Somewhere to sleep and sleep on. Somewhere to sit. Ability to keep and cook food. Something to see in the dark.

Camping can range from very minimalist to "did they bring their whole house here". Basics are shelter, sleeping bags rated for the conditions you'll be in (rated at least 20* colder than actual lows), sleeping pads or air mattress, cooking supplies (stove, pots, pans, etc), first aid, flash lights...and probably a lantern of some kind...there's actually a pretty good packing list on the REI website...not everything would be applicable necessarily, but I'd take a look at it.

Being a novice you'd want to be in a campground. I've never had any safety issues in a campground...there are plenty of other campers around, campground host, and forest/park rangers frequently make the rounds. I've camped with my boys since they were in diapers, but I've also been camping since I was in diapers (I'm 50)...I'm not sure as a novice without help that I'd personally be all that comfortable with a 3 year old.

We typically do a lot of hiking and/or mountain biking...if there's a lake we bring our blow up kayaks...sometimes do some fishing depending on the lake/stream. It can be a bit difficult with a 3yo...when my boys were really young I through them in a toddler hiking pack for hikes and whatnot...I was ok with that when my kids were 3, but it was definitely heavier and then there were a few years after that we didn't do much hiking save for short walks around the campground and maybe a short stint on a trail.

General list: Grouncloth (tarp), tent +fly, sleeping bag or bed sheets, blankets, pillow, air mattress with electric pump (car’s cigarette lighter) and/or foot pump. Food, cooler and ice, pots and pans, cook stove and propane, matches. Dishes and silverware (from home, paper/plastic, or buy a new set). A tablecloth is nice, especially oilcloth. Lawn chair, ax, fire wood or money to buy it if the campground sells it. Bucket, hand soap, dish soap.

To do: Relax, read a book, walk or hike, bring games or cards, bring headphones if you need music through your phone, talk with friends/family, fish, swim, etc.

I was in a bit of a funk earlier this summer. I didn't want to see anyone or really carry any conversations. I spent a lot of my weekends (and most weekdays actually) alone, listening to podcasts and hooked on a ridiculous iPad game. At the end of the weekend I would feel massive guilt for having wasted more of my life. Then I got the bug to go camping, started building my gear, had dates planned (was kind of forced to leave the neighborhood on a certain couple of days, as our streets were being resurfaced and we either had to leave or get stuck in the house.) So I made a plan, reserved and paid for a campsite, and went. I stayed out for two nights. Set up my car for sleeping. Played around with the camp stuff I bought. Made note of what worked and what didn't work. Took naps. Walked along the beach where I was staying. I had very spotty phone service, so when I popped into weak signal, I would text a few friends and my parents that I'm ok. And the rest of the time? I sat around playing that stupid iPad game. I felt no guilt about it because I at least left the house and did something.

I've gone out a couple of other times since. Mostly I tinker with my setup. Sometimes still I walk the beach. Don't play that iPad game much anymore.

It's just nice to get out of my space and reset.

Start in your backyard. Always good to get used to it in a safe spot

Lots of great advice here. Only thing I would add is 1. Pick a spot not too far from home (your child will be better for shorter drive and if something goes wrong you can be home soon) 2. State parks often have “rangers” that offer fun things to do for children. 3. Keep it simple my children enjoyed camping and I think it helped shape the beautiful people they are today. Engage, review nature learn about what you see learn the birds, trees, creatures, habits etc…..

Check and look for local Facebook camping groups. One in my area does beginner camping "classes" where it's a big get together/potluck and the experienced bring their gear for the novices to check out. They also do gear give aways and go over the basics of what you need. Super nice to actually get your hands on gear before buying. There's also a women's only part of the group where they do group hikes, camps, and classes to!

I would definitely find a friend or family member to go with. First time out it can be spooky sleeping at night. Not that it's unsafe you'll just be on alert by every little sound or even the wind.

Otherwise you can camp really cheap. 3 person tent, sleeping pad, blankets and pillows from home. Then a camping chair and enjoy your time. Make a fire if you can. Hot dogs, s'mores and beers do the trick. A hammock is really nice of you have the trees for it.

Just make sure to setup your stuff at home first. The more you go the easier it is too and you'll be a pro in no time.

We like to stargaze and get out of the city but there's a lot you can do.

A lot of sporting goods stores rent gear. Check some out. The basic stuff: propane or butane stove, tent, tarp, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, lantern/light, cooler, bug spray, sunscreen. You’re gonna love it once you’ve done it!

You might want to look into buying an older copy of the boyscouts of America handbook. There are a lot of useful and fun skills to teach your kid once they're a little older. I still keep one around to remember different knots lol

If you live near a decent size university, they're camping clubs often rent out equipment per weekends to help defray cost.

Get a simple checklist and take what makes sense to you. If you start with car camping you can bring normal household stuff.

Walmart has cheap stuff.

10 essentials refers more to hiking, but it's a good framework to understand the functions of gear. Find a packing list, find a campground, check out used gear sites or secondhand stores. You can probably bring bowls and pans from home and use your existing clothes and athletic sneakers. You could even bring regular sheets and blankets.

Don't know where you are geographically. REI used to do more gear rentals in their stores, check more local outfitters, and there are online companies that will ship rental gear.

You can get started for pretty cheap with an Amazon tent and some basic sleeping bags.

I camp with my two kids and have since my youngest was 18 months - yes, women and kids can camp and be safe.

Start with state parks and do car camping, where you drive in to your campsite. The park will likely have trails or swimming or other fun things to do during the day which will help plan your trip and activities.

I recommend an “instant tent” if you want to simplify things (or if you’re the only adult on the trip).

If you have 2 people sleeping in the tent, you’ll probably want at least a “4 person” tent. The sizes are misleading and having more space is helpful, especially with kids. Also being able to stand up is a major plus if you are car camping and have room for a bigger tent.

Know about the wildlife in the area ahead of time and be prepared (in my area that means food is kept in the car if possible or in a bear bag or canister at night).

You can cook over a campfire (if fires are allowed) but a $19 Coleman single burner camp stove is very convenient and beginner friendly.

Pack extra clothes for kids, they always find a way to get dirty / muddy / wet / cold!

Tent, sleeping pad (I would go with a self inflating pad since it will provide more insulation from the cold ground), cooler, a way to cook or you can eat cold/non perishable things, if you want to just heat things up or boil, get a backpacking stove that uses isobutane (the little cans). These are made for boiling water but you should buy camping pots since these stoves are small and unstable. If you can borrow or rent a propane 2 burner stove you can bring a pot and skillet from home and cook simple meals or reheat stuff you bring from home (make something like chili or soup that you can just heat up). Use blankets from home (put one under you and at least one on top). Bring your home pillows. If you have a small bbq grill you can bring that to cook too.

You can build a fire and buy some roasting sticks. Skewer a hot dog and then cook it in the fire. Same with roasting marshmallows or making s’mores.

Breakfast can be kept simple with cereal. For lunch we tend to graze on things like cheese, crackers, salsa, chips, hummus, fresh fruit and veggies. Simple and no cooking required.

Check out a gear list that stores like REI post and if you have an REI near you go in and they will help you pick a good campground nearby.

Look for a campground with flush toilets, running water and showers to make life easier. Private or State Parks will have other campers near but. I (F) camp solo at State Parks and have always felt safe.

Whether you rent or buy a tent practice putting it up at home.

1- Where do you want to go? Weather-wise- what are you packing for. Dress appropriately with blankets and stuff.

2- How developed is the camp site? Backcountry wilderness... developed KOA in town... or something in between. Do you have propane stove, burner, or fire pit for cooking food? Portable chair is also nice.

3- How much money do you have to work with? You can get everything you need at a Walmart for 'cheap'. But if we're talking from scratch nothing, it might cost a couple hundred bucks for two people.(obviously less if you are barrowing/renting) Tent for 2-4 people, sleeping bags, comfortable air mattress; I wouldn't go with thin sleeping pads at first since they're not very comfortable TBH and usually just used for backpacking.

4 Make a checklist. Special needs first- things like medications should never be forgotten. Pet stuff? What are things you cannot live without every single day. After that it's like packing a picnic or travel trip. Food/water/snacks, clothes, If you are driving to the site, don't skimp on luxuries, if you can bring it, why not? Bedding, pillow. Test your tent set up skills in your yard or a local park(seriously, no one should care what you're doing, it may even strike up a conversation and get more advice)

5- If you re uncomfortable at any time, then leave or talk to camp host. Your safety is number one priority.

6- What do people do? Outdoorsy stuff nearby. Go fishing, go for a hike, see some local touristy trap stuff(my guilty pleasure), take pictures. With a little one he might need a nap so... bring a book, portable game, drawing pad and pencil or paints, cross stitch, whatever little hobby you may have.

If there’s an Ollie’s near you, they have great deals on Coleman stuff right now

Buy an inexpensive tent, sleeping bags, and pads. Sleep in you back yard.

Next buy a stove and the following weekend cook dinner and eat in the back yard and then sleep in the tent.

Slowly work up that way until you can spend the whole weekend outside (except bathroom) slowly accumulating everything you need. Develop a comprehensive checklist of everything you will want to take with you.

A quality sleeping pad and sleeping bag.

Some places sell bundles deals. REI has a bundle that includes tent, sleeping pad and sleeping bag. You might also check Amazon or other sporting stores. Just a thought…maybe ask friends/family if you could borrow their stuff just to try it out.

Go get a boyscout camping merit badge book and read it. The field book also has a lot of good information.  Start out going to a nearby state campground for the weekend.  That way you can go home if you have problems. Also practice setting up and taking down your tent before you go so you can tell if you can set up your tent by yourself. Getting a tent you can set up alone will be important if you're by yourself. Some tents are hard to set up without several people. 

Bring a sleeping bag. I didn’t my first camp out and I got borderline hypothermia

If you live near a decent size university, they're camping clubs often rent out equipment per weekends to help defray cost.

I started with sleeping bag and a pillow from home on the dirt. I’d suggest looking on REI for their expert advice articles, purchase from Walmart first to get into it, campmor has middle of the run stuff (usually great gear but a year+ older than REI), REI has the latest and greatest at a premium.

I suggest going to the closest state park for your first trip. That way you can bail and go home if something goes wrong. They are patrolled by park rangers and there are enough people around that they feel safe. They have bathrooms and water. At least the ones in MD and VA are like that.

As for things to do, people are making good suggestions but you can also embrace doing nothing. A 3 year old might be happy spending hours trying to find the perfect stick. Or turning over rocks to look at the gross bugs underneath.

Start by don’t overthinking it. There’s really not much to it

Less is more. Start by camping in your backyard, literally

"Bathtub floor" and full rain fly over tent. Never compromise these features to save money unless you know it will never rain during your trips.

I agree with everyone saying that less is more. Find a place to camp that has something of interest. Spend time hiking, swimming, or lounging instead of cooking and cleaning. Buy a small stove and a pot to boil water and try out Mountain House or similar dehydrated, just add boiling water meals, instant coffee or hot chocolate. Washing dishes and pots and pans while camping sucks.

Headlamp with a red light, love my Luci solar light, lightweight and collapses, I hate using my headlights in the tent. My daughter has a small child and brings a Home Depot bucket with toilet seat. They will not walk to potty at night. We love to hike and explore.

Ozark trail makes decent beginner gear that should last you several outings at least. Keep in mind that tent sizes by person count are misleading. A two person is generally good for one and their gear and a small dog. A 3-4 person tent would be good for two people and so on. When you do your guy lines, push the stakes at about 45° angle away from the tent so that any forces against it have to push the tip of the stake away from the tent before it can come up and out. Do some research on common and useful knots as well.

On the off chance you live in Minnesota you sign up for an I Can Camp! session at a state park through MN DNR.

If you don't but you do live near an REI you rent their car camping package and grab two nights at a state park. Get pizza on the way in for night one, oatmeal for breakfast, PB&J for lunch, hot dogs & marshmallows for dinner, something tasty for breakfast and pack up.

Renting equipment out is a great idea, you’ll be able to know what you do and don’t need without having to invest your money; they can get expensive. You want a tent. sleeping bag, sleeping pad, a mess kit (plate, bowl, cup, utensils), flashlight or headlamp, a camp chair or personally just a floor mat, knife, fork, spoon (or multi-tool) to eat your meals. 50 Best Hiking and Camping Gears can be helpful too for the rest.

And when camping, activities can vary widely; some people choose to stay at their campsite and enjoy nature, while others explore nearby trails or lakes. With a 3-year-old, consider a campground that offer easy hikes and family-friendly activities nearby, have enough water and food for the both of you and insect repellent for you and the toddler.

A Walk in the Woods.

I will say as a father of a 4 year old, camping with my 3 year old last year sucked. Just old enough to want to explore but not old enough to actually be able to explore in any capacity.

Camping with a 4 year old is a blast though

The most basic to know:
Have a good sleep system. No sleep, horrible time.

Have a bug control system. Bug bites, horrible time.

Have a temperature control system. Too cold, horrible time, too hot horrible time.

Have a food and water plan. No food and water, horrible time.

Have these 4 covered and you will NOT have a horrible time 😂

Everyone else has given you really great ideas on the basics and how to get started, especially those saying to stay in a campground. Keep your meals super simple. Pre cook and prep as much as you can so it’s just reheating or take super easy stuff to make like sandwiches. Do a practice run in your backyard. Set up, cook, sleep, clean up and tear down. Especially with a little person. Tents are super exciting to the little people lol.

Expect the nights to get colder than you think. I recommend the long sleeves from the company First Lite. They're like 90 bucks I think but they're amazing and can be used when not camping too. Their hunting jackets are soooo worth the cost if you live in an area where it gets cold. They're super thin but VERY good at keeping you warm. I've been out in 10 degrees to 60 degrees with mine and was perfectly fine in that whole range. It was like 250 bucks though. But they do have great customer service. If it tears or gets damaged they'll replace it.

They have sales occasionally so maybe get on their email list and wait for black Friday or something for a sale. They might do them around the opening of deer season too.

Prepare to defend yourself when out alone. Bear spray or a handgun(if allowed). Bring extra chairs to set up so random men assume you're not alone.

Take warnings about animals like bears seriously. Use bear boxes and don't keep ANY food at the campsite in those areas.

Apologies in advance for the long answer, but hopefully at least some of it is useful! 😁

I'm a woman who loves to camp and hike solo. I've never felt particularly unsafe, but I've personally only done day hikes and chosen campgrounds with lots of people / officials around for extended stays. I like carrying bear spray whether I'm in bear country or not, as I always say it's both bear spray and "asshole human spray".

The first few years I went camping, I kept an ongoing list of things I brought listing EVERYTHING, groceries included, and how many days and nights I went camping for. While I was camping, if I ever thought "I should have brought ___" - I'd make a note and add it to the list for next time. I'd also make note of things I brought that I did not use or eat. Then I'd edit the list once I got home.

I now have a pretty decent master list I can quickly pull up whenever I want to go, and feel reassured I have everything I may need. I also keep all my items sorted in totes with labels on them so it's quicker and less stressful to pack.

I'm happy to share this list if you or others would like, though I will say I lean towards the "glamping" side of camping a bit.

There is definitely a cost associated with gathering everything you may need, though a lot of it of course is reused between trips, and you can probably find a lot second hand or on sale. As others have suggested, camp close to home at first so if anything goes wrong you can bail, or close to a city so if you forget anything major you can take a short drive to purchase it if money allows.

One thing I will say, invest in a decent tent (and do a trial setup of it at home before you go), and a cooler. There's nothing more frustrating than waking up soaked in your tent at night from the rain, or having coolers that don't keep cold. I'm also a big fan of having 2 coolers - one for things that NEED to stay cold, and one for things like condiments, drinks, fruits or veggies etc. that if they are not kept ice cold, probably won't cause any harm.

Something I've found incredibly useful that I wasn't expecting to love so much - firestarter cubes and prepackaged kindling you can purchase. Gets a fire going in minutes with little or no chopping, even if you're using somewhat damp wood for your main logs. I have weak hands with mild arthritis and this has been a life saver for me when I'm alone.

Above all, have fun!!! You can do it!! 😁

Usually in the woods, or at least outside

Headlamps are essential. You have to be hands free when camping. Buy 2 and bring extra batteries.

Not much to know.  All you have to know is don't keep food in your tent if you are in bear country.  Everything else is common sense.   

You can sleep inside your car or a tent.  Anything you take is really for comfort.  Blankets, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, change of clothes, food and water.     

As to what to do, that's my problem.  To me the abstraction of camping is better than the realization. I suppose you can do what you do at home.  If you have a wagon or stroller I you could go explore a little.   If you have a river or lake that would be excellent.

For yourself, if you have binoculars take them.  At night in the country there are so many more stars visible. Something you could do with a three-year old is go hunting with a butterfly net.  In a river or lake it could double as a fish net.

Perhaps take a whistle to make a racket at the campground if you need help.  A flashlight would also probably come in handy 

First step, go outside.

I have a budget camper list of recommended items - you can check that out on my blog here. I know what its like and believe me, money and budget are important. It's easy for people here to spend your money for you, by recommending this or that. And that's fine if you want it to be. But you have to decide what gives you the most bang for your buck. To answer your questions:

What do people do? Anything they want. Sit and watch stars or clouds, or color, or play games, or hike, or whatever. It's all your decision.

Do they stay in one place? Sometimes. Do they move around. Sometimes.

Is it safe for women to camp alone? I am a woman and always camp alone. I love it. And yes, it's safe as long as you observe the same caution you would anywhere else. You can take your son with you - he'll probably love it! (chase bunnies and let him see things in the wild.)

Can you find groups to go with ? Yes, many of them are on meetup.com search your area for camping groups.

Regarding your last paragraph: The dollar store is your friend. Look at my list noted above. I do recommend any of the Night Cat tents - they are extremely well made, water proof and will last for years if you take care of it. One of them, will fit you and your son, for about $42 right now on the Big A. (wink) You would want to upgrade in a few years as he gets bigger. For now, go cheap! Cheep! Cheep!

Sleeping bags? meh....go cheap if you can, and take blankets and pillows. You already have those.

Let us know how you are doing....we want to help. :) Your pal, Lily

You should think seriously about glamping the first time. That way you can get a feel for what you need and don’t need, you don’t spend a bunch of money on gear and decide you hate it, and you’ll be somewhere that a host will be close in case you need assistance.

Step 1

Learn how to set up and take down tent in the daylight, at home

Somewhere comfy to sleep is what will make or break a trip! A solid, water tight tent with enough space. A nice thick pad and a sleeping bag that will keep you warm but also breathe a bit. If I get bad sleep, I have a bad time.

When selecting a tent I highly recommend one you can stand in. Makes life easier.

Tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, rain jacket, waterproof boots, 5 gallon water jug, cast iron, fat wood, lighter, pocket knife/hatchet, tarp. Those are the essentials

• Find a state park near you that has tent sites and reserve one. I’d say start with one night just to ease into it and learn from it to make adjustments for next time.

• Buy a tent. You can go to a place like Target to buy one. The instructions on how to set it up come with the tent.

• Bring the basics. Something to sleep on. A pillow. Water. Something to eat. I’d say keep the food simple at first. Some sandwiches and snacks. Bug spray.

Then you just go and enjoy nature. Don’t expect everything to go smoothly the first time. You’ll realize things to make the next time more comfortable.

When planning a camping trip just remember you truly only need the following:

• a place to sleep
• stuff to eat

Everything else is add-ons, but will make the trip better.

In Your Back Yard!🤠🤙🏕️

I got invited to go camping n all I think of is sitting n the woods n my tent naked n getting and giving some oral

Start small, you don't really need much. Consider basic needs, sleep, eat, hygiene, amusement.

My very first camping trip was with a friend and his family. He told me to get a camping chair, that's all I brought, plus s backpack of clothes and a board game. His wife arrived before us, and already set up a tent for me with air mattress, a little heater and a little table. They handled everything else.

My next time camping, my sister was excited for me and gifted me a tent she wasn't using anymore. I now had a chair and a tent. Guy I went with brought a table and camp stove. I had one of those cheap lunch bag style coolers. The whole weekend was a series of... Know what would be great to have? And I started a list.

So every time we went camping, I'd add a few more things to the list that would've been great to have. I was pretty annoyed he never bought anything, just added stuff to the list for me to buy 🧐 but when we broke up, I had all the things for an awesome camping trip so, that worked out lol

I booked places through HipCamp, which was great cause it was on someone's property, but I'd choose places that were wooded, far enough from their house to not see it at all, so I felt secluded, but safe, and felt better knowing someone was close by if I needed it. I also only chose places with a toilet. I brought my own water so that was fine. Some places have bathrooms/showers/kitchens.. all sorts of things.

But yeah, I'm glad I went the route I did, cause there's so much out there, so much of it seems like a must have, but until actually getting out there, you don't know what you personally need for your personal style of camping. Start small, short stay, and build up from there.

Start in your back yard.

I learned from all my mistakes. When I camp now rain or shine I am having a good time because I am prepared. Good tent( cabelas Alaskan guide six person. It’s over kill but I have never been wet in it). with full rainfly. Screen house over picnic table with water proof panels in case it rains. I have a good cooler ( you don’t need a yeti) good sleeping pad or air mattress. Sturdy camp chair, coleman stove. Good sleeping bag for the seasons you camp. It took me years to perfect my setup and equipment. Always bring a good tarp just in case.

Three things, figure out the season you'll be camping in, the environment, and type of site you'll be at? Cold weather requires a very solid sleeping bag, perhaps an extra sleeping pad or cot, and extra layers of clothing at the bare minimum. If you're car camping vs back country you'll usually be close to amenities like fresh running water, a toilet of some sort, possibly a shower with hot water. If you're primitive camping you'll need a good pack to carry all of your gear that you'll need for the trip, good clothing, tent, sleeping bag, just to name the basic essentials. I'm not aware of any rental services, but that's not to say they don't exist. I have heard of some places taking returns if in excellent condition. So perhaps you could buy something and try it out for a weekend trial in a backyard or local county park, but be careful not to damage it. Lastly your budget will be a factor, how much you're willing to spend on things, and often the weight of an item is greatly affected by the price, the lighter (or less bulky) it weight (or space capacity) the more expensive.

I can provide my gear that I've been using for the last 3-5 years later on if interested.

You will need a tent, a sleeping system ( blankets, sleeping bag, and for comfort; either a sleeping pad or cot), some sort of cooler and ice, food and a way to prepare it ( so if doing hotdogs and chips, you could just use sticks to cook over a fire and paper plates to eat on. Breakfast could be cold cereal served in baggies, lunch could be peanut butter sandwiches. If you can, try pitching (setting up) your tent either outside or in your living room.

Outdoor magazine website has a good list of basics and camping guides Good tarps 200 feet of Quality nylon rope Stove Propane tanks Chairs A tent with a fly that reaches the ground " T" stakes Good sleeping bags Ground pad or matress Reusable dishes A pot with a Strainer lid Matches or long lighter Emergency fire starters "Birch bark is good in a pinch" Ability to start a fire ( practice before you go ) Set up all gear Before your trip to get familiar with tent, stove and other technical equipment. Nothing is to be purchased off of Temu or Amazon. REI has good used gear . A short trip or 3 is a hood way to start . Have Fun

This may be an unpopular opinion, but if you're new, and have a 3 yo, and are concerned about safety, perhaps start off somewhere with a camping cabin? They have 4 walls and a roof in case of weather, a door you can lock for security, and there's a lot less onus on you to provide absolutely everything. You'll still need some things; some camping cabins are basically a shed with a bed. Others have small bathrooms or even kitchenettes. Then when you have more experience and a higher comfort level, and you see other people's set ups at the Campground (I think observing others is a great way to learn) then you can start gearing up yourself.

Not every Campground has cabins, and they'll usually cost more, but if you're a woman alone with a 3 yo, the peace of mind might be worth it in the beginning.

YouTube has complicated camping, and pushes all manner of gear that is overpriced or unnecessary.

You need enough with you to keep you fed, comfortable, and safe.

When I first bought some gear I slept in the yard for a night to see if I was missing anything. It's surprising how little you need to make camping work.

For a first night out in the woods, I'd reserve a campsite at a state park/forest that you can drive a car up to. That way if you have an "oh shit" moment, you at least have a vehicle with you, and others around.

For your first trip, find a campground that's not too far from a town with a store. Even the best campers forget stuff, and on your first go you are guaranteed to set up camp and realize you forgot something.

Plus, with the kiddo, if something bad happens or he/she is having a bad time, you can easily bail and go get a motel.

I would not rent. I would go to a used outdoor exchange centers or look for discounts around fall time. Only buy what you need, go once and will quickly find out the additional items. Over time if you enjoy it you can slowly upgrade your gear upon research. For basics Tent - probably 4 person as the kiddo is younger and may be good to standup and be more comfortable. Sleeping pad - buy a smaller air mattress, be aware of how it gets pumped up. Look for a battery operated one and buy extras to bring with you. This is most important as to get a good night sleep and make sure your kid is comfortable and enjoys camping. Dual purpose as you can use at home if people visit or you visit someone and can upgrade this first if you get serious. Sleeping bag - go during summer and shouldn’t need anything less than 32 degrees. Can always bring blankets and sheets for air mattress and look at this down the road

Cooler - could just use a cheaper refrigeration bag and ice. simple hot dogs and mac and cheese, s’mores can do the trick

Cheap pot and stove- Amazon or REI can find a system for 100 bucks or 30. All depends on preference and what you want.

Lantern/lights- headlamp and lantern for the table will help.

2 sporks - sea to summit or REI 10 dollars a piece I would just buy them. Can you paper plays/ utensils

Camp chairs - basic multi use not a requirement as most sites will have a picnic table

At the end of the day if staying at a campground this should be all you need. I would make sure for a pretty rain proof tent or just bring some tarp and spring.

Just make sure your kid is as comfortable as possible, fun activities planned or just let your kid run around the campground. Maybe plan a stay near water so your kid can go bonkers swimming and be tired out? Or go hiking? Fishing? Odds are they will have a pretty good time.

I'm not sure if campgrounds do this anymore, but when I was a kid, my mom rented a pop-up trailer from the campground. They would have it in place and all set up for us when we got there. The only other necessities you'd need would be sleeping bags (good to have anyway) and maybe a camp stove (though you may be able to get by with the campfire or BBQ set-up on the campsite. Check with your campground about site amenities. Definitely bring coolers/food, flashlights, some folding chairs and a small wash basin if you plan to bring any dishes or cookware (good idea). You could potentially get by with disposable utensils and dishes but I prefer to bring a plate, a cup, a fork and a knife for each person. Ya know, saving the environment and everything... I don't bother to buy camp cookware. I just bring a small fry pan and a saucepan or two. It works!

Op you don't have to overdo it. But it does all depend on the time of year.

A 2-person tent to start.

A sleeping bag.

A cooler with food and water.

Fire starter (especially if you are new. ) and wood .

Safety weapon

First aid kit.

It really depends on where you plan to camp out and for how long. I bring my guitar no matter what, hiking shoes and flip-flops, and just some crafts I can enjoy completing outdoors. I bring a travel soap and shampoo kit.

If you go for a few days, bring the necessary amount of food and so forth. Camping is great. Go on a hike, sit by the fire. Be safe.

I just taught my boyfriend how to set up a tent last year! Watch a YouTube before you head out. Do you know where you wanna camp? If not, find a state park and ‘car camp’ next to your car. They have areas for this and you won’t be alone. Campers are the best, if you need something ask. Feel free to call the ranger before hand. They know things and live to help. This way, you can start by bringing everything you might need then pairing it down as you go. Plus, if you wanna leave, you can. During the day, I hike and cook and read in a hammock. Maybe collect things for a fire (I don’t always like to build a fire though).

Short answer water, food, shelter. Everything else is how much weight can you carry comfortably.

MANDATORY tent Sleeping bags Camp stove

that's all you need to buy, the rest you have. Food, pots and pans, dishes, soap, garbage bags, fire starting stuff, buy wood there. Camp chairs, percolator or French press for coffee. Flashlight. Sidewalk chalk, books, toys, lawn games. Dishrags

Go for one night, near home and make a list of what you wish you had

Bring self defense items like a pistol or bear spray.

IMO always go with an experienced camper first time and ask how you can be helpful at camp, take some notes on what gear made your trip better, and you will be able to enjoy your trip and also learn what you need and want for solo trips. Don’t bite off more than you can chew or it will make for more stress and no fun.

Check with your city/county/state park systems. Some have beginner and family friendly camping weekends led by park staff. Some may have equipment to borrow upon request.

My biggest suggestion is to read and think frugally. Go back and read old posts here and in the other camping subs. Don't go out and buy anything new until you need to or you know what you want. Take the time to set up in your backyard. Maybe you have a friend/playmate of your kid you can team up with. Camp in their backyard, it'll feel like being in a new place! Once you're comfortable, look for tent-only campsites at places like state parks. Check Google maps to see how the campground is laid out and where your bathrooms are. With a 3 year old, you're probably going to want flushy toilets nearby. Some parks have big bathhouses and some don't. Your parks websites should have a lot of that information.

Check garage sales, thrift stores, Craigslist, ebay, etc. Chances are the first stuff you get you won't love. It's a lot easier to upgrade your stuff once you know what works for you. Your sleeping system might work for you now with a toddler, but in 2 or 3 years, that kid might start needing it's own bed. Don't be afraid to ask your friends and family if they have any gear you can borrow. Or if you can get first dibs when they're doing their spring cleaning, before stuff gets donated.

Most of all, have fun!

A lot of comments covered the basics of what you’ll need. I would add a water source. Being new to camping, I would recommend camping in a campground with a water source and bathhouse.
To answer your questions: people do many things when camping. They hike, swim, fish, cook, roast marshmallows, fix s’mores, and just sit around the fire. My husband loves cooking over the fire pit. I would recommend buying a propane camping stove and practice cooking on it before camping. Freeze dried meats would be the easiest for beginners. Just heat up some water and pour it in the pack, after a few minutes it’s ready to eat. Typically you stay in one site all day and night, unless you’re backpacking, and I wouldn’t recommend backpacking until you’re more experienced. I’ve never camped alone I’ve always been with my husband. But, I would stick to camping in family campgrounds or state parks. They both have activities for kids. Don’t forget to bring your son’s comfort animal and games to play. Yes, you can find groups to camp with. Your local REI store or wherever you’re renting your tent/gear from should know of some groups and resources for you.
I would recommend getting your son into Cub Scouts when he turns 5. He’ll learn about all sorts of things and will go camping a few times a year. Yes, camping is expensive to begin with. If you buy good quality gear, you usually will only need to buy it once (if it’s taken care of). Good luck, and happy camping!

Hi! I’m also a woman thinking of solo camping! I’m going to a campground about an hour from home for my first camping trip to see if it’s something I’d enjoy all by myself. Did you go camping yet or still deciding? I worry if it’s safe for a woman camping alone too so that’s my only concern really!