What you need for a campsite scavenger hunt

A campsite scavenger hunt needs more than clue cards and a route. You will need practical equipment for checkpoints, team materials, food service, lighting and changing weather. This shopping list includes reusable tableware, coolers, lanterns, route markers and activity supplies so teams can move safely between stations. Check what the campground already provides before buying bulky items such as tables, chairs, party tents or waste bins.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 36
Picnic blanketqty 6
Waste binsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 50
Reusable platesqty 40
Reusable cutleryqty 40
Serving plattersqty 8

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Pliersqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 4
Kettlesqty 2

Equipment

Portable speakersqty 2
Power banksqty 4

Lighting

LED lanternsqty 8
String lightsqty 4

Sports equipment

Compassqty 8
Magnifying glassesqty 6
Conesqty 24
Ropeqty 4
Frisbeesqty 6
Flashlightsqty 12
Waterproof storage boxesqty 8
Stopwatchesqty 6

Decorations

Team flagsqty 6
Balloonsqty 40
Tableclothsqty 6
Direction signsqty 12
Barrier tapeqty 4
Markersqty 12
Waterproof markersqty 8

Cleaning

Hand soap dispensersqty 3
Dishpanqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Coffee creamer - 2 bottles
- Drinking water - 30 liters
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Ice cubes - 8 bags
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Herb cheese - 4 tubs
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Back ham - 1 kilo
- Chicken breast - 1 kilo
- Vegan toppings - 1 kilo
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Carrots - 2 kilo
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salsa - 4 jars
- Mixed nuts - 4 bags
- Popcorn - 3 bags
- Muesli bars - 40 pieces
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Marshmallows - 4 bags
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Pasta - 3 kilos
- Pasta sauce - 8 jars
- Grated cheese - 1 kilo
- Vegetable mix - 4 kilos
- Vegetarian meatballs - 3 kilos
- Baguettes for the meal - 6 pieces
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs

Tips

Plan one reusable cup, plate and set of cutlery per participant, plus at least 10% extra for replacements. Bring serving platters and serving spoons so food can be portioned without using personal utensils.
Use waterproof storage boxes for clue cards, maps and team materials. Pack one clearly labelled box per station, with a separate dry box for spare supplies and printed route information.
Mark the route with cones, rope and team flags rather than relying on handwritten signs. Take enough markers for every checkpoint, plus a small reserve in case one is moved or damaged.
Prepare lighting before the event rather than after sunset. Pack LED lanterns for tables and stations, flashlights for teams or supervisors, and power banks for phones used during the hunt.
Keep food and drinks cold in coolers and hot drinks in thermos flasks. Bring cutting boards, kitchen knives, pliers and kettles only if the campsite does not already provide suitable preparation equipment.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a campsite scavenger hunt?: Plan for route markers, team flags, waterproof storage boxes, compasses, stopwatches and station activities such as magnifying glasses or frisbees. Add lighting, power banks and weather protection so the hunt can continue safely if conditions change.
How many cups and plates do I need for a campsite scavenger hunt?: Allow one reusable cup, plate and cutlery set per participant, then add at least 10% extra. For 30 participants, that means 33 sets to cover dropped, dirty or misplaced items.
What should I pack for a rainy campsite scavenger hunt?: Use waterproof storage boxes for every set of cards and route materials, and provide party tents or another covered area for registration and catering. Pack spare printed materials in a separate sealed box at least one day before the event.
How much lighting is needed for a campsite scavenger hunt?: Provide at least one LED lantern for each table or active station, plus one flashlight for every team or supervisor after dark. Charge power banks and test all lights the day before the hunt.

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