I have a lot of equipment, all purpose-made and I generally look for things that have more than one use to minimise how much I have to take. It's all compact though, and fits nicely in my vehicle and the camper. When I go camping in a more basic way I really cut down the stuff, but I tend to have just as much fun.
The free-camp sites here can be very good to be honest. Some are totally amazing. Of course, some are little more than a small section off the road somewhere, but generally it's not difficult to find a really nice one. I have an app these days, and that makes it much easier. We have to pay a little at the National Parks but, of course, I don't mind that.
I have so many cool things for camping, it's a massive industry here and some very smart people have come up with some great products. Most makes my life easier, some is essential and some luxury, but why not right? I've done my time living in the dirt.
That is exactly how I feel and don't feel guilty about it. The further West traveled here, the better the open spaces and places get. The Eastern part of the US is a bit more crowded and developed, but the National Parks are pretty awesome. The other place that is pretty nice is a campground (semi-organized) built by the Army Corp of Engineers. This site tells about them, but they are 99% free, and always great places.
https://www.recreation.gov/about-us
Hey Swigs, ai hope you're well. Tha ks for the link, I'll have a look when I'm not at work. ✅