Camping - help me not dread it!

[Flippetydip]

We are going camping for 10 days in France on Sunday.
The weather looks to be naff. We've got DC aged 8 and 10.
I hate ferries (6 hour crossing to start with) and I'm not looking forward to the holiday at all. I'm just imagining damp, arguing children.

Once we get into the routine of it, I'm sure I'll start to enjoy it but I can't imagine how we're going to fill the days plus the dread of no-one sleeping. Help me relax about it and perhaps even look forward to it please!

Ah they'll definitely sleep at that age. Make sure you take a TON of board games and fun things to do as a family, look into indoor activities in the area you're camping and take good waterproofs/shoes. You'll be fine! I spent many a summer on soggy camping trips growing up and it was grand. There's nothing quite as relaxing than the sound of rain on tent canvas.

Also for yourself get some of those disposable hand warmers - I was cold camping in August last year and someone gave me some for the second night - complete game changer - put one near my feet and one near my stomach in the sleeping bag and slept sooo much better than the night before - couldn’t believe they actually work as well as they did.!

Thanks damntheman - was more worried about me not sleepy and just being progressively ill-tempered for the entire holiday!

You're right though, it will be fine - it's just the thought of it (and the thought of communal showers!).

sleeping, that should have said!

I've found most of the communal showers in France really clean. And hot. Most of the camp sites are great, some with nice restaurants, bars and evening entertainment.

Why did you book something you hate so much?!

the dread of no-one sleeping

Are you taking your own camping equipment or staying in a eurocamp style pre erected tent. If taking your own stuff - why won't you sleep? Take comfy things! Plus ear plugs and eye mask.

I can't imagine how we're going to fill the days

Ummm google "things to do in " and go off out and about to see and do things. Take waterproofs and get out for walks. Are you by a beach? You can still have a nice time on the beech in cooler weather or after a rain storm.

You'll sleep Flip! Rule of sleeping bags - don't wear a ton inside them, then you'll be cold. It's counter intuitive but if you pile into a bag with all your clothes on there won't be room for the air to circulate and your body heat to collect. I'd suggest you take a set or two of wool underwear, the long ones and wear those at night (with socks if you really freeze). You'll be much warmer. Make sure you've got a decent underlay mat under your sleeping bag and don't stay up TOO late as the light will probably wake you up in the morning from the sun.

Be grateful you're not camping up here in Norway where it doesn't really get dark, the tent is often too hot to be in by 5am ;)