What do I need to pack for a camping trip I hear you ask? Packing for a camping trip is different to packing for a two week trip in a hotel resort. When else do you take your own bed and the kitchen sink! Over my years of camping I have worked out some essential and not so essential gear to take camping with me. Now these are just my suggestions, as you begin your camping adventures you will discover your own essential and not-so essential equipment to take. 

Whether you are a beginner to camping planning your first camping trip or heading on your 100th adventure, it is always helpful to have a checklist before you start loading your camping gear into your vehicle. Believe me, you don’t want to find yourself at your campsite and realise you left the tent pegs behind! So, I’ve put together this camping checklist to help you be prepared and confident to hit the road for your camping trip.

Camping is a great way to save on accommodation costs as you discover Australia on a staycation, weekend or mid-week getaway or big lap of Oz. The initial set-up cost of buying your camping gear can set you back though, but the best thing is once you have your gear, it will keep on giving and save you dollars on your camping holidays.

Before I get into my camping checklist you may be wondering where are the best places to purchase your camping gear. Some of the best places to purchase camping equipment in Australia include BCF (Boating, Camping, Fishing), RV Camping & Caravanning, Camping World, Kathmandu and big department stores like Big W and K-Mart. You can also get some great second-hand camping gear online from Gumtree, ebay and Amazon.

Please note, some items on my camping checklist are affiliate links. If you purchase an item or service through one of the links, I receive a commission at not extra cost to you.

The Complete Camping Checklist

Having the necessary and not so necessary supplies and equipment can make a massive difference in your overall enjoyment and experience of your camping trip. I have complied the ultimate camping checklist to ensure that you are prepared for your first and subsequent great outdoor adventure! The camping checklist is divided into 5 areas: camping gear, sleeping, camp cooking, personal items and miscellaneous.

When you are first starting out on your camping journey, you don’t necessarily need everything on my list. As long as you have a tent, sleeping gear, the right clothing for the weather and food to cook you will have the basics. Then you can build and add to your equipment so you have the right camping gear that sees you enjoy the camping experience.

Tent Essentials

Tent (with pegs and mallet)

Sleeping Essentials

Mattress or airbed (Air Pump to blow airbed up)
Camp cot
sleeping bag
bedding (pillow)
Extra blankets

Useful Camping Gear Items

Torch
Light (Solar)
Camping Chairs
Picnic Rug
Dustpan and Brush
Folding Table
Clothes line and pegs
Tent fan to keep you cool at night
Tarp – to put on the ground under the tent or over the tent for extra protection
Shovel to clear campsite or dig a fire pit
Firewood
Waterproof matches or fire starters to light that all important fire
Swiss Army Knife,

Camp Kitchen Utensils

Gas Cooker with Gas Bottle
camping cookware – frypan, saucepan, kettle
Matches/Lighter
Sharp Knife
Scissors 
Chopping Board that turns into a washing up bowl
Plates, cups, bowls and knives, forks
Tongs
Spatula
Baking Tray
Coffee maker if you love your coffee

Food Cupboard

Tea, Coffee (I love my coffee so have a small coffee maker)
Milk (could be powdered)
Oil for Cooking
Butter/Spread
Salt & Pepper
Sauces

Utensils & Helpful Kitchen items

Crockery
Cutlery (I find sporks excellent while camping)
Cups, Thermo Mug
Reuable and foldable Water Bottle
Bottle Opener
Can Opener
Water Container
Esky and Ice Packs
Foil and plastic wrap
Paper Towel
Tupperware and Ziplock Bags

Kitchen Clean Up

Washing Up Bowl
Washing Up Liquid
Sponges
Tea Towels
Rubbish (trash) Bags

Clothing

Clothing you wear and take will depend on the weather conditions and what you are doing.Suggest wearing layers. If swimming, you will need swim wear, a towel and dry clothes. If camping in the snow – snow gear
Waterproof jacket for night

Toiletries

Personal toiletries
Bug Spray
Sunscreen
First Aid Kit
Toilet Paper

Miscellaneous Camping Items

Pack of Cards and other games
Football
Bike or scooter

Electronic items

Solar Powerbank – Camping is a good time to destress but if you can’t afford to not be without your electronic gadgets, you will want to keep them powered.

Are You Ready to Go Camping?

So there you go. These are my suggestions of essential and not so essential gear to take camping in Australia. As mentioned, you will find your own essential and not so essential items as you continue to go camping in Australia. Happy camping.