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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Camping - I think I hate it….

274 replies

Nik2015 · 09/07/2022 21:29

I've just come home from camping and I just don’t get it.

I find it really hard work and uncomfortable no matter what I do.

I’d love to know what I’m doing wrong?..

So thought we could have a (lighthearted) vote so I could get an idea if it’s just me -

YABU = I love camping
YANBU = I dislike camping

OP posts:
Theladybirdthatsaidboo · 09/07/2022 21:50

Hate it. Will do it for one night, locally, very occasionally because the children think it’s amazing, but I don’t find it remotely enjoyable and I don’t consider it a holiday. I don’t like the lack of space, the lack of privacy/sound/light/temperature insulation, the lack of proper private toilet and shower facilities, the bugs, the fact everything is low to the ground, the fact that nothing dries if it rains, the packing/unpacking/having to bring everything….

Original poster
Nik2015 · 09/07/2022 21:51

user34632 · 09/07/2022 21:46

I like the idea of waking up in the outdoors but past that definitely not for me. I felt dirty all the time, couldn't have a proper number 2, also found it abit boring.

Boring…that’s a good description.
It’s okay with a big group of friends and kids, otherwise it’s us and DS.

OP posts:
KatharinaRosalie · 09/07/2022 21:53

Interlaken is nice but also has lovely chalets and hotels available where you don't have to pee into a bucket in the corner.

eatsleepswimdive · 09/07/2022 21:54

It’s hideous. Not one thing about it is appealing. I would rather stay home

DialsMavis · 09/07/2022 21:56

I quite like camping for 2-3 nights but couldn't do a week, I need to wee too many times in the night.

We go with various friends and their DC, the DC have a lovely time. I do like to go to a nice pub for dinner at least one of the evenings so its not endless cooking and washing up, which bores me even when shared among all the adults.

CloseYourEyesAndSee · 09/07/2022 21:56

I love cooking and eating outside, sitting round a fire etc and I love camping but I much prefer it in my camper than in a tent.

Doris899 · 09/07/2022 21:57

Good when the weather is nice and when not in tent. As soon as bedtime, absolute shite!

CaramelJones · 09/07/2022 21:57

YANBU. I'd rather go without a holiday for the rest of my life than go camping ever again.

balalake · 09/07/2022 22:00

What is the final reason for never wanting to camp again is that the only time the weather may be warm enough, it gets light far too early.

Curiosity101 · 09/07/2022 22:01

YANBU - Unless I have indoor plumbing (shower and toilet) and a proper bed then it's not a holiday. I'm perfectly happy in a caravan but prefer a hotel/apartment/lodge etc.

I would definitely choose no holiday over a camping holiday every time.

Original poster
Nik2015 · 09/07/2022 22:01

Love these replies, you’re making me feel a lot better about my dislike of it.
A b&b/premier inn can cost the same price too!

OP posts:
SummerSazz · 09/07/2022 22:01

I love it! But we do have thick SIM mattresses, a large camping fridge and loo. Usually go with friends now so good fun chilling out, playing cards etc

When the kids were little we toured Europe for 3 weeks every year and that was amazing!

Original poster
Nik2015 · 09/07/2022 22:02

balalake · 09/07/2022 22:00

What is the final reason for never wanting to camp again is that the only time the weather may be warm enough, it gets light far too early.

Agree, plus no tv to try and drag get up time for DC!

OP posts:
maddiemookins16mum · 09/07/2022 22:03

Camping is only fun when your 12 and in the Girl Guides.

Towcester · 09/07/2022 22:04

Trouble is those that are new to camping haven't invested in decent gear (understandably) because they are just doing it to see if they like it. Then they don't know how to do everything efficiently so everything is twice as hard/long. Throw young kids into the mix and the difficulty doubles again. Then they give up and never try again.

It would be great to join people or have a partner who is experienced in it to get up to speed easier.

MissAtomicBomb1 · 09/07/2022 22:04

I'm a fairly recent convert but will only camp if strict criteria are met:

  • 3 nights max
  • decent sleeping bags & mats
  • nice toilet block
  • weather above 20c

Obviously this being the uk the last one is usually a stumbling block so we only go about twice a year Wink

LouLou198 · 09/07/2022 22:05

Camping is shit! I have a rule about holidays, I won't go anywhere that isn't nicer than my own home! Don't see the point otherwise!

Minimalme · 09/07/2022 22:06

I love camping but Christ only knows why.

You nailed it with uncomfortable and hard work op.

And yet I force my camping-hating family to do it every summer.

For me it is freedom and feeling as though I am 'away' from real life.

ohmygash · 09/07/2022 22:08

yanbu. Hate it

Morverner · 09/07/2022 22:08

I love the outdoors, love hiking, I should love camping, but I don't, I hate it, hate it with a passion. Haven't been able to afford a holiday for a few years, I'll stay at home rather than camp.
Hate the lack of sleep (no a blow up bed does not help), the unpacking and packing. The damp and the cold.
I am looking at DIYing a van into a camper however.

stargirl1701 · 09/07/2022 22:09

We are half way through a 16 night trip in Sherwood Forest. Our summer camping trip is the highlight of my year. It's the only time my depression and anxiety lift.

I wish I could live like this Spring through Autumn.

My line in the sand is not in the Winter (too muddy) and no composting toilets. I need flushing loos!

Cameronnorrieisabitofalright · 09/07/2022 22:10

Ime identify the bits you hate and change it..
Getting decent single sleeping bags was a game changer..
Getting a decent food storage cupboard that stayed outside next to the cooker was very practical.
Teaching dc to be very helpful in the putting up of the rent - vital.
Box for shoes a must..

Testina · 09/07/2022 22:11

I love it!
But, I don’t think it’s about doing things right and wrong - fundamentally it’s down to personality.
Sure, if one of your issues is comfort, a more expensive bed will help… but it’s not just that.
You know when pre-schoolers go into little playhouses in the park, and just love them? It’s like for me. It’s… different. I’m just in this weird little mini house. I’m practically outside. There’s an excitement to it.
Last weekend I had a bunch of Y5s camp in my garden - huge excitement! Again, it’s just a bit different.
I think you’re either attracted to that or you’re not - and it’s not about right or wrong.
Take the shower blocks - if you see them as a necessarily evil, you’re not going to love camping. But I actually feel a little excitement to explore them, and the weirdness of walking over to have a shower.
Yeah, there’s nature and beautiful places… but honestly you could just book a cottage somewhere that delivers that.
Even now that I can afford a fancy hotel, I just get more joy from camping.
I camped on my wedding night, surrounded by camping friends 😃
I don’t think you can put your finger on it, any more than a pre-schooler could verbalise why the cramped Wendy house is more fun that their bedroom!

CrispsnDips · 09/07/2022 22:14

Cheap ..!…but when it rains so much that you have a small stream running INSIDE the tent with rainwater puddles in the air beds, rainwater dripping onto the kettle and the threat of the whole tent being blown off the edge of the hill, into the sea, it’s not much fun 😆😆

KatharinaRosalie · 09/07/2022 22:14

Ime identify the bits you hate and change it..

This exactly.
I identified that it was tents I hate. So I changed to hotels.