Camping Equiptment checklist

Camping in Arches National Park – Checklist (2 people, 4 days)

Trip Overview

• Trip length: 4 days / 3 nights
• Group size: 2 people
• Environment: Desert, hot days, cool/cold nights, very dry

Campsite & Shelter

• Tent with stakes and guylines
• Footprint/groundsheet for tent
• 2 sleeping bags (rated to expected low temps)
• 2 sleeping pads
• 2 camp pillows (or stuff sacks that can be used as pillows)
• Extra blanket (for cold nights)
• Mallet or rock for driving stakes
• Small tarp or shade shelter
• Headlamps (2) with extra batteries
• Small lantern or extra lighting

Water & Hydration

• Water capacity: at least 1 gallon (4 L) per person per day
• Refillable water jugs/containers (8+ gallons total for trip)
• 2–4 reusable water bottles
• Optional: hydration reservoirs
• Electrolyte packets or tablets

Food & Cooking

• Meal plan for 4 days (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks)
• Cooler with ice/ice blocks (if bringing perishable food)
• Camp stove
• Fuel for stove (check that canisters are full)
• Lighter + backup matches in waterproof container
• Cookset (pot, pan, lids)
• Utensils (spatula, serving spoon)
• Eating utensils (2 x fork, spoon, knife, chopsticks if desired)
• Plates/bowls (2 sets)
• Cups/mugs (2)
• Cutting board (small)
• Sharp knife
• Biodegradable dish soap
• Small dishpan or collapsible sink
• Dish sponge/scrubber + dish towel
• Trash bags (heavy-duty)
• Zip-top bags or small containers for leftovers
• Paper towels/napkins
• Seasonings (salt, pepper, favorite spices, oil)

Food Ideas (optional prompts)

• Easy breakfasts: oatmeal, granola + powdered milk, tortillas with peanut butter
• Simple lunches: wraps, sandwiches, jerky, nuts, dried fruit
• Dinners: one-pot pasta, chili, pre-cooked rice + beans, foil packet meals

Clothing (per person)

• 1–2 pairs hiking pants/shorts
• 3–4 shirts (quick-dry)
• 1 warm layer (fleece or light jacket)
• 1 insulated jacket (for cold nights, depending on season)
• 1 rain jacket/wind shell
• 4 pairs underwear
• 4–5 pairs socks (hiking + camp socks)
• Sun hat or cap
• Warm hat/beanie (for cool nights)
• Sleepwear
• Comfortable camp shoes/sandals
• Sturdy hiking shoes/boots

Personal Items

• ID, park pass/entry reservation, campground reservation info
• Wallet (cash + card)
• Phone + charging cable + power bank
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
• Lip balm with SPF
• Insect repellent (if needed)
• Personal toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.)
• Quick-dry camp towel
• Medications (prescriptions + basic pain reliever)
• Wet wipes/hand sanitizer
• Small mirror (optional)

Navigation & Documents

• Park map (paper or downloaded offline)
• Trail maps/guide or offline app
• Printed itineraries or notes on planned hikes

Safety & First Aid

• First aid kit (bandages, blister care, tape, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, etc.)
• Any personal medical supplies (inhaler, EpiPen, etc.)
• Emergency whistle
• Small multi-tool or knife
• Duct tape (wrapped around water bottle or trekking pole)
• Headlamp batteries (spare set)

Desert-Specific Items

• Extra water storage beyond minimum
• Light-colored, breathable clothing for sun
• Cooling bandana or buff
• Strong sun protection (wide-brim hat, long sleeves)

Fire & Regulations

• Check current fire restrictions for Arches/Moab area
• Firewood (if fires are allowed and fire ring provided)
• Firestarter (tinder, fire cubes, etc.)
• Small shovel (if needed for fire management)

Leave No Trace & Sanitation

• Trash bags (pack out everything)
• Extra zip bags for micro-trash
• Toilet paper (if needed for more remote areas)
• Trowel (if in areas where catholes are allowed—check NPS rules)

Hiking Gear

• Daypack (1 per person)
• Trekking poles (optional but helpful on slickrock)
• Map/compass or GPS/offline app
• Small repair kit (safety pins, patch kit for pad/tent, extra cord)

Comfort & Extras

• Camp chairs (2)
• Small folding table (if campsite has none)
• Book/Kindle, journal, or games/cards
• Camera/binoculars (optional)
• Small broom/dustpan for tent
• Earplugs and eye mask (for sleeping)

Vehicle & Camp Setup

• Full gas tank before entering park
• Vehicle sunshade
• Jumper cables
• Basic tool kit
• Paper copy of directions

Pre-Trip To-Dos

• Reserve campground or confirm existing reservation
• Check weather forecast for Moab/Arches
• Confirm park entrance requirements (timed entry, passes)
• Share itinerary with a friend/family member
• Test gear at home (tent, stove, lights)
• Freeze water jugs for cooler if using

You can use this list as a starting point and tick items off as you pack. Adjust quantities or remove sections depending on season and your specific itinerary in Arches.