The short answer
Shelter, sleep system, water, food and cooking, layers, light, and a first aid kit. For a two-night car camp expect roughly 20–25 items and $300–$600 to start from nothing.
Most first camping trips fail on two things: being cold at night and having no light. Solve those before anything else.
Step by step
- Check the overnight low, not the daytime high, and pick a sleeping bag rated 5°C below it.
- Pack the sleep system first: bag, insulated mat, pillow. Ground cold is what wakes people.
- Plan water: 3–4 litres per person per day including cooking and washing.
- Plan meals per-meal, not per-day, and pre-chop at home.
- Layer clothing: base, insulation, waterproof shell. No cotton.
- Pack two light sources plus spare batteries.
- Pitch the tent once in the garden before you leave.
What you need
- Tent + pegs + mallet
- Sleeping bag and mat
- Stove, fuel, lighter
- Headlamp + lantern
- First aid kit
- Water containers
- Rubbish bags
What it costs
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| 2-person tent | $80–$250 |
| Sleeping bag | $50–$150 |
| Insulated sleeping mat | $35–$120 |
| Camp stove + gas | $30–$80 |
| Headlamp | $15–$35 |
| Cooler | $40–$120 |
| Campsite fee | $20–$45 / night |
Common questions
How much water per person?
3–4 litres per person per day if the site has no tap.
Why am I cold with a good bag?
Almost always the mat. Ground conduction beats bag rating.
Can I rent instead of buying?
Yes — renting a tent and bags for a first trip runs $40–$80 and is the right call.