Gear

Cooking Equipment

Coffee maker (drip filter or Lexan French press)
Grill
Charcoal (if using grill)
BBQ tools (if using grill)
cutting board
decent knife
bucket/dishpan
dish/all-purpose soap & scrub pad (in ziplock bag)
oven mitt/hot pad

Food

coffee (premeasured, ground)
tea
cocoa
butter/oil
s'mores stuff: graham crackers, marshmallows, chocolate
jiffy pop
milk
snack bars (granola, Cliff, etc.)
syrup
salt & pepper

Before Packing:

Directions
cabin reservation info
check weather forecast

Essential Gear

Lighter/matches/fire starters (non-chemical)
Flashlight (good quality)
Extra batteries for all battery-powered equipment
Sleeping bag/bedroll per person (unless linens provided)
Mess kit per person (bowl/plate, cup/mug, fork, knife, spoon) (if not provided)
Biodegradable soap & scrub pad for pots
Water bottles (Nalgene or sport water bottles)

Recommended/Optional Gear

Extra plastic bags for garbage disposal and leftover storage
Headlamp flashlights

Here are some places to shop for camping gear, varying from local to online, from inexpensive to comprehensive.

If you are new to camping, or aren't sure how often you will use equipment, don't spend a lot. If you decide later to invest in high-quality equipment, you can upgrade and still find uses for the "spares." High-quality equipment will greatly improve your experience in bad weather, and for winter and backcountry camping, but inexpensive gear is adequate for occasional "drive-up" camping and music festivals.

Online Stores & Info

REI:

All gear lists are intended to be comprehensive, you won't necessarily need evey item.

Before Packing

Check & print travel directions
Confirm site reservation info
Check local weather forecast
TICKETS
Rental car/hotel info (if using)

This list is intended for trips such as school or scout group trips where accomodation such as a cabin is provided.

Before Packing

Check the weather forecast for the area where you will be.
*** Make sure all items are labeled with your name ***
Parents: make sure your child can identify his/her pack and knows what is in it!

This list is intended as a guideline for spring/summer/fall drive-up camping, you may not need every item, or you may need or want additional items. Suggestions are welcome!

ESSENTIAL GEAR

Tent (with rain fly)
Tent stakes (+extras)
Rope (natural or nylon fiber, not plastic)
Lighter/matches/fire starters (non-chemical)
Flashlight(s) (good quality)
Extra batteries for flashlights and any other battery-powered equipment
Sleeping bag (or bedroll) per person
Mess kit per person (plate/bowl, cup/mug, fork, knife, spoon)
Cooking pot(s) and utensils