Packing checklist

When planning your first ever camping trip, you’ll need to know what to pack.

Most campsites have very basic facilities such as a car spot and an area to pitch your tent. Many also have picnic tables, shared bathrooms and running water, but not all. Make sure you know what facilities are available when booking your camping trip.

One of the best things about camping is its simplicity; it demonstrates that we can truly live well with less. However, with the right items, you can still create a comfortable and cosy home away from home.

We’ve compiled an extensive list of what you might need for your first camping trip. The more you camp, the more you’ll be able to refine and tailor the packing checklist to suit your needs.

Campsite

Your campsite is your home base. When you’re not exploring during the day, it’s where you’ll sleep, cook, clean, eat and socialise. Set it up to be a space you’ll be comfortable to retire to after long days spent in the elements.

Essentials:

• Tent
• Hammer or mallet (to secure tent pegs)
• Sleeping bag (designed for the specific climate)
• Pillow
• Blow-up mattress or sleeping mat
• Camp chairs
• Camp trestle table (if there is no picnic table)

Optional:

• Lanterns (to provide additional campsite lighting to torches/headlamp)
• Tarps (if your tent isn’t lined with a floor, and/or for extra shelter)
• Tablecloth with clips/tape to secure in wind
• Rug or picnic blanket
• Stretcher bed
• Portable shower

Campsite items for families with kids:

• Portable cot for younger kids
• Sleeping bag or bedding for kids
• Kids’ favourite pillows and sleep toys
• Portable highchair or booster seat

Cookware

Create a camp kitchen using the familiar items from your home kitchen to prepare and cook your meals and clean up.

• Portable camp stove and fuel (if there are no barbecue facilities and/or fires are prohibited)
• Cast-iron frypans and saucepans (great for cooking on a fire to withstand high temperatures)
• Heavy duty oven mitts (great for moving pots and pans off the fire)
• Waterproof matches / extra long matches kept in a waterproof container / lighter
• Cooking utensils (tongs, sharp knives, spatula, mixing spoons)
• Mixing bowls
• Bottle opener, can opener and corkscrew
• Large washing up tub
• Biodegradable detergent
• Sponges and scrubbers
• Paper towels
• Dish cloths and tea towels
• Plates and bowls (reusable and unbreakable)
• Mugs and cups (reusable and unbreakable)
• Eating utensils
• Esky (for ice, fresh food and drinks)
• Plastic waste and recycling bags
• Surface / water wipes
• Roasting forks or skewers with wooden handles
• Food storage containers / bags / aluminium foil

Food and drink

Without shops or grocery stores in close proximity, make sure you pack all the food and beverages you’ll need for your entire trip. Preparing a meal plan before you go can help with quantities. Our 3-day camping meal plan is a great place to start. If your campsite doesn’t have running water, you’ll need to bring a water supply to hydrate, and keep good hygiene and sanitation.

• Bags of ice (stored in esky)
• 4L drinking water per person, per day
• Additional Water for cleaning and putting out fires (minimum 10L), if there is no running water
• Cooking oil
• Salt and pepper
• Condiments
• Tea and coffee
• Long life milk
• Packaged foods (canned food, snacks and other non-perishables)
• Fresh food for open fire and stovetop cooking (see our meal plan for ideas)
• Bottled drinks

Food and drink for kids:

• Kid-friendly snacks
• Formula or packaged baby food (if applicable)

Campfire

The warm glow of the campfire brings everyone together for a delicious meal and good conversation. It provides warmth in cooler climates and light when the sun goes down. Remember to check the rules of your campsite before you visit to see if campfires are permitted, and never light a campfire on a Total Fire Ban day.

• Firewood (collecting firewood is not permitted)
• Kindling
• Fire starter
• Extra-long waterproof matches / Extra-long regular matches kept in a waterproof container / Lighter
• Fire starters

Clothing and footwear

A trip to your local camping store will give you a good idea of what clothing to pack. Always consider the weather and aim to pack your most comfortable items. Lightweight cotton pieces that can be hand-washed and air-dried on-site work well, or if exercising, synthetics/merino or activewear works best. Even in summer, the nights can get cold so remember your long-sleeve layers and weather-appropriate outerwear.

• Weather-appropriate tops and bottoms
• Underwear
• Weather-appropriate outerwear (raincoat, insulated jacket)
• Hiking shoes or boots (suited to terrain)
• Sandals / thongs
• Sleepwear
• Socks
• Gloves / beanie (for cold weather)
• Long-sleeve layers (for sun-protection and warmth)
• Sun hat and sunglasses
• Extra clothing for kids who love getting messy

Optional:

• Swimwear
• Water shoes (for rocky surfaces)

Toiletries

Camping is a great opportunity to ditch your usual skincare routine and go back to basics. A little multi-purpose, biodegradable soap and some protectants is just about what you need for a fuss-free refresh in the bush.

• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Quick-drying or regular bath/beach towels (if there are shower facilities)
• Tissues
• Prescription medication
• Menstrual products
• Biodegradable soap
• Hand sanitiser
• Toilet paper
• Rubbish bags

Safety

In many cases in remote areas, you won’t be able to rely on streetlights and smartphones to get you places or out of trouble. Make sure you always let someone know when and where you’re camping, and when you plan to return home. Similarly, let a camping buddy know when and where you’re going on a hike.

• Offline map (Avenza maps or download the area on Google Maps)
• Torch and headlamps
• Personal locator beacon if heading to remote areas or difficult terrain
• First-aid kit

Entertainment

When you’re not exploring the wilderness, pack items to keep you and your group entertained at the campsite. With loads of unplanned free time, you’ll be invited to play, relax and socialise the old-fashioned way. Remember to respect other campers and keep noise to a minimum.

• Board and card games
• Books and magazines
• Balls
• Notepads and stationery
• Music player and earphones
• Camera

Entertainment for kids:

Junior Ranger’s ‘Make and Do’ activities will help you and your family to uncover the wonders of Victoria’s parks! Print out your favourite activities and take them along on your camping trip.

• Bubbles
• Glow sticks
• Torches
• Favourite games and books
• Colouring books and crayons
• Camera
• Binoculars
• Magnifying glass

Tools and Equipment

Packing the right items will mean nothing without back-up support. As well as erecting your campsite and powering your devices, camping gear is prone to punctures and tears, so you’ll need the right tools to get them back up and running.

• Solar / portable power pack
• Multi-purpose camping tool
• Spare batteries (for lanterns, torches and/or headlamps)
• Hammer or mallet (for securing tent stakes)
• Duct tape
• Repair kits (for tent and mattress)
• Extra cords (for securing a shelter, hanging or tying things down)
• Dustpan and brush