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Original poster

Would I be crazy to...

18 replies

livid1234 · 02/07/2019 22:57

... take DC (9 and 5) camping for a couple of nights? Probably not, I hear you say!

But would I be crazy to do it if we haven't got loads of camping equipment? We've got a small tent, inflatable mattresses, camping chairs and that's about it. Will we be able to make do for a couple of nights without cooking equipment if we take breakfast that doesn't need cooking (pain au Chocolat, croissants etc) and buy a coffee from an onsite cafe? Lunch would be sausage rolls or sandwiches from local bakery and a fish and chip dinner. Not the healthiest, but for a night or two I don't want to buy all the gear if we don't enjoy it. I've found a campsite with decent shower and toilet facilities with a park to keep the DC amused.

How do you do camping with small children if you're the only adult? I'm thinking toilet trips at night! DH is agent that he doesn't want to come, but I'm determined to give it a go and I think the DC would love the adventure!

OP posts:
Happyspud · 02/07/2019 23:00

Sounds great! Do it!!

Happyspud · 02/07/2019 23:01

Oh and at night I’d have kids peeing by the tent if the toilets are any way away.

AccioCoffee · 02/07/2019 23:02

You could buy those portable bbqs from the local shop. You can cook bacon and toast on them for breakfast and or bbq for dinner

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Camping
Yinyen · 02/07/2019 23:04

We do this. It doesn't all have to be shite. Bring loads of fruit and veg to snack on. Milk will be fine for a couple of days so can have cereal.

Powerplant · 02/07/2019 23:06

Do it sounds exciting you don’t need all the camping equipment to have a fab time. Take a bucket with a lid for the night time or pitch near the loos. Oh and take a cold box you can pack a few bits in. Enjoy the outdoors with your kids 😊

Finfintytint · 02/07/2019 23:08

Do it! Great fun.
Head torch for late night toilet visits or get a bucket and attach a section of a pool noodle around the rim for a make -do portable loo.

Thisismyusernamefornow · 02/07/2019 23:10

Go for it. Can't see it being an issue at all.

Singlenotsingle · 02/07/2019 23:12

It'll be an adventure. Is your DH's name Eyore?

Bluerussian · 02/07/2019 23:23

The children will love it, especially if you are camping in a nice place near a beach. The question is, will you love it :-) ?

Portable barbecues are great. We had one on a beach called Pett Level, unusual for bbqs to be allowed on beaches but we saw one or two others doing it so thought, why not? We only did sausages but loved it. I highly recommend Pett Level, as well as being a very pretty beach it is interesting too, there are rock pools and a sunken forest.
You need plastic sandals because of shingle but it gives way to lovely sand.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sussex-23684120

There may even be a camp site nearby, who knows?

Happy holiday op.

Original poster
livid1234 · 03/07/2019 07:23

Sounds like it's not such a crazy idea then! Thanks for your encouragement, I really think it would be fab. I like the idea of a disposable BBQ, I hadn't thought of that. Any other basic tips to make it more enjoyable? Where have you called that has pristine toilets and showers that would would recommend (based in Berkshire, so two hours traveling max please).

OP posts:
Original poster
livid1234 · 03/07/2019 07:24

That you would recommend, even!

OP posts:
KindergartenKop · 03/07/2019 14:19

I'm watching this closely as I've decided to take my two aged 4 and 7 off on my own.

What do I do when the little one wakes up at 5 30am and won't shut up and wakes the entire campsite?

RedPandaFluff · 03/07/2019 16:02

Go for it, @livid1234 - your first few camping trips will be a bit of a learning curve where you'll learn what you can and can't do without, and you can prioritise buying equipment accordingly.

My camping essential is earplugs - the goddamn birds yelling their heads off at 4.30am! - but I appreciate this isn't wise when you have DC 😁

RedPandaFluff · 03/07/2019 16:04

@KindergartenKop - don't worry about that, it's pretty normal (and I say that as someone who doesn't have kids and has limited tolerance for being woken up!)

Anyone who goes camping and doesn't expect to hear people clattering about, tent zips being pulled up and down, kids crying, dogs barking is being massively unreasonable and needs to take themselves off to the nearest hotel 😁

KindergartenKop · 03/07/2019 17:13

By the way OP, I bought a little camping stove. Cooking is half the fun!

windmill121 · 03/07/2019 17:34

There are so many different types of campsites. We quite like the quiet with no club house type, but I've taken my two on my own and I don't drive (so husband took me and helped me set up) and I found being at a site with lots of facilities was brilliant. They site in Devon had a indoor / outdoor pool, clubhouse restaurant, onsite takeaway, parks, shop, supermarkets and beach upthe road and most importantly lots of showers and toilets. Good tip is ask if there is a family / disabled shower room as then you can shower comfortably with the children in with you.

Chartreuser · 03/07/2019 17:40

You can get the portable camping stoves in three Aldi aisle of wonder for under a tenner at the mo. In fact they've got tons of camping stuff.

I would recommend a stove, and also a battery night light. Chairs are useful. Other than that you sound good to go.

We like this site near Dover, beautiful views, woodfire pizza oven Friday nights and you can see France. V cheap, but would recommend getting a firepit for a night, really great fun and you have to toast marshmallows

www.kingsdowncamping.co.uk/

Thisismyusernamefornow · 13/07/2019 21:23

Did you go OP?

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