What are some critical things I need when I go camping?

flashlights batteries a cooler for food bug spray toilet paper sunscreen games/ books/ cards/ etc. (what are you going to do for fun?) tennis shoes (if you're hiking) a tarp (to put down in the tent to put sleeping bags on) sleeping bag pads (go under bags so ground isn't as hard) stakes and hammer (to hold tent in place) a foldable table (very convenient!)

don't forget matches, toilet paper, insect repellant, and a can opener.

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pillows, matches/lighter , newspaper (to start a fire), cups/plates/utensils, camera, marshmallows, bug spray, sunscreen, hat, walking shoes, if there's a beach then beach stuff (towel, swimsuit), a food cooler, if you are not using paper plates bring some kind of a container to wash them in, kettle, clothes, firewood, roasting sticks, warm jacket for at night, map, a deck of cards, picnic tablecloth, a foldable table to put the grill on. I can't think of anything else. Have fun!

water,food,shelter....and as much extras as you want/can carry

I'm a little confused. You seem to be talking about three people (3 air mattresses, 3 chairs) but only two sleeping bags. Not a good idea. I would certainly include one bag for each person. Among other things I would include: A groundcloth or footprint for the tent, so it is not pitched directly on the ground. A portable pump for the air matresses. Blowing them up by mouth is not fun. A portable stove. Not everything can be cooked on a grill. Other cookware, including cooking utensils and eating utensils. Plenty of clothing that allows you to dress in layers, for thermal control, and a wind- rainsuit for outerwear. Things to keep you occupied if you're tent-bound due to bad weather: books, playing cards, board games. Binoculars. Camera. At least one field guide to birds or animals so you can identify them. Most of all, first aid gear, including items for all the usual cuts, scrapes, burns, etc. plus any special medicines you may need. That includes both prescription and over-the-counter medicines anyone in the group usually takes.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ten_Essentials CHECK THE INCLUDED LINK

-1st aid kit - !!!!!!!!!!!!! -Tarp - place on ground before tent (make sure to pick up any sticks or rocks 1st) -book / cards - real life saver if it rains -windproof lighter/waterproof matches -hatchet - make sure it has a hammer-like face for driving stakes into ground, can also be used for digging -sharp, sturdy knife -heavy duty trash bag -several rags (inifinite # of uses -flare gun- (not necessary but very useful for bear/intruder/help) I don't know what level of camping your committed to, but this along with your list seems to be all-encompassing. I've camped with as little as a knife and a lighter, and as much as a pickup will hold. What's great about camping is that you never really know what's going to happen, so you can't be prepared for everything. Just be cautious of local wildlife, and be mindful, and you'll be fine. Enjoy!

I would take a back up generator, just in case something crazy happens. Toilet tissue Personal Hygiene Products Sanitizer Off (bug repellent)