What to Bring for a Forest Camp

A forest camp needs more than food and sleeping gear. Plan for cooking without a full kitchen, carrying water, keeping food cold, lighting the site after dark, and running activities safely. This shopping list covers the practical equipment for shared meals, outdoor games, seating, communication, and basic emergencies. Check your participant count before shopping, then add enough reusable tableware, drinking water, fuel, and backup lighting for the full program.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 6
Benchesqty 12
Folding chairsqty 8
Party tentsqty 3
Tableclothsqty 6

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Water jerry cansqty 6
Flashlightsqty 10
Power banksqty 4
Megaphone
Bluetooth speaker
Extension cordsqty 2

Kitchen

Gas burnersqty 3
Gas cylindersqty 3
Cooking potsqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef and serving tongsqty 6
Measuring cupsqty 3

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 40
Reusable bowlsqty 40
Reusable cupsqty 50
Reusable cutleryqty 50
Ladlesqty 4

Sports equipment

Compassqty 10
Conesqty 30
Ropeqty 4
Field marking tapeqty 4
Softballsqty 8
Frisbeesqty 6
Waterproof route mapsqty 10

Lighting

LED lanternsqty 8
Batteriesqty 24

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Safety vestsqty 10
Fire extinguishersqty 2
Smoke-free fire pit
Emergency blanketsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Reusable cleaning clothsqty 12
Washing-up basinsqty 3
Hand soap dispensersqty 3
Paper towel dispensersqty 3

Miscellaneous

Cratesqty 12
Name stickersqty 40
Waterproof markersqty 12
Tapeqty 4
Rope scissorsqty 2
Work glovesqty 8
Clipboardsqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Still water - 48 liter
- Sparkling water - 12 liters
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Coffee creamer - 2 bottles
- Lemon tea - 1 box
- Lemonade syrup - 3 bottles
- Ice cubes - 8 bags
- Bread - 12 loaves
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- Pistolets - 40 pieces
- Butter - 4 packs
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Aged cheese - 2 kilo
- Ham - 2 kilos
- Chicken breast - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Peanut butter - 4 jars
- Apple syrup - 3 jars
- Jam - 4 jars
- Eggs - 60 pieces
- Bacon cubes - 2 kilos
- Potatoes - 8 kilos
- Rice - 4 kilos
- Pasta - 5 kilos
- Pasta sauce - 8 jars
- Diced tomatoes - 8 cans
- Kidney beans - 6 cans
- Corn - 6 cans
- Carrots - 4 kilos
- Cucumbers - 10 pieces
- Tomatoes - 4 kilos
- Bell peppers - 20 pieces
- Onions - 3 kilos
- Garlic - 6 bulbs
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Muesli bars - 50 pieces
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Salted peanuts - 4 bags
- Marshmallows - 6 bags
- Bamboo skewers - 50 pieces
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 3 jars
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Italian herbs - 1 jar
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Herb broth - 2 boxes
- Charcoal - 3 bags
- Firelighters - 2 boxes

Tips

Plan at least one reusable plate, bowl, cup, and set of cutlery per participant, plus 10% extra for dropped or misplaced items. Pack serving spoons and ladles separately so they are not buried with the cooking equipment.
Allow roughly 2 to 3 litres of drinking water per person for a full day outdoors, and bring additional water for cooking and handwashing. Use water jerry cans that can be lifted safely when full.
Match cooking supplies to the menu before buying fuel. For a hot meal, allow one cooking pot, cutting board, and pair of tongs per preparation station, and bring a spare gas cylinder if the group will cook for several hours.
Pack food and drinks in separate coolers and chill them before loading. Put drinks in their own cooler so the food cooler is not opened every few minutes, and include thermos flasks for hot drinks.
Do not leave lighting and charging until the last minute. Bring at least one flashlight per activity leader, fully charge the power banks, and test the speaker, megaphone, and extension cords before departure.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a forest camp for 20 people?: For 20 participants, start with 22 reusable place settings, at least 40 to 60 litres of drinking water for a full day, and coolers large enough to keep food and drinks cold. Add seating, cooking gear, lighting, game materials, and a first-aid or emergency bag based on the route and program.
How much water should I bring to a forest camp?: Bring about 2 to 3 litres of drinking water per person for a full outdoor day, then add water for cooking and handwashing. For 20 people, that means at least 40 to 60 litres for drinking before those extra uses are counted.
How many cups and plates do I need for a camp?: Pack one reusable cup, plate, bowl, and cutlery set per person, plus around 10% extra. For a group of 20, take 22 of each item so a lost or dirty piece does not stop the meal.
When should I buy and pack supplies for a forest camp?: Finalize the shopping list at least 3 to 5 days before departure and buy non-perishable items then. Chill food and drinks the day before, check the weather and route 24 hours ahead, and load the coolers and emergency bag on the day of travel.

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