Never camped before, advice needed what to take on minimum expenses

[toja555]

Hi, I have been dreaming about going camping for a while now. Only done this in my childhood and can?t actually remember anything. Also, not keen on spending loads as we might not like it and never go again (is that possible?)
We are family with one 2yo DS from London and I found some attractive camping sites in West Wittering, West Sussex.
Do we book in advance or we just get ready and leave home on Saturday morning and try every campsite that?s on the map?
What do we take? I can think of tent, sleeping bags for everyone, burning stove, towels, food, torch, hygienic things, plastic cutlery, matches (?), airbeds (?). What else? I only want to buy what?s absolutely necessary without spending too much, but still to have some basic comfort.
Can I usually rent some equipment in campsites or I need to buy everything? How much eventually 2-3 nights trip including £20-25 pitch/per night will cost us?

P.S. We could probably choose some static caravans for easiness, but I want to go for a proper camping and the campsites I have chosen does not seem to have caravans for rent.

Any response appreciated!

Could you borrow some stuff instead f buying it all. The problem with buying minimal equipment is that you probably won't be very comfortable and that could put you off. I would recomend at least one chair and a small table to stand your cooker on, to save your back and your knees, unless you can stand being on the floor for a weekend. I don't know about renting, I would ask around see if you can scrounge what you need then you can try it out and see how you get on. Good luck and have fun.

Camping is great fun - hope you enjoy....try this place for more help.....

www.ukcampsite.co.uk/

most bigger campsites have hire shops - would definitely recommend airbeds though - Argos do them quite cheap.