Going camping this summer What are the essentials?

I really don't think I could provide a complete answer because it seems like whenever you're camping, there's always one or two more things you could use...It also depends on the ages, what the facilities are at the park, how rough you want to make it, where you live and what weather can be expected, etc. When it comes to basics, I've gone camping with stuff I've been able to fit in a shirt pocket, lived off the land, built my shelters, etc., real "back to nature" stuff. Yrk....I work and live in the woods so the glamor and mystique of being in nature is sort of lost on me, and to be honest, if I'm gonna go camping nowadays, I prefer a bit more comfort! I suggest a book store or the library and a book like "Camping for Dummies." I'm sure there must be one of those! I've used those "...for Dummies" books for more than a couple things in the past and have found them to be pretty useful in getting started. Have fun!

lists are long and interpretive in short you need, tent sleeping bag lantern flashlight ice chest stove beyond that things become variable as to what YOU want to bring for comfort or need here is a link to great advice and supplies. http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/camping#tab_4

Plastic credit cards for Motel 6 and nearest restaurant. Rise at dawn and be abed at dusk just like those outside. Unlike those who shiver or groan upon rocky soil you'll have a warm comfortable vacation. You'll need to tour State Parks and pretend you don't smell campers (particularly those with toilet tissue stuck on dew soaked shoes). Wear Deet products in- lieu-of aftershave, apply anew after swims, and be grateful you don't own junk only good for a couple weeks once or twice yearly.

First off, I recommend taking as little as possible with you. In general, you don't actually need that much stuff with you when you're camping. Many people tend to bring stuff along that they don't need, but if you get used to taking the bare minimum, you'll find that you're digging through less stuff, carrying less weight and spending less money. REI is a great place to start. Their staff is generally pretty helpful and usually has at least basic knowledge of outdoor activities. Even if you don't buy from them, it's a great place to walk in to a store and do some research. Also, there website has numerous articles on a variety of topics. http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/camping#tab_2 The basics for a tripe are food, water, shelter and clothing. You want to make sure you have enough food with you and a way to prepare/eat that food. Things that don't need to be chilled are great, because keeping things cold is heavy and resource consuming (though if you're car camping it's not so bad). It's good to plan your meals ahead of time, you can even prep some things at home, like combining spices together into one packet. Don't plan on cooking on a campfire, bring a stove (though things like hot dogs and marshmallows are easy to cook on a campfire). Make sure you either have enough water or a reliable way to get more. A good shelter keeps you out of the weather. A tent isn't going to keep you warm, but it should protect from wind and rain. Tents are rarely "waterproof", but if you use them correctly, they should keep the water away from you and that's all that really matters. When planning what clothing to bring, look at the forecast, but also prepare for the unexpected. If you expect to get wet a lot, non-cotton clothing is best. Synthetic materials made for outdoor activities dry faster and often keep you cooler in the summer and warmer in fall/spring. A spare set of clothes to sleep in is always a plus, keep this separate from the rest of your stuff, even in a plastic bag to keep them dry, that way you always have something dry to change into.

Sleeping bags, tent, fire making devices, a gun, bug spray, food, water.