Camping alone with a toddler?!

[Lazyafternoon]

We love camping and would love to plan a short trip - just a couple of nights somewhere local, but hubby is working away a lot in next couple of months. I'm more than capable coping without him normally, but not sure about camping with just me and a 2 1/2 year old.

Has anyone any experience?! I could definitely put our little 2 man tent up on my own, and might even be able to manage our 4 man with a bit of practice. But it's doing it on my own and with an excited toddler in tow I'm not sure about.

What potential issues may I have not thought about camping on my own with a toddler?!

[Blu]

I often camped alone with DS, but from when he was about 4.

Things to think about;
Securing toddler while you put the tent up. Reins? Strapped in car seat with DVD?
You will not want to go to the toilet block at night leaving toddler in tent. Probably. Bucket to wee in, have a tooth mug ready for teeth cleaning once you are fine reading and having glass of wine.
Safety while cooking: keeping toddler away from stove. I would go for the quickest, minimalist cooking possible.
Keeping toddler occupied while you do the washing up.

Everything else: great fun,

[readingrainbow]

No.

[RumAppleGinger]

I started taking DS camping by myself when he was about this age.

A well charged ipad and the promise of toasting marshmallows kept him in check whilst I put the tent up. We had a great time and go pretty regularly through the summer.

This year DS1 is 5 and DS2 is 18 months. I fear it may be slightly more problematic!

[MeMySonAndl]

Not sure, for all the reasons specified above.

Would you really enjoy camping with a toddler on your own? If you want to give him the experience of staying in a tent, you can do a practice run with a tent in the garden, and take it from there :-)

[Thefitfatty]

How engaged is your 2 and 1/2 year old? I took DS 4 and DD 2 by myself because I know they love helping set everything up and generally helping (helps DD follows DS around!)

[Levithecat]

I've been alone with my DS (now 2.5) a few times and it's been fine. He's a massive hindrance when pitching the tent (running into it, pulling poles etc) so I'd definitely take iPad, bubbles, snacks, new toy or whatever you can think of for your arrival. I also take a large low sided bucket (washing up bucket) to use for bathing DS at the tent.
Blu's advice is all good.

[Blu]

Oooh, not bubbles near tents though; very bad for the waterproofing!