Single mum camping / festival with nearly 3yo - yay or nay?

[SummerDaisy]

Hi All, bit of advice needed... am thinking of going to Farmfest at the end of the month with my shall we say 'spirited' nearly 3 year old, and I am just not sure whether to do it on my own (with her). I really want to take her off camping but am worrying about lugging all the stuff, keeping her close, whether it will all be too much for her (and me) and her age?
It was put forward as an activity in the single parents group I belong to but don't know if anyone else is that keen. Anyone got any thoughts / done it themselves? Thanks!

[trice]

I did festivals with two dcs on my own. Pop up tent, very handy. Try to camp next to someone with similar age child, people like to help out usually.

You could do a mumsnet shout out to see if anyone else is going.

[lottysmum]

Hi Sunmerdaisy - There are a group of single parents going to camp bfestival ...one of which has a 2.5 year old ....so maybe worth posting a note on the Meet Up group I run...there are a few families with younger children try here www.meetup.com/One-Plus-Single-Parent-Holidays/

[Polly01234]

If you ever want to come to a festival in general South West area, or Cornwall, you are welcome to email me. I recently went with friends to Nozstock which was great - so much easier when you have friends to help. There is also Chagstock, Croissant Neuf in Pontpool, Holifair in Cornwall, all brilliant festivals for young kids, under 5,000 people. Any bigger than that means car parks are too far away for it to be pleasureable setting-up/packing-up! Happy camping!

[IsisOhIsis]

I'm going to shambala with my 2 year old. Could you take some kind of pull along trolley for your stuff?

[purpleroses]

I did festivals with mine at that sort of age - 2 DCs aged 1 and 4 or 2 and 5. People are generally very friendly at festivals so if you look round and camp near some friendly looking people with similar aged DCs it can be great.

Go well equipped - an all in one waterproof suit and willies for your DD, a few toys, crayons etc in case it rains, plenty changes of clothes for her, spare sleeping bag in case she wets it (or nightime nappies), food that doesn't need cooking, and a book or something to read in the evenings (and wind up torch or lamp to read by) so that if you do need to put her to bed in the evenings you don't get too bored. My DS would still sleep well in a buggy at that age which gives you great freedom at a festival if it's a peaceful and child-friendly one where it's safe enough to wander round with a child in the evenings (ie not too many drunk people to fall over it) I don't know Farmfest - but presume it's a small-ish thing?

To carry stuff - take a 3 wheeled buggy or similar. Pile all your stuff in it, and go slowly with your DD walking beside you. A rucksac on your back too if necessary and you should manage. If it's a new tent, have a practice run in the garden first. Have fun!

[kangarooshoes]

I took my four year old camping in a two man tent for three months. Go for it.

Take a small tent, so you can manage it alone. Hot water bottles, cocoa and extra warm sleeping gear to ensure they stay warm. Very simple food, don't try making amazing meals on a gas stove.