Camping stuff

[Cdubneeddeal]

Though I'm not a fan of Walmart I bought one of those inexpensive Ozark tents. So far it's been great. Well worth the money. I think this year I'll upgrade to something larger though.

 

[Crono]

condoms.


For fire starters, I use cotton balls soak in vaseline. For food, top ramen for breakfast, especially when it's cold in the morning. Get some potatoes, wrap it up in seran wrap, and throw it in the camp fire, and let it cooks. Put some butter on it.

For breakfast, I usually bring potatoes for home fries, sausage, egg beaters, and cook it all in a skillet over an open fire. Buttered toast w/jelly.

For lunch and dinner, anything open-pit bbq or stew (stew is great to simmer over an open fire).

Grilled cheese works well for a snack.

 

[Gothgar]

good tent and good sleeping bag

the rest you can skimp on

 

[StrangeRanger]

While you're at Wally-World getting your tent look for a cheap carpet/rug. Assuming you're car camping the weight of a small rug won't affect you and having a small rug in front of the tent entrance helps a great deal to keep the dirt/mud/schwag out of your tent.
Also at WW you can get a small "grill basket". You know, those small metal baskets that lock closed. They're awesome for cooking vegies or almost anything over the fire.
Bring a bucket for washing up dishes and yourself.
Rope, duct tape, zip ties along w/ other things folks have mentioned.

 

[PepePeru]

definitely a tarp or two.

i use two tarps a larger one that i stake down, and then a smaller one that is big enough for just the tent.

it stays dry.

 

[JulesMaximus]

I learned alot about tents from this video series:

Backpacking Tents by nutnfancy

A lot of stuff to look at and probably geared towards a more hardcore camper, but some of the ideas could be taken to tents at a lower price point.

Backpacking System, Extended Stay by nutnfancy

Another really long series but man there is some awesome info in it. Because it has so much about what works and what doesn't. Rather than spend money on hokey crap that will break after a few uses, it's better to buy stuff that works and will last for years.

There's a big difference between backpacking and car camping.

I'd personally spend a little more and get a decent quality tent that will provide better protection from the elements, set up easier, and last longer than the cheap department store tents.

REI is expensive but you can find good quality items like this tent which comes with a footprint (eliminating the need for a tarp) and gear loft:

http://www.rei.com/product/779020