We’ve put together possibly the only packing list you’ll ever need for a camping trip. From tents and swags to paper maps and wet wipes, we have you covered. Win at #campinglife and get packing! 

Camping stove with items to make a hot drink. Photo: Taryn Elliot via Pexels
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Items to make hot drinks = essentials

Instagram:@michael_elliot_pvb (via Pexels)

Essentials

  • Lots of water
  • Food
  • Tent/Swag
  • Camping mats/Foam mattresses
  • Tarps
  • Doona/Sleeping bag
  • Pillow
  • Table and chairs
  • Cooking and dishware
  • Cooler
  • Camping stove
  • Mugs/Cups
  • Cutlery (fork, knife, spoon etc)
  • Can opener
  • Paper towels
  • Aluminium foil
  • Zip lock bags
  • Containers
  • Sponge/Pot scrubber
  • Soap/Dishwashing liquid

Don’t forget your regular prescription medication.

  • Cold and flu medicine
  • Matches/Lighter
  • Rubbish bags
  • Allergy medicines
  • Painkillers
  • Torch and batteries
  • Portable LED lights
  • Personal water bottles
  • Safety pins
  • Pocket knife
  • First aid kit
  • Backpacks/Hiking

If you’re really going bush and remote, bring a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB).

A man checking a paper map in a NSW national park. Photo: Branden Bodman / DPIE
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Trusty (paper) map

Branden Bodman / DPIE

Travel Gear

  • Watch
  • Sunglasses
  • Mobile and charger
  • Maps (paperkind)
  • Emergency numbers
  • Compass and GPS device
  • Binoculars
  • Spare batteries
  • Rope
  • Spare car battery or charger
  • Car tools kit
  • Spare tyre/Car jack
  • Engine oil
  • Engine coolant
  • Electrical tape
  • Emergency+ app (download before you go)

Ranger Tip: Get your car serviced before your adventure, especially if you’re going on a long trip or anywhere remote.

A view of a man with backpack. Photo: Juan Mandez via Pexels
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Pack it. You won't regret it.

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Clothing

  • Long and short pants
  • Long/Short sleeve shirts
  • Underwear
  • Wet weather gear
  • Jacket
  • Thermals
  • Socks
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Hat/Cap
  • Swimmers

Beg, borrow or rent the gear before you commit to buying. The Earth will thank you for it.

A hand holding an enamel camping cup with the writing Happy Camper. Photo: Dominika Roseclay via Pexels
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Happy Camper

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Toiletries

  • Travel toiletry bag/Kit
  • Towels
  • Hairbrush
  • Tissues
  • Toilet paper
  • Sunscreen
  • Deodorant
  • Insect repellant
  • Wet wipes
  • Compact mirror

Other

  • Headlamp
  • Scissors
  • Bucket
A close up of a hand holding a Personal Location Beacon. Photo: John Spencer
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Personal location Beacon

John Spencer / DPIE

Trip Intention

It’s important to tell other people about your trip, especially if it’s somewhere remote or where the weather can be extreme, eg. the outback. This way they can contact NSW Police in case something goes wrong. Use this Trip Intention form, it captures all the info that might help NSW Police find you if there’s an emergency.

Before you go

Now with the camping packing list sorted, here are some final tips: make sure you book your campsite it’s mandatory. Stay updated with park alerts, read about camping safety, check the weather and of course be a considerate camper.

For those who prefer the pen to paper checklist there’s a printable PDF version here. Otherwise, if you’re on a mobile device – open the PDF, screenshot it, save to photos and voila! There’s a digital checklist.