DO you need to carry your own cable.. NO. you do not.. Will you need your own cable to hook up, Yes you will.. Why do you not need to carry your own?
Short list of some places you might find a cable if/when you need one
Park Store (often expensive)
Local hardware
Dollar General
Wal*mart
Truck stops (Often expensive)
Lowes
Home Depot
Chain Hardware
TV or Satv Store (Often expensive)
Big Lots
Best Buys
_____ Appliances
And one of those is always going to be nearby so you can quickly pick up a cable.
OH RG-6 Gives a slightly stronger signal at the low end of Cable TV spectrum. Becomes significant as the channel numbers climb... Way better at Sat frequencies. Does not often cost more so I suggest RG-6
If you do not want to run to the store, carry 25 feet, that will usually do the job.