Camping...go on covince me it's a good idea

[nutcracker]

We haven't had a holiday for what seems like forever and although most of the time I doesn't bother me, I am now becoming extrmely peed off that we can't even afford a couple of days away.

I have mentioned camping to dp a few times and he always says no and reckons that I would hate it anyway.

So, would I ??

It's true I do like my home comforts, but i'm not adverse to making do if need be.
Our usual holidays are in caravans or chalets, at english parks or Butlins.
I don't like hotels, I feel to restricted.

Go on see if you can convince me.

[Janbo25]

i most admit i don't think i would like it! i'm not sure it would work out much cheaper as well??

[nutcracker]

Oh really, thats interesting. I had assumed it would be alot cheaper, if we had our own tent of course.

[swiperfox]

Where abouts are you thinking of going? I think the location helps. We've been camping a few times and we do the really basic end of it - we have a little 2/3 man cheap tent, a blow up matress and that's about it!! It is good fun but you have to be up for it. We don't cook on site, we go to fish and chip shops and cheat!!
Seriously - give it a go - it is good fun!

[swiperfox]

we paid about 4 - 6 quid a night for a pitch as far as i can remember... definately cheaper!!

[KBear]

nutty - we're giving it a go. There's a tent in Argos for 80 quid in the sale - see my thread under Products. It's this holiday or no holiday and DH and I have both camped before although with our mums in charge. It's a bit different when you're in charge of remembering everything but I have a trusty list. Would you like me to share with you??? The kids are very excited.

We're going to the New Forest on 15th. Will report back!

[nutcracker]

We have a friend who has a tent we could borrow before splashing out on one ourselves, so that would be good.

Not entirly sure exactly where we would go. Probably Waleas, Cornwall, Devon etc.

I think we would probably cheat on the cooking too.

Oh, one question, creepy crawlies, are there lots ??

[KBear]

And we are breaking ourselves in gently by eating in pubs for dinner in the evening - I can probably manage to rustle up breakfast and lunch!

[ilovehorses]

Hi Nutcracker

I don't know what sort fo family you are, whether you like being all together in a tent and getting earwigs in your living space. But let me just say for all its uncomfortableness(but you can have airbeds) being outside hearing the dawn chorus and being in with nature is a good experience. We all need a break from the house and even a tent can be good fun. You can seriously cosy and cuddle up and look at the stars.

I wouldn't camp with small children unless you had hot water, bbq/cooking facilities, a pub that serves family meals nearby for the times you don't feel like cooking, showers, a playground so you and your partner can get some time to relax. Also if you can get near a river you can spend you days paddling in shallow water of course.

Also depends on your budget but I do think camping is underated and children of all ages love it, just hope you and your dp can get out there and enjoy yourselves too. Will it be for long a week or few days?

[nutcracker]

I think it would be for a few days at first incase any of us hated it.

I think the kids would love it, so long as there wern't too many bugs.

We already have a double inflatable bed too.

[swiperfox]

We never really had any beastie problems or you'd never get me in a tent again!! We've been to Devon and Newquay. The site we go to in Devon is lovely, cheap, very pretty and kid friendly. And there's a nice big pub/restaurant just through the hedge!!

[MrsDoolittle]

You need JanH, sallystrawberry and happymerryberries to advise you on camping. they've given me loads fo advice.

[Listmaker]

I'm trying camping for the first time (well did a few camping things with mates over 15 years ago!) this weekend. We're trying a weekend to see how my dds and I like it. My new dp is into it and has all the gear etc so that helps. We're going to Dorset to a family friendly campsite and it's £14 a night.

Kbear PLEASE share your list. I've done one (obviously ) but I'm worried I'll forget something vital as a first timer!

I think we'll be eating out in the evenings or getting fish and chips too though!!

[nutcracker]

Am going to discuss it with dp again tonight and see if I can persuade him to give it a go.

[KBear]

My list was given to me by sallystrawberry (see her "yippee I'm going camping" thread) and I've added to it but it's at home - will post laster!

Everyone, please post details of the fab campsites you've been to cos I am struggling to find what I'm after, ie, no clubhouse, no noisy oiks, family-friendly, little swings etc, walking distance to pub for dinner (lazy moo!), New Forest or maybe Devon/Cornwall.

[MrsDoolittle]

Heres your checklist

[KBear]

MrsD - you're a marvel!

[MrsDoolittle]

[KBear]

What are the best lamps/torches to buy? Gas or battery? Are Gas ones dangerous with littleys around? - always had them as kids but DH ultra cautious!

[MrsDoolittle]

The best torches have to be Maglites.

[MrsDoolittle]

Maglites

[KBear]

Thanks Mrs D - what about the lantern type light? recommendations?

[hercules]

we've been camping twice this year and have really enjoyed it. Although we are now looking to get a caravan but that's because my mum wants to come with us.

[MrsDoolittle]

Sorry KBear I wouldn't know about those.
try this forum Happymerryberries put me onto it and I find it's really helpful. I understand sallystrawberry is there too

[KBear]

I have found THE perfect place for us - I pray they aren't booked the week we want to go.

/link{http://www.hillsidecampsite.co.uk/here}

amateur at links so hope it works

[KBear]

nooooooooooooo - will keep practising Miss