Campsite setup and packing checklist: from arrival to leaving no trace

Most camping misery comes from two causes: a poorly chosen spot and a forgotten essential. This guide gives you a simple routine for arriving, choosing a site, setting up and breaking camp, plus a checklist you can adapt to any trip.

Choosing a spot

Take ten minutes to walk the area before you unload.

1. Flat and well-drained. Avoid low spots where water collects, and dry washes where floods can run.
2. Durable surface. Use a site that is already worn bare, or rock, gravel or dry grass. Do not clear vegetation or dig trenches.
3. Look up. Check for dead branches and standing dead trees, which can fall in wind.
4. Distance from water. Leave No Trace guidance recommends camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams, unless you are in a designated site.
5. Wind and sun. Use natural windbreaks, and think about where the morning sun will hit your tent.
6. Fire hazards. Keep tents and gear well away from the fire ring and overhanging branches.
7. Rules. Make sure camping is allowed, and check for fire restrictions and food storage rules. See camping on public lands.

Setting up, in order

1. Shelter first. Lay out a ground cloth if you use one, and pitch the tent with the door away from the wind. Stake it securely, and add guy lines.
2. Sleep gear. Inflate pads and lay out bags while there is still light.
3. Kitchen. Set up the stove and table away from the tent and downwind. See camping tables.
4. Seating. Place chairs where you will enjoy the view but away from the fire's sparks. See folding chairs.
5. Water. Fill containers and set up your filter.
6. Food storage. Store food and scented items as local rules direct, in a vehicle, a locker or a bear-resistant container, never in your tent.
7. Lighting. Set a lantern and keep headlamps handy.
8. Bathroom. Identify facilities, or plan a cat hole, which Leave No Trace guidance puts 6 to 8 inches deep and at least 200 feet from water, trails and camp.

Packing checklist

Adapt this to your trip. Cross off what you do not need, and add what you do.

Shelter and sleep

• Tent with poles, stakes, guy lines and a rainfly
• Ground cloth or footprint
• Sleeping pad, with a repair kit
• Sleeping bag or quilt, and a liner if you use one
• Pillow
• Extra blanket
• Hammock with straps and a tarp, if you use one

Kitchen

• Stove and fuel, with a lighter and matches in a waterproof container
• Pots, pans, utensils and a cutting knife
• Plates, cups and bowls
• Water bottles and a large water container
• Water filter or purification tablets
• Cooler and ice, if car camping
• Biodegradable soap, a sponge and a wash basin
• Trash bags and a way to carry out garbage
• Table

Food

• Meals planned for each day, plus extra
• Snacks
• Coffee, tea and drink mixes
• Spices and cooking oil

Clothing

• Moisture-wicking layers
• Warm insulating layer and a rain jacket
• Hat, gloves and warm socks
• Sun hat and sunglasses
• Sturdy shoes and camp shoes
• Sleepwear and spare clothes

Safety and navigation

• First-aid kit
• Map, compass and offline navigation
• Headlamp and spare batteries
• Whistle
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Insect repellent
• Fire starter and a fire-safe container
• Multi-tool or knife
• Duct tape and repair kit
• Emergency blanket
• Charged phone and a battery pack

Comfort and extras

• Folding chairs
• Picnic or outdoor blanket
• Lantern
• Dry bags for electronics and clothes
• Camp towel
• Books, games and a deck of cards
• Camera

Wash and hygiene

• Toothbrush, toothpaste and soap
• Toilet paper and a trowel
• Hand sanitizer
• Medications and personal items

Keeping camp tidy and safe

• Cook away from the tent and clean up right after meals.
• Keep a clean camp. Do not leave food, trash or scented items out.
• Keep fires small, if allowed, and never leave them unattended.
• Watch the weather. Stake down in wind, and take shelter in lightning.
• Check on kids and pets regularly, and keep dogs on a leash where required.

Breaking camp

1. Pack in the reverse order of setup, with the tent last if it is wet or the weather is turning.
2. Dry gear as you can, and spread out damp items at home.
3. Sweep the site for micro-trash, including bottle caps, bits of foil and food scraps.
4. Put out the fire completely, and scatter cool ashes only where permitted.
5. Leave what you find. Restore the site so the next person finds it clean.
6. Check twice. Look at the ground and under your car for dropped items.

At home

Clean and dry everything before storing. Wipe stoves and coolers, wash dishes, air out the tent and sleeping bag, and replace used supplies, so you are ready for next time.

Common mistakes

1. Arriving after dark.
2. Setting up the tent first and the kitchen right next to it.
3. Forgetting the lighter, headlamp or can opener.
4. Not testing new gear at home.
5. Leaving food accessible to wildlife.