Cheap Beginner Camping Gear List (Full Setup Under $200)

As a seasoned camper who has been collecting gear for half of my life, I know how expensive it can get. But I also believe that anyone can get outside and start camping without spending a fortune.

If you’re new and not even sure if you’ll love camping yet, this guide is for you. I scoured Walmart for budget-friendly gear that actually makes sense for beginners, and built a simple, realistic setup for under $200.

Even better? Walmart’s return policy makes this a low-risk way to try camping. If it’s not your thing, you’re not stuck with gear you’ll never use again.

If this picture does not entice you to get out there, than I don't know what will

Quick answer:

You can start camping with a full beginner setup for under $200 using basic gear like a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, camp chair, lantern, and stove. Most beginner gear can be found affordably at Walmart or secondhand marketplaces.

Beginner Camping Gear Checklist (Walmart Budget Setup)

If you only take one thing from this post, let it be this: you don’t need much.

Beginner camping gear list:

• Tent (From $30+)

• Sleeping bag (From $15+)

• Sleeping pad (From $20)

• Camp chair (From $10)

• Lantern or headlamp (From $10)

• Camp stove (From $40)

• Cooler (From $25)

• Water jug (From $13)

That’s it. Everything else is extra.

Best Beginner Camping Gear from Walmart

Here’s exactly what I’d buy if I were starting from scratch and keeping things affordable.

1. Tent (Simple + Affordable)

Simple, affordable, easy to use!

Look for a basic dome tent from Ozark Trail ($30)

Why it works:

• Budget-friendly and widely available

• Easy setup (huge for beginners)

• Perfect for fair-weather camping

You don’t need a “forever tent”—just something that gets you out there.

2. Sleeping Bag + Sleeping Pad (Don’t Skip This)

Honestly some of my coziest camping has been with blankets from home! Only in Summer.

Grab a warm-weather sleeping bag and pair it with a foam sleeping pad. You can definitely bring pillows and even skip the sleeping bag and do blankets from home if its not too cold! Just always remember to pack warmer than you think, night time can be cold.

Blowing up the sleeping pad - an essential!

Why it matters:

• Staying warm = enjoying your trip

• Cushion underneath you makes a bigger difference than people expect - rocks are not your friend for sleeping!

  
  

3. Camp Chair (High Comfort, Low Cost)

A simple folding chair is one of the best upgrades you can make and Walmart has them for literally $8, no brainer.

You can pull up a stump or a rock, but folding chairs are much better...

Why you’ll want it:

• Gives you a place to relax, eat, and hang out

• Way more comfortable than sitting on the ground

• One of the best “bang for your buck” items

4. Lantern or Headlamp (Essential)

Your kid will steal it so grab 2!

A basic LED headlamp from Ozark Trail is non-negotiable.

Why:

• Campsites get dark fast

• Makes cooking and organizing easy

• Helps you actually enjoy your evening

Bonus points: the kids love them!

5. Camp Stove (Keep It Easy)

For when you need to make crunchwrap supremes

A simple propane stove will make your first trip so much easier. I love the double burner from Coleman, but there are cheaper options especially if you are ok with a single burner.

You can always use tin foil and cook over the fire! But in some places you might not be able to have a fire, so its always safer to bring a stove just in case, I mean, you have to eat!

Why beginners love it:

• Reliable and easy to use

• No need to depend on a campfire

• Great for coffee, quick meals, and simple cooking

6. Budget-Friendly Extras That Make a Big Difference

These are small additions that improve your experience a lot:

• Cooler for food

• Water jug

• Paper plates and utensils (or use what you have at home)

• Trash bags (don’t skip these)

Go Outside!!!!

How Much Does Beginner Camping Gear Cost?

You can realistically build this entire setup using Walmart for:

• Tent: $30–$50

• Sleeping bag: $15–$25

• Sleeping pad/blanket: $0–$20

• Chair: $10–$20

• Lantern: $10–$15

• Stove: $40–$60

Total: roughly $120–$200

This is why Walmart is such a great starting point—you can try camping without making a huge investment.

Want to Save Even More? Try Buying Used

If you’re really trying to keep costs low, you can often find great camping gear secondhand.

Check places like:

• Facebook Marketplace

• Local gear consignment or outdoor resale shops

• Neighborhood garage sales

You can score high-quality items for a fraction of the price—but it does take a bit more time and patience (and sometimes a little luck 😉).

Don't forget to being toilet paper!

Why Walmart Is Perfect for Beginner Camping Gear

There’s a reason I recommend starting here:

• Affordable, beginner-friendly gear

• Easy to find everything in one place

• Wide selection of essentials

• Flexible return policy (huge when you’re just testing the waters)

• 
  

Shopping at Walmart lets you experiment without pressure—and that’s exactly what you want when you’re new.

Tips for Your First Camping Trip

Before you go, a few quick tips:

• Start with a 1–2 night trip

• Camp somewhere with bathrooms nearby

• Check the weather ahead of time

• Pack extra layers (even in summer)

• Keep meals simple

Camping doesn’t have to be complicated to be fun.

Final Thoughts: Start Simple and Upgrade Later

The biggest mistake beginners make? Buying too much, too soon.

Start with a simple, budget-friendly setup, figure out what you actually enjoy, and upgrade over time.

Because the truth is—you don’t need expensive gear to make great memories outside.

You just need to get out there.