The camping checklist

Shelter

• Tent, poles, stakes, rainfly Set it up once at home. Missing poles end trips. Shop ↗
• Footprint or ground tarp Shop ↗
• Mallet Sierra ground is rocky. A rubber mallet saves your hand. Shop ↗
• Extra stakes and guylines Shop ↗
• Pop-up shade canopy For sunny lake and desert sites. Shop ↗

Sleep

• Sleeping bag rated 10°F below the forecast low Shop ↗
• Insulated sleeping pad (R-value 3+) The ground steals more heat than the air. Shop ↗
• Pillow Shop ↗
• Warm layer to sleep in Shop ↗

Hammock

Optional. California State Parks require a free-standing stand; Yosemite allows tree hangs if you pad the trees.

• Hammock with bug net Shop ↗
• Tree straps, 1 inch or wider Wide webbing protects bark. Never tie rope around a tree. Shop ↗
• Hammock stand (for state parks or treeless sites) Shop ↗
• Rain tarp Shop ↗
• Underquilt or sleeping pad Your weight squashes the insulation under you, so you need something beneath you. Shop ↗

Camp kitchen

• Stove and full propane canisters Fire bans are common by late summer. Shop ↗
• Cooler and ice Shop ↗
• Pots, pan, and utensils Shop ↗
• Plates, bowls, mugs, cutlery Shop ↗
• Coffee setup Shop ↗
• Wash basin, biodegradable soap, sponge Shop ↗
• Trash bags Pack out everything; many sites have no dumpster.
• Paper towels, foil, zip bags

Water

• Water jug Most campgrounds have a spigot, not one at your site. Shop ↗
• Bottles for everyone
• Filter or purifier For creeks and lakes. Don't drink untreated water. Shop ↗

Light & power

• Headlamp for every person Hands-free light for cooking, bathroom trips, and tent setup after dark. Shop ↗
• Lantern Lights the table so headlamps aren't blinding everyone. Shop ↗
• Spare batteries or power bank Shop ↗

Fire & tools

Check the campground's current fire restrictions before you go.

• Lighter and backup matches
• Propane torch Lights a fire in seconds, even with damp wood. Only where fires are allowed. Shop ↗
• Firewood, bought locally Many parks ban cutting or collecting wood, and moving firewood spreads pests. Buy it near where you burn it.
• Handheld battery chainsaw Cuts bought wood down to fire size. Never cut live trees. Shop ↗
• Folding saw or hatchet Shop ↗
• Leather work gloves For firewood and hot grates. Shop ↗
• Multi-tool Shop ↗
• Duct tape and paracord Fixes tent poles, tarps, and chairs.

Fishing

Anyone 16 or older needs a license in California.

• Fishing license Buy online before you lose signal.
• Rod and reel A telescoping combo fits in any car. Shop ↗
• Tackle: spinners, spoons, hooks, weights Some waters (Yosemite, for example) allow lures only, with barbless hooks. Shop ↗
• Landing net Shop ↗
• Needle-nose pliers For removing hooks quickly. Shop ↗
• Kids' rod Shop ↗

Clothing

• Warm jacket or fleece Mountain and coast nights get cold, even in summer. Shop ↗
• Rain shell Shop ↗
• Warm hat and gloves
• Camp shoes or sandals
• Water shoes For rocky lake bottoms. Shop ↗
• Sun hat and sunglasses

Camp comfort

• Camp chairs One per person. Shop ↗
• Table cover and clips
• Bug spray
• Sunscreen
• Games, cards, a book

Safety

• First-aid kit Shop ↗
• Medications
• Bear-resistant food storage (where required) Shop ↗
• Paper map of the area Phone signal usually drops before you reach camp.

Paperwork

• Reservation confirmation (printed or saved offline)
• Park pass or entry reservation
• ID