We already know that we need a tent for camping but what else is there to take along on your camping trip? You'd want to have everything covered including cooking, sleeping, relaxation, safety and emergencies, fun, hygiene and illumination.

A sleeping system for camping would normally include a camping mattress (foam pads, inflatable pads or air beds) and a sleeping bag. These are essential sleeping gear but you might want to add a camping pillow for extra comfort or use a camping cot if you don't feel like sleeping on the ground.

For cooking, many car campers or RV campers like to use camping grills or double burner propane stoves for cooking. Many backpackers prefer to use camp stoves, either liquid fuel stoves or canister stoves. Be sure you know what type of fire is allowed on the campsite before deciding which want you want to use for cooking.

As for food, it's important that you take food that you can eat. If you like hot dogs and marshmallows, take them with you. Consider what other people in your group like to eat as well.

You can't always rely on the campfire as a source of light. LED lanterns are a great source of light in general. Another good source of light are headlamps which are especially useful when you have to do some repair jobs at night.

Campgrounds usually come with toilet and shower facilities. Sometimes, backpackers like to carry camping showers in the summer and some campers prefer to carry their own camping toilet. Backpackers should carry a small shovel they can use to dig a latrine.

Always remember to carry toilet paper and the things you need for personal hygiene (don't forget the toothbrush and toothpaste). However, don't use soap or shampoo near a water source because it's polluting.

There are usually a lot of thing you can do on a camping trip but playing ball games with your friends or family are always a lot of fun. Frisbee is also a popular game for  camping. Also consider taking some cards and board games that you can play indoors in case you're forced inside the tent. Card games inside a tent can be a lot of fun. For those who like to fish, bring the appropriate tools.

A comfortable camping chair is great to have on a camping trip. Some camping mats can be converted into a camping chair. This type of chair is popular with backpackers. They're not as comfortable as folding camping chairs but they're very lightweight.

A good book and some relaxing music also helps you to relax. You can also bring your musical instrument. Playing music can be very relaxing and entertaining at the same time.

Remember to bring all the appropriate clothing for sleeping, playing and for general use. Take your raingear with you as well in case in rains. If you plan on going swimming, take your swimming attire.

Clothes made of quick drying material are great especially for backpacking but they tend to smell because your body odor sticks to it. Always take something warm and comfortable.

Your tent is not bombproof and just about everything can break including your sleeping bag, air mattress, camping cot, stove, boots and more. A duct tape is very useful because you can use it to fix almost everything temporarily.

But not all things can be fixed with a duct tape. Sometimes using duct tape may complicate permanent repair. Take with you the stove, tent, sleeping bag, camping mat, and any repair kit for at least the most important gear you have.

Always bring a trash bag on a camping trip and try to keep your campsite clean at all times. A clean campsite makes a happy camper. You're also going to have to clean the pots and pans and dishes after every meal. A camping kitchen sink and a kitchen kit can be very useful for cleaning up the dishes.

Always carry a first aid kit when you're going backpacking or camping. It's the minor injuries like cuts and bruises that are likely to happen but you should also be prepared for major injuries like broken bones.

You also need to think prevention. Take sunblock to prevent sunburn and insect repellent to prevent insect bites which can make you sick.

Remember to bring along the bear bag or a bear-proof container where you can store your food for the night. Kevlar bear bags are too tough for bears to claw into so you don't even need to hang them on a tree. Never put the bear bag inside your tent. Put the toothpaste inside the bear bag because bears or other animals may mistake it for food.