Camping Essentials For Women [Girls’ Checklist + PDF]

A printed women's camping essentials checklist for female campers lying beside a map and compass

Sometimes, Girls just wanna have fun! And camping is a great way to have fun!

But, what about packing? Figuring out the key camping essentials for women can feel a tad overwhelming, right?

No worries! We’ve got you covered with our girls camping checklist that takes the stress out of preparing for your outdoor adventure. This list ensures you’ll have everything you need for a comfortable, and most importantly, fun camping trip.

So, sit back, relax, and let’s conquer this camping prep together. Get set for an unforgettable adventure full of joy, camaraderie, and the beauty of nature. Let’s get packing, ladies!

Shelter and Bedding

Essentials

Tent stakes, poles and rain fly

Sleeping pad or air mattress

Don’t forget to double-check the temperature rating of your sleeping bag to match the weather conditions. It’s super important to make sure you stay cozy and comfortable throughout the night.

Non-Essentials

Groundsheet or tarp

Mallet for tent stakes

Camp bed or cot

Spare tent stakes

Cooking and Eating

Essentials

Water filter or purification tablets

Utensils (spoons, forks, knives)

Camping stove and fuel

Lighter or matches

Pack more water and food than you think you’ll need.

Non-Essentials

Foil and plastic wrap

Dish soap, sponge, and basin

Teabags and coffee

Women’s Clothing List

Essentials

Long hiking pants

Fleece jacket or pullover

Skirts / leggings / tights

I recommend bringing at least one pair of long walking pants and a top that covers your shoulders.

You may need to walk through gorse which can be brutal on unprotected skin. And wearing clothes when walking through braken that better cover your body will help protect from ticks.

Non-Essentials

Comfy sleeping socks

Spare clothes are must-haves in case the temperature drops or your clothes get wet.

Seasonal Clothing for Hot or Cold Weather

These are a mixture of non-essentials and essentials depending on what conditions you will be camping in.

Thermal base layers

Extra warm pullover

Scarf or neck gaiter

Female Hygiene & Toiletries

Essentials

Toothbrush and toothpaste

Feminine hygiene products

Tweezers (for ticks)

If possible, non-disposable menstrual products are recommended for the environment’s sake.

Non-Essentials

Insect bite cream

Soap or body wash

Shampoo and conditioner

Razor and shaving gel

Nail clippers or file

Related: Love going camping but hate the dreaded camp showers? Bring a pop up shower tent and have your own cubicle! Check out our reviews of the best shower tent.

Family Items

I’ve purposefully not marked any of the below as essential, “must bring” items as it can vary so much depending on your needs and what sort of trip you are taking.

Kid-friendly snacks and drinks

Kid's camping chairs/portable highchair

Kid's camping cot

Baby bottle and food

Leisure Items

Everything below is non-essential, although some sort of entertainment is highly recommended!

Portable music player

Navigation, Lighting, Tools & Misc

Essentials

Local information (emergency numbers, local rules/regulations)

Flashlight or headlamp

Map and compass

Swiss army knife or multi-tool

Non-Essentials

Rope or paracord

Cell phone and charger

Packing List For more Advanced Campers

Some of you might be planning a more intense wild camping adventure. Here is a list of a few extra bits of equipment that you might want to consider.

Camping axe or saw

Portable solar panel

Ok Ladies – Let’s Make the Best Women’s Camping Checklist!

Have you thought of any items that you think should be in our packing list above?

All of us are different and we each camp in our own style – but we want to create the most comprehensive camping packing list for women in the world, so that no one has to go through that sinking feeling of “I’ve definitely left something behind”.

I would be super appreciative if you could post any suggestions you have in the comments down below!

Alternative Ways to Download The Camping Checklist

Or, alternatively, I have included these as images below. You can download the images by clicking on the image, waiting for it to pop up, right clicking and then selecting “save as”.

Camping Essentials for Women Checklist Page 1

Camping Essentials for Women Checklist Page 2

Camping Essentials for Women Checklist Page 3

Bonus girls camping weekend activity ideas!

Three women sitting on a dock on a lake with the outer two making a heart with their hands above the middle woman.

Hints and Tips for first time Girl Campers

And a few things to do before you leave

If you think phone reception might be patchy, take a paper-based map of where you are planning to go camping with you so that you can actually get there!

It’s an excellent idea to make sure you have the booking number, the access code, address, phone, direction, and a printed confirmation with you when you arrive, just in case your cell does let you down…

Always leave home with a full tank of gas in the car and remember to tell someone exactly where you are going and when you’ll be back. Maybe email them your plans and campsite address. It’s basic camping security in case things go pear-shaped.

It’s also a good idea to know what the weather will do while you are away and what dangerous animals or toxic plants you might find in your camping area. Understanding the fire status of the area you are going to might be relevant if you were planning on an outdoor campfire.

Stay safe! Happy Camping! 😊

Useful Resources

Camping Checklist – Essentials & Printable PDF

Camping Checklist - Essentials & Printable PDF

Check out our camping essentials checklist to ensure you’re perfectly kitted out for your next outdoor adventure and avoid that pre-trip anxiety!

Family Camping Checklist – Essentials & Printable PDF

Family Camping Checklist - Essentials & Printable PDF

It’s no picnic preparing for a group adventure but we can help with our comprehensive UK-centric family camping essentials checklist. Check it out!

Backpacking Checklist 3 Day (Printable PDF & Editable)

Backpacking Checklist 3 Day (Printable PDF & Editable)

Here’s our checklist of things we think you’ll need for a weekends backpacking along with hints, tips & hacks for the first-timer who might need a bit of guidance.

Written by: Kara Froggatt Last Updated 13 February 2024