PitchChecklist
Tent camping checklist for beginners
For a first tent camping trip, pack in groups: shelter, sleep, kitchen, water, food, clothes, light and first aid. Check each group at home and pitch the tent once before you go, so nothing is missing when you arrive. Here's what goes in each group.
Tent, stakes and a footprint
The tent with all its poles and stakes, plus a groundsheet or footprint underneath.
Tip: Set it up once at home or in a park so you know every part is there.
A sleeping bag for the nights you'll get
Nights can be colder than you expect, especially near water or up high.
Tip: Check the forecast low and choose a bag rated for colder than that.
Sleeping pad or air mattress
The ground pulls heat from your body, so a pad keeps you warm as well as comfortable.
Tip: Test an air mattress for leaks before the trip.
Stove, fuel and a lighter
A simple stove, the right fuel, a lighter or matches, a pot and a pan.
Tip: Check the campsite's fire rules before you count on a campfire.
Water and a way to carry it
Drinking water, a large container and a bottle each.
Tip: If the site doesn't list drinking water, bring enough for cooking and washing up too.
Food and a cooler
Easy meals, snacks, coffee or tea, and a cooler for anything that needs to stay cold.
Tip: Plan each meal before you shop so nothing important stays at home.
Layers and rain gear
A warm layer, a rain jacket and dry socks, even in summer.
Tip: Keep one dry set of clothes just for sleeping.
Headlamp and spare batteries
Hands-free light for cooking, the walk to the restroom and finding things in the tent.
Tip: Keep it in the same pocket every night.
First aid kit and bug spray
Bandages, blister care, pain relievers, any medicines you take and insect repellent.
Tip: Check expiry dates before each season.
A checklist made for your setup
Pitch has an 18-item tent list, separate lists for caravans and motorhomes, and 10 checks before leaving.
Tip: Answer the quiz and your trip plan includes the checklist for how you camp. Get your camping checklist
Plan your next camping trip in one minute. Answer six quick questions and get your stops, nights, campsite filters and packing checklist.
Plan my tripAvailability: Pitch is an iPhone app on pre-order. Plans start on launch day, with a full refund any time before launch.
Questions
What do I need for tent camping for the first time?
A tent with stakes, a sleeping bag and pad, a way to cook, water, food, warm and waterproof layers, a headlamp and a first aid kit.
Should I practice pitching my tent before the trip?
Yes. Pitching it once at home shows you how it goes up and whether any parts are missing.
How do I know if a campsite has water and showers?
Check the site's listing before you go. In Pitch, you can filter the map for showers, drinking water, toilets and electricity.
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Updated October 12, 2026