Bushcraft camp checklist

A bushcraft camp needs more than tents and outdoor skills. You need a confirmed campsite, clear fire rules, participant information, safe work areas and a practical food plan. Start with the site and permissions, then organise registrations, materials and weather-dependent details. On the day, allow time to inspect the ground, separate the fire and tool zones, set up shelter and cooking areas, and give every participant a safety briefing before activities begin.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Reserve campsite
Check fire regulations
Send invitations
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Create the participant list
Check the weather forecast
Share the program and route
Do the shopping
2 people
Collect materials
2 people
Pack food chilled
2 people
Remind participants
Inspect the site
2 people
Mark the safety zone
2 people
Set up tents and tarp
4 people
Set up worktables
2 people
Set up cooking area
3 people
Set up the fire pit safely
3 people
Prepare materials per activity
3 people
Chill water and drinks
2 people
Set up registration desk

Event

Receive participants
2 people
Register attendance
Give safety instructions
2 people
Demonstrate bushcraft techniques
2 people
Collect wood
4 people
Practice rope connections
3 people
Facilitate woodworking
4 people
Cut Herbs and Vegetables
3 people
Light a fire
2 people
Prepare evening meal
4 people
Serve dinner
3 people
Refill drinks
Collect tableware
2 people
Lead the night walk
3 people
Watch over the campfire
2 people
Serve evening snacks
2 people
Fully extinguish the fire
2 people
Separate waste immediately
2 people

Aftercare

Take down tents and tarp
4 people
Check tools
2 people
Wash dishes
2 people
Clean cooking area
2 people
Check the fire pit
2 people
Dispose of waste
2 people
Leave the site clean
4 people
Store materials dry
2 people
Return borrowed items
Throw away food scraps

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 4
Folding chairsqty 24
Tarpqty 3
Ground tarpsqty 4
Picnic benchesqty 4

Camping

Tentsqty 8
Sleeping matsqty 20
Blanketsqty 20
Headlampsqty 20

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Gas burnersqty 2
Gas cylindersqty 4
Water boilersqty 2

Kitchen

Cooking potsqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 24
Reusable bowlsqty 24
Reusable cupsqty 30
Reusable cutleryqty 30

Bushcraft materials

Axesqty 6
Hand sawsqty 6
Woodcarving knivesqty 12
Rope rollsqty 8
Work glovesqty 24
Fire samplesqty 12
Logsqty 2

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Fire extinguishersqty 2
Fire blanketsqty 2
Flashlightsqty 4

Lighting

LED lanternsqty 8
Extension cordsqty 2

Cleaning

Dishpanqty 2
Dish brushesqty 4
Tea towelsqty 12
Towelsqty 6

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Confirm the campsite and fire regulations before inviting people. Rules may limit open fires, wood collection or overnight camping, so check them several weeks before the camp and keep the instructions with the route information.
Ask for dietary requirements during registration, then build the food plan from the final participant list. Pack chilled food in coolers and chill water and drinks before arrival rather than leaving this until the setup period.
Inspect the site before participants arrive and mark separate zones for the fire, cooking, tools and general movement. Keep first aid kits and fire extinguishers visible, accessible and outside the working area.
Set up tents, ground tarps, sleeping mats and the main tarp before starting demonstrations. Add headlamps and blankets to the sleeping area so late arrivals are not searching through unlit bags.
Prepare bushcraft materials by activity instead of placing every tool on one table. Count axes, hand saws, carving knives, rope rolls and work gloves, then give safety instructions before handing out tools.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I book a bushcraft campsite?: Book the campsite at least 4–8 weeks ahead, and earlier if the camp is during a busy season. Confirm overnight rules, fire regulations, access, water arrangements and cancellation terms before sending invitations.
How many drinks should I plan per person for a bushcraft camp?: Plan around 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, then roughly 1 drink per person per hour, adjusted for heat and activity. Bring extra drinking water for cooking, handwashing and unexpected delays.
When should I check the weather forecast for a bushcraft camp?: Check it 7 days before the camp to adjust the program, then check again 24 hours before arrival. Use the final forecast to decide on tarp placement, clothing reminders, chilled food transport and any fire-related changes.
How long before the start should I set up the bushcraft camp?: Allow at least 2–3 hours before participant arrival for site inspection, shelter, tables, cooking, registration and safety zones. Add more time if tents, worktables or several activity stations need to be assembled from scratch.

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