Camping Questions

[A HERETIC I AM]

3. Yes, you will need a sleeping bag.

You say you are going in August, but not where.

The colder the temps outside, typically the more expensive the sleeping bag is going to be. You could do with using sheets and blankets on a cot, but they aren't beds, and you are likely to wake up to find all the covers on the ground! Not to mention air flows under and all around a cot making the fabric of the cot itself a bit of a heat sink., unlike your mattress at home.

Use a sleeping bag.

A cheap, run of the mill, old fashioned mostly cloth sleeping bag, good for staying toasty on summer nights where it won't get too cold will cost a LOT less than a waterproof, top of the line one made of modern, lightweight materials designed to keep you warm in below freezing temps.

Do you have a Bass Proshops, Cabelas, Gander Mountain or similar store near you?

Those all have good to extensive camping departments. You need to talk to a knowledgeable person while looking at what you want to buy.

Easy foods to cook and wow people with are stews and meat dishes cooked over the fire. Rice is simple and very versatile. Most of the prep work can be done at home before you leave, providing you aren't going to have to hike in with all your gear. That is a whole other ball game.

If it is RV'ing or tent camping but with the vehicle right close by, you can put all the food in coolers and be good to go.

Just google something like "Camp fire recipes" and you'll find tons of ideas.

Here's your tea kettle!

http://www.amazon.com/Camping-Blue-Enamel-Tea-Kettle/dp/B003JUICC6

HAVE A BLAST!

One more edit;

Old Boy Scout trick;

If you want to keep the pots and pans you are using to cook over the fire from getting all black from the fire, rub soap (Ivory works particularly well) all over the bottom of the pot or pan. Just rub on a good layer.

The bottom of the pot will clean up like nobody's business!