I’m gonna complicate it because I am hella ADHD and I will absolutely forget -parts- of things unless they are all written down

Tent, including rainfly, stakes, main body, and repair kit (usually comes with the tent, ignore if you don’t have)

Bag, pillow, sleeping pad, air pump for pad if you’ve got one (lungs work just fine, too).

Flashlight plus extra batteries (I’d eventually replace this with a headlamp but it’s your first time)

Small pot

Stove plus fuel for stove

Long-handled titanium spork

Small sponge, camp suds soap, drying cloth (or bring a bandana and use that)

Drinking cup/mug (I like my titanium snowpeak one)

Power bank plus correct charging cables (love having the cable for my watch but not my phone)

Add some Leuko or duct tape to your first aid kit-good for all manner of quick repairs.

Will you need a water filter where you’re going?

Skipping ahead.

What’s the availability of water where you’re going? Do you have to bring in your own? Is there potable water available at the site? This may impact how much you bring in, or what water vessel you bring.

Clothes: base layer, mid-layer, outer layer, windshell or raincoat (what’s the weather going to be like?) NO COTTON. One extra pair of socks, in a ziplock to keep them dry. Hat, and ear covering. You need to manage the temperature of your core, and also heat loss from your head.

Sunscreen

What’s the wild animal situation? Do you need a bear can? (also good for mice, chipmunks, and some raccoons)

Any required permits.

A book, or a deck of playing cards.

Have fun!

Rei has good checklists on their site

Bring matches in case the lighter doesn’t work. Bring extra trash bags.

Are you buying some fire starter material and kindling when you get there?

Where I am, I always confirm if there is a campfire ban.

tarp, propane torch, rope for tarp and a great camping pad to keep you warm from the cold ground

Even extremely small wild animals will get into your food and create havoc. Definitely make sure you have a storage plan that isn’t inside your pack or in your tent (mice will chew through and destroy your gear, and also your food). Someone said to put food in your car which is probably fine as long as you are absolutely certain there aren’t bears in your region, because a bear will open a car like a tin can. Since I have no idea where you’re camping, I can only give advice based on my own experience camping in Colorado and California.

Re: entertainment, I should also have mentioned to download all podcasts, audiobooks, music, and ebooks you think you want to access because cell reception isn’t always a guarantee and it stinks to not have your planned reading or listening available.

Also, AirPods. Charged.

I don't see a sleeping pad or cot listed. Sleeping on the ground sucks. Also, a small pillow is better than sleeping with clothes or jackets.

My wife and I had a cheapo cribbage board we’d play. Also we brought a magnifying glass for our daughter to look at bugs and rocks, etc.

So much depends on the season and location. What you need camping at 14,000 feet in fall is very different from camping in the Appalachian foothills in summer.
- Bring clothing that is suitable for 10 degrees cooler than you think you might experience.
- I'm in my 50s so I appreciate a good sleeping mat.
- Never sleep in clothing you wear while preparing food
- Never eat or prepare food in or at a tent. Be at least 10 meters away.
- Bring immodium.
- I am a fan of hiking trousers. Fjäll Räven is my go to brand.
- You'll need more cord and carabiners than you think you will.
- Good boot socks even for sneakers. Extra socks.
- There will be bugs. Protect yourself.

I'm going to sound a little preachy and I'm really sorry if I do, but the most important parts of camping are etiquette. Pack out what you pack in; I take great pride in the fact that you shouldn't be able to tell I was at a campsite an hour after I've left. No fires if there are warnings about them. Harm nothing. Stay on the trail. Learn about the the wildlife you might encounter and respect it; a bull moose in mating season will kill you without a second thought in the right circumstances.

Its okay to start with cheap/basic equipment, and do "easy" camping (i.e. campground with washroom facilities/safe water, and drive in sites), and slowly work your way up to "harder" camping (i.e. long hikes in to remote camping areas) with more sophisticated gear. Theres no right or wrong way to camp (unless youre using a trailer with hydro/water hookups lol).

Some of the best, and most reliable gear I own is walmart level stuff. High price doesnt always mean better. Its more knowing your needs and packing accordingly.

Important things no matter what level youre camping at imo : first aid kit Tarp Rain poncho Duct tape Some type of meal plan (stuff thats stable in hot/cold/ wet/dry (like if you bring eggs use them in the first few days not day 7 when your ice melts. Or chocolate will melt if left in a backpack in the sun etc). Extra blanket. A sleep system thats comfortable for you. Some prefer cots/hammocks/pads. Whatever works for you. It may take trial and error.

I guess the answer is tent bag pad map compass (or some sort of gps) basic first aid kit enough water then extra water fire starting material food. And let someone know where you’re going and when you will be back. (And let them know when you’re back).

But that is all generic. To really pinpoint your needs it would depend on the location you plan to go and the type of camping you’re doing. If you’re going to the state park and camping at camping site 37 if you forget something there’s probably a little shop right there so you don’t need to go like a survivalist, but if you plan on camping camping you need to make sure you think about the temps and water and weight and food and clothes.

Basics are a tent, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, water filter or tablets.

Essentials are cooking pots, headlamps, a lighter, a proper knife and your clothes ofc.

Anyway, here is a list of my basic and essential gear.

https://preview.redd.it/9itse7pykm9e1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=dca5dcbbab6acf32244b68eb44ffb99a442f3c92

I crossed the sleeping pad because i don’t use it anymore and i upgraded to a Big Agnes Zoom UL. And the chair, well, i broke it lol.

Imo this should be a good start to follow and adjust after a few outings when you learned what you need and don’t need.

If you are starting don't spend too much on quality gear until you know you'll go a lot

This Coleman checklist is pretty good.

REI has a pdf version that fits on 2 pages. I printed out a 2 sided copy and laminated it so I can reuse it each time. Search for camping checklist on their website.

I put all my crap in plastic storage totes, and it's camping only gear - i.e I don't raid the totes for a pot because I'm too lazy to wash my normal ones. 

They're all stored in the same place in my storage room that's designated for camping gear, thus my "packing" takes about 10 minutes.

Just some general advice: have your list on your phone, because you will constantly change it and mostly while you're out camping. Things you forgot, things you never really use, things that would have been cool to have... by the time you get home, you will have forgotten most of it and also be busy unpacking, washing and going back to work.

There are tons of good apps, I personally like to have one where I can first put together my checklist and then use it. This is the one I use:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=name.obrien.dave.lister

Basically, you can first go through all your stuff and click on what you want to bring on this particular trip. Then you get a checklist that you can tick off. You can export the whole list to a csv file, so in case the app is ever discontinued or stops working, you still have your list and you will likely even be able to import it into a different app.

They do this at /r/ultralight via lighterpacks, though they're optimized specifically for weight. Still a good place to learn about gear.

Been there—packed way too much random stuff my first time. What helped most later was having gear that does more than one thing. Less clutter, less stress. Also, don’t skip on a headlamp and some kind of simple setup for cooking. Makes the whole trip way smoother.

Sleeping pad / mat. If you don't have something under your sleeping bag, the ground will suck the warmth out of you.

Are you cooking at camp? Do you have toilets & showers nearby?

Car camping? Sleeping pad, sleeping bag, tent (or hammock depending on weather and location). Fire starter of some sort. Water bottle….some really great suggestions here already. As many have said, you don’t need a lot to have fun. I personally love my small little blow up pillow - I got it on amazon for around $10 and it’s amazing. It might seem a bit extra but coming in at just a few ounces in weight, it makes for great sleep.

Sleeping pad, Something to cook with, something to eat, Pillow, a way to clean yourself (camp shower, baby wipes, etc.) 

Having the Ten Essentials is always good. I’d say a headlamp & first aid kit are two things you’ll be really glad you have if/when you need them, or sorely regret it if you find yourself without.

If you’re tent camping with a sleeping bag, you want a sleeping pad or air mattress underneath you so the ground doesn’t steal your warmth. I went with a pad because I’m slowly building up my backpacking gear piece by piece, and it packs down super small if you need to fit a whole campsite into two checked bags (like I’ve done a few times now).

Depending on how rigorous your hikes will be, merino wool socks could be your best friend. They keep your feet dry and can be reworn for a few days without getting gross. Similarly, solid hiking boots may become your best friend (just make sure to break ‘em in first). Merrell Moabs are known for their comfort, though I’m sure others here can suggest similar/better options. A cheap poncho can be the difference between being able to keep hiking or having your day ruined.

A small broom! Not only to keep things tidy while camping, but you don't want to roll up all that tracked in dirt into your tent when it is time to pack up.

Baby wipes

Any trip longer than two days, and likely out of cell service, I want a small radio with weather bands.

Leather work gloves.

Cuts and scrapes require attention, so protecting your hands will save time and supplies.

Extra nylon cord and carabiners. You don't realize you need a lot of it until your food sack gets stuck in a tree and you have to cut your cord to get it down.

Miranda Goes Outside (https://youtube.com/@mirandagoesoutside?si=5HbychLctgC155pH) was one of the first creators I watched about camping. She’s more focused now on backpacking but her early videos that she originally did for REI are fantastic and some of her gear videos from the last year when she did a budget gear series might also be helpful. And while you don’t have to do your shopping at REI, their camping checklist is something I look at before each trip. 

In terms of building your camping gear / set up for the first time and if you’re car camping, my advice isn’t to get caught up only buying specific “outdoor gear.” It can be expensive. I built my first camp kitchen set up with cheap stuff from ikea years ago, but these days amazon or marketplace or dollar stores may be even better for basic items. For example, you don’t need a plate sold by an outdoor retailer if you can find one cheaper elsewhere. You can also take things from home (eg I take one of my cooking pots from home instead of buying one specific for camping, if I’m cooking over a camp stove instead of a fire). Also REI camping lists are really helpful (even if you don’t buy everything on the list and don’t buy from them). Go for a headlamp instead of a flashlight, too. REI also has garage sales in there’s one near you, you can sometimes score great deals on tents, sleeping bags, etc.

That’s awesome that you’re getting into camping — and even better that you have a friend helping you get started. It can feel like a lot at first, but it becomes second nature pretty quickly. Starting with car camping is a great idea, especially with your dog coming along.

A few quick tips for beginners: • Test your gear at home first — set up your tent in the backyard or living room so you’re not struggling with it in the dark. • Start with short trips close to home so you can build confidence without pressure. • Keep gear simple: basics like a good sleeping bag, pad, tent, headlamp, and a way to cook/eat are all you need to start. • Pack layers — even summer nights in PA can get chilly. • Bring extra water and snacks, always. • And for camping with your dog: bring their own bed/blanket, a tie-out or leash, and a little first-aid kit just in case.

I actually put together a few camping guides that walk you through everything from gear lists to safety and campsite tips — I’d be happy to send any to you for free if you want. Just DM me and let me know which one you like: https://www.milesandhikes.com/store/

I'd say take it step by step. First trip, go with your friend or a few people. Next trip one person at a familiar place. Next trip maybe a new place. Then next trip bring the pooch, etc. I've been solo camping for 10+ years, and I still learn something new every trip.

I've been keeping a journal of trips I take, where, when, what I brought that I didn't need, what is I wish I brought, etc. I wished I started it when I started camping tho so I must live vicariously through you and you should start one too lol

I recommend starting with the REI camping essentials list, and paring down to what you, specifically, need.

https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/family-camping-checklist.html

In fact their whole "how to go camping" series is great.

https://www.rei.com/learn/series/intro-to-camping

Nothing beats a good foundation + experience and reps!! Have fun and go easy on yourself as you learn!

REI has a good camping checklist although it has a lot of stuff that you may not need.

At the most basic level you need the tent, cot/sleeping pad, and sleeping bag/blankets.

Other useful things might include flashlights, rain coat, first aid kit, pocket knife, tarp for sun/ rain shelter, chairs, etc

Sleeping pads and sleeping bags and/or blankets, depends on your climate. You’re also going to want light of some sort most likely. An axe or knife for firewood. As for kitchen supplies, think of the basic items you would need, trash bag, utensils, plates, tin foil, paper towel, etc. Probably check out a camping checklist or something. If it’s your first time, you’re going to overpack. I assume you’re car camping in a campground so it’s not a huge deal if you have to much shit. You’ll figure out what you need and don’t need pretty quick. If you’re planning on cooking over a fire, make sure you have a cast iron skillet or something that can withstand the heat and a way to remove it from the fire. Also, water, unless the campground as potable water. Though I typically still always bring my own. Good luck, practice Leave No Trace, and have fun!

Here's my pack list for a 3 day fishing trip.

https://www.reddit.com/r/camping/comments/nnw3ja/planning_for_a_3day_local_fishing_trip_in_lp/

Sleep and insects can ruin a trip. Get some tick spray and treat your gear and allow it to dry. Be sure to test your gear before going. I got a tent and sleeping bag, could not sleep on the lumpy ground of my backyard, ended up getting a sleeping pad. A queen size air mattress may fit you all.

But for basics 2L of water per person, per day, food, heat source, cutting edge, a change of clothes, extra socks, entertainment.

A travel game of some sort even a deck of cards works depending on kids age. And a book everyone can enjoy together

Food, water, shelter. Ask yourself; “how am I going to cook/serve the food. How am I going to collect/ serve water”

I am assuming campground, correct? What amenities does it provide (shower, water, etc.)? If there are water pumps/ spigot you need a container. If there is electric, an extension cord would be nice. Some people like a fan in their tent to block out campground noises.

checklist.

The big three:

• sleeping bag
• slapping pad
• tent

After that, helpful things include:

• flashlight
• chair
• pocket knife
• lighter
• rain coat
• pillow

The specifics like cooking options, clothes, what type of sleeping bag/pad, food, etc just depend on what you plan on eating, how long you will be staying, the temps where you are going and more.

Check out this list for a large checklist of camping items.

My main thing is get off the ground. Whether a hammock or sleeping pad/tarp. Solid sleeping bag is the real key.

Don't bring fireworks

this is so vague lol. don't bring an atomic bomb, do bring food.

here is my personal camping checklist. Most of the stuff on there is very basic. Hope this helps!

Then look at the REI Camping checklist it has everything you need

Don't forget your head torch, a bag of weed and a bottle of good scotch.

Sleeping pads, cots or something else under you.

Your weight will squish that lofty bag to nothing in the parts that support your weight, and you'd be really uncomfortable and potentially cold without a pad, cot etc.

Headlamp. Even a cheap dollar store one is very handy.

I like one with a different button for red light, it won’t mess up your night vision.

The rei checklist is the way to go. Where are you going and for how long? Is it a camp ground or wild?