Could you help me with a list of "necessary items" for first (2 night) camping trip !

[crochetqueen]

I was thinking of asking a friend to lend me stuff for our first camping trip but am wondering whether we should just go for it and buy a few bits and might even get some stuff in the sales....and then I can perhaps do a bit of camping with the kids on my own even if DH can't make it with us sometimes.

I suspect the essentials are:-
Tent - we are a family of four - two rooms plus seating area ? Where from ? don't want to spend too much but have a Decathlon nearby...

Airbed ? or Sleep mat or camping bed thing ? Which do you prefer ?

Sleeping bags or can we get away with Duvet ? We're not going far so even if we're a bit squished in the car it won't matter.

Pop up Table and Chairs ? Tesco have some good deals on would that work ?

Camping stove ? we have tonnes of plastic cups/plates

Torch (es) - head torch or hand held ?

What else can you not do without on your trip
(will take wellies/waterproofs and fleeces etc clotheswise)

Thank you !!!

Hey crochetqueen. Yes to tent with two sleeping chambers, preferably with a reception where you can stand up.

Definitely airbeds for all. Camping rolls are simply mean. A blanket to hide the plastic-iness of the airbed, then a fitted sheet, pillow and a light duvet for yourself. Sleeping bags are fine for the kids.

Camping double-burner is handy as is a pan with steamer top so you can boil and steam on one side and sauté on t'other.

Seen some LED camping lights that look promising at Argos and might get before my trip. Always have trouble with torches/lights - misplacing them/too dim. Wind-ups only work for a short while before you have to wind them again and the light cast is poor.

Other must-haves: bottle-opener, decent knife and chopping board x

Fab, thanks for that.
Was hoping to nip to Decathlon this afternoon with the kids to do a reccy on the tent situation but had rather a longer bike ride than anticipated.....

Will take the list and see what I can get - luckily Argos is right next door

Duvet is fine, but if you are using an airbed you need to make sure you have plenty of insulation underneath you or you'll be cold - another duvet under you would be good, or plenty of blankets if not.

Hand held torch

Table to eat at - we have tesco's foldable picnic table with built in seats. Plus more comfy chairs to sit in in the evening. Tesco again have loads.

We manage with a single burner + bbq - little bucket one.

Trugs - really useful for carrying stuff, storing stuff in tent, and as washing up bowls/baby or toddler baths!

Windbreak.

Oh, tin opener and mallets!!

halfords do a family tent with airbeds and sleeping bags and torches all in a big holdall, it is usually reduced by now to £99, and is good value, although the sleeping bags are a bit thin.

pegs - always useful
bin bags, hats, tea towel, kitchen roll, first aid kit, car phone charger, washing up bowl,

Big plastic boxes or trugs to keep food off floor
Ice box and ice packs for milk cheese and booze.
We just use an old fashioned cool box and swap packs over on site (sometimes free)

I also take a potty! For me and DD as boys just pee up a tree at night. Last time I did that, gnat bites all over my bottom.
Insect repellant - we have a battery powered tennis racket which zaps bugs which is essential!
Couple empty jars for candles outside
Battery radio
Car phone charger
Winter duvet! If you or the kids get cold, you will never go again
Blankets and extra duvets