Car Camping

What Camping equipment does a first time camper need?

What equipment do I need if I want to go camping for the first time? Four of us are planning to go including 2 children under 10. We plan to camp for a couple of days.

Public Comments

1. You need different stuff depending on what kind of camping you are going to do. Most important thing is to be prepared, you never know what kind of unexpected things might happen that you need extra supplies for. Check out this site for a good thourough checklist: http://www.lovetheoutdoors.com/camping/Checklists.htm
2. Clothing: - Short Sleeve Shirts (3 per person) -Long Sleeve Shirts (1 per person) -Long Pants (2 per person) -Short Pants (2 per person) -Underwear (5 per person) -Bra (2 per female) -Socks (5 pairs per person) -Tennis Shoes (2 pairs per person) -Sandals (2 pairs per person- one for the showers) -Night clothes (2 pairs per person) -Jackets (1 per person) -Hat (1 per person) -Swim Suit (1 per person) -Kid's clothing (pack multiples) Supplies: Can opener Food (beans,soup,bread,ect) Utensils Tongs Plastic Wrap Foil Plates/Bowls/Cups BBQ Wood Swiss Army Knife Small hatchet Mace (optional) Water Water purifier Marshmallow/Smores Supplies Pens/Paper/Pencil Vitamins Medication Deodorant Shampoo Conditioner Comb Brush Mirror Scissors Zip Lock Bags Shopping bags for dirty clothes Backpack Floatable Bag Rafts Pots/Pans Rope Bungee Cords Bottles (for the kids?) Bug Repellent Comfort Toys for the kids Playpins (for young kids) Diapers (for young kids) Tent Tarps Broom Doormat Bed Sheets Sleeping Bags Pillows Extra Blankets Flash lights Compass Batteries Camera iPod Cell Phone Walkie Talkies Paper Towels Towels Washcloths Wet Wipes Matches Fire Starters Eye Wash Tweezers Glow sticks Hiking Guide Lysol Hand Sanitizer Soap These are your basics - you can add what you wish! Have a fantastic first trip!
3. Start with the ten essentials and check out the REI web site for the best camping info. http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/camping
4. Tent/Camper Clothes + Extras something to cook food on wood food activities for the car (for the kids) ect ect ect
5. Check out the following sites to give you ideas http://camping.about.com/od/campingforbeginners/Advice_for_Beginners.htm Shelter and Bedding (essentials) __ tent __ tarp __ sleeping bag __ sleeping pad __ headrest Cooking and Dining (essentials) __ water __ food __ cooler __ camp stove __ mess kit __ can opener __ charcoal Clothes __ t-shirts __ shorts __ jeans/pants __ socks __ shoes/boots __ camp shoes __ hat/cap __ sweater __ rain poncho __ underwear __ swim suit __ laundry bag __ _____________ __ _____________ __ _____________ __ _____________ Personal Hygiene __ tooth brush __ tooth paste __ wash rag(s) __ towel(s) __ soap __ comb/brush __ nail clippers __ razor __ toilet paper __ _____________ __ _____________ Shelter and Bedding (optionals) __ book __ cot __ comforter __ throw rug __ pillow Cooking and Dining (optionals) __ charcoal chimney __ smoker __ Dutch oven __ hot dog sticks __ pie irons __ chairs __ folding table __ table cloth __ butane lighter __ screen room Cleaning Items __ broom __ dust pan __ whisk broom __ lawn rake __ dish pan __ detergent __ dish rags __ ppt scrubber First Aid Kit __ personal medication __ bandages __ aspirin, Tylenol __ medical tape __ sterile gauze __ elastic wrap __ antiseptic wipes __ antibiotic cream __ burn ointment __ sunburn lotion __ hydrogen peroxide __ scissors __ tweezers __ eye wash __ sanitary napkins __ snake bite kit Chuck Box __ salt and pepper __ herbs and spices __ cooking oil __ pot holders __ paper towels __ napkins __ plastic trash bags __ tongs and spatula __ aluminum foil __ measuring cups __ plastic silverware __ paper plates/bowls __ plastic cups __ zip lock bags __ knives __ cutting board __ cork screw Miscellaneous Items __ binoculars __ bird guide __ bug spray __ bungi cords __ camera __ candles __ cards, games __ cell phone __ clothes pins __ compass __ duct tape __ fishing gear __ flashlight __ frisbee __ GPS __ kites __ knife __ lantern __ matches __ pen and paper __ rope __ shower bag __ sun block __ tools __ water filters __ whistle