Camping checklist for the UK

By the Canvasdale team · Last checked 21 October 2026

A good checklist makes the first hour on site calm instead of frantic. Below is what most UK campsite trips need, grouped the way you'll pack it. Use the checklist builder to turn it into a list for your own trip, with the right number of sleeping bags, plates and chairs, then tick things off as you pack.

What you need

The builder adds extra warmth for cold months, the hook-up cable if you've booked an electric pitch, and kit for children, a dog or a festival when you need it.

Shelter

• Tent, poles and flysheet
• Pegs, plus spares, and a mallet
• Footprint or groundsheet
• Spare guy line and a pole repair sleeve
• Windbreak, chairs and a table

Pitch a new tent at home before the trip. It's the best way to find a missing pole and to see how your beds fit. Our guide to what size tent you need helps if it's a squeeze.

Sleeping

• A sleeping bag for everyone, rated for the night you'll get
• An airbed, camp bed or mat for everyone, and the pump
• Pillows
• In cold months: a liner or blanket and a hot-water bottle each

Most cold nights come from the wrong bag or a cold airbed. See sleeping bag ratings explained.

Cooking and food

• Stove and enough gas, with a lighter or matches kept dry
• Fire blanket
• Pans, kettle, plates, mugs and cutlery
• Cool box and ice packs
• Water carrier, washing-up bowl and bin bags

The camping gas calculator works out how much gas to take. Always cook outside in the open air, never in the tent or porch.

Clothes

• A waterproof jacket for everyone, and wellies or waterproof shoes
• A warm layer and something warm to sleep in
• A change of clothes for each day
• Hats and gloves in cold months, sun hats in summer

Power, light and washing

• A head torch each and a battery lantern for the tent
• Power bank and cables
• On hook-up: the cable and a mains unit
• Towels, wash bags, toilet roll and hand sanitiser
• First aid kit, and any medicines you take

Check before you go

• The forecast for the site, the day before and the morning you leave
• The site's rules on arrival times, dogs, noise, fires and BBQs
• Your booking confirmation and the site address

Common mistakes

• No mallet. Pushing pegs into hard ground by hand doesn't work.
• A lighter that won't work when it's damp. Pack matches in a sealed bag too.
• Not enough warm layers. Even in summer, nights under canvas get cold.
• Packing the tent last. Put it in the car last so it comes out first.

FAQs