There’s no need to break the bank when you want to start camping. With a few tips, and a watchful eye, camping can be a great, inexpensive and regular getaway.

The Basics

First, you’ll need a tent. Determine the size you need based on the number of people who will be camping, then determine the climate you’ll be camping in most – if it is a warmer area, the tent can be of a cheaper variety, because you don’t need it as much for warmth. If in the colder climates, make sure you get a quality tent that holds heat in and cold out on frigid winter nights. Get a tarp or ground cloth to place under the tent before you set up; it will protect the tent floor. Be sure to take a hammer with a claw – it can be used for putting in and taking out the tent stakes.

Sleeping bags increase the warmth factor. Again, use your locale as determining the type of sleeping bag you need. Pick up some extra blankets at garage sales (for a dollar or two each), and designate them as “camping” blankets. Use these on the interior floor of the tent for extra padding, and as extra cover as needed.

Cooking equipment – a coffee pot doubles as water boiler; a fry pan doubles as a baking dish. The blue or black speckled metal camping dishes can be found in most retail stores with a hunting/camping/fishing section, but they can also be found for a song at garage sales and thrift stores. I bought an entire set with frying pan, coffee pot, basic cooking pot, 4 pie plates, 4 regular plates, 4 bowls and 4 cups for only $20 at a used sporting goods store, and am still using it 6 years later! Add a bowl for mixing, along with cooking and eating utensils, and an oven mitt and your basic kitchen is complete.

I also recently requested and received a cast iron Dutch oven as a gift – these are great for soups, stews, and fish fries. Again, they can be found for a bargain if you look. Be sure to get one with feet, you can set the whole pot directly into the fire to cook.

The basic pot or a cheap plastic bucket works well for a dishpan to wash dishes and serves as a carrier for your cooking equipment. Include a cooler in your camping gear to keep your food safe and cold.

A camping grill is another item we use regularly. It folds completely flat when not in use, and opens up to fit right on top of our campfire. It’s big enough to grill burgers and steaks or to cook breakfast with the frying pan, pot and coffee pot all at once.

Matches are another necessity, enclosed in a zip-top bag to keep them dry. Check with the campground where you plan to stay – they may give or sell firewood or allow firewood to be gathered around the campground. If they sell firewood, it may be cheaper to take your own, either from your own wood pile, or from a local near the campground that will sell you a box or wheelbarrow full inexpensively.

There are numerous lists and books of suggested equipment to take camping, but I prefer to camp by the old axiom “KISS” – keep it simple stupid! You can add or subtract to the basic list over the years, a little at a time with items you find a necessity.

To me, another necessity is fishing gear, but I love to fish and we usually camp on a lake or river. With this gear, I also keep it simple: one or two fishing pole sets, and one medium-sized tackle box that holds everything I might need (needle nose pliers, nail clippers, fish string, lures, hooks and corks). I pick up fresh bait when I get to my destination.

Put together a basic first aid kit – a medium-sized bag (purse, athletic or luggage) or a small tackle box work equally well for this. Add bandages, sterile wipes or a bottle of alcohol, peroxide, gauze bandages, wooden sticks to be used for splints, antibiotic ointment, an anti-itch medicine and an antihistamine will provide for most of your needs.