A camping checklist

You've picked your campsite, booked your week away and checked the tent is in working order, all ready for your relaxing camping trip. Then once you get there you realise you've forgotten the tin opener, the tent pegs are still in a box in the garage, and the corkscrew is nowhere to be seen. Whether you're camping or caravanning, stretching a sleeping bag under the stars or taking to the road in a campervan, use this handy checklist to make sure you have everything you need.

Tent and sleeping equipment

Tent – get out from storage a few days in advance to air it, and check it hasn't mildewed

Tent pegs and mallet/hammer

Sleeping bag

Pillow or cushion

Groundsheet

Duvet if you have room

Air mattress and pump

Tent windsock or marker

Cooking

Stove – with extra fuel

Frying pan

Saucepan with lid

Kindling or newspaper for lighting the fire

Lighter and matches

Charcoal if using a barbecue

Tin opener

Corkscrew

Plates

Bowls

Mugs

Sharp knife

Chopping board

Knives, forks and spoons

Plastic beer and wine glasses

Ice chest

Ice packs

Groceries and supermarket items

Dishwashing sponges

Tea towels

Washing up liquid

Tinfoil

Toilet roll

Baby or hand wipes

Pocket tissues

Sandwich bags

Cooking oil or lard

Salt, pepper, herbs and spices

Bread

Butter

A few packets of dried ready meals, like pasta in tomato sauce or vegetable rice, that only needs boiling water

Tea and coffee

Water

Something for your first night's meal if cooking over a campfire and the shops are closed – such as potatoes for baking and tinned stew or baked beans.

Showers and washing

Baby wipes

Mini hand sanitiser gel

Travel size shampoo and conditioner

Travel size shower gel

Flannel

Toothpaste and toothbrush

Comb, brush, hair clips etc

Deodorant

Razor

Shaving foam

Make-up bag

Towels – at least two

Medical

Insect repellent

Painkillers

Plasters

Bandages – don't forget safety pins

Suncream

After-sun cream

Lip balm

Tweezers

Antiseptic

Lighting

Cigarette lighters

Matches – a few boxes

Gas lantern – and gas

Spare lantern fuel

Torch

Outdoor candles or battery-operated decorative lights

Entertainment

Charger or spare battery for phone, music player, camera or laptop

DVDs for laptop or portable DVD player

Deck of cards

Travel board games

Books

Extra toys and games for kids

Beach ball or inflatable ball

Miscellaneous

Spare carrier bags

Empty water bottles

Empty water container for caravan or campervan

Disposable plastic cartons with lids – will hold anything

Sewing kit

Safety pins

Swiss army knife

Camera

Chairs

Travel clock

Sink plug

Clothesline and pegs

Compass and map

Extra bank card/credit card

Padlock

Concentrated liquid for hand-washing laundry

Swimming shorts or costume