Any seasoned campers here? We are going camping for the first time!

[User112]

Not AIBU, but posting here for traffic.
We are going camping for the first time with another family on Sunday (their first time too). We got tents, air beds and sleeping bags. Nothing else. We booked a pitch with "electric hook ups". Does that mean they'll give us something like a plug socket into our tent? Do we have to take lights, etc?

Is there anything else we should pack?

We packed:

clothes, towels and personal toiletries
Water bottles
Snacks

No electric hook up means you can plug your own supply into theirs but you need something to plug in.

What are you intending to do about eating - you'll need basic cooking stuff surely? and crockery and cutlery.

And yes, you'll need lights - battery operated for instance.

And chairs, tables. Torches,

Electric hook up means you have access to an outside plug socket. To use it in your tent, you'll need something like this: www.amazon.co.uk/Crusader-V762-Mains-Supply-Sockets/dp/B004DV6UXS/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&quartzVehicle=121-1650&keywords=Electric+Camping+Hook+Up&replacementKeywords=electric+camping+hook&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&qid=1630060551&sr=8-2

If you have air beds, I strongly suggest mats underneath, as air beds get cold. Pack extra snacks, and layer your clothes, plastic boxes for keeping things dry (clothes, food etc) a torch each, glo sticks or wearable lights make kids easier to spot at night. Also, unless your sleeping bags are super warm, I'd take extra blankets.

An electric hook up is a special water proofed cable like an extension lead but specifically for outside. skipandjump.co.uk/the-must-know-guide-to-electric-hook-up-ehu/

You’ll need a hook up plug to connect to the electricity. We usually take some solar lights or fairy lights! Do you have a torch for loo trips at night? How are you gonna cook?Make tea? Rubbish bags and wipes are always handy. Do you have any fold up chairs? Card games of its rainy and outdoor games?

Yes you need seasonal sleeping bags not just generic ones,a gas stove or bbq for cooking,folding chairs,some kind of table for prepping food etc,washing up bowl,liquid,teatowel etc.
Towels for showers,lots of kitchen towel.
Electric travel kettle or gas one of you have a stove,tea/coffee items.icebox for milk etc.

I 2nd mats to put air bed on but also extra layers between you and the bed.....all that air gets really cold
You need to take everything you think you need...as others have said all you have is a pitch with elec supply
Pack tent last so it's easy to get to when setting up
Remember sound really travels....
Have fun!!

All the above, I also take solar powered fairy lights for outside my tent, makes it easier to find in a late night loo trip.

This time of year warm socks and hats, it can get very chilly this time of year camping out.

As above buy the ehu lead.
You can get a double plug in hotplate very cheaply.
Are you taking kids?
You'll need to eat!
Breakfasts - porridge pots, just add water. Cereal, uht milk.
All the snacks.
Quick pasta dishes, or take prepped frozen bolognese, curry etc.
Bbq food. Although the disposable bbqs I took last time were all useless.

Torch, lantern type light with batteries.
Bin bags,loo roll!

Pillows, torches, chairs, camping stove/kettle,

Something to stop insect bites . Smidge is good . So is Skin so soft by Avon .

Think about how to stay warm ( it can get cold at night in August ) , Keep yourself and your stuff dry, be clean to the level you are happy with and be comfortable . Some people pack everything you can think of , others very little .

Have you tried pitching the tent?

We always do this to check we have everything necessary. Don't want to arrive and a vital piece is missing.

As others have said you need to provide the hook up.

It will be freezing at tonight assuming you are in the uk. Extra blankets, hot water bottles, Hats, warm thick socks and women thing to raise your air beds off the floor.

You need a lot more than you have listed!

What are you doing for food / drinks - tea / coffee etc? Kitchen equipment / something to cook on / boil water.

Torches / lights for tent

Chairs / table

Water container

Oh shoot you are going to need an electric hook up extension. I would go via a camping shop on the way.

headtorch, blankets, chairs, some kind of organiser for your bits and bobs other wise it just ends up in a pile on the floor, flipflops/crocs for the showers, stove or kettle for hot drinks and most importantly, loads of booze and marshmallows for roasting over the fire.

Corkscrew / bottle opener. Camping gas stove and kettle, hot water bottle. Definitely fairy lights!

You're at least going to need a basic stove, like this (you buy the gas cannisters separately) and camping pots and pans and a kettle.

Do you have friends or family who go camping? If so, try to borrow all their stuff. IME, the more "stuff" you have camping the more comfortable you'll be but it gets very expensive very quickly so beg, steal or borrow as much as you can if you're starting out.

Always take far more warm clothing than you think you'll need.

We use duvets and blankets rather than sleeping bags. It's warmer and comfier. Warm PJs. Don't underestimate the cold. Something to pee in at night rather than walk to the toilets. More clothes than you expect to need. Plenty of food and the means to prepare and serve it. Decent plug in light if you're having electricity,

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/camping/4315952-Camping-newbie-what-to-pack

:-)

They booked a "electric hook up" extra with our pitch. Does that still mean we buy the socket like thing? (My husband has the reservation, he'll have to ring the site tomorrow)

Its only for 2 nights. We'll just order/bring food from outside for meals. The campsite has a small kitchen with a microwave. That should help with hot drinks.

This Cadac Safari Chef is the best camping investment I ever made. You can griddle, grill and heat a kettle, and then use as a fire pit. Very safe as you can unscrew the gas easily.

I also recommend 'bed in a bag' as you don't slide off your bed in your sleeping bag.

Finally, get a washing kit bag that hangs up as there is rarely any/enough surface space in the showers (if you have showers)

Yes, you need to buy the ehu lead. Your pitch will be next to a place you can plug in. Non ehu pitches have no electricity near by.

Although if you dont plan to plug anything in you needn't bother.

5litre bottles of water from tesco.