Packing list for camping

Nothing is more frustrating than arriving at the campsite and finding out you forgot the pegs, the youngest's favorite toy, or the corkscrew (yes, those too). Camping is great, but good preparation really makes all the difference.

This comprehensive checklist for camping helps you keep everything in order. Whether you're traveling with a tent, trailer tent, camper or caravan, you'll find everything you need: from the right papers to fun entertainment for everyone.

Immediately download a convenient checklist for camping? Click: the Camping & Caravan Jaarbeurs checkout packing list for camping.

Documents

Taking papers with you on vacation? That almost sounds old-fashioned. Do you keep everything on your phone? Then create a folder on your phone or cloud storage and allow offline access. That way you don't have to stress when internet coverage goes down.

Make sure you have these documents handy:

• Passports or ID cards (physically carry it with you, but a scan on your phone is also handy)
• Driving license
• Car papers:
  • License plate
  • Insurance papers of car and possibly camper, caravan, folding trailer
  • Environmental sticker: See if and where you need it on the ANWB site
  • Possibly a toll badge: so you can drive through quickly, for more info check this ANWB page
• (Proof of a) health card or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
• Travel insurance and proof of cancellation
• Camping reservations
• Put important phone numbers in your phone, such as emergency center or doctor's office.

On the go

The trip to the campsite is often an adventure in itself. Whether you are driving hours to the South or have booked a spot in nature an hour away with kids in the back seat you want to be prepared.

• Food and drink
• Cool box/bag
• Entertainment for the kids
• Sunglasses, hats and sunscreen
• Toilet paper, wet wipes and trash bags
• Chargers/cables and/or powerbanks

Sleep

Especially on vacation, you want to sleep well. Especially with children, a good night's sleep is worth its weight in gold. So forget those flimsy mats of yesteryear, comfort is key!

• Sleeping bags or comforters
• Air mattresses, camp beds or sleeping mats: And don't forget the pump! Nothing as frustrating as blowing until you get dizzy
• Cushions and sheets
• Earplugs (You never know with that snoring neighbor or early risers)
• Cuddles and sleep rituals (Because without that steady story or favorite cuddly toy, it won't be anything)

Cooking

When camping, you cook differently than at home, but that's what makes it so much fun. But to maintain that cozy cooking atmosphere, good preparation is no luxury.

• Stove + gas bottle
• Pans: at least one frying pan and one saucepan
• Cutlery, plates, cups and bowls
• Cutting board, knives and spatulas
• Washing up bowl, detergent, sponge and tea towels
• Cool box or camping fridge
• Bottle opener and corkscrew (because: drinks time)
• Salt, pepper and a few basic spices
• Garbage bags
• Matches or lighter

Personal Care

When camping, of course you want to keep things a little fresh and comfortable, even if the showers at the campsite are more like an old gym than a spa. With the right gear, you'll hold up just fine, even with sandy feet and beach hair.

• Toiletry bag: a foldable toiletry bag that you can hang up is a real godsend
  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Shampoo
  • Shower gel
  • Contact lenses and liquid
• Sunscreen and aftersun
• Insect spray or roller (for that mosquito attack after dark)
• Toilet paper or wet toilet paper (always handy at more primitive campsites)
• Towels and washcloths
• Razor, nail clippers, tweezers
• Comb or brush
• Detergent (for hand washing), clothesline and pegs

Health

A little mishap is in a small corner. Fortunately, with a well-stocked health kit you can solve a lot without having to go straight to the pharmacy.

• First aid kit
  • Plasters: remember the blister plasters too
  • Mesh
  • Disinfectant
  • Tweezers and/or tick-pliers
  • Thermometer
• Medication:
  • Personal medication: for several extra days, just in case
  • Paracetamol or ibuprofen, also for children
  • Travel sickness pills and ORS
  • Yourself against itching/relief chafing

Clothing

When camping, clothes should be practical above all else. But hey, you also want to look a little nice at the camping BBQ or at a dinner party in the village down the road. The trick? Choose wisely and don't take too much with you (although with children this is sometimes easier said than done).

• Warm sweaters or cardigans (for chilly nights)
• Raincoats or ponchos (you never know)
• Airy clothes
  • T-shirts
  • Shorts
  • Summer dresses / skirts
• Swimwear and (quick-drying) towels
• Underwear and socks
• Long pants and long sleeves (for hiking or against mosquitoes in the evening)
• Comfortable shoes
  • Slippers
  • Sneakers
  • Sport/hiking shoes
• Cap or hat and sunglasses

Pro tip: pack a separate bag per person this keeps it organized. Handy both on the road and at the destination.

Tools

Trust me: a few tools at the campsite makes life so much easier. Whether you need to axe a peg, repair a tent pole or patch a bike tire with a smart basic set you won't be at a loss for words (or mud).

• Hammer or rubber mallet (for those stubborn pegs)
• Herringtrekker or a sturdy hook
• Multitool or pocket knife
• Duct tape (works wonders for broken tent cloths or loose items)
• Rope (for the clothesline or a makeshift awning)
• Level or small level block (for caravanners - sleeping crooked is no fun)
• Bicycle pump and tire repair kit (especially if you're bringing bikes)
• Screwdriver, pliers and tie-wraps

Relaxation and games

Vacation, of course, is also just ... doing nothing. Or just being active with the whole family. Whether you like lazing around with a book or getting fanatical with a game of Keer om Keer, with the right equipment you can turn every moment into a mini-party.

• Card games and board games
• Book, e-reader or magazines
• For the kids:
  • Coloring books, markers and craft supplies
  • Outdoor toys:
  • Sand and water toys
• (Folding / electric) Bikes, scooters or balance bikes
• Bluetooth speaker (for a nice music by the tent (at camping volume, of course))

Tent

For many families, the tent is the heart of the camping vacation - a little cramped, sometimes a little chaotic, but oh so cozy. Whether you travel with a family tent, a tunnel tent or rooftop tent, a well-equipped tent really makes all the difference.

• Tent (check in advance that everything is complete!)
• Ground sheet or extra tarpaulin
• Ropes, pegs and tent poles
• Awning or tarp (for extra shade or rain)
• Herring hammer and herring puller (also listed under 'tools', but again: indispensable)
• Storage pockets or tent organizers
• Tent repair kit (holes happen)

Caravan or motorhome equipment

If you are traveling with a caravan, camper van or folding trailer, you will take slightly different things with you than with a tent. Many things are already on board, but a good check beforehand will prevent you from misplacing your power cable or spirit level.

• Power cable with camping plug (CEE plug)
• Adaptor and reel
• Levellers or ramps (for a straight 'house')
• Water hose or jerry can for clean water
• Drain hose or bucket for waste water
• Chemical toilet and its liquid
• Toilet bucket
• Possible extra gas bottle
• Wheel chock or wheel clamp (safety and stability)
• Stairs or steps

Equipment

Camping may seem back to basics, but without a few handy devices, it quickly becomes cumbersome. Fortunately, nowadays there are plenty of compact and smart gadgets for camping that offer just that little bit of extra comfort.

• Powerbank
• Camping lamp or LED lantern (preferably one you can hang up)
• Phone chargers and any extra cables
• Extension cord or reel
• Camping fridge or electric cooler
• Electric pump (for airbeds or inflatable tires)
• Kettle or small coffee maker (for the die-hard coffee lover)
• Bluetooth speaker (already mentioned, but handy for music and podcasts)