If you’re scratching your head about what to pack, this minimalist camping checklist is going to get you on the right track. Don’t waste time wondering what you need or what you’re going to take with this camp packing list is all you’re going to need!
Being a minimalist camper means that you need less stuff for your camping experience for the perfect minimalist camping trip. For a different type of camping, why not try not to take a lot of things so that you don’t take up a lot of space?
For the best minimalist approach to camping, here are some camping essentials listed below.

And if you like this camping post, make certain that you check out our 10 Camping Hacks that are a MUST! as well for more great ideas!
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What minimalist camping means?
Being a minimalist packer means that you don’t want to take a lot of unnecessary items with you on your trips. This is the same thought process for short trips, international travel, or even a simple camping trip to a local state park.
Minimalist travel means that you have a minimalist packing list that basically includes the bare minimum of items for your experience.
This not only makes the packing process fast and simple, but it means that you only have to stress about needing essential items because anything else can be purchased elsewhere if needed.
Minimalist Camping Packing List to Make Packing a Breeze
We’ve gone camping enough to know that it’s just not something that you should wing. No one wants to be in the great outdoors when they suddenly realize that they forgot to pack the toilet paper. (Speaking from experience here, people!)
The good news is that you can make your camp packing list long before you head out on the open road. I highly recommend working on your packing list at list 2 weeks before you’re ready to launch.
This is just one simple way to ensure that you can keep adding that camping gear long before you leave. (it also helps you eliminate items that you don’t need, too – because, remember – simple is better!)
What do I need for a small camping trip?
The keyword “small” is essential. While there are certain things that you’ll want to pack for your trip, there are also certain items that you won’t need if you’re going on a small trip. Essentials for a simple camping checklist include:
- Tent
- Pillow
- Air Mattresses/Sleeping Bag
- Water
- Camping chair
- Reading material/Books
- Flashlight
- Nonperishable food items
- Clothing (waterproof jacket, waterproof shoes, clean clothes)
- First-aid kit
- Water bottle / water jugs
- Water filter / water purification tablets
- cell phone
See how simple camping can be? If you’re camping by yourself, less is so much better! That way it can be just you and nature, enjoying the company of one another without any outside distractions. (besides the few animals you might see)
If you’re tent camping, it’s also wise to bring a tent repair kit, just in case. It doesn’t take up much space, and it will need to repair a camping tent, should that happen.
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What food should I bring for camping?
Food is important, there’s no doubt about that! Keep your camping food list simple and pack only the items you know you’re going to eat. Try to pack items that don’t need to be cooked or kept cold so that way it’s just one less thing to worry about. Some camping food ideas can be:
- Nuts
- Beef Jerky
- Protein Bars
- Fruit/Vegetables
- Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich
And these are just a few! Any foods that you love that don’t require a ton of effort or temperature – take them! They’re perfect for those cravings when camping.
One of the best camping tip ideas is also to pack a can opener. That way, you can bring canned goods to eat instead of needing a camp kitchen.
What are the benefits of camping?
Camping provides so many amazing benefits. Not only are you getting fresh air being out in nature, but you’re unplugging and reprogramming your mind from all the daily distractions that we all face during our lives.
If you can completely go off-grid when camping, do so! Leave your phone somewhere where you’re not tempted to check it (take it for safety reasons but don’t have it on your hip), and just be one with nature.
You’ll notice that time just stands still when you’re camping. And that’s a good thing. There’s really no rush to do much of anything, and sometimes, that’s exactly what each and every one of us needs.
What is the top minimalist camping gear to pack?
You want to pack things that are light weight and easy to travel with. If you’re tent camping, camp chairs and tent pegs are important items so that you can hold down your tent and have a place to rest at the end of the day.
If you have a smaller bag, it’s a great place to put your first aid kit, an extra pair of merino wool socks, insect repellent, a multi tool for safety use, and anything else tiny that you can fit inside.
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What should you not pack for camping trips?
You really don’t need a lot of gear. Leave any unnecessary luxuries at home unless you’re taking a family camping trip (as talked about below), where you can pack a few extra for the kids and those longer trips.
The pro tip that makes packing easy is to think back to the last time you camped. What did you take, and what did you actually use? If you packed everything plus the kitchen sink and only used half of what you took, then you packed too much stuff, and you can easily narrow it down!
It’s a good idea to reflect on your past trips to help you know the first things to pack and the things that you can easily leave at home.
If you like this post, check out these as well:
Camping with family? You need a family camping gear list!
Camping solo is fun, but camping with the family is the best! This is why I’ve taken the time to create a camping checklist printable that can be used solo or for groups.
When it comes to multiple people packing for the same camping trip, just remember that everyone is going to want to bring more than what is truly necessary. And sometimes, that can work.
If you have small kids who are coming camping, let them create their own camp packing list from this family camping checklist. Some items that you could have written down for them to “check off” could include:
- 3 of your favorite toys
- 2 stuffed animals
- 5 of your favorite books
Or similar items like that. It’s a great way to get them involved in the packing while also making certain that they’re going to be bringing items camping that they’re going to love and use truly.
The same concept goes for older kids as well. Some of the items that you could have on their camping equipment list could be:
- 2 of your favorite board games
- 1 box of your favorite candy
- 3 of your best magazines
That way, they have a basis of understanding that they’re going to be responsible for packing up their own items.
Get your free camping checklist PDF
I’ve been where you are…(remember the whole toilet paper thing?!) Packing for your first camping excursion can be stressful, but don’t let it overshadow the fun and excitement that’s waiting. Instead, get this master camping checklist that will get you prepared BUT keep it simple as well!
And remember, you’re only going on a short trip. If you happen to forget something that you find out you truly need, just find a store to pick it up on the way. (We’ve had to do this before for bug spray and sunscreen so just know that it happens to everyone all the time!)
Don’t forget to get your camping checklist PDF HERE
What else would you include on your camping checklist?
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