The Ultimate Checklist for Camping Essentials
At Camp Michigan, we understand how important it is that you have all of your essentials as you head out into the great outdoors. For you and your friends and family to make the most out of every camping excursion, it’s always a great idea to make sure you have everything you need before you head out. Here’s our “Ultimate Checklist” for you to reference before your trip.
Camper / RV Break Camp Checklist
Reconnect Vehicle
Note Vehicle Fuel Status
Clear Obstacles (between Trailer and Tow Vehicle)
Check Receiver Lock(ed) or Pin in with Safety Clip
Position Jack/Tongue Height
Position Bumper/Ball/Hitch
Connect Vehicle
Validate Actual Hitch ball connection (hitch lock down, then lock safety pin with a keyed trailer lock)
Connect Safety Chains (cross under hitch)
Connect Electrical Plug
Unblock Vehicle Wheel/Block Trailer Wheels for re-connection
Reposition/Stow Jack/Wheel, Crank Handle Secure
Adjust Air Shocks
Appliances (Setting / OFF)
Note Propane and Electrical Levels
Water Pump
Water Heater
Space Heater (Set Thermostat)
Refrigerator (Off or Switch to 12v DC)
Lights (Inside & Out)
External Disconnections
Electricity (110v)
Clean Water
Waste / Dirty Water
Communications, SAT, TV, Phone, Modem
External Doors, Compartments, Flaps, Vents: Closed, Down, Locked
ALL Antennas Down/Stowed
Drain Bucket, if used
Check/Verify Status of Electrical Service Panel
Stow Blocks/Loose Stuff
Steps
External Electric Cord
Position / Extend Vehicle Mirrors
Grounds, Camp Site
Lift Jack/Stands/Hydraulic Levelers
Brake Off, Emergency Brake Off
Test Lights, Turn Signals, Brakes (2 people test best)
Walk Around Inspection (Hint: 25% of the time, a walk around inspection finds something)
Camper Tie Downs, Doors, Panels
Frame Mounts on Trailer Tongue
Roof Line (cable, antenna, ac covers, limbs, overhead storage all secure)
First Time RV’ers Packing Checklist
Water, Fresh Fill Main, Auxiliaries, Jugs
Propane, LP, Cooking Fuel Full
Batteries Charged
Tire Pressure/Tire Gauge
TOOL KIT
Needle Nose Pliers
Misc. Pliers
Misc. Wrenches
Misc. Screwdrivers
Socket Set
Channel locks
Hammer
Level
Fuse Puller
Electrical Adaptors (20, 30, 50)
Extra Misc. Fuses
Indoor/Outdoor Electrical Cords
RV SET UP
Sewer Hose and Fittings
Fresh Water Hose
Inline Water Filter
Water Pressure Regulator
Garden Hose & Nozzle
Leveling Blocks
KITCHEN
Coffee Pot
Toaster
Crockpot
Mixers
Paring Knife
Chef Knife
Cutting Boards (Sm, Med)
Spatulas (plastic & metal)
Mixing Bowl (Sm & Lg)
Measuring Cups (dry & liquid)
Measuring Spoons
Pot Holders
Pans (Sm, Med, Lg)
Cake Pan
Cookie Sheet
Loaf Pan
Muffin Tin
Pie Pan
Pizza Pan
Casserole Dish (Sm & Lg)
Cooling Rack
Drinking Glasses
Coffee Cups
Plates
Silverware
Steak Knives
Opener (can, bottle, wine)
Tongs
Whisk
Serving Spoons
Ice Cream Scoop
Chip Clips (Binder clips)
Butter Dish
Nonslip Cabinet Linings
Indoor Table Mats
Dish Drainer (Sm)
Napkin / Paper Towel Holder
Kitchen Towels
Dish Cloths
Trash Can w/ Lid
Broom & Dust Pan
BEDROOM
Clock
Pillows
Comforter
Throw Blanket
BATHROOM
Towels
Storage Containers
Outdoor RV Mat
Canopy Lights
Battery Radio
OUTDOOR
Charcoal/Propane Grill
Grilling Accessories
Hobo Pie Makers
Marshmallow Stick
Picnic Table Cloth
Camping Chairs
MISC. ACCESSORIES
Sm Hand Vacuum
First Aid Kit
Rags
Umbrella/Rain Jacket
Scissors
Flash Light & Batteries
RV Light Bulbs Packs
Lighter/Matches
Tent Camping Checklist
Tent (check for poles, stakes & guylines)
Tent Tarp
Sleeping Bag (for each person)
Sleeping Pad/Air Mattress (for each person)
Patch Kit for Sleeping Pad/Air Mattress
Pillows
Air Mattress Pump
Extra Blankets
Small Broom
Sun Shade
Kitchen Camp Stove & Fuel
Pots, Pans & Skillet
Cutting Board
Sharp Knife
Big Spoon & Spatula
Plates & Bowls
Utensils & Can Opener
Water Bottles
Dish Soap
Wash Cloth
Garbage Bags
Measuring Cups & Spoons
Long-handled Tongs
Aluminum Foil
Sm & Lg Plastic Bags
Plastic Table Cloth
Cell Phone Charger
Hammock
Tupperware Containers
Collapsible Water Containers
Water Purifier
Cooler(s)
Wash Tubs
Sponge w/ Scouring Pad
Hand Towels
Camp Table
Campfire Starter
Matches or Lighter
Firewood (Note: to prevent spreading of diseases, use wood from campground)
Marshmallow Sticks
Personal Items
Wash Cloth & Towel
Hairbrush
Toilet Paper
Lotion
Tylenol – Adult & Child
Lip Balm
Sunscreen
Bug Repellent
First Aid Kit
Needle & Thread
Hand Sanitizer
Baby Wipes
Mirror
Plastic Wash Basin
Portable High Chair
Child Camp Shower
Earplugs
Contacts/Glasses
Prescription Rx
Clothing
Underwear
Socks (include 1 pair of Wool for cooler temps)
Long Underwear (include top & bottom)
Quick Drying pants/shorts
Light Gloves
Rain or Shell Jacket
Rain Pants
T-shirts
Bathing Suit
Pajamas
Laundry Bag
Shoes, Shoes & more Shoes
Sun Hat
Warm Hat
Sun Glasses
Fleece Shirt
Fleece Pants
Down Jacket
Fleece or Down Vest
Warm Gloves
Kid/Baby Gear
Baby Carrier
Port-A-Crib
Kid-sized Day Pack
Portable Potty
Camp Chair
Battery Powered Night Light
Diapers, Baby Wipes & Rash Cream
Bibs
Books
Sand Toys
Balls
Coloring Books/Crayons
Kites
Butterfly Net
Spare Tarp & Ropes (in case of rain)
Lantern/Headlamp/Flashlight
Extra Batteries
Small Hatchet or Axe
Small Shovel
Camera
Clothespins & Rope
Day Pack
Gear (water, biking, climbing, etc.)
Pocket Knife
Whistle
Frisbee
Fishing Poles
Playing Cards
Travel Games
Star Chart
Compass & Map
Binoculars
