Here are the gear and supplies most people need for dispersed camping and boondocking. Adapt this checklist to create a list of exactly what you need.
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Note: this list is based on the appendix from my book Camp for Free: Dispersed Camping & Boondocking on America’s Public Lands (updated for 2025).
Also see the extensive list of dispersed camping and boondocking websites and apps.
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Outdoor Gear for Dispersed Camping and Boondocking
Folding chairs
Folding table
Table cloth
Sunshade
Umbrellas
Sitting pads
Headlamp
Flashlights
Lantern
Hatchet
Fire starter
Insect repellent
Trowel/hand shovel
Clothesline and clothespins
Sleeping: Dispersed Camping and Boondocking
Sleeping bags
Blankets
Sleeping pads
Pillows
Sheets/pillowcases
Tent
Groundcloth/tarp
Health and Safety: Dispersed Camping and Boondocking
First aid kit
Head lamp
Fire extinguisher: multipurpose
Personal protection: I recommend bear spray, and also pocket-sized pepper spray.
Electronics: Dispersed Camping and Boondocking
Cell phone
Cell phone charger
Satellite phone
SPOT device
Camera
Power charger
Batteries
Eating and Drinking: Dispersed Camping and Boondocking
Cooler
Ice
Storage bins
Water
Water bottles
Water purification
Food
Cooking oil
Salt and pepper
Spices
Condiments
Coffee/tea
Stove
Fuel
Lighter/matches
Mugs
Cups
Plates
Bowls
Forks
Spoons
Knives
Cutting board
Pots and pans
Potholder
Spatula
Stirring spoon
Dish soap, biodegradable
Scrubber/sponge
Dish towel
Paper towels
Can opener
Corkscrew/bottle opener
Storage containers
Aluminum foil
Napkins
Plastic storage bags
Garbage bags
Spray bottle of water
Clothing: Dispersed Camping and Boondocking
Hat
Knit cap
Sunglasses
Gloves: warm
Gloves: work
Shirts: short-sleeve
Shirts: long-sleeve
Sweaters
Sweatshirts
Jackets/fleece
Pants
Shorts
Underwear
Swimsuit
Shoes and/or boots
Socks
Sandals
Flip-flops
Raingear/umbrella
Sewing kit
Personal Items: Dispersed Camping and Boondocking
Medicines
Vitamins/supplements
Glasses/contacts
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Floss
Deodorant
Skin lotion
Lip balm
Sunblock
Body soap, biodegradable
Shampoo, biodegradable
Comb/brush
Shaving supplies
Body towel
Hand towel
Fingernail clippers
Toenail clippers
Toilet paper
Hand sanitizer
Birth control
Feminine products
Portable camp shower
Eye mask
Ear plugs
N95 mask for wildfire smoke
Vehicle Repairs: Dispersed Camping and Boondocking
Multitool
Tire inflator
Battery charger
Vehicle Repair Kit
Vehicle Owner’s Manual
Duct tape
Rope/cord
Bungee cords
Scissors
Knife
Hiking/Exploring/Outdoors: Dispersed Camping and Boondocking
Day pack
Navigation: maps, apps, compass
First aid kit
Knife
Headlamp
Sun protection
Extra clothes
Food
Water
Signaling device
Cell phone
Miscellaneous: Dispersed Camping and Boondocking
Identification
Cash
Credit cards
Permits/licenses
Directions
Maps
Guidebooks
Road atlas
Books
Binoculars
Music player
Ear buds
Cards/games
Notebook/pen
Musical instruments
Fishing gear
Dogs: Dispersed Camping and Boondocking
Note: Chapter Seven in my book Camp for Free: Dispersed Camping & Boondocking has a detailed discussion about how to keep your dogs safe.
Dog leash
Dog tether
Dog medicines
Dog first aid kit
Dog food and bowl
Dog water dish