Essential Gear for a Beginner Camping Trip

Are you planning your first camping trip? Whether you're car camping or backpacking, there are certain essential items you'll need to make sure you have a safe and enjoyable experience. Here's a guide to the basics of camping gear for beginners. Lighting is essential for any camping trip. While your phone flashlight may be enough to get around the campsite at night, it's best to invest in a headlamp and a few flashlights for cooking and in your tent.

Safety is paramount when camping, so make sure to review the safety of your campsite before you go. If you're a beginner, it's best to keep it simple and start with a car camping trip close to home. When it comes to food storage, you'll need to find a place to store your camp food, especially if you're backpacking or base camping. I recommend bringing two sinks and running the camp dishes through the dishwasher when you get home.

It can be overwhelming to think about all the camping equipment you'll need, but if you plan ahead and start putting together your kits in advance, it's not as difficult as it seems. Make sure to “charge” your gear before you go, regardless of your experience with camping. My camp kitchen equipment includes a Lodge cast iron skillet, a fork set, basic plastic tableware, and some cups.

Cherie Boucaud
Cherie Boucaud

Award-winning pop culture practitioner. Incurable zombie evangelist. . Amateur internet advocate. Passionate beer fan. Proud bacon ninja.