What do I need to get/pack for a camping holiday?

[CosyAcorn]

Help me, experienced campers of Mumsnet!

We've decided to have a camping holiday this summer, and it's our first one as a family. Another family is coming too and we've booked pitches side by side.

DH and I have both been camping as kids and DH does a one night wild camp with a walking buddy once a year but that's not quite the same as spending a week on a campsite with a five year old.

We've ordered a decent sized tent. With two bedroom compartments and a living space. We will have some gear in the loft and garage to dig out but please can you help me put a list together of what we need?

What are your essentials?
What's something that is easy to forget?
What are your camping hacks?

A washing up bowl or bucket, as it can be a walk to the washing up area. Some sort of bog in a bag type toilet so you don't have to get up and walk across a wet field at 5am.

Thank you everyone, I'm putting together a very comprehensive list from all your suggestions. I always find a good list helps me feel more confident about new things!

A sharp knife, corkscrew, bottle opener, tea towels and an all purpose cloth.

It's amazing the thing you take for granted in your own kitchen that you really miss while camping if you forget them.

Another good thing - damp cloth in a zip lock bag. Then you can rinse it off and put it back in the bag so you know it's clean (ish)

You will need jogging bottoms, thermal socks and vest and a hoodie to sleep in - Change into these a couple of hours before bed, DH said the trick is not to get cold and he was so right.

Yy to eye mask and ear plugs - we have a blackout bedroom but you still need them.

You won't care what you look like so my hair is either wet from the shower or up in a scruffy bun. No point bothering with makeup.

A comfy camping chair is worth it's weight in gold, you'll be spending evenings in it so get one that supports your back.

But mostly...a big mug for your morning coffee and a big glass for your wine/gin/cider!

When we camp we pack everything in 2x 60-80l packs because we're often backpacking from site to site. I don't think my list will help if you have a EHU, kind of a different thing. I hope you have fun.

I'll add a notebook and pen.
Make a list of all camping "departments" so you don't forget anything. Keep the list for future camps.
Every time on your camping trip that you think "I wish I had a..." write it down on you list.
Equally, go through the list after the first few camps and take off things you now know you don't need.

Dustpan and brush to sweep out the tent/the carpet if it's starting to get a bit grassy or dirty, and to sweep out at the end.

If you are getting a camping chair, and have the room, get a giant moonchair, I love mine and can actually curl up in it! The only thing is it's quite large for packing.

Not read the full thread but my essentials are warm bedding , my own pillow . A kettle . Coffee to hand for the mornings. A decent chair .

Go through the routine you expect each day and tick off the things you need for them.

Get up, dressing gown - cup of tea? stove, fuel, matches, kettle, mugs, tea bags, sugar? spoon, milk.

Wash and dress - toiletries, flannels, towels, toothbrush and paste, mug. Clean underwear for each day plus spare, spare socks. An old, cut down toothbrush can act as a nail brush.

Never leave a washing line up while you go out - ours was nicked. Have a great holiday.

Camping chairs with a drinks holder in the arm - otherwise there is literally nowhere you can safely put your beer down

I second joggers and a hoodie for sleeping in, since your sleeping attire needs to be warm and something you don't mind trotting to the loo block in. Change into them in the early evening (nothing worse than waiting til the coldest part of the night to strip off an put on ice cold pyjamas and get into a cold sleeping bag). The hoodie is important - I often get too cold at night without a hood.

Dustpan and brush, wipes, bin bags

Big zip lock food bags - useful for keeping things clean, dry and separate

Flip flops or something similar you can step in and out of. Taking of/putting on shoes at the front of the tent soon gets irritating.

We no longer bother taking plates. We just have one decent sized bowl each and that works for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Don't bother with plastic cutlery. Sawing through bacon with a plastic knife or eating cereal off the shallowest spoon is not fun. Take metal cutlery (but not your actual set from home - some will get lost).

Tin opener, bottle opener and corkscrew

Solar lights - pretty, but also really useful for ambient light when it's dark, and can help you find your tent in the evening.