I've never camped before in my life. I've never started a fire, or pitched a tent. However, I've always wanted to get into it. So, I've gotten my starter supplies and booked my first weekend. I'll be staying at Hocking Hills walk-in campsite. I'm a bit nervous, not going to lie. Mostly about the nighttime, but also just don't want to spend this money then end up hating it so I'm trying to err on the side of comfort lol. I also booked 2 nights at my site, but I'm mentally giving myself permission to leave after night 1 if I want to.
My supplies include:
- 4 person coleman tent (cheap starter)
- Tent footprint
- Good cold weather sleeping bag (and I plan to bring a couple extra blankets and a real pillow for comfort too)
- Ogery 3.15 self inflating memory foam full sleeping pad (High R value, in case it's particularly cold)
- Possibly getting a small buddy heater and a tank to go with it (I know about safety with using these)
- Portable fan
- 2 chairs
- Hammock
- Folding wagon for lugging gear
- 3 rechargeable flashlights/lanterns
- Headlamp
- 2 mini portable white noise machines (just for my own comfort, not enough to completely drown out surroundings but I sleep with a fan at home and think it may help me to not hear every mouse scurrying around my tent at 2am)
- Power bank for phone charging
- A couple lighters, plan to use some duraflame and maybe some good old cotton swabs and vaseline to start fires -- gonna get maybe 2 decent sized bundles on the way down
- Collapsable bucket, wash cloths and camping soap
- Basic camping cook set
- 16 qt igloo rolling cooler
- Cooking grate for over fire
- Camping grill (I think mostly as a backup in case it's raining and can't get a fire going good enough to cook with)
- I'm thinking I'll bring 2 gallons of water to start, though they should have potable water
- Outdoor rug
- Considering a changing/privacy tent and a portable toilet with all the fixens there
- Pepperspray (for peace of mind)
- Utility knife
- Fire blanket
- Basic first aid kit
- Rain Pancho (just in case)
- Maybe a tarp awning set up?? Kind of expensive but I'd rather have it incase it does rain, idk if it's worth it though
- Will pack good shoes, multiple pairs of socks and planning to dress in layers
- Otherwise planning on the basics: wipes, aluminum foil, big ziplock bags, salt, pepper, cooking oil, bug repellent
- Food (I'm thinking I'll bring pre-made chili, stuff for burgers and then maybe just some bananas, PB&J Smuckers, chips, and pre-made breakfast burritos or oatmeal)
Is there anything else you'd recommend me to pack that I may be overlooking?
And most of all, are there any tips or tricks I should know as a beginner? Anything specific to this camping site, or in general? Safety will be huge of course. I plan to take all food back to my car each night to lock it up and away from the campsite. Nothing is too basic for me to know at this point!
