What supplies and equipment are needed to go camping?

I haven't been camping in ages, but I did do some a few years back. Other then the obvious things (tent,clothes,food,bedding) I would recommend a good basic first aid kit and plenty of bug repellent. Also no matter the weather make sure everyone has at least one set of good warm clothes just in case. Plenty of extra clothing, and extra shoes are a good idea as well. Have fun :)

Some of the basics are: tent, sleeping bag (I like to cheat and put an air mattress under mine, problems with my back and hips leave me very sore otherwise.) A flashlight for personal use and a lantern for the site; and a sharp pocket knife. I always carry a first aid kit, rope, whistle and compass for emergencies. Batteries. Personal toiletries like soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb/brush, deodorant and washcloth/towel. I always carry my own roll of toilet paper. Beyond that there are many variables depending on the type of camping you are doing. The more primitive your outing is, the more things you need to take. If food is provide but you need to cook, then pots and pans and possibly a camp stove; or bbq forks and a grill or rack for cooking over a fire. If food is cooked for you, you may still need to provide your own mess kit -- plate, bowl, cup, fork and spoon. I would assume if the food is provided they will also provide a cooler to keep it in and drinks? You might want to check that drinking water is available, either way you probably will want to take a canteen if you will be hiking. An axe or hatchet for chopping firewood and a whetstone to sharpen the tools. Some type of receptacle for trash and dirty clothes. Soap, dishrags, dishtowels for cleaning the dishes. And of course I never go camping without my travel Scrabble, but that's just a personal quirk, not really required.

Bring at least one change of clothing for every weather type possible. Rain and cold fronts happen. Extra blankets are a must; might need them for padding between you and the ground, and can come in handy. Bring sunscreen because sunburns are frequent. Also, first aide supplies are a must. Allergy medication if applicable, especially bee sting meds, if this is an issue. Personal hygiene items that you take for granted being there when at home are something to be considered. Chairs of some type, as picnic tables can become uncomfortable quickly. Have you thought about what type of things you will be doing during the day...swimming, canoeing, hiking....all require their own supplies. May should be a nice time of year depending on where you are going but it can still be cool in the late evenings/early mornings...then get really warm during the day. We have a trailer and take a tv, microwave, dvd player BUT back when we did tents--we also carried a fan to move the air around at night....so there are many things that can go with you well....if you have the room. Of course, you will always forget something and the parks usually have a small store that sells things commonly forgotten. Hope that ya'll have a great time....we will probably be at the Buffalo River.....who knows; might see ya there...LOL