• Repair kit (duct tape, spare pole sections, seam sealer)

Sleeping Gear

A good night's sleep makes all the difference on a camping trip. Do not skimp on sleeping comfort.

• Sleeping bag (check the temperature rating for your destination and season)
• Sleeping mat or air mattress (self-inflating mats offer a good balance of comfort and packability)
• Pillow (camping pillows pack small but make a huge difference)
• Extra blanket for cold nights
• Hot water bottle (a surprisingly effective low-tech warming solution)

Camp Kitchen

Camping meals can be simple or elaborate, but you need the right equipment either way.

• Camping stove and fuel (check campsite fire rules in advance)
• Lighter or waterproof matches (bring at least two)
• Pots and pans (a 2-pot set covers most meals)
• Plates, bowls, and cutlery
• Sharp knife and chopping board
• Cool box or portable fridge with ice packs
• Water bottles or hydration system
• Washing-up bowl, biodegradable soap, and sponge
• Bin bags for rubbish and recycling
• Coffee maker or kettle (essential for many campers)
• Aluminium foil (incredibly versatile for cooking)

Clothing and Footwear

The key to camping clothing is layers. Weather can change quickly, especially in the mountains or near the coast.

• Base layers (moisture-wicking underwear and tops)
• Warm mid-layers (fleece or down jacket)
• Waterproof outer layer (jacket and trousers)
• Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
• Sandals or flip-flops for around the campsite and showers
• Sun hat and sunglasses
• Warm hat and gloves (even in summer for mountain evenings)
• Enough underwear and socks for each day plus spares

Health, Hygiene, and Safety

Do not skip safety gear. Being prepared for minor incidents prevents them from ruining your trip.

• First aid kit (plasters, antiseptic, painkillers, tweezers for ticks)
• Sunscreen (high SPF, reapply regularly)
• Insect repellent
• Personal medications
• Toilet paper (campsite supplies sometimes run out)
• Hand sanitiser
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and basic toiletries
• Towels (quick-dry camping towels save space)
• Torch or head lamp with spare batteries

Entertainment and Comfort

Downtime is part of camping. Make sure you have options for relaxation and rainy days.

• Camping chairs (comfortable ones, not the cheapest you can find)
• Folding table
• Books, magazines, or e-reader
• Card games and board games
• Frisbee, football, or badminton set for the kids
• Bluetooth speaker (at respectful volume)
• Binoculars for birdwatching or stargazing

Tech and Connectivity

Staying connected does not mean losing the camping spirit. A few key items keep you powered and reachable.

• Phone charger and power bank (at least 10,000 mAh)
• Extension lead or multi-adapter (for electric hook-ups)
• WiFi booster (if the campsite WiFi is weak)
• Camera for capturing memories
• Downloaded maps and entertainment (do not rely on signal)

Last-Minute Additions

Things you should throw in at the last moment.

• Cash (some campsites and local shops prefer it)
• Campsite booking confirmation
• Insurance documents
• Pet supplies if travelling with animals
• A bag of patience and a sense of humour

Before you pack, check the specific details of your pitch on MyCampingSpot.app. Knowing the surface type, available facilities, and layout helps you pack exactly what you need and leave behind what you do not.