Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

What do you wished you’d known when you started camping ?

133 replies

Lardlizard · 14/07/2020 18:55

Ok I’ve done it once now, well for one night ! but I’m still a beginner really so start from the beginning what do you wish you knew before you started camping ? Any hint n tips ?

OP posts:
Stompythedinosaur · 14/07/2020 21:45

I posted my sensible advice for a newbie before.

My real advice is to get a trailer and take a bell tent, tent carpet, tent chandelier, futon, duvet and pillows, pretty fairy lights and bunting and a ton of other comfy stuff. Go to a good site, drink wine and play board games with dp which the dc run about onsite with the other kids. Lovely!

2155User · 14/07/2020 21:45

I second @TolstoyAteMyHamster

We have 2 huge plastic containers now with everything in so you simply chuck them in the boot and you're done

Stompythedinosaur · 14/07/2020 21:46

And yy to having seperate camping stuff that you clean and sort before leaving the site so that packing and unpacking is minimal.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

skankingpiglet · 14/07/2020 21:48

Oh, and always have a whole spare pack of pegs and a roll of Duck tape!

ghettihead · 14/07/2020 21:50

Get two single blow up mattresses rather than a double, less disturbance when the other person moves.

Facemask to sleep in so the sun does not wake you at 4am in the summer.

Proper pillow.

Coffee bags (like tea bags but with ground coffee) or areopress. Essential for strong caffeine dose in the morning

ilovepixie · 14/07/2020 21:58

Fuck that! Go to a hotel!

Sniv · 14/07/2020 21:59

I read the best camping tip ever on here: put your pyjamas on under your clothes when you get ready to settle in for the evening so, at bedtime, you just take off the outer layer and get into bed warm, rather than stripping off and getting into ice cold PJs. I did that on a weekend away in May and not only did it work a treat, it meant I didn't start showing hypothermia symptoms at 3am and was in a position to help those that did (thank you mumsnet!)

My other recommendations:
Earplugs and an eyemask are an absolute must. It's bright and loud.

Get a camp chair with a drinks holder in the arm, because your beer won't stay upright literally anywhere else.

However many people they say a tent sleeps, they mean that literally - the sleeping area will fit that many people cheek by jowl and nothing more - no luggage. We take a four person tent for the two of us.

Get a firebowl.

TerrifiedandWorried · 14/07/2020 22:03

Get variety packs of cereal for kids' breakfast. DO NOT POUR INTO BOWL. Put milk straight in. Give kids teaspoon.

Kittywampus · 14/07/2020 22:05

Get a campervan! And black out blinds.
And a Porta potty
And a hot water bottle
Camp with other families so the children all entertain each other.
Pack twice as much booze as you think you will drink.
I like an electric hookup because I can plug the fridge in and have cold beer. However, I much prefer a basic wild campsite in a beautiful location, and I will forego cold beer for this.

Lollypop701 · 14/07/2020 22:06

You need to keep your head and feet warm at night... pjs socks and a onesie . Eye mask and ear plugs (or black out tent) m. A porta potty. Don’t wear shoes in tent and make sure walking shoes are waterproof. Oh and do not forget alcohol.

DrMadelineMaxwell · 14/07/2020 22:20

That if you are under canvas (or the modern equivalent) there are some weeks so wet that everything will feel damp and you will go for drives in the car to try and dry yourselves out.

We were in a folding van that year, so off the floor, with comfy beds and only canvas on the top, and a very basic under floor heater and STILL we never felt warm and dry.

The cherry on the cake was going out the next day into a castle in a secluded valley, and returning to the campsite to find there's been a storm and our neighbours had dropped out awning to stop the whole thing blowing away. We had a rip in our main canvas on the caravan part but managed to repair it. We sat and watched others who were in tents literally bundling them up and putting them in the skip and going home as it had been very bad.

Campers are also very friendly and helpful though, which my parents loved and my introverted shy husband found very awkward.

SpanielPlusToddler · 14/07/2020 23:09

Brilliant thread, thanks for all the great tips. With your help I think we might be brave enough to go on a camping adventure further afield than our garden!

Splattherat · 14/07/2020 23:23

Get an electric cool box and go for an electric hook up and if you live in the north of England don’t go until end of May and not after the 1st week in September as it is really cold then.

Its a fab lovely old fashioned easy holiday for the kids if you get half decent weather and go with some friends of yours with children but be careful who you go with.

RedTitsMcGinty · 14/07/2020 23:29

Flannel sheets/duvet covers/pillow cases. Regular cotton just feels damp all the time so go for the brushed cotton.

longtompot · 14/07/2020 23:40

All the wine, and rum to put in bedtime hot choc. Maybe some food, toiletries etc ;) Comfy bed is a must!
I love camping, as long as I have a view, pref of the sea.

Somanysocks · 15/07/2020 03:40

Never pitch on a slope, even a slight one.

Silvergreen · 15/07/2020 04:03

That it's only fun if you do it at a festival & you're drinking & taking drugs Grin

Puffthemagicdragongoestobed · 15/07/2020 04:30

That France is absolutely brilliant for camping and you won't get any of the problems with being cold and muddy mentioned above.
Having said that we have had a great camping holiday in the UK too, but we had mostly good weather.
We love our bell tent but I have been jealous of people with big Tunnel tents with awnings and porches to sit under. If you intend to stay for several days I recommend to get an event shelter to set up your main seating area. Protects you from sun and rain (if big enough).

fruitpastille · 15/07/2020 06:36

Alternative advice - glamping. Or even better glamping in France. europe.huttopia.com/en/

StarlightLady · 15/07/2020 07:06
  1. Take a “proper” pillow.
  2. Take your duvet.
  3. You only need half of the camping gear you are tempted to buy.
  4. Buy a tent you can stand up in.
  5. Pitch somewhere where you do not have to walk too far to go for a wee.
  6. Don’t pitch under trees (bird poo!).
Disfordarkchocolate · 15/07/2020 07:10

Try before you buy equipment, lots of people are happy to lend out there kit to new campers. Or they have wives wo hope you will keep/damage/loose it.

Distance to the toilet is crucial.

Some places let campers be antisocial and don't care, others make sure everyone is happy.

Read reviews, how often they clean the showers and toilets is very important.

PlanDeRaccordement · 15/07/2020 07:21

Yes, camping here in France is much superior to the U.K. weather wise.
We camp every year...still hoping to this year.

But things we like
Dining tent- this is seperate from your sleeping tent, a big open sided UV proof and rain proof tent. We put our folding/collapsing camp table under it so we can easily cook on the gas stove.

Firepit- most campsites that allow fires require a fire pit. Some will rent you one, but we have a collapsible camping one. We can also cook on it as it has a screen you can put over the coals if we feel like cooking on a fire.

Washing up tub- so you can take dirty dishes to sinks and wash up easily. We use reusable plastic dishes not paper plates etc because of environment. It is also good for washing clothes of you are camping for several weeks and don’t want to pay for camp site washing machine.

Clothes lines- you can buy easy to attach clothes lines. They loop and hook round the tree or whatever and then you can hang your swimming suits, towels, wet clothes

Suncream and Insect repellent- essential.

Hammocks with loop ties that don’t damage the trees. Kids and adults love hammocks in a shady spot for relaxing with a book, afternoon naps when inside tents is too hot, or even a night sleeping under the stars.

Seperate tents for parents and kids. This kept us sane.

HeronLanyon · 15/07/2020 07:33

Check out the lie of the land and prevailing wind (where exposed) before doing anything so your tent is positioned as best as poss.

Have small shovel to divert rainwater runoff if necessary.

Take more loo roll/paper towel/drying cloths than you think you need.

Do everything to keep mosquitos out of tent.
Small dustpan and brush and keep door area as clean as possible to avoid tracking stuff in.
Slip on/off footwear essential.
Small storage (even just flat food boxes) for all small stuff to keep safe/tidy in tent

If camping by car and moving a lot then sort out the packing of the car as a priority so when you arrive late/dark/wet etc you don’t have to empty the whole car to get tent/shelter up.
Good supply of snacks/easy food.

ChiaraRimini · 15/07/2020 08:05

Family camping you need a big tent with an awning so you can cook undercover if it rains.
Don't even think about if if you are a single parent- bitter experience ....

BurtsBeesKnees · 15/07/2020 08:06

To never ever go camping again!