So you’re ready to go camping, great! Camping for beginners can be hard, but I do have a post that details camping basics if you’re just starting out. Our Cub Scout Pack headed out on their first campout of the season, to a local site that is considered PRIMITIVE. This type of campsite means basic latrines are available, but typically don’t guarantee a toilet, running water or items like that. Our campsite does have a covered pavilion shelter nearby. Since I haven’t been camping in about 15 years, I needed to brush up my primitive campsite packing list for a new experience. Red and I are only staying one night to start slowly, but this is a fantastic comprehensive list of what you will need to go camping at a primitive campsite. Affiliate links may be used. Thank you for shopping through me!
Packing Pro Tip: In your mind, go through your day. Waking up, dressing, eating, and um… even going potty. Make sure to notate things that you will need. Add them to your campsite packing list for a complete sportsman trunk of everything you will need.
Primitive Campsite Packing List
- Tent, stakes, and poles (stakes and poles usually come with a tent). Practice once in your backyard so that you know what to do at your campsite. Waterproof spray the tent.
- Tarp or ground cloth
- Nylon ropes
- Sleeping bags.
- Sleeping pads, or air mattresses and air pump.
- Sheets and camping pillows
- Hammer/Axe Combo
- Flashlights (don’t forget the extra batteries!)
- Lantern or Luminoodle
- Candles, Waterproof Matches
- Tent doormat
- Mini dustpan and brush
- tie downs, bungee cords
- Portable Potty and Bio Bags, if there is no toilet. A Go Girl is great for Mom, too.
- Campsite Blanket for each camper
- Fishing equipment
- Hiking Stick
- Notepad, pens, pencils
- Umbrella
- Cell phone and charger (solar, etc)
Cooking and Eating
- Cooking stove and fuel
- Fire starters, newspaper, lighter fluid
- Firewood, if you aren’t sure it will be available at the site. Do not rely on cutting your own wood as many campsites do not allow you to do that.
- Skewers
- Tongs
- Cooking oil or oil spray
- Large water container. You may not find running water at a primitive campsite.
- Individual Water bottles (reusable is what we bring)
- Coolers and ice
- Thermos
- Reusable Mess Kit
- Paper Towels and Napkins
- Cooking utensils (spatulas, serving spoons, pots, pans, mixing bowls)
- A plastic tub for cleaning utensils
- Biodegradable soap and scrubber
- Trail Mix and prepared foods
- Seasonings
- Camping chairs
- Folding table
- Knives, peelers, can openers, bottle openers
- Cutting board
- Pot Holder
- Storage for cooked leftovers
- Trash bags
- Small compact Shovel
Primitive Campsite Clothing
- Shorts
- Jeans or long fishing pants, even in the summer!
- Lightweight, comfortable t-shirts
- Towels
- Pajamas
- Hats
- bandanas
- sunglasses
- Hiking Waterproof boots
- Hiking Socks
- Flip flops
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Hoodie
Toiletries
- Sunscreen
- Toothbrush, toothpaste
- Shampoo, conditioner
- Body wash
- Moisturizer
- Feminine products
- Comb/brush
- A small mirror
- Deodorant
- Wet wipes
- Hand sanitizer
- TP!
- First-aid kit
- medications
- Bug Spray
- Towels for Showering
Always have a cutting board