Camping Checklist for Beginners

This camping checklist for beginners covers everything you need for a first car-camping trip at an Ontario provincial park, and a few things you can leave at home. Work through it a few days before you leave, and if you are going with friends, turn it into a shared group camping checklist so nobody packs the same thing twice.

Shelter

Your tent is your home for the weekend. Practise setting it up in the backyard or a park before your trip, so you are not reading instructions in the dark.

• Tent with rain fly, poles and stakes (bring a few spare stakes)
• Footprint or ground tarp slightly smaller than the tent floor
• Extra tarp and rope to string over the picnic table if it rains
• Small mallet or a flat rock for stakes

Choosing a campsite for your tent

Look for a flat, raised tent pad that will not collect water, with some tree cover for shade and wind protection. Campsite photos are the easiest way to check this before you book.

Sleep system

Most first-time campers who have a bad night were cold, not uncomfortable. Ground temperatures in Ontario can drop sharply overnight, even in July.

• Sleeping bag rated at least 5 °C below the forecast overnight low
• Insulated sleeping pad or air mattress (a pad matters more than the bag)
• Pillow, or a stuff sack filled with clothes
• Warm hat and dry socks reserved just for sleeping

Camp kitchen

A simple kitchen bin that lives in your garage between trips saves a lot of packing time.

• Two-burner camp stove and enough fuel for every meal plus one
• Lighter and waterproof matches
• Pot, frying pan, spatula, tongs and a sharp knife
• Plates, bowls, mugs and cutlery for everyone
• Can opener, cutting board and a pot holder
• Cooler with ice or ice packs, and a separate bag for dry food
• Water jug or collapsible water container
• Wash basin, biodegradable dish soap, a sponge and a tea towel
• Garbage and recycling bags

Food storage

Store all food, coolers and scented items in your car overnight and whenever you leave the site. Raccoons are persistent in many provincial park campgrounds, and some parks have bears.

Clothing

• Moisture-wicking base layers (avoid cotton for cold evenings)
• Fleece or insulated jacket
• Waterproof rain jacket and, ideally, rain pants
• Hiking shoes or sturdy runners, plus sandals for camp and the beach
• Swimsuit, sun hat and a toque for the evening
• One complete set of dry clothes kept in a sealed bag

Safety and comfort

• First aid kit with blister care, antihistamines and any personal medication
• Headlamp or flashlight for each person, plus spare batteries
• Sunscreen, insect repellent and after-bite cream
• Camp chairs and a lantern
• Phone, charger and a power bank
• Printed or downloaded park map and your reservation details

What to leave at home

Most provincial parks restrict or ban bringing outside firewood, to stop the spread of invasive insects. Buy firewood at or near the park instead. Leave glass bottles, valuables and anything you would be upset to see get wet.

Turn this list into a group camping checklist

If you are camping with friends, split the list into shared gear (tents, stove, cooler, first aid) and personal gear (sleeping bag, clothes, headlamp). With a QAMP trip plan, everyone sees the same list and can claim the items they are bringing. For the rest of the planning, read how to plan a group camping trip.

Not sure where to go? Start with the best campsites near Toronto, or browse Ontario provincial park guides.