The very basic necessities for camping vary only a little, according to whether you’re staying in a tent or taking an RV. Most of the differences are in the equipment used for shelter. Otherwise, you’re looking at the same needs for cooking, first-aid, and everyone’s personal needs. Here is a short list of the most essential items to start off your list. We’re sure you’ll find more as you read up on camping and share your friends’ experiences.

-Shelter: a tent, travel trailer, or RV and all the accessories that go with each one, like stakes and a hammer for driving them to put up a tent, or emergency flares, signs, and a good spare tire for the RV.

-Cooking facilities. Either the ability to build a campfire, conditions permitting, or a grill or cook stove.

-Cooking accessories: one large pot for stews or casseroles, two smaller pots, a slow cooker, a Dutch oven, fry pan, unbreakable plates, bowls, cups and glasses, forks, knives and spoons, storage containers and bags, spatulas, butcher knives, cutting board, potato peeler, dish pan, dish liquid, tea towels, dish cloths.

-Bedding: May include air mattresses, sleeping bags, sheets, blankets, comforters, pillows.

-Clothes: Basic wardrobe for everyone that can be easily washed. Bright colored tops for young children that are easily seen. At least one outfit for the opposite weather conditions to what are expected. Spare socks, underwear and shoes, laundry bag for each person.

-Personal items: soap for washing, toothpaste and brushes, mouthwash, deodorant, bathroom tissue, razors, towels, facecloths, personal prescriptions.
-Odds and Ends: Flashlights and spare batteries, candles, first-aid kit, snack foods for when power fails or a fire can’t be lit, rope, an alarm clock, sewing kit, fire extinguisher, baking soda, garbage bags and duct tape.