{"id":6096,"date":"2020-06-30T06:44:45","date_gmt":"2020-06-30T13:44:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/northerncaliforniahikingtrails.com\/blog\/?page_id=6096"},"modified":"2024-12-14T09:38:25","modified_gmt":"2024-12-14T16:38:25","slug":"dispersed-camping-boondocking-gear-supplies-checklist-what-take","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/northerncaliforniahikingtrails.com\/blog\/dispersed-camping-boondocking-gear-supplies-checklist-what-take\/","title":{"rendered":"Dispersed Camping Boondocking Gear Supplies Checklist: What to Take"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Camp<\/a>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.<\/p>\n

Some of the links to products and services are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission on your purchase, at no extra cost to you. These modest earnings help support me and this website.<\/p>\n

Note: this list is based on the appendix from my book Camp for Free: Dispersed Camping & Boondocking on America’s Public Lands<\/em><\/a> (updated for 2025)<\/strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Also see the extensive list of dispersed camping and boondocking websites and apps<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Download a PDF of This Entire List…<\/h2>\n

Click here for the dispersed camping\/boondocking gear checklist PDF<\/a><\/p>\n

And please share it anywhere you like, including on social media and your website. <\/strong><\/p>\n

Outdoor Gear for Dispersed Camping and Boondocking<\/h2>\n

Folding chairs<\/a>
\nFolding table<\/a>
\nTable cloth<\/a>
\nSunshade<\/a>
\nUmbrellas<\/a>
\nSitting pads<\/a>
\nHeadlamp<\/a>
\nFlashlights<\/a>
\nLantern<\/a>
\nHatchet<\/a>
\nFire starter<\/a>
\nInsect repellent<\/a>
\nTrowel\/hand shovel<\/a>
\nClothesline and clothespins<\/a><\/p>\n

Sleeping: Dispersed Camping and Boondocking<\/h2>\n

Sleeping bags<\/a>
\nBlankets
\nSleeping pads<\/a>
\nPillows
\nSheets\/pillowcases
\nTent<\/a>
\nGroundcloth\/tarp<\/a><\/p>\n

Health and Safety: Dispersed Camping and Boondocking<\/h2>\n

First aid kit<\/a>
\nHead lamp<\/a>
\nFire extinguisher: multipurpose<\/a>
\nPersonal protection: I recommend bear spray<\/a>, and also pocket-sized pepper spray<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Electronics: Dispersed Camping and Boondocking<\/h2>\n

Cell phone
\nCell phone charger
\nSatellite phone
\nSPOT device
\nCamera
\nPower charger
\nBatteries<\/a><\/p>\n

Eating and Drinking: Dispersed Camping and Boondocking<\/h2>\n

Cooler
\nIce
\nStorage bins
\nWater
\nWater bottles
\nWater purification
\nFood
\nCooking oil
\nSalt and pepper
\nSpices
\nCondiments
\nCoffee\/tea
\nStove
\nFuel
\nLighter\/matches
\nMugs
\nCups
\nPlates
\nBowls
\nForks
\nSpoons
\nKnives
\nCutting board
\nPots and pans
\nPotholder
\nSpatula
\nStirring spoon
\nDish soap, biodegradable
\nScrubber\/sponge
\nDish towel
\nPaper towels
\nCan opener
\nCorkscrew\/bottle opener
\nStorage containers
\nAluminum foil
\nNapkins
\nPlastic storage bags
\nGarbage bags
\nSpray bottle of water<\/p>\n

Clothing: Dispersed Camping and Boondocking<\/h2>\n

Hat
\nKnit cap
\nSunglasses
\nGloves: warm
\nGloves: work
\nShirts: short-sleeve
\nShirts: long-sleeve
\nSweaters
\nSweatshirts
\nJackets\/fleece
\nPants
\nShorts
\nUnderwear
\nSwimsuit
\nShoes and\/or boots
\nSocks
\nSandals
\nFlip-flops
\nRaingear\/umbrella
\nSewing kit<\/a><\/p>\n

Personal Items: Dispersed Camping and Boondocking<\/h2>\n

Medicines
\nVitamins\/supplements
\nGlasses\/contacts
\nToothbrush
\nToothpaste
\nFloss
\nDeodorant
\nSkin lotion
\nLip balm
\nSunblock
\nBody soap, biodegradable
\nShampoo, biodegradable
\nComb\/brush
\nShaving supplies
\nBody towel
\nHand towel
\nFingernail clippers
\nToenail clippers
\nToilet paper
\nHand sanitizer
\nBirth control
\nFeminine products
\nPortable camp shower
\nEye mask
\nEar plugs
\nN95 mask for wildfire smoke<\/a><\/p>\n

Vehicle Repairs: Dispersed Camping and Boondocking<\/h2>\n

Multitool<\/a>
\nTire inflator<\/a>
\nBattery charger<\/a>
\nVehicle Repair Kit<\/a>
\nVehicle Owner\u2019s Manual
\nDuct tape
\nRope\/cord
\nBungee cords
\nScissors
\nKnife<\/p>\n

Hiking\/Exploring\/Outdoors: Dispersed Camping and Boondocking<\/h2>\n

Day pack<\/a>
\nNavigation: maps, apps, compass
\nFirst aid kit<\/a>
\nKnife
\nHeadlamp<\/a>
\nSun protection
\nExtra clothes
\nFood
\nWater
\nSignaling device
\nCell phone<\/p>\n

Miscellaneous: Dispersed Camping and Boondocking<\/h2>\n

Identification
\nCash
\nCredit cards
\nPermits\/licenses
\nDirections
\nMaps
\nGuidebooks
\nRoad atlas
\nBooks
\nBinoculars<\/a>
\nMusic player
\nEar buds<\/a>
\nCards\/games
\nNotebook\/pen
\nMusical instruments
\nFishing gear<\/p>\n

Dogs: Dispersed Camping and Boondocking<\/h2>\n

Note: Chapter Seven in my book Camp for Free: Dispersed Camping & Boondocking<\/em> has a detailed discussion about how to keep your dogs safe.<\/p>\n

Dog leash<\/a>
\nDog tether<\/a>
\nDog medicines
\nDog first aid kit<\/a>
\nDog food and bowl
\nDog water dish<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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. Some of the links to products and services are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission on your purchase, at no extra cost to you. These modest […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6296,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"full-width-content","footnotes":""},"class_list":{"0":"post-6096","1":"page","2":"type-page","3":"status-publish","4":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"entry"},"yoast_head":"\nDispersed Camping Boondocking Gear Supplies Checklist: What to Take - Northern California Hiking Trails<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Here are the gear and supplies most people need for dispersed camping and boondocking. 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