Packing for a camping trip can be hectic, especially at the last minute. It’s tempting to bring every little comfort from home!
To help you get prepared for camping season, we’ve compiled a list of essential camping gear and created a packing checklist for camping that you can use for the Oregon Coast or adapt to any other camping destination.
To make packing easier, download the free printable camping checklist and mark things off as you pack up so you don’t forget anything (there’s always something). We’ve also included some valuable tips we’ve learned from many years of our own camping experiences to help you stay organized.
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Camping Trip Supply List
Use this packing list as a base and narrow it down to suit your situation depending on the season, location, whether you are camping in a tent or RV, outdoor sports/activities and the size of your group.
Camping Shelter and Sleeping Supplies
Tent with stakes and overhead waterproof rain fly. A 3-season tent is suitable for most people or opt for a 4-season tent if you camp year-round. Get a size suitable for your group or go a size up if you like extra room for gear and moving around.
Tarp, tent footprint or floor saver to lay underneath your tent. The ground gets damp on the Oregon Coast, even when it’s not raining.
Sleeping bags for each person. A zero-degree sleeping bag is a good all-around option in Oregon if you camp in colder seasons. If you only go camping in summer or warm weather locations, a lightweight sleeping bag will do. Bring extra blankets just in case and you can always put them underneath you if you don’t need them.
Camp pillows or extra stuff bags can also double as a pillow. Fill with extra blankets or clothing.
Sleeping pad or folding cot for a comfortable night’s rest. Options range from simple, affordable foam mats to luxurious self-inflating sleeping pads.
❗ Don’t forget your air pump!
Tent dome light or lantern and rechargeable batteries
Sunshade canopy or awning
Reserved campsite confirmation
Camping Food and Cooking Equipment
Water storage jugs, reusable water bottles, water (estimate 1 gallon per person per day)
Cooler with ice for perishables and drinks. The best coolers can stay cold for up to 5 days or more. Reusable ice packs keep your cooler nice and tidy.
Snacks: Non-perishables like trail mix, jerky, nutrition bars, granola, nuts, dried fruit, chocolate, marshmallows, homemade grab-and-eat items like muffins, cookies and bars.
Outdoor cooking equipment: Gas camp stove, pots, cast iron pans, non-breakable dishes, reusable utensils, cutting board and kitchen knife, bottle and can openers, oil, salt & pepper, spice set, grill supplies if cooking over a fire, aluminum foil (nonstick is great). Camping kitchen sets can include several of these items in one compact kit.
Extra propane or butane
Coffee and tea, reusable camp coffee mugs and coffee-making supplies like Jetboil, pour-over, french press, Aeropress, cone coffee filters, tea kettle, thermos
Ziplock bags
Trash bags (Leave No Trace)
Paper towels, cleaning wipes
Dish towels, washcloths
Biodegradable dish soap and dish sponge or scrub
Reusable picnic tablecloth and bench covers
Pet supplies if necessary: Food, bowls, leash, toys, treats, medications, pick-up bags
Essential Camping Supplies
These are the basic essential camping supplies we don’t leave home without.
Campfire supplies: Lighter, matches, dry paper, fire starter. Check local fire restrictions and prevent wildfires.
Firewood: Purchase locally at campgrounds or grocery stores. It is illegal to bring firewood into the state of Oregon from a state outside of OR, WA or ID. “Buy it Where You Burn It!”
Camp chairs should be comforable and cozy. It’s worth investing in a good camping chair so you can relax around the campfire at the end of the day.
Folding tables are wonderful for food preparation and there always seems to be a shortage of flat surfaces when camping.
Hatchet for splitting kindling and large logs for the fire.
Spade or shovel
Small hand broom and dustpan for brushing off dirt before you pack up and for keeping the tent clean. Especially useful in dusty or sandy environments.
A multi-tool like Leatherman or Swiss Army knife is always useful to have on hand for sharpening marshmallow sticks and other tasks.
Use flashlights and LED lanterns rather than using the flashlight on your phone. A flashlight is easily replaceable if you should drop it. Headlamps are great for keeping your hands free.
Rechargeable batteries. We’ve been using Panasonic rechargeable batteries for years. Just remember to check that your batteries are charged up before you leave if you won’t have access to electricity.
Large reusable tote bags. Canvas grocery bags also come in handy for carrying supplies back and forth.
Clear plastic storage bins for organizing and carrying supplies. Get stackable bins you can see through to make it easier to find what you’re looking for.
Bungee cord set, ropes, hooks, zip ties. These are always useful for keeping doors and flaps open, hanging clothes, securing supplies from rolling around while you travel or blowing away in the wind and so many other uses!
Get a FREE Camping Packing Checklist
Planning a camping trip? Download our FREE Camping Checklist to make packing faster and easier.
📄 Grab more free packing checklists for travel, hiking and more. Free Resources
Emergency Camping Supplies
First aid kit stocked with band-aids and essential medical supplies
Emergency medications for allergies, asthma or other special conditions
Emergency radio with batteries
A compass can be a lifesaver in remote areas with no cell service.
Emergency blankets are good to keep in your vehicle or backpack in case you get lost or stuck in extreme weather.
An emergency water filter removes bacteria and parasites from natural water sources and packs easily into your backpack.
Auto Supplies to Bring on a Camping Trip
It’s always a good idea to take inventory of your auto supplies before you go on any road trip, especially if you are going camping in a remote area without services.
Spare oil, anti-freeze, brake fluid, windshield fluid
Emergency glow sticks or flares
Spare tire, tire pressure gauge, jack, lug wrench, portable air compressor
Spare bulbs, blinker lights
Basic tool set with screwdriver, wrenches, pliers, etc.
Jumper cables and portable jump starter. This Halo Bolt has saved us more than a few times and also charges phones.
Snow chains for winter and mountain passes
Emergency road kits include many of these things all in one convenient kit.
Clothing Packing List for Camping
Wear breathable layers when camping so you can peel them off if needed or add on for warmth.
For camping at the Oregon Coast, be sure to bring:
- Comfortable shoes or waterproof hiking boots
- Slip-on shoes are also handy when getting out of the tent
- Long pants for the evenings
- A hoodie or fleece to stay warm
- Waterproof rain jacket
👉 See our detailed clothing packing lists for an all-seasons guide on what to wear.
Personal Care Items to Bring Camping
Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash
Toilet paper
Daily medications
Skin care: Sunscreen, bug repellent, lip balm with SPF, after-sun care, moisturizers
Hair care: Shampoo, conditioner, brush/comb, hair accessories
Deodorant
Personal hygiene products
Diapers and baby supplies if necessary
Nail clippers, tweezers or grooming kit
Travel hand sanitizer and extra hand soap. Public bathrooms are often out of soap or toilet paper so it’s wise to always bring some in with you. These pocket soap sheets are great for travel.
Pocket packs of tissues or wet wipes
Bath towels. These Wise Owl quick-dry camp towels are convenient when you’re on the road and need to pack up and go frequently. They’ll dry out much faster than a regular towel and come with their own breathable carrying case to keep them clean. The small towel is perfect for hanging at a hand-washing station.
Laundry bag for dirty clothes. Keep it in your tent or wherever you typically change clothes.
Clothesline for drying wet towels and clothes. Bungee cords and clips work great for this.
Portable toilet and pop-up privacy tent if necessary
Outdoor Gear for Recreation and Games
Decide which sports and outdoor recreational activities you’ll be participating in and pack accordingly (watersports, paddling, boating, bikes and cycling gear, fishing, clamming, crabbing etc.)
👉 Get ideas for more Activities
🥾 Hiking gear: For a detailed hiking supply list, see Hiking Supplies and Safety Checklist
🪁 Beach supplies: For a detailed list of things to bring to the beach, see the complete Beach Packing List
Binoculars for spotting birds, whales, elk and other wildlife
Board games, card games, deck of playing cards
Books, magazines or other reading material
Electronic Devices to Bring Camping
Whether you are attached to your devices or you want to unplug during your camping trip, make sure you at least have access to charged devices for emergencies and let someone know where you are going.
Phones, tablets and chargers
Car adapters, car phone mount
Portable power banks to throw into your backpack for keeping devices charged on the go.
Portable power stations are convenient for camping or home emergency backup power.
Extra charging cables
Digital camera, GoPro, camera bag and photography supplies
Portable speaker or headphones
Music, podcasts or radio
Weatherproof protective cases for phones, tablets, devices
We hope this camping supplies packing list helps you remember the dizzying number of things to bring camping and helps you decide what you can do without. Feel free to bookmark this page or pin it for future reference so you can get to your campsite and set up camp before it gets dark!
You may also be interested in:
- The best campgrounds on the Oregon Coast
- Fun things to do at the Oregon Coast rain or shine
- The best coastal hiking trails
