We can all help each other out by noting down some of the key things required and some nice-to-haves based on our previous camping experiences. There is a month left for camping and there would be some deals in the meanwhile for various things. So keep an eye out. If you do notice any special deals do note them here.
Here are the essentials :
1) Tent : Most of us have a tent by now. If you dont have one, then you can consider buying one. A tent for 2 does not cost that much. Keep an eye out for special deals in various sports shops or even the Targets/Walmarts (Can be around 30$ or so). You can also try to borrow from your friends or make arrangments with fellow KVites.
2) Tarp : Dont forget to arrange for a “tarp” for putting under the tent which prevents the floor of the tent from getting into direct contact with the ground. This is not a must-have and people sometimes use newspapers also.
3) Sleeping accessories : You will need a sleeping bag + a blanket + pillow. Since we are going to Central valley, I dont think it will be that cold in the night. But better to have a jacket around all the same. If you dont have a sleeping bag feel free to borrow from friends.
4) Swimming gears :
No matter whether you swim or not you will be wading in water at least. So get some normal shorts or swimming shorts.
5) A Nice Shaded Hat : A nice straw hat (like the cowboy hat) will provide nice shade. Its going to be HOT HOT during the afternoon. So a Hat / Cap becomes an absolute must.
6) Sunscreen lotion : Again for the same reason of HOTness a sunscreen lotion becomes a must.
7) Torch : Very helpful for each family to have their own torch.
8) Slippers : You will be going in and out of tent. And removing shoes each time can be a hassle.
Nice to Haves :
1) Water shoes : Walgreens has these cheap shoes which can be used while wading in water. Sometimes the lakebed or riverbed is a bit slippery or uneven and these can be helpful at that time.
2) Shaded water toys for kids : You get these inflatable toys which the kids can ride on for about 4-5$. Sometimes they come with a shade and those ones may be better for the little ones. 3-4 such toys among the group will keep all the kids busy.
3) Battery Lamps : If you are planning on going camping regularly than a battery lamp will be worth it. Costco has these for about 15-20$ I think.
4) Folding picnic chair : Always helpful to have a few of these among the group.
5) Insect repellent : Self-explanatory
Will keep updating the above list.
Nice ones to have would be an air-bed instead of sleeping bags. Usually comes with a rechargeable pump to inflate the bed.
Nice to have will be gas burner . Single coil/double coil gas based burner can be used to warm up &/or prepare food.
How about carrying personal (small) bottle to keep you cool
Yes, Kalpana. A personal bottle of water is always helpful. Its going to be HOT HOT and everyone should carry a personal bottle of water also. Will add it to the essentials list.
We will also need some man-made shade. So if you have a portable gazebo or a beach umbrella or if you can borrow it from someone that will be good for the group also.
On Sale – In home depot – 5’6″ X 7’6″ 5 MIL. TARP – $4.97 – offer valid thru May 24. Not sure if beats walmart price or not.
A tent lite dont know if most have it
One other essential thing to carry is the quarters for the showers.
At current campsite the showers are coin operated – 25¢ for 2 minutes.