Camping can be a very fun and relaxing way to spend the weekend, taking the family for a nature getaway. There are a lot of different levels of camping, from roughing it with just a sleeping bag to bringing everything with you. If you are doing extreme camping, then all you need is a sleeping bag and some flint to start a fire. If you are bringing the family, however, you'd better bring a little bit more.

When you head out, you'll want the sleeping bags, of course, but what else should you bring? If you have the room and you are not going far from your car, then you can bring all kinds of things. Many people bring a pad to put under the tent to give some cushioning. You may want to bring an inflatable mattress for a better night's sleep. You will also want to pack the proper cookware. A collapsible cook stove takes up little room, but gives good results. Bring enough pots and pans to handle your gourmet skills and your utensils. Now you need to look into the important items.

You will want to bring a radio to keep track of weather and local news. You need clothes and drinking water. When you consider food to bring, remember that it must be stored well. Animals can roam the camp when you are gone and you don’t want to attract them. Another important item is a well-stocked first aid kit. You also should bring along tools for starting a fire; matches are good but they can get wet. A flint stick and kindling are very important when camping. When you go camping, the most important thing to do is let somebody know where you are going and when to expect you back.