It's nice to get away from it all sometimes. What better way to do that than to go camping? Sure, you could go stay at a resort for a couple of weeks, but camping is more relaxing, not to mention cheaper. Camping lets you get back in touch with nature. There is just something peaceful about sitting in the woods somewhere and not having to worry about the stress of daily life.

If you have a tent, you are well on your way to going on a camping outing. Most of the other things you will need can be found in your home. To help you get started, we have made a camping checklist of supplies and odds and ends that you will want to take along with you.

Camping Checklist:

• Tent
• Sleeping Bags
• Insect repellent
• Ground Tarp
• Shade Tarp
• Extra Poles
• Extra Stakes
• Hammer
• Brush and Dust Pan
• Pillows
• Air Mattress or Sleeping Pad
• Air Pump
• Storage Bags
• Water jugs
• Coolers and ice
• Food
• Paper plates and bowls
• Utensils
• BBQ Grill
• Cups
• Food storage containers
• Tin foil
• Plastic wrap
• Ziplock bags
• Clothes
• Soap
• Shampoo
• Towels
• Toothbrush
• Deodorant
• Brush
• Razor
• Toilet Paper
• Feminine Products
• Shower Bag
• Medications
• First Aid Kit

The above is just a basic list of supplies needed to get started. You may find other items you will want to bring as you are planning your camping trip. Be sure to bring plenty of tarps. If it rains hard enough, even if your tent is waterproof, you will get wet. Place tarps over your tent. They can also be used for shading or as lean-tos. You will also want a ground cover tarp to go under your tent to protect the floor. When using tarps, set them up seperately, this way if one comes down, the others will stay put.

More camping suggestions can be found at the following websites:

About.com
All about Camping, featuring outdoor articles, camping recipes, campground reviews, photo galleries, bulletin board, events calendar, and thousands of links to campground information and camping resources in every state and Canadian province.

Camping World
Camping and RV supplies.

Go Camping America
Find a campground or RV Park in our campgrounds - RV parks directory - Go Camping America the home of National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds. Find RV tips, recipes & chat with other Rvers.

Camping USA
Includes a national campground directory, frequently asked questions, and camping guides.

Camping.com
Camping.com is your ultimate resource for everything camping. Search campgrounds and travel guides, make camping reservations, buy camping gear, get information, and connect with other campers. Whether you like your camping rustic or luxurious, enhance your camping experience at Camping.com.