Every camper needs a tent. But the things that go with that are as essential, including a ground cloth, stakes, poles and maybe a mat for the entrances to keep the inside clean.
Stuffing the tent full of bedding materials will ensure that you remain comfortable throughout the night. Bring a sleeping bag but also remember to pack blankets and a pillow. For an extra-comfy evening, bring an air mattress and air pump. Store these in a utility bag.
Gathering around the campfire for a meal is the biggest event in camping. For fire, bring firewood, matches, a lighter or charcoal. To cook over the fire, bring a campfire grill (or BBQ grill), pots and pans, aluminum foil, cooking spray, oven mitts and cooking utensils. Pack plates, cups, silverware, paper towels, trash bags, containers for food storage.
Store food products in a cooler with ice, thermoses and plastic bags. Bring dish soap and a scrub pad to clean up afterward and trash bags to store waste.
Camping doesn't mean hygiene should be thrown out the window. Pack all toiletry items including toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, towels, deodorant, brushes, combs, sunscreen, toilet paper and extra bags to dispose of waste.
In addition, pack extra clothing. When in the wild, you never know when an extra set of underwear or socks will come in handy. In addition, pack extra shirts, shorts, swimsuits, shoes, pajamas, raincoats, umbrellas, hats and jackets.
The odds and ends are what most campers forget but find most annoying. Bring a good knife, a watch, an alarm, cell phones, binoculars, first aid kits, a map, a compass, extra rope, flashlights, all necessary licenses (fishing, boating, driver's), flares, extra batteries, a rain cover, a sewing kit and a book to read.
If you plan to fish, also remember to bring fishing equipment, including a fishing pole, tackle box and bait.
And most important of all, bring enough chairs for every member of your party, plus one extra.
