What to pack for your first camping trip: the complete checklist
Updated 13 October 2026 · Four Swags
Your first camping trip doesn't need a garage full of gear. Here's what you actually need for a weekend at a campground, what's nice to have, and what's smarter to hire than buy until you know you love it.
Shelter
- Tent with poles, pegs and guy ropes (count the pegs before you leave)
- Groundsheet or footprint under the tent
- Mallet for pegs
- Gazebo or tarp for shade and rain
- Spare pegs and rope
Sleeping
- Sleeping bag rated for the coldest night (check the comfort rating)
- Self-inflating mat, air mattress or stretcher
- Pillow
- Pump if your mattress needs one
- Beanie and warm socks: nights get cold even in summer
Kitchen
- Stove and gas (and a lighter or matches)
- Fridge or esky, plus ice or a way to power it
- Pot, frying pan, kettle
- Plates, cups, cutlery and a sharp knife
- Chopping board, tongs, spatula
- Water container (10–20 litres)
- Wash-up tub, detergent, sponge and tea towel
- Rubbish bags: take everything out with you
Camp comfort
- Camp chairs for everyone
- Table
- Lantern and a head torch for each person
- Power bank or battery for phones
- Firewood only where fires are allowed (check fire restrictions)
Clothes and personal
- Layers: thermal, fleece and a rain jacket
- Hat, sunscreen and insect repellent
- Towel and toiletries
- Thongs for the shower block
- Any medications
Safety
- First aid kit
- Charged phone and the campground's address
- Tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back
- A PLB for remote areas with no phone coverage
Hire it the first time
The big-ticket items (tent, fridge, stove, gazebo and chairs) add up to well over $1,000 new. Hiring them from a local for your first trip lets you work out what you like before you buy, and you skip storing it all for the rest of the year.