Solo Camping Checklist (A Guide For Beginners)

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Solo camping is a great way to enjoy nature and learn more about yourself.  But it might seem overwhelming if you don’t know what to bring.  This comprehensive Solo Camping Checklist will prepare you for a safe and enjoyable camping trip.

girl camping with tent

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Solo Camping Checklist

When solo camping you need to pack items for sleep, cooking, clothes, personal care, camp gear & miscellaneous items.  This checklist will cover what you need for each category.

As a solo camper, you might not think you need to pack as much, but you still need all the essentials to make your trip safe & comfortable.   Use this checklist so you can be confident that you’ll have an enjoyable solo camping adventure.

This list is mainly intended for car camping.  This means you will be driving your car right up to a campsite instead of having to hike a long distance to a campsite.  

If you’re backpacking (also known as wild camping), then you might use this list as a starting point, but you won’t be able to bring everything.  It’s a good idea to check out other backpacking lists to make sure you’re packing appropriately based on how much weight you can carry.

Solo campers that are ready to start packing now, you can download this free Basic Camping Packing List to get you ready for your solo camping trip.

camping gear

Sleep Gear

Getting a good night of sleep during camping is one of the most important things to focus on.  If you’re sore and tired after your night of sleep, then you’re not going to enjoy your solo camping trip.

These items will help you get a good night of sleep:

Tent

Having a tent during your camping trip is vital.  You need shelter to protect you from the elements, especially if it is going to rain during your trip.

As a solo camper, you should opt for a 2-person tent.  This will give you enough room to comfortably sleep and fit some of your other gear into your tent.

Usually, one person tents are only wide enough for you to sleep in with no extra space around you.  You’ll be much more comfortable in a 2 person sized tent.

camp sleep gear

If you plan to eventually camp with smaller groups, then you might go with a 4-person tent.  Plan ahead so you can use your tent for years to come.

When buying a tent, you should also consider what seasons you are planning to camp in.  Some tents are only rated for warmer weather, so you want to make sure you can sleep at your desired temperatures.

Check out this post & video if you would prefer to sleep in a hammock during your camping trip.

Sleeping Bag

Having a comfortable sleeping bag can make or break your trip.  You want to make sure the temperature rating is going to be warm enough (but not too hot) for your camping trip.

You also need to decide between a rectangular shaped vs. a mummy shaped sleeping bag.  This post will guide you on which will be best for your camping needs.

If you’re not sure that you want to invest in a sleeping bag just yet, then you could always opt to bring warm blankets from home for now.  Just make sure you know that you’ll have enough to stay warm throughout the night.

Pillow

Having a comfortable pillow is also going to be a huge factor in getting a good night of sleep.  

We tried to go on a minimalist camping trip one time and left our pillows at home.  To say the least, we were MISERABLE!

There are a couple of options for pillows while camping.  You can bring your normal pillow from home, bring a small camping pillow, or even an inflatable pillow.

It’s a good idea to test your pillow out before your trip to make sure you’ll get a good night of sleep with it.

Sleeping Pad

You always have the option to sleep on the tent floor, but this won’t be very comfortable.  To get a great night of sleep, you should bring a sleeping pad or blow-up mattress with you on your trip.

In this video, I compare 3 different sleeping pads that you might choose from.

If we’re car camping and have the space to pack a mattress, then we always choose to go that route.  This self-inflating memory foam mattress has given us great sleep during our camping trips.

Cooking

Cooking during your solo adventures is a great way to pass the time.  It is also an opportunity to eat delicious food cooked in the great outdoors.

To keep your packing list light, you might opt to eat cold meals.  This would be simple foods like deli sandwiches, jerky, trail mix, and other foods that won’t need to be heated up.

If you want to cook during your trip, then you’ll need to decide how you’ll cook while camping.  The two most basic methods are to cook over the campfire or to bring a camping stove.

Besides your actual food, here is your basic checklist for what to pack for cooking:

Water

Water is a huge part of planning for your camping trip.  If you are camping next to natural water sources or have a water pump near your sight, then it will help alleviate how much you need to pack.  You could just pack a water filter and replenish your water as needed.

If you don’t have access to natural water sources, then you’ll need to plan to bring at least 1 gallon with you each day.  This should be enough for you to drink and cook a meal or two.  Here is a comprehensive post explaining how much water to bring with you for camping based on your camping situation.

Water Bottle

Having a water bottle with you makes it easy to drink water throughout your trip.  You can easily replenish your water and keep bugs out of it.

You can also carry a water bottle with you while you’re hiking and exploring around your camping area.

Mess Kit

Having something to eat on and eat with will be super helpful during your solo camping adventure.

You can opt for a full mess kit or you can just bring some paper plates & utensils for home during your first few trips.

In general, you should have a plate, bowl, eating utensils, and a cup.

Paper Towels & Trash Bags

These are self-explanatory.  Paper towels will be helpful to clean up with and maybe even to help you start a campfire.

Bring a trash bag so you can pack everything out with you and leave your campsite nice and clean.

camping tent

Cooking Utensils

It’s good to have a set of cooking utensils with you on your camping trips.  If you plan to camp frequently, then you can have a set of cooking utensils designated for your trip (like this kit).

These are the basic cooking utensils you should consider bringing:

  • Spatula
  • Tongs
  • Knife
  • Large Spoon
  • Can Opener
  • Cutting Board
  • Oven Mitt/Pot Holder

Camp Stove & Fuel

If you want to cook delicious meals but don’t feel like fooling with a campfire, then a camping stove is a great option.

There are a wide variety of stoves you can choose from.  If you’re just solo camping, I would suggest a small camping stove kit.  Or you could opt for a double burner stove if you really want to cook a feast.

Just make sure you bring the proper fuel canisters with you so you can cook during your trip.

cookware for camping

Pots & Pans

Pots and pans will give you more options when it comes to which meals you cook during your solo camping trip.  This can also a bulky item to bring with you, so you want to make sure to choose which will work best.

If you’re cooking on a camping stove, then you could bring some that you already have at home.  Or you could bring a small camping size pot and pan set with you for easy storage.

If you’re choosing to cook over your campfire, then you need to choose a more durable material like cast iron when it comes to your pots and pans.  

Grill Grate

If you’re cooking over your campfire, then a grill grate will come in handy.  

You can cook directly on your fire if you have a durable pan (like a cast iron pan).  Otherwise, you’ll want to bring a grate with you to place over your fire to set your cooking items on.

Bonus points if your campsite already has a grill grate over the fire pit!

cast iron on fire

Cooler & Ice

Keep in mind that you’ll need a way to keep your food cool while you’re camping.  A cooler is the most basic choice when bringing food on a camping trip.

You can also use it as a makeshift table if your campsite doesn’t have a picnic table.

Clean-Up Items

You’ll need to clean up your dishes & cookware after you finish your meal.  This could just be simple items like a sponge & biodegradable dish soap.

We really like using this Lodge pan scraper to get our dishes mostly cleaned without having to use a ton of soap and water.

Clothing

Knowing what clothes to bring camping can be a challenge.  It is so important that you know what the weather forecast is during your camping trip.

Here is the general list of clothing items you should consider:

  • Sleeping clothes 
  • Daytime outfits
  • Extra socks 
  • Undergarments
  • Hat 
  • Sunglasses 
  • Shoes – Hiking boots & comfortable shoes 
  • Weather Apparel – Long sleeve shirt (for sun), rain jacket, swim suit, coat 
rain jacket

Sleeping Clothes

Having a clean set of clothes to sleep in will help you get a better night of sleep.  It will also keep your sleep system nice and clean during your camping trip.

Depending on the temperature, you’ll need to decide which layers you need to bring.

In general, we bring a base layer (thin & sweat wicking material – like merino wool), & a mid layer to go over it if it is extra cold.

If you’re sleeping in hot weather, then you might just opt for shorts and a t-shirt.

One of the biggest luxuries for me while camping is to put on a clean pair of socks before I get into my sleeping bag.  You’ll feel so much better knowing that your feet are clean while you sleep.

tent at night

Extra Daytime Outfits

Based on how long your trip is & the weather, you might want to bring an extra outfit.  

In general, if you’re just camping for a day or two, you can always plan to re-wear your daytime outfit instead of packing several outfits.

Extra Socks & Undergarments

If you’re camping in cold weather or plan to hike during your camping trip, then having an extra pair of socks is a must.

You’ll be able to put on clean socks if you accidentally get your socks wet.  Or you’ll have a fresh pair to put on before you go to bed.

You’ll also want to bring the appropriate amount of undergarments with you for your trip’s length.

Hat & Sunglasses

Having a hat and sunglasses is essential while you’re spending long periods outside.  This will protect your eyes & face from too much sun exposure.

Shoes

Packing proper shoes will help you have a pleasant camping experience.  If you plan to hike, then bring hiking boots.  If you plan to do some sort of water activity, then bring water shoes.

Most importantly, make sure you have a comfortable pair of shoes to wear around your campsite.  Preferably something that doesn’t have to be laced up every time you put it on.

We love wearing Crocs around the campsite.  As unattractive as they are, they are the most comfortable shoe to lounge in while you’re outside.

hiking boots

Weather Apparel

There are extra items of clothing you need to consider based on the weather conditions you’ll be in.

Sunny – long sleeve shirt to protect you from sunburn

Rainy – a waterproof rain jacket or poncho

Hot weather – a swimsuit

Cold weather – winter coat, hat, & gloves

Personal Care

Personal care items will depend on how thorough you want to be during your camping trip.  You might decide to step out of your comfort zone and skip the deodorant for a few days.

Or, if your campsite has a shower area, you might need to bring all the items to have a nice warm shower.

Here are the personal care items from the solo camping checklist that you need to consider bringing:

  • Soap
  • Shampoo/Conditioner 
  • Toothbrush 
  • Toothpaste 
  • First aid kit 
  • Towel 
  • Contacts/glasses 
  • Deodorant 
  • Baby wipes 
  • Feminine products 
  • Toilet paper 
  • Hand sanitizer 
  • Sunscreen & bug spray
  • Medications

Soap, Shampoo, & Conditioner

These items might not seem like a necessity to you.  Decide how much personal hygiene you want to focus on and bring that.

Soap will at least give you the option to wash your hands & dishes if needed.  Or you could just bring a small bottle of hand sanitizer.

Shampoo and conditioner are more of a luxury item during your camping trip.

First Aid Kit

If this is your first time camping, you might not even realize that having a first aid kit can be crucial during your trip.

If you get a cut or something more serious happens, you want to have the right tools to fix yourself up.

first aid kit

Towel

A towel is not always necessary for your camping trip, but it can come in handy.  Obviously, if you get wet, you can use it.

You can also use it as an extra blanket or a place to sit on the ground if needed.

Other Bathroom Items

Some other personal items that you’ll probably want to bring with you during your camping trip are the basics that you use everyday:

  • Toothbrush & toothpaste
  • Contacts & solution
  • Glasses
  • Deodorant
  • Feminine products
  • Toilet paper (or a kula cloth!)
  • Baby wipes

Sunscreen & Bug Spray

Consider bringing sunscreen & bug spray to protect yourself from the elements around you.

Medication

If you take any medications, then make sure to bring enough (and maybe a few extra) during your camping trip.

Camping Gear

Besides your sleep gear, cooking gear, clothing, & personal items, there are a few other pieces of camp gear that you need to consider.

Here are a few gear items to consider from the Solo Camping Checklist:

Flashlight or Headlamp

Having a flashlight, lantern, or headlamp is a must during your camping trip.  Once the sun goes down, it will be nearly impossible to see around your campsite.

We love wearing headlamps to keep our hands free, but you can choose whichever method you prefer so you have light during your solo camping trip.

Make sure to have your lights charged up or bring extra batteries!

lantern

Chair or Seat Pad

Having a comfortable place to relax is key to having a good camping trip.  You won’t be very happy if you have to sit on the hard ground during your entire trip.

Find a simple camping chair or even a seat pad to bring with you.

Table

Having a camping table is totally optional during your solo camping trip.  We’ve camped without a table for years.

You can use other items like camping bins, a cooler, or your car trunk to place your items on if you don’t want to pack a table.

camping table & chair

Fire Gear

If you plan to have a fire, and there is no burn ban in your area, then make sure to bring the proper fire gear.

The basic gear that we recommend is bringing fire starters (or use cotton balls dipped in Vaseline!), a lighter, & firewood.  This post will give you an idea on how much firewood you will need for your trip.

Tools

There are some basic items you can bring with you that will help you make repairs around your campsite.

These few items are universal and can be used in so many different ways:

Pro tip: wrap a few feet of duct tape around your lighter to use so you don’t have to bring the whole roll of tape with you.

multitool

Map & Compass

It’s always a good idea to have these survival items with you just in case.  Having a map & compass will come in handy if you get lost while walking around your camping area.

You can also use it to drive to nearby towns if you don’t have cell service or your phone battery dies.

compass

Tarp

A tarp can come in handy in several different ways.  Mostly, people use it under their tent if they know the ground is going to be wet.

You could also use it for a rain fly over your camping area (with your paracord) if you’re in a bind.

Another use for your tarp is to cover up your camping gear during a rainstorm.

Miscellaneous

These items are not always necessary for your trip, but might be really helpful to ensure that you’re safe & comfortable during your solo camping adventure.

Consider bringing these items from the solo camping checklist with you:

Car Jump Starter Kit

If you’re car camping, then you don’t want to get stranded in a remote area.  Having a car jump starter kit will help ensure you aren’t stuck out in the middle of nowhere.

Pet Supplies

If you’re bringing your pet along with you, then make sure to bring the proper pet supplies.

They’ll need to eat, drink water, & stay warm during your camping trip.

dog in tent

Chargers/Batteries

Depending on which electronics you’ll be using during your camping trip, you might need to bring some chargers.

This post talks about how to keep your devices charged during your trip.

Entertainment

It’s no secret that you’re going to have a lot of time on your hands while you’re out in nature.  Without all of the distractions of social media & cell phones, you’ll want to plan how to spend your time.

Some of the best ways could be reading a good book, writing in a journal, whittling wood, bird watching, or playing solo card games.

Make sure to bring the right gear for entertainment with you to help you fully enjoy the quality time you’ll have on your solo camping trip.

Camera

Being in the great outdoors is the perfect time to capture nature.  You might want to bring a camera with you to document your trip or to take nature shots around your campsite.

Safety & Protective Gear

While you’re out by yourself in remote areas, you should take extra precautions to stay safe.  Some of the gear you might want to bring for your own protection are

camp gear

Location Devices

As a solo traveler, it might be a smart idea to bring some form of a location device. This might be a handheld Garmin GPS, a personal locator beacon, or a satellite phone.

This will help you ensure you’ll be able to get help from emergency services if needed.

Benefits of Solo Camping

Camping is fun, whether you’re by yourself or with a group.  Camping by yourself does have its own benefits though. 

  • Explore new areas & state parks
  • Learn new survival skills
  • Practice self reliance
  • Gives you time to meditate and unplug
  • Learn more about yourself
  • Build confidence
  • Not limited to other people’s schedules
  • Can go anywhere you choose
tent & backpack

Tips For Solo Camping

Here are some tips to consider after you pack your gear from the Solo Camping Checklist.

  • Always tell a friend or family member where you’re going and how long you’ll be gone.
  • Choose a safe camping spot away from wild animals & dangerous landscapes
  • Always be prepared for bad weather
  • Practice new skills before you go out on your trip
  • Get to your campsite before sunset
  • Test out all of your gear before you leave
  • Bring enough water (maybe even extra)
  • Plan to practice problem solving
  • Have the right mindset for challenges & boredom

This isn’t a comprehensive list of tips, but it gives you an idea of what you should focus on as you’re planning your next solo camping trip.

Conclusion

As a solo camper, there is still a comprehensive list of items that you’ll need to bring to have an enjoyable camping experience.  This solo camping checklist will help you prepare for your next adventure so you’re safe & comfortable during your trip.

Our Favorite Must-Have Camping Gear

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Basic Camping Packing List

If this is your first time camping, or you need a refresh, then here is a free download for our Basic Camping Packing List.  It is a full list of the basic items you need to bring for a successful camping trip.

Free Download

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