Primitive Camping Checklist - A Beginner's Guide

Are you contemplating going camping for the first time? You are at the right place! I am here to give you a complete checklist of all the camping gear that you will require when you are out there in the wilderness.

Camping is a fun, relaxing outdoor activity and is an excellent opportunity to spend quality time with your friends and family.

Choosing a campsite depends on what your preferences are, if you are the adventure lover and can do without the luxuries of life for a few days then primitive camping is just the thing for you! Ah well, maybe "primitive camping" is a bit deceptive for the checklist which I am about to share since primitive camping implies camping in complete wilderness (in an unprepared campground).

The modern day definition of primitive camping would be a campsite without electricity and running water and farther away from civilization.

Primitive campgrounds charge a very nominal fee for tent camping. If you feel that you don't want to miss out on the basic luxuries of life, not to worry! You can still camp!

Most family campsites today have cabins with electricity, running water, bunk beds etc to make your stay as comfortable as you may want it to be. In order to cater to the population who do not enjoy primitive camping, camping resorts have sprung up which provide amenities like swimming pools and playgrounds, kids programs in the summer, activities such as horse riding, canoeing, fishing, guided hiking and biking and you get to stay in a log cabin or even a bungalow.

Now that you have a fair idea of the types of camping you can choose from, let me prepare a checklist for you. I have listed down the camping checklist items under specific headings so that it is easier for you to go through them.

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• Tent, stakes, poles. (Stakes and poles usually come with the tent). For a beginner I would suggest that you buy a cheaper one. When I went tent camping for the first time I bought the Ozark Trail Dome tent. I can vouch for the sturdiness of the tent because while camping in the Pocono mountains we did come across some rough weather at night and the tent did just great. Also, if you have never pitched a tent before I would suggest that you practice once in your backyard so that you are not struggling to pitch it once you are at your campsite.
• Tarpaulin or ground cloth
• Nylon ropes
• Sleeping bags and sleeping bag pads/Air mattresses and air pump. I bought Ozark Trail sleeping bags as well.
• Sheets,blankets and pillows. This is because some sleeping bags do not come with pillows and it is advisable to carry extra sheets and blankets due to the unpredictable weather.
• Hammer
• Axe (if you are allowed to chop wood at the campsite)
• Flashlights (don't forget the extra batteries!)
• Lantern,lantern hanger,extra mantels and fuel
• Candles
• A mat to place at the tent entrance,dust pan and brush

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• Cooking stove and fuel
• BBQ grill
• Fire starters, newspaper, lighter fluid, charcoal briquettes if you are going to use a charcoal grill.
• Wire brush to clean the grill
• Skewers
• Tongs
• Cooking oil/oil spray
• Matches/lighter
• Large water container. Make sure you have enough water with you as you may not find drinking water if you are at a primitive campsite. You may have vending machines but they may not always be near your campsite.
• Water bottles
• Coolers and ice
• Thermos flask
• Plates, spoons, knives, forks, glasses. I would suggest that you bring use and throw items.
• Plenty of paper napkins
• An old rag
• Cooking utensils (spatulas, serving spoons, pots, pans, mixing bowls)
• A plastic tub for cleaning utensils
• Dish washing soap and scrubber (scotch brite)
• Coffee pot
• Non perishable food items
• Seasonings, sugar, spices
• Camp chairs
• Folding table and table cloth
• Knives, peelers, can openers, bottle openers
• Cutting board
• Oven mitts/pot holders
• Zip lock bags, air tight containers to store food
• Trash bags. Always use trash bags to dump your leftovers and dump the trash bags in the space provided in your campsite. This is because bears could come and scavenge through your leftovers. Do not ever attempt to feed or pet the bears! And if bears do visit your campground you will see plenty of sign boards telling you the same thing.
• Fire wood if you plan to set up a camp fire. Do not rely on cutting wood as many campsites do not allow you to do that.
• Shovel

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• Shorts
• Jeans. Even if you are going camping in the summer make sure you still carry a pair of jeans with you.
• Lightweight, comfortable t-shirts
• Swim wear
• Towels
• Sleep wear
• Hats, caps, bandanas, sunglasses
• Shoes, boots (waterproof ones are recommended), socks
• Flip flops
• Rain jacket/rain coat
• Sweatshirt/Hoodie/Jacket
• Sufficient underwear. Always have extra ones with you.

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• Sun screen
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash
• Shampoo, conditioner
• Body soap bar/body wash. If you are bringing a soap bar get a plastic case to store it.
• Moisturizer
• Shaving kit for men
• Feminine products
• Comb/brush
• A small mirror
• Deodorant. You don't want to stink while camping!
• Wet tissues
• Hand sanitizer
• Toilet paper

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• First-aid kit. If you are on any form of medication make sure to bring all the required medicines with you.
• Insect repellant
• Camera, video camera.
• Books, magazines
• Cards or other games to play if it rains and you are forced to be inside.
• Fishing equipment if you plan to fish.
• Binoculars
• Clothes line
• Laundry detergent in case you need to wash underwear or clothes.
• Laundry bag
• Clothes clips
• Notepad, pens, pencils
• Umbrella
• Cell phone and charger. You can use the alarm clock in your cellphone if your campsite has electricity. Else bring a battery operated alarm clock with you.
• Maps, hiking and biking trails. Get a print out of all the necessary documents that you may need during your stay.
• Bicycles. If your campground has biking trails then bringing along your bikes would be an excellent idea. You may also have the option of renting bikes. Check your campground's website for all the specific details.

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