What Do I Bring on a Campout?

Essential Personal Camping Gear:

  • Tent
  • Sleeping bag
  • Sleeping pad
  • Water bottle
  • Flashlight
  • Mess kit (reusable plate, bowl, cup, and utensils)
  • Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, TP, etc.)
  • Sunscreen / Bug Spray
  • Appropriate Clothing (change of clothes, comfortable hiking shoes/boots, rain gear, long pants and shirt for evenings and bugs, hat, scout uniform, etc.)
  • Tarp/ground cloth
  • Whistle
  • Plastic bags (for trash and dirty clothes)
  • First aid kit


Recommended Personal Camping Gear (car camping)

  • Knife
  • Rope
  • Matches/Lighter
  • Extra batteries (for flashlight and phone)
  • Sunglasses
  • Water (depending on whether there is potable water at the campsite)
  • Snacks
  • Pillows/blankets
  • tupperware/ziplocks (good for leftovers)
  • camp chairs
  • Pump for air mattress
  • Day pack
  • Map
  • Plant/animal guides
  • camera/phone


Group Gear (someone should bring this for the group, also car camping)

  • Cook stove and fuel and matches
  • Wood saw
  • Canopy (for sun and/or rain)
  • Large water jugs
  • Coolers (with ice and/or ice packs)
  • Large cooking pots/pans/griddles
  • Wash tubs or buckets (for doing dishes and fire safety)
  • Dish towels, sponges, soap, maybe wet wipes
  • Food for meals
  • Bear bags
  • Rope
  • Bell and/or Bugle
  • Flags
  • Map
  • Epi Pen
  • Trash Bags
  • Empty milk jugs for wash stations
  • One BALOO certified adult

Day hike gear

  • Day pack
  • Flashlight
  • Filled Water Bottle
  • Whistle
  • First Aid Kit
  • Sun Protection
  • Trail Food
  • Rain gear
  • Pocket knife
  • Map and compass

What not to bring

  • Fireworks
  • Weapons
  • Toys
  • Electronic Speakers