Are you watching your friends go camping? And you think that looks like fun. You want to try it, but you don’t want to spend a lot of money on something you might not like or even enjoy. Your next thought; How can I camp without camping gear? This article is going to explain what you need or don’t need to take. If you just want to test out camping for the first time, to see if you like it.
The Question: how can I Camp Without Camping Gear? Is a good question and you will find out how to…. Dive into Essential camping gear. What to wear camping. Camp Toiletry’s. Meal planning for camping. Where to go camping that supplies your camping essentials. Camping options. Different camping solutions. How to camp when you don’t have camping equipment.
When you get finished reading this you are going to be armed and ready to take your first camping trip. With or Without Gear!
Camping Options to Consider
When you have never been camping you don’t know what you need to bring. Like they say, “you don’t know what you don’t know”. What do you need to go camping? Let’s find that out. And then what to wear, and what to eat while your there. Then other things to consider; The options of where to camp.
Some of the campgrounds and camping options make it really affordable for first time campers. So that you can see if camping is for you. Some of the campgrounds supply some of the necessities.
Essential Camping Gear
There is basic equipment you are going to need when you go camping. Basically your clothing, Food, A place to sleep and Gear to make it all happen.
There are some campgrounds that have a restaurant. These little cafe’s usually offer breakfast. If you plan on just eating their food the whole time. I would recommend calling in advance. Usually when you camp any food that you need to eat; You need to bring with you.
When you are new to camping this may seem like a GIANT over taking. Knowing what to bring and then going shopping for it. But there are simple processes to make it easier. You can see that here: What food to take camping: Check list & recipes.
Other Gear your going to need to bring is kitchen gear. Everything you can imagine, even the kitchen sink. Remember you have to be self sufficient. So your going to need to bring your own cookware, utensils, plates, knives, forks, and coffee maker everything.
Also your going to need an ice chest to keep all the perishables in. Not just any ice chest. Your going to want one that stays cold for the maximin time. Take a look at the best camping ice chest. LLBean.
Related Article: How can I eat Cheap While Camping.
More Camping Essentials
Then your going to need a place to sleep. Either a tent or a truck tent. You will also need sleeping bags, blankets, a cot or air mattress. Everything to make sleeping in a tent cozy. Like home away from home. Then your going to need to know how to set it all up. Here is a Related Article: How to set up a campsite.
Camp Toiletry’s
There are some normal things your going to want to take with you. A lot of campgrounds have toilets with hot showers. But there are still things your going to want to consider. Things like toothpaste, hair brush, soap, sun tan lotion, skin cream, toilet paper, And first aid kit.
Don’t forget to pack for the bugs too.
Related Article: How to keep bugs away camping.
What to Wear Camping
When you go camping you are going to need to pack clothes for 4 seasons. You never know when its going to rain or be freezing cold. And then you also need to consider clothes for hot weather too. Always bring extra clothing. You never know when the weather is going to change. Staying dry and cozy is imperative.
Some clothing to consider: Rain coats, boots, hoodies, sweaters. always take extra socks. If you have a hat bring it. A baseball style hat will work to keep the rain off your head. Then also if it is really sunny out it will help with that too.
Your also going to need warm weather clothing. Shorts, lighter shirts, T shirts, flip flops, sandals, crocks. And of course underwear.
Also if you have kids you need to take clothing that will keep them safe from all kinds of weather. Hot or cold you will be ready and they will be comfortable. Also if you have younger kids there are some really handy equipment you can get that will make your camping experience more relaxing with a youngster.
Related Article: First time campers must have gear.
Gear that you may not think as essential because you use it every day. And that’s things like your cell phone, or an iPad. I’m not trying to rain on your parade. But if it does rain and you are stuck inside. Your going to want to have something fun to do. Watching a movie or YouTube. Or even have a fun game to take with you just in case your stuck inside.
A Weather radio is a good source of fun and safety wrapped into one package. You can listen to music and see if there are any weather situations you need to know about. Some of these radio’s have multiple functions.
Such as charging your phone or other electronics. They are versatile too. The radio has several sources of power supply, like solar. And there is a light that you can use inside the tent or if you have to walk to the bathroom at night. Take a look at the best portable weather radio here.
Related Article: What tools do I need for camping.
Meal Planning for Camping
First off you are going to want to bring a camping stove. Click the link If your interest in knowing what kind of camping stove to get. After you have your cookware, kitchenware and the best camping stove packed. Your going to want to have your meals all planned out ahead of time.
What you want to do before you go camping is sit down and write out a meal planner. I know It sounds a lot harder than it is. Just think about how many days you are going to be camping for. Then jot down how many meals you will be eating each day.
Your going to want to make note of what it is your going to eat for each meal. For lunch, breakfast and dinner. Don’t forget the snacks. Here is some ideas for Camping Meals Your Kids Will Love. If you need some ideas check that out.
Then also you need to write down all the extra’s like what you are going to drink. And make sure you take lots of water. You can never have enough water.
The little things you need to write down or you will forget to pack them. Things like salt, pepper, tinfoil and potholders. All the extra miscellaneous items you know you need to cook a meal. Your also going to need ice for the ice chest.
Related Article: Camping tools for cooking.
Different Camping Solutions
So far we have talked about what it takes to go camping. That’s if you are going tent camping. But there are other solutions to tent camping. That as a first time camper you might want to try first.
Some of these are easier for someone who does not have all the essentials for camping. You could look in to renting a cabin. A lot of campgrounds offer cabin rentals.
When you rent a cabin there are a lot of things that come with the cabin. So that you don’t have to go out and buy a lot of things.
Cabins have bedding so your not having to buy a blow up mattress or a cot. They supply beds, but most do not supply sheets, blankets or sleeping bag. But always call to verify what is supplied.
There are different size cabins from one – two people. Then there are Larger cabins that have bunk beds in them to sleep more people. (6 – 10)
They are also more comfortable than a tent. They have couches, chairs and tables, and that’s not all! In the kitchen a fridge/freezer, microwave, stove, coffee maker, basic dishes, pots and pans, and utensils.
In the bathroom you get a shower, toilet, and sink. So you still need to bring your own toilet paper. And your personal toiletry’s.
Then you have all the extra’s; Such as a fire pit, picnic table, grill, and Adirondack chairs.
So you can stay at a campground to see what it’s like. Without spending a lot of money on gear. So renting a cabin is one way to camp. But you still have to bring your basic essentials. i.e. food, clothing, toiletries.
Some cabins are bare knuckles and don’t have restrooms. In which most campgrounds offer restrooms and hot showers onsite.
Related Article: Camping Shower Ultimate Guide for Tent Camping.
Camping in an RV Rental
Another way to eliminate having to bring a lot of the camping gear is an RV. Call around to the RV parks and see what they offer in rentals. Camping in an RV also saves time setting up the camp. You just need to pullup and unload your vehicle. The rest is inside the RV. Source
When you rent an RV your renting a home away from home. Most RV’s come with a queen size or king size bed. And if you need a bigger RV for the whole family then you can get an RV with bunk beds. Of course you get a table & chairs to eat at. A couch and a full functioning kitchen.
One thing to be mindful of when you are renting an RV. The refrigerator is usually smaller than the one in your house. Which means you may not have as much room for all your perishables.
You also get a bathroom with shower, sink and toilet. Which is also different than your house toilet. Not that you are going to be emptying it if you are renting it. But knowing how it works will help prevent clogging it. If you have ever wondered How to care for RV Black Tank check out the article.
You will also get a grill, outdoor table and fire pit. Sometimes you will still need to bring your own camping chairs.
Related Articles: List of Campgrounds in CT (Ultimate Guide).
Not all campgrounds have rentals. And some have cabin rentals and not RV rentals. And vice versa. So be sure to call the campground and ask all the necessary question.
There are campgrounds that provide a lot of supplies. And RV or Cabin rentals. There are also campgrounds that offer tent site rentals. With additional supplies, that you would need to camp.
The campground campsite is setup for people who have no camping equipment. What you need to do is check around, and do a little investigating like I did. Here are some Campgrounds Near NY City: Just a Hop Skip & Jump Away.
Where to Go Camping, That Supplies Your Camping Essentials
I did some digging around and you can too. But Malouf’s Mountain Campground has almost everything you need to go camping. They have two different types of tent campsites. One is for primitive camping. Which everyone else would call tent camping. And the other offers a lot off extra’s and is covered.
What they offer is a tent a picnic table, grill and firepit. Also they provide a garbage can. So on your primitive camping trip you would simply need to bring a cooler full of food and drink.
Then you would want to bring some essentials. Food, toiletry’s, flash lights, and don’t forget alternative power source.
Then this campsite is really cool! I have been camping for years and have lots of equipment. But this place makes it so easy and worry free. You can go here just for relaxation.
This is tent camping at it’s finest! First of all where you are going to be camping is covered. Then there is a tent to camp in. Which is on a deck. you also get on the campsite a picnic table and a grill. There is a cabinet with some great essentials on the deck.
It is filled with pots and pans. Cookware, paper towels, dish soap, aluminum foil, cooking spray, matches, a water jug.
There is a grill, a fire extinguisher, gas stove, dish pan, 2 chairs, pot holders, trash can, gas lantern, and more.
All you need to bring is a sleeping bag, a flashlight, a lighter, Bed roll or cot, toiletry’s and towels.
Malouf’s Campground is just one way to go and experience the great outdoors. And as you have already read there is no hassle. They actually serve breakfast and dinner.
So if you want to go camping find a campground that offers some great amenities. One like Malouf’s and you can almost just show up and start relaxing.
Related Article: How to Pack for Camping in a tent. (Ultimate Guide).
Related Article: How do you go to the bathroom camping.
How to Camp When You Don’t Have Camping Equipment
There are different ways to go camping. You can camp in your car. Or camp in a rental cabin. Also you can rent a park model. And there are also some campgrounds that offer renting RV’s.
So have a look around in your local area. Or if you are planning a trip and you want to save money camping. Then you can call the campgrounds in that area. I know that a lot of KOA’s have rental cabins.
All of those Idea’s can reduce the cost of camping. Since your not having to buy all the equipment and gear.
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Related Questions
How to Camp without a Tent?
If you are hiking you do not have the wherewithal to carry a lot of equipment. So a lot of hikers either find a solid cover to lay under for protection. In which you will still need a sleeping bag.
Or you can sleep out side with a Tac Bivvy. Which is an sleeping bag. The total bag is small enough to easily fit in to your backpack. And it is made with Special technology to keep you warm. It is lightweight for portability while hiking.
The Bivvy is made of a durable and strong wind resistant material. Which is waterproof. The Bivvy is perfect for hiking. It small and light weight, but at the same time it can keep you warm and dry in the coldest wettest weather. Click HERE to purchase the Tact Bivvy!
According to the American Hiking Association a good emergency shelter provides protection from the elements, rain, wind snow and cold. Avoid thinking that your tent is your emergency shelter. If you are taking day trips away from your campsite you need another form of shelter. Source
Another option but a little bit heavier is to take a hammock with you. Which isn’t a bad idea if you are in warmer weather and providing there will be tree’s. A hammock makes a nice sleeping arrangement. But you are going to need to pack a sleeping bag or you could use a Bivvy to stay warm.
A lot of backpackers who opt out of using a tent use a sleeping bag. There are several different sleeping bags. But the one that I would recommend is the mummy sleeping bag.
As it is built for cold weather, and you can be completely surrounded by the sleeping bag. Your head is in the bag and when you pull the draw string, the bag is drawn in.
And if you are worried about the bugs don’t. You can get mosquito netting. Which will be your make shift tent. between that and the sleeping bag you will be sleeping like a baby.
Related Article: What to do camping in the rain.
How to Camp in Your Back Yard without a tent
There are a couple of options that you could choose. One being a Hammack. You can use a hammock to sleep in with a sleeping bag or blankets from the house.
The second option is sleeping out under the stars. Grab your sleeping bag and crash on the grass. But if you want a little more cover. And you don’t have a tent. You could make a make shift tent. If you want to know exactly how to make a tent with things you will have in your house. check this out: What to do camping in your back yard.