Canoe Camping Check Lists

canoe on wilderness lake
Traditional Wood-Canvas Canoe on a Wilderness Lake

The canoe camping check lists cover all types of trips where you will travel the final distance by canoe.

On some trips, you might cross a lake to camp at a secluded campsite. On other trips, you might move camp every day or so, as you paddle from lake to lake or down a river.

Add this page to your “favorites” list so you can return often when you are planning your trips.

I suggest you print out this list. You can then add, delete or modify some items in order to customize a list just for your family, or for each specific trip. The gear in this list is more than you will need on every trip, and some gear is to be carried in only one canoe of a larger group.

Have fun!

canoe camping
Canoes loaded and ready to shove off
Personal Gear Check List

  • Sleeping Bag
  • Mattress Pad or Cot
  • Pillow
  • Hiking
  • Boots
  • Sneakers
  • Wading Shoes/Sandals
  • Shorts
  • Warm Pants
  • T-Shirts
  • Long Sleeve Shirts
  • Hat
  • Socks
  • Thermal Underwear
  • Pajamas
  • Bandana
  • Handkerchiefs
  • Bathing Suit
  • Beach Towel
  • Wash Towel
  • Face Cloth
  • Dirty Clothes Bag
  • Clothes Detergent
  • Pocket Knife
  • Sheath Knife
  • Whistle
  • Pin-on Compass
  • Orienteering Style Compass
  • Waterproof Matches
  • Toilet Paper Wad
  • Sierra Cup
  • Water Bottle
  • Flashlight
  • Spare Batteries and Bulb
  • Personal First Aid Kit
  • Toilet Kit/Toothbrush
  • Insect Repellant
  • Watch
  • Personal Medicine
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Whistle
  • Rainwear
  • Fishing Gear
  • Camera gear
  • Reading Material
  • Notebook
  • Binoculars
  • Bug Net
  • Maps
  • Alarm Clock
  • Facial Tissues
  • Dry Bag
  • Day Pack
  • Field Survival Kit
  • Knee Pads
  • Paddling Glove
  • See the Personal First Aid Kit Check List

Base Camp Gear Check List

  • Tent Poles, Stakes and Lines
  • Rain Fly
  • Rain Fly Poles, Stakes and Lines
  • Folding Camp
  • Stools
  • Folding Saw
  • Axe
  • Lantern
  • Folding Shovel
  • Hot Water Pot
  • Fire Gloves
  • Water Pail
  • Group Size First Aid Kit
  • Camp Tool Kit
  • Stove and Lantern Kit
  • Tent Repair Kit
  • Sewing Kit
  • Toilet Paper
  • Fly spray
  • Flashlight
  • Spare Batteries and Bulb
  • Whisk Broom
  • Rubber Mallet
  • Sunshower
  • Firewood
  • Games
  • Dry Box or Duluth Pack
  • See Repair Kits and Spare Parts Check Lists

Cooking Gear Check List

  • Ice Chest
  • Dry Boxes
  • Duluth Pack
  • Stove Fuel
  • Fuel Funnel
  • Griddle
  • Fire Grate
  • BBQ Grill
  • Charcoal
  • Fire Starter/lighter Fluid
  • Pots
  • Frying Pan
  • Baking Pans
  • Plates
  • Bowls
  • Cups
  • Silverware
  • Steak Knives
  • Spatula
  • Serving Spoon
  • Ladle
  • Kitchen Knife
  • Can Opener
  • Cork Screw
  • Bottle Opener
  • Tongs
  • Pot Gripper
  • Pliers
  • Pot holders
  • Measuring Cup
  • Cutting Board
  • Reflector Oven
  • Baking Oven
  • Dutch Oven
  • Coffee Pot
  • Wash Tub
  • Dish Towel
  • Paper Towels
  • Dish Soap
  • Scouring Pads
  • Sponge
  • Matches (strike anywhere)
  • Stove Igniter
  • Aluminum Foil
  • Trash Bags
  • Stove Stand
  • Table Cloth
  • Collapsible Water Jugs
  • Water Purifying Tablets
  • Water Filtering Pump

Canoe Gear Check List

  • Canoe
  • Paddles (2 or 3)
  • Type III Life Vest (one for each person)
  • Sponge
  • Bailer
  • Bow and Stern Lines (15ft)
  • Lashing Rope (50 ft)
  • Anchor and Line (optional)
  • Seat
  • Cushions
  • Canoe Repair Kit
  • Outboard Motor
  • Gas and Oil
  • Outboard Motor Kit