What is in your camping first aid kit?

Camping First Aid Essentials: What to Pack and How to Use It

Camping is all about adventure and enjoying the great outdoors, but accidents can happen anytime. Having a well-stocked camping first aid kit is essential for handling minor injuries and emergencies on the road. Whether you're RV camping, tent camping, or backpacking, knowing what to pack and how to use it can make all the difference in keeping your trip safe and stress-free.

In this guide, we'll cover the must-have first aid supplies, practical tips for using them, and a handy checklist to keep your first aid kit stocked and updated every season.

This kit from Surviveware comes with everything you need and is neatly organized.

Essential First Aid Items for Camping

A good camping first aid kit should include supplies for cuts, burns, bites, allergic reactions, and general wellness. Here’s a breakdown of the must-have items:

1. Wound Care Supplies

Adhesive bandages (various sizes)
Sterile gauze pads and medical tape
Antiseptic wipes or hydrogen peroxide
Antibiotic ointment (like Neosporin)
Liquid bandage for small cuts and scrapes

2. Pain Relief and Medication

Pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
Antihistamines (for allergic reactions and bug bites)
Motion sickness tablets (for rough roads or boat trips)
Cold and flu medicine
Prescription medications (if needed)

3. Burn and Blister Treatment

Aloe vera gel (for sunburn and minor burns)
Moleskin or blister pads
Hydrogel pads for soothing burns

4. Bug Bites and Allergic Reactions

Insect repellent wipes or spray
Hydrocortisone cream (for itching and rashes)
Antihistamines (Benadryl or Claritin)
EpiPen (if prescribed for severe allergies)

5. Tools and Equipment

Tweezers (for splinters and ticks)
Scissors (for cutting bandages and medical tape)
Thermometer
CPR face shield
Emergency blanket
Instant cold packs

6. Hydration and Sun Protection

Electrolyte tablets or rehydration powder
Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
Lip balm with SPF

7. Emergency and Survival Gear

First aid manual or instruction card
Waterproof matches or lighter
Emergency whistle
Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries

If you are a frugal person and have lots of these items on hand, you may want to organize your own kit with items that you already have. Or, you could also order a starter kit and keep it stocked. I have this one from Surviveware that I think checks nearly every box!

This kit is compact and fits easily in my bike trunk or backpack!

When shopping for a first aid kit, keep in mind shelf life of your kit. I don't think bigger is better here. You don't want to buy things that don't get used and have huge quantities of items that need to be thrown out or replaced because they are expired, have gotten damaged over time or just loose their adhesive properties etc. Think practically when shopping for your kit and the items in it. You can check out my Amazon Store Front. I have an entire list of first aid essentials to help you get started!

This is a simple empty set that you can fill with items that you have at home. Just remember to clearly label everything and make sure that you let everyone in your family know where you keep the kit. This empty set has two kits to fill. You could even keep a kit in your tow vehicle and RV. Or your RV and your back back. Think about the needs of your family and pack accordingly!

Periodically check your RV med supply and first aid essentials to ensure you have what you need!

How to Use Your First Aid Kit Effectively

Packing the right supplies is only half the battle—you also need to know how to use them. Here are some practical first aid tips every camper should know:

Stop Bleeding Quickly: Apply firm pressure with a clean cloth or gauze for several minutes. If bleeding continues, elevate the wound and apply more pressure.
Treating Minor Burns: Cool the burn with clean, cold water for 10-15 minutes. Apply aloe vera or burn gel and cover it with a sterile bandage.
Handling Sprains and Strains: Follow the R.I.C.E method—Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Wrap the injured area with an elastic bandage for support.
Tick Removal: Use fine-tipped tweezers to grab the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull straight out. Clean the area with antiseptic.
Dealing with Dehydration: Drink plenty of fluids, and if necessary, use electrolyte tablets to replenish lost minerals.
Bug Bites & Stings: Apply a cold pack to reduce swelling, use hydrocortisone cream for itching, and take an antihistamine if needed.
Recognizing Heat Exhaustion: Symptoms include dizziness, headache, and nausea. Move to a shaded area, drink water, and cool the body with damp cloths.

Camping First Aid Kit Checklist

Use this checklist to make sure your first aid kit is always ready for your next camping adventure. Consider printing this list and keeping it in your RV, camper, or backpack to track what needs replenishing each season.

Final Thoughts

A well-stocked first aid kit is one of the most important things you can bring on a camping trip. By keeping your kit updated and knowing how to use the essentials, you’ll be prepared for minor injuries and emergencies, giving you peace of mind while enjoying the outdoors.

Want to make packing easier? Download our FREE Printable Camping First Aid Checklist to keep your kit updated and ready to go for every adventure! I have also created this First Aid Instruction Card. It is post card size. You can print this on card stock and laminate it to keep it in your RV for quick reference!

What’s in your camping first aid kit? Let us know in the comments below!

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