Some folks have asked for a beginners guide of sorts to camping for desis in the US. So a quick thread.
TLDR - cheapest funnest way to spend a weekend or a holiday with a lot of options and flexibility re how rough/luxurious you want it to be.

The country is littered with campgrounds where for less than half the price of the cheapest motel room, you'll get a spacious site to yourself. For example this campsite on rich-folks' Long Island cost us just $42 for the weekend. And that's higher than average.

The sites usually have a shared bathroom. Can be porta or plumbed. Check beforehand depending on your preference. In my younger days and 20s, I've done the most austere type outdoors stuff. But now bones are ageing so a few luxuries have crept in. One is, proper flushing toilet.

What gear do you absolutely need? Some kind of a tent for sleeping. Sleeping bag or air mattress. Something to start a fire, assuming you want a fire. Flashlights because these campgrounds get dark. Food stuff, again depending on your preference range. Lots of bug spray.

All this stuff is very affordable and easily available. Amazon, Walmart, Dick's Sporting, REI. You can accessorize even more depending on your tastes. I've seen people bring even TVs to camping. Many families spend entire summers camping to save $ while having fun.

Did I say bug spray? Lots of bug spray. Many desis are like "I'm from india so these few Murrcan bugs are inconsequential." Wrong! You could get some serious diseases (Lyme is the worst ) even though temperate US isn't swarming with bugs with the same density as the tropics.

Once all this is in place, nothing as fun (and also cheap) as camping. Especially with kids if you have them. They learn so much about the world beyond their usual urban/suburban lifestyle. Really expands your mind. I remember my boyhood outdoors trips vividly. Build character!

What about "wildlife" you ask. Depends on where you are. In the northeast, there is rarely any physical danger from animals if you use common sense. Pack away food in your car or a secure bear-proof box when sleeping or away. Black bears are benign unless actively provoked.

A friend asked, exactly what do you do when camping? Again, up to you! There are forests and hiking trails everywhere in this country, especially near campgrounds. Spend the day doing that. Then at night, build a fire, cook, and relax. Or just cook and relax. It's your weekend!

Oh about the fire! Campgrounds have rules about the wood being from their area only (to prevent invasive parasites). Any gas station or grocery store nearby will have firewood. Many campgrounds sell their own too and might mandate ONLY their wood. Make sure to check.

I get this a lot. Yes, it's the outdoors. There is always a risk from bugs, reptiles, etc. Just like when you drive or fly, there is risk of a crash. If you're really seriously scared of that, maybe camping isn't for you. It's a very valid worry. https://twitter.com/NamelessWander4/status/1304776523052802054?s=19

For instance @k_rupal had never camped until she married me and had all these concerns initially. Now she can start fires and squash wasps with the bat of an eyelid. But she has had (as have I) the occasional bug bite that went beyond just itching.

My favorite part about camping is just lying back and staring at the tree canopies and the sky. These tall trees are so fascinating if you've grown up on the Indian peninsula.

These are some of my bare essentials when outdoors. Everything cost $25 or less on amazon. A solar & crank & chargeable lantern. Steel pot with lid (lid makes it cook faster) and a groove to pour. Car kettle cos wife needs caffeine. Small ice box. Lighter. Poker/skewer.