Camping for Newbies: Camping Basics
If you are new to camping, it might feel super overwhelming (and expensive!) to start thinking about everything you need for a successful camping trip. You might have no idea where to start. Fret not. I’ve compiled a list of must-haves and a few nice-to-haves for newbies to camping so that you can get started. Please note, technically you don’t NEED anything to camp–just pull up, sleep in the vehicle and rough it. But these items will make for a more family-friendly camping experience.
And, if you need ideas for some easy camping meals, I have you covered. Check out these easy dishes for camping and these fun camping desserts that the whole family will love.
Camping for Newbies: Must Haves
- Tent — get bigger than you need to allow room for air mattresses and suitcases; we have a 10-person for our family of 5 (not as big as it sounds) – check out my post about tent recommendations
- Ice chest–if you need to purchase this, I recommend a roto-molded cooler to keep items colder and have ice last longer
- Sleeping bags or blankets
- Pillows
- An air mattress or camping mat – start basic, but if you want to upgrade, check out these top sleeping mat options
- An air pump for the air mattress if you have one
- Grill and/or cook top (check out my complete list for your camping kitchen)
- A few various pots/ pans
- Tongs/ spatula
- Plates
- Silverware
- Camping chair for each person
- A lantern, either battery-powered or propane
- A lighter for the lantern, stove and/or fire pit
Nice to Haves
- E-Z up/ shade tent
- Tarp for under the tent
- Wood for the fire ring (many campgrounds have this for sale on site, but always check before arriving)
- S’mores and all the fixin’s; including s’more skewers or wire coat hangers
- Bug spray
- Dish soap
Camping For Newbies: Tips on Acquiring Gear
A quick search for camping equipment on Amazon will pull up many of these items. When you’re a camping newbie, I wouldn’t spend a ton to get started. Just get what you need, and you can upgrade and expand over the years. Once you have the basics, you’ll be able to upgrade your gear as you see fit. And I have several camping equipment recommendations when you are ready to do that.
I have everything you newbies need when it comes to camping. Check out my other resources as well, such as the top 10 items to bring tent camping and tips and tricks for booking hard-to-get campsites at popular campgrounds. And if you’re not sure of what to do once you get to the campground, check out my post about what to do when camping.
Note: Most campsites have a table and fire pit. Check your campground to see if bathrooms and running water are available. If there isn’t water available at the campground, add water and a bucket/tub to your list for hand washing and dishes.
Note: As an Amazon associate, I get paid on qualifying purchases. This doesn’t cost you anything extra, and it helps to keep my website up and running for free.
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Jaime
Thanks for reading my post. My name is Jaime and I am a mom to three busy children. When we're not at the soccer and football fields, we try to get away as often as possible. I'm a teacher and my husband is a firefighter, so we mostly get away for long weekends or over the school breaks. I hope to inspire busy families to take time to recoup and relax while making memories on camping trips or cruise ships, or at the fancy resort pool--we love it all! Follow me on Instagram for real-time inspiration.
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