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Do you own a pop-up camper? If so, you know that the list of items you must bring camping is long, and forgetting essential camping supplies at home can put a damper on the entire trip. To help, we’ve created our pop-up checklist with over 100 camping essentials to pack on your camping adventure.
Pop-up campers, aka tent trailers, offer the perfect mix between tent camping and RV camping. The benefits of pop-up campers are almost endless: they sleep a ton of people, are easy to tow, easy to store, offer an open-air camping experience, and are highly economical. If you own a pop-up trailer, you understand.
Pop-Up Trailer Camping Checklist
The following checklist is the exact one my wife and I use every time we set out with the kids in our tent trailer. We’ve included everything from firewood and matches to groceries and fun activities. If you’re wondering what to pack in a pop-up camper, this list is for you.
Are you ready? Let’s dive in!
Camping Supplies
We’ve included almost 60 camping essentials below. At first glance, the sheer number of items can seem intimidating, but with some preparation, you’ll be ready in no time. My wife and I always set aside one full day to pack before leaving on a camping trip, and it makes for a less rushed, stressful experience. If you can do it, I highly recommend it.
- *Park pass* – if applicable
- Cash for campground showers
- Firewood
- Matches
- Lighters
- Newspaper
- Propane tank
- Axe
- Hose
- Extension Cords
- BBQ utensils
- Campfire forks
- Wash basin
- Cast iron pan
- Dish towels (wet & dry)
- Dish soap
- Hand soap/sanitizer
- Pot scrubbers
- Pie irons
- Sunscreen
- Bug Spray
- Outdoor rug
- Broom & dustpan
- Lantern
- Rope to hang wet clothes
- Bicycle pump
- BBQ grate for fire pit
- Camp chairs
- Toilet paper
- Screened room
- Outdoor string lights
- Flashlights
- Plug-in cooler
- Toaster
- Coffee Maker
- Aeropress coffee maker (highly recommended!)
- Coffee filters
- Electric kettle
- Electric griddle
- Table cloth
- Pots & pans
- Paper plates & bowls
- Paper towels
- Wipes
- Ziplock bags
- Black garbage bags (large)
- Camping cups
- Camping bowls
- Plastic utensils
- Knives for chopping/slicing
- Aluminum foil
- Saran wrap
- Metal forks, knives, spoons
- Spatula
- Pillows
- Comforters & blankets
- Sheets & pillow cases
- Sleeping bags
- Spare tent
- Bath towels
- Toiletries (shampoo & conditioner)
- Bath soap
Related Post: 46 Best Camping Essentials for 2022
Grocery List
Everyone will have their list of favorite food items to bring camping. I’ve included several items from our camping grocery list to inspire you. We keep things simple by bringing food that’s easy to transport and prepare. For example, our kids love having pancakes for breakfast when camping. But mixing pancake batter onsite would be a major pain. Instead, we premix the batter and transport it in a sealable Rubbermaid bottle, like this one, that’s ready to pour.
- Large water jugs with drinking water
- Milk
- Coffee cream
- Butter
- Coffee
- Cereal
- Meat (Burgers, wieners, Chicken, etc)
- Hot Dog buns
- Hamburger Buns
- Bacon or sausage
- Pepperoni sticks
- Beef jerky
- Pancake mix (pre-mixed, ready to pour)
- Fresh fruit
- Veggies & dip
- Trail mix
- Marshmallows
- Chocolate squares (s’mores)
- Sunflower seeds
- Chips or crackers
- Muffins
- Granola bars
- Eggs & egg holders
- Cooking spray
- Quick oats
- Peanut butter
- Jam
- Honey
- Syrup for pancakes
- Sugar
- Salt & pepper
- Condiments (ketchup/mustard)
- Cheese slices
- English muffins
- BBQ sauce
- Vegetable oil
- Ranch dressing
- Drinks (soda, sparkling water)
Related Post: Best Collapsible Camping Bowls for Your Next Adventure
Fun Activities
Last but not least, don’t forget to pack some fun activities when you go pop-up camping. It doesn’t have to be fancy – a football or frisbee or a deck of cards and a good board game can provide as much enjoyment as watersports, such as kayaking or paddleboarding.
- Fishing gear
- Kayak or canoe
- Kayaking sandals or water shoes
- Paddleboard
- Life jackets
- Bicycles
- Skateboard
- Lake toys (pool noodles, floaties)
- Sparklers
- Frisbee
- Football
- Activity books (for younger children)
- Board games
- Deck of cards
- A good book
Related Post: Best Kayaks for Under $500
Tent Trailer Packing List: Final Thoughts
There you have it, our list of what to pack in your pop-up camper trailer. Are there any pop-up camper necessities that we left out? If so, please let us know in the comments below.
