Camping on the farm in Bentonville, VA is primitive camping. The farm owner provides outhouses only. The outhouses are regulary maintained but thay sit in the sun all day. You get the picture. Most people only visit the little boxes in the field for number two.  There is ample private woods space for your quick personal session with nature. If you really want to clean up, you should grab some soap and head for the river.

With that being said, the answer to what should I bring is everything you might possibly want while stranded in the woods along the Shenandoah River. While some people bring everything and the kitchen sink; other campers come only with a tent and a few supplies. There is a definite balance between comfort and convenience. If you drag to much stuff to the woods, you will spend a huge portion of your weekend on setting up and packing up.

No matter what your camping style is, the following is a list of highly recommend basic camping supplies.

Tent with ground Tarp

Air Mattress with electric air pump

Warm bedding in Layers (Some nights it’s cold and some it’s Hot!)

Flash Light & Batteries

Propane or Gas Lantern

Bug Spray for the Flies (don’t worry about mosquito’s)

River Shoes (Old sneekers with holes are the best)

For a basic camping weekend, it’s suggested that you check the GRC website and see who’s camping that weekend. Many of us take care of each other by pooling our camping resources. Check the discussion forums for your trip date and see who has signed up. If you don’t want to bring a bunch of cooking gear then just show up with fresh food and ice and befriend your favorite camper with all the right stuff.