The Ultimate Summer Camping Checklist

The Ultimate Summer Camping Checklist

Camping is a great way to connect with family and friends or to escape and spend time resetting in nature. Whatever your camping style, you’ll need some supplies. We’ve put together a checklist of camping essentials as well as upgrades. If you’re heading out for a quick overnight trip, you probably won’t need as much, but if you want to go further, stay longer, or take more people with you, a few of these upgrade items can make your camping trip more enjoyable.

Summer Camping Checklist

Campsite: Essentials Campsite: Upgrades
  • Tent
  • Sleeping pads
  • Sleeping bag
  • Pillows
  • Knife or multi-tool
  • Duct Tape
  • Lantern
  • Flashlight
  • Headlamps
  • Power bank
  • Folding chairs
  • Firewood
Food Prep: Essentials Food Prep: Upgrades
  • Eating utensils
  • Plates, bowls, & cups
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Water or water purifier
  • Cooler
  • Ice
  • Food storage containers
  • Biodegradable soap
  • Sponge
  • Dishtowel
  • Trash bags
  • Camp stove
  • Fuel
  • Cooking utensils
  • Charcoal
  • Marshmallow/hot dog roasting forks
  • Foil
  • Portable Fridge
  • Coffee/espresso beans
  • Handheld coffee grinder
  • Cast Iron skillet
  • Dutch oven
  • Can opener/ Bottle opener
  • Grill
  • Griddle
  • Portable camp sink
  • Drying rack
  • Resealable storage bags
Personal Items: Essentials Personal Items: Upgrades
  • First-aid kit
  • Sunscreen
  • Medications
  • Soap
  • Toothbrush/toothpaste
  • Wipes
  • Insect repellent
  • Toilet paper
  • Wipes
  • Brush
  • Portable shower
  • Portable toilet
  • Portable sink
  • Portable washer
  • Portable dryer
  • Portable dishwasher
  • Portable fridge
  • Portable stove
  • Portable oven
  • Portable microwave
  • Portable grill
  • Portable griddle
  • Portable campfire
  • Portable heater
  • Portable air conditioner
  • Portable fan
  • Portable generator
Someone sits at a campsite and plays music.

Our Favorite Goal Zero Camping Products

We’re big believers in getting away and figuratively unplugging, but you don’t always need to literally unplug to enjoy nature and relax with loved ones. A little bit of power can help you keep devices charged and running, which can increase your safety, improve your meals, and keep you entertained at the end of a long day of exploring. Here are some of the products we have on our personal camping checklists.

Lights

Lighthouse 600

This lantern is packed with clever little features that make it perfect for camping. It has built in collapsible legs that make it easy to stand on a flat surface or to hang above you. You can recharge it from USB or from solar, but it also has a hand crank you can use to power it up in a pinch. Plus, it has a USB port you can use to charge your phone and other small devices.

Light-a-Life Minis

These cute mini lights are the perfect addition to your campsite. One pack includes 4 connected lights that can be hung up to 4 ft apart to cover more area—just plug them into a USB port and light up your site. They come with carabiners to make them easy to hang, as well as both white and colorful shades to let you choose the mood.

Power Banks and Power Stations

Venture 75

This convenient power bank is dustproof and waterproof. It can recharge your phone up to five times and comes with a rubber casing so it can withstand your adventures. It also has a built-in emergency light.

Yeti 500X

This power station is perfect for powering a campsite. It’s only 13 pounds so it’s easy to carry, but it’s powerful enough to run a portable fridge and comes with a wide variety of ports so you can plug in multiple devices at a time.

Solar Panels

Nomad 10

This tiny solar panel weighs just over a pound, but it can recharge phones, power banks, head lamps, and other small USB devices. It also includes a built-in kickstand that makes it easy to set up and adjust throughout the day for ideal sun exposure.

Nomad 50

This 50-watt panel can charge your Yeti 500X or your power bank. It’s lightweight and foldable, with built-in cables for easy connection to a power station. Plus, it has loops that make it easy to hang.

Goal Zero Solar Panels and Power Station

We hope you have the chance to get out and go somewhere soon. Have fun and stay safe on your next campout!

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