Ever arrive at your campsite only to realize you forgot something crucial? You’re not alone. According to The Dyrt’s 2025 Camping Report, 81.1 million Americans went camping in 2024, with 5.8 million trying it for the first time. And with that many people heading outdoors, forgetting essential gear is practically a camping tradition.
The reality is that packing for camping is stressful. Unlike staying at a hotel, where you can just run to the front desk, forgetting something at the campsite means you’re often miles from the nearest store. And when you’re packing tents, sleeping bags, food, water, and everything in between, some things just slip through the cracks.
To help you avoid those frustrating moments, we’ve put together this guide on the most forgotten camping items, what makes them easy to overlook, and how to keep them on your radar. If you’re new to camping, don’t miss our beginner’s guide on how to plan a camping trip.
15 Most Forgotten Camping Items For You
1. Matches and Lighters
This one tops the list for good reason. You remember to pack your tent, sleeping bag, and camping stove, but somehow, matches and lighters always get left behind on the kitchen counter.
Without fire starters, you can’t light your campfire, cook on your camping stove, or even relight the pilot light on your RV’s gas stove. And let’s be honest, camping without a campfire just isn’t the same.
Why it’s forgotten: Matches and lighters are small, easy to misplace, and often stored separately from your main camping gear.
How to remember it: Buy multiple packs and scatter them throughout your camping gear. Keep one set in your backpack, another in your camping bin, and a backup in your car. Better yet, attach a ferro rod to your keychain as a permanent backup fire starter.
2. Toilet Paper
Most campers think they’ll only use the campground bathrooms, so they skip packing toilet paper. Big mistake. You’ll need it for way more than bathroom emergencies. Toilet paper comes in handy for cleaning up spills, removing bugs from your tent, starting kindling for your fire, and serving as makeshift napkins. Plus, not all campground facilities are well-stocked, especially during peak season.
Why it’s forgotten: People assume campground restrooms will provide it.
How to remember it: Pack at least two rolls per person and store them in a waterproof bag. Keep a partial roll easily accessible for quick cleanups.
3. Extra Socks
There’s nothing worse than waking up to cold, damp feet with no clean socks to change into. Whether it’s from unexpected rain, stepping in a puddle, or just sweaty feet after a long hike, wet socks are camping’s worst enemy. Extra socks aren’t just about comfort; they’re about preventing blisters and keeping your feet healthy on multi-day trips. Cold feet can ruin a night’s sleep and make the next day’s activities miserable.
Why it’s forgotten: Socks seem basic, so people pack just enough pairs without considering backups.
How to remember it: Pack at least one extra pair per day, plus two additional pairs as emergency backups. Wool socks are worth the investment because they stay warm even when wet and don’t hold odors like cotton.
4. Camping Chairs
After a full day of hiking, setting up camp, and exploring, you’ll want somewhere comfortable to sit. The ground seems fine until your back starts aching and you realize sitting on a damp log isn’t the outdoor experience you signed up for. Camping chairs transform your campsite from basic to comfortable. They give you a proper place to eat meals, relax by the fire, and enjoy the scenery without destroying your back.
Why it’s forgotten: They’re bulky and seem optional until you actually need them.
How to remember it: If you’re car camping, there’s no excuse not to bring chairs. Invest in lightweight, compact folding chairs that pack down small. For backpacking, consider ultralight options that balance portability with comfort.
5. Towels
Drip-drying after a shower or swim is nobody’s idea of fun, yet towels are one of the most commonly forgotten camping items. Whether you need to dry off after using the campground shower, wipe down wet gear, or clean up spills, towels are essential. Regular bath towels work, but they’re bulky and take forever to dry.
Why it’s forgotten: Towels live in your bathroom at home, not with your camping gear, making them easy to overlook during packing.
How to remember it: Keep dedicated camping towels with your outdoor gear. Quick-dry microfiber or Turkish towels are perfect because they’re lightweight, pack down small, and dry fast. They’re also multi-purpose and can double as a blanket or bathing suit cover.
6. Trash Bags
Trash bags are the unsung heroes of camping. They’re not just for garbage; they serve dozens of purposes that you’ll only appreciate when you need them. Use trash bags to protect clothes from rain, create an emergency poncho, store wet or muddy gear, line your backpack, cover equipment, and yes, collect your trash. The “Leave No Trace” camping principle requires you to pack out everything you bring in, making trash bags essential.
Why it’s forgotten: They seem too basic to remember specifically.
How to remember it: Pack more than you think you’ll need. Bring both regular trash bags and heavy-duty contractor bags. Store them in an easy-to-access spot so you can grab them quickly.
7. Pillow
You might think you can make do with a rolled-up jacket or stuffed clothes bag, but after one night of a lumpy, uncomfortable “pillow,” you’ll regret not bringing the real thing. A good night’s sleep is crucial for enjoying your camping trip. Neck and shoulder pain from a makeshift pillow will leave you cranky and sore the next day.
Why it’s forgotten: Pillows are bulky and seem like a luxury item that can be improvised.
How to remember it: For car camping or RV camping, just bring your regular pillow from home. For backpacking, invest in a small inflatable camping pillow that packs down to nearly nothing but provides real support.
8. First Aid Kit
Cuts, scrapes, blisters, bug bites, and headaches don’t take a vacation just because you’re camping. A first aid kit is one of those items you hope you won’t need but will be incredibly grateful to have. Basic first aid supplies can handle minor injuries and prevent small problems from ruining your trip. Plus, when you’re miles from the nearest pharmacy, you can’t just run out to buy Band-Aids or pain relievers.
Why it’s forgotten: It’s easy to think “nothing will happen” and skip packing medical supplies.
How to remember it: Keep a pre-packed first aid kit with your camping gear at all times. Include band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, antihistamines, blister treatment, tweezers, and any personal medications. Check and restock it before each trip.
9. Phone Charger and Power Bank
Even if you’re trying to disconnect from technology, your phone serves important purposes while camping. It’s your camera, flashlight, GPS, emergency communication device, and source of entertainment during downtime. A dead phone can mean missed photo opportunities, getting lost without GPS, or worse, being unable to call for help in an emergency.
Why it’s forgotten: People think they won’t use their phones much, so charging seems unnecessary.
How to remember it: Pack both your regular charging cable and a portable power bank. If you’re car camping, bring a car charger too. Solar-powered chargers are great for extended trips without electricity.
10. Dish Soap and Cleaning Supplies
You’ve finished a delicious campfire meal, and now you’re staring at greasy plates and pans with no way to clean them properly. Dirty dishes attract animals and create sanitation issues, so you can’t just let them sit. Proper dish soap, a sponge, and cleaning cloths make cleanup manageable. For backpacking trips, you’ll need biodegradable camp soap that’s safe for the environment.
Why it’s forgotten: Cleaning supplies aren’t exciting, so they’re easy to overlook when packing.
How to remember it: Create a dedicated camping kitchen box with dish soap, sponges, dish cloths, and drying towels. For backpackers, pack a small bottle of biodegradable soap like Camp Suds.
11. Duct Tape
Ask any experienced camper what their must-have item is, and duct tape will be near the top of the list. This versatile tool fixes torn tents, broken tent poles, leaky tarps, damaged sleeping pads, and countless other camping catastrophes. Duct tape is camping’s answer to everything. It’s waterproof, strong, and can temporarily repair almost anything until you get home.
Why it’s forgotten: It’s not an obvious camping essential like a tent or sleeping bag.
How to remember it: Wrap a small amount of duct tape around your water bottle or trekking poles to save space. You can also buy mini rolls specifically made for camping and backpacking.
12. Headlamp or Flashlight (With Working Batteries)
Stumbling around your campsite in complete darkness trying to find the bathroom is a terrible experience. Sure, you might have a camping lantern for the tent, but you need hands-free lighting for nighttime tasks. A headlamp lets you cook, set up your tent after dark, read, or navigate to the restroom without holding a flashlight. Many campers bring lights but forget to check if the batteries actually work.
Why it’s forgotten: Flashlights are often stored separately or left in a drawer with dead batteries.
How to remember it: Keep a headlamp with your camping gear and test it before every trip. Pack extra batteries in a waterproof container. Consider rechargeable headlamps to eliminate the battery problem.
13. Can Opener and Bottle Opener
Canned food is a camping staple; beans, soup, chili, and vegetables are all convenient, shelf-stable options. But they’re completely useless if you can’t open them. Similarly, if you’ve brought beer or wine to enjoy by the campfire, you’ll need the right tools to open them. Trying to pry open a can with a knife is dangerous and frustrating.
Why it’s forgotten: Can openers live in kitchen drawers and aren’t usually grouped with camping supplies.
How to remember it: Add a multi-tool with both a can opener and a bottle opener to your camping kitchen kit. Better yet, keep a manual can opener permanently stored with your camping supplies.
14. Camping Stove Fuel
You remembered your camping stove but forgot the fuel. It’s a surprisingly common mistake that leaves you unable to cook hot meals or boil water for coffee. Different camping stoves use different fuel types, propane canisters, butane, white gas, or liquid fuel. Running out of fuel mid-trip means cold meals and no hot beverages.
Why it’s forgotten: Fuel is often purchased separately from the stove and isn’t stored together.
How to remember it: Always pack at least one extra fuel canister beyond what you think you’ll need. Store fuel with your stove or create a checklist that specifically includes it. Check your fuel levels before leaving home.
Suggested Reads- 10 Best Portable Propane Fire Pits for Camping in 2025
15. Tent Stakes and Extra Guy Lines
Your tent came with stakes, but they’re small, easy to lose, and often inadequate for certain ground conditions. Extra tent stakes and guy lines can make the difference between a secure shelter and a collapsed tent during a storm. Guy lines provide additional stability in windy conditions and help prevent your tent from sagging when wet. Rocky or sandy ground requires specialized stakes that standard ones can’t handle.
Why it’s forgotten: People assume the stakes that came with the tent are sufficient.
How to remember it: Store extra stakes and guy lines in a dedicated bag with your tent. Mark the bag clearly so you remember to check it before trips. Consider investing in heavy-duty stakes for challenging terrain.
How to Remember Everything for Your Camping Trip
Now that you know what gets forgotten most often, here are practical strategies to remember everything:
Create a Master Checklist: Develop a comprehensive camping packing list and use it for every trip. After each camping adventure, update it with anything you forgot or wished you’d brought. Keep digital and printed copies.
Pack a Camping Bin: Store all your non-perishable camping gear in one large bin or dedicated space. After each trip, restock and organize it immediately while everything is fresh in your mind.
Use the “Touch It Twice” Rule: If you have to move an item from its storage location to pack it (like towels from the bathroom), you’re more likely to forget it. Keep dedicated camping versions of these items.
Do a Pre-Trip Test: Set up your tent in the backyard before leaving. This helps you verify all parts are present and identifies anything missing while you still have time to address it.
Pack Early: Don’t wait until the night before to pack. Start several days ahead so you have time to remember forgotten items and make last-minute purchases.
Group by Category: Pack items by function: cooking supplies together, sleeping gear together, clothing together. This organization makes it easier to verify that you have everything.
Final Thoughts
Forgetting camping gear is frustrating, but it happens to everyone. The key is learning from these mistakes and developing systems that work for you. The items on this list are forgotten most often because they seem basic, get stored separately, or don’t feel “essential” until you actually need them.
A successful camping trip isn’t about having the newest gear or the most expensive equipment. It’s about being prepared with the basics so you can relax and enjoy your time outdoors. Use this guide to build your camping checklist, and remember that even if you forget something, improvising solutions is part of the camping adventure.
The best camping trips happen when you’re comfortable, prepared, and free to focus on what matters, spending time in nature with the people you care about. Check your gear, pack smart, and get outside.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I not forget when camping?
The most critical items not to forget are your tent (including all poles and stakes), sleeping bag, water, food, matches or lighter, first aid kit, and weather-appropriate clothing. Beyond these essentials, commonly forgotten items that significantly impact comfort include toilet paper, extra socks, towels, camping chairs, and your pillow. A phone charger and power bank are also important for safety and emergency communication.
What do most people forget to bring camping?
Based on camper surveys and outdoor forums, the most frequently forgotten items are matches and lighters, toilet paper, extra socks, towels, trash bags, dish soap, can opener, tent stakes, batteries, and pillows. Small but crucial items like duct tape, hand sanitizer, and sunscreen also top the list. Many campers also forget to check that the items they packed actually work, like testing flashlights have charged batteries or lighters have fuel.
What ruins camping trips?
Forgetting essential gear is a leading cause of ruined camping trips, along with inadequate preparation for weather conditions. Other common trip-ruiners include poor campsite selection, arriving after dark without a flashlight, bringing incompatible camping companions, overpacking to the point of stress, and having unrealistic expectations. Equipment failures from not testing gear beforehand and poor food planning also frequently derail camping adventures. However, the right attitude and flexibility can save most situations.