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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Never been camping, AIBU to thing I can give it a go by myself and what do I need to know?

78 replies

Tigerthatcameforbrunch · 13/09/2025 16:30

Camping was never one of those things we did as a family growing up. I'm quite outdoorsy and practical. I haven't booked a holiday this year because I've been so put off by the cost (holiday accommodation seems so expensive now, particularly if I want to take my dog which adds £20 a night).

Am I being completely crazy thinking at the age of 40 I can buy a cheap tent and sleeping bag and have a nice time camping just me and the dog? Id aim to do what I'd typically do, walks during the day and pub dinners. But just saving on the accommodation.

OP posts:
yikesss · 15/09/2025 06:59

What type of car do you have? I have seen a few online that have been set up for sleeping! Wouldn't work for me unfortunately, mine is tiny. Id rather do that than sleep in a tent though, especially in current weather!

Runssometimes · 15/09/2025 07:20

@wavingfuriously coolcamping us a good starter. Caravanning and camping UK has more sites and sometimes more info but I don’t like sites with hook ups as much as they tend to be bigger and less natural but for some reason the reviews can be more informative on that site. Also have a look at Pitchup. I use websites rather than apps. Also abroad I’ve used Yelloh which is more camping/chalet park than proper camping. But in France there’s municipal camping in almost every town. Can be quite basic but some great locations. DH and I did a wonderful bike packing tour for two weeks along the Loire cycle route years ago which ranks among my top three favourite ever trips.

Wicked123 · 15/09/2025 07:35

We stayed at a really nice campsite in north wales a couple of months ago. The site was cheap to book and they had a hot food stall on site. There was a lady camping with her dog next to us and she was thoroughly enjoying herself! The site was quiet and in a great location for the beach, car boot sales etc

PurpleThistle7 · 15/09/2025 09:28

My husband takes our kids camping once or twice a year and it's a massive endeavour. Sooo much stuff. Definitely don't go cheap as you'll regret it.

What about an in between option? Glamping pod / wigwam set up for you that sort of thing? Nothing to buy just lots of packing of 'stuff' and you can try out to see if you want to keep exploring in that direction.

wakemeupwhenseptembercomes · 15/09/2025 09:33

By the time you have bought all the stuff you need, l would just do air bnb.
But then l hate camping - even campsites aren't cheap any more.

MrsMoastyToasty · 15/09/2025 09:44

Don't buy the smallest tent you can find. You'll be crawling in through the door on your hands and knees.

However don't go for the biggest one you can find. They can be heavy when rolled up and quite big to store/transport. Our 4 man tent when rolled up had a bag that was bigger than the holdall we had for clothes for 3 people.

Runssometimes · 15/09/2025 10:46

In general with tents as others have said it’s more comfortable if you can stand up. But depends on what type of camping. If you’re hiking and carrying for a long time you want the lightest one you can get which will usually mean it’s quite small/no standing room.

If you’ll always have access to a car then weight is less of an issue but you need to be able to pitch by yourself. Air pole - Vango air beam or the decathlon air ones are great. Generally get a tent that’s meant for one more person than you have so would say for you and the dog that’s a 2-3 person. In your case I would say go for one with an attached fly sheet and without that in wind it’s quite hard to do it solo. Pop ups are also a good option but check weather -rain and wind rating. Although I’ve successfully camping in downpours in Wales in October in a Decathlon pop up. (We’ve never had a bad experience with a decathlon tent and have bought 4 from them).

you can go with all the kit as others have said - we have a 5 person tent (family of 3 plus sometimes dog) and have camping cupboards, two tables, camping chairs, double air mattress plus single mattress pad for dog and one for child, separate kitchen shelter etc - for week long trips with car. Tent weighs 35kg alone. It’s a serious amount of kit but makes for a very comfortable set up. We don’t bother with pillows but take pillow cases and use our clothes in packing cubes inside as pillows which slightly cuts down on bulk.

or we also have a hiking tent where we don’t bring chairs, tiny pocket rocket stove. we have thermarest neo air mattresses (15 years old now, were very ££ when bought but worth the money). You will want somewhere to sit though so think about lightweight stools, waterproof pads or camp where they have stumps or logs or near a pub. This is the set up with used for a bike packing trip for two weeks but we stayed at campsites at least every two days with decent amenities, on site cafes, access to laundry facilities etc. As those trips are all about less stuff and more moving.

So it completely depends on what type of camping so decide that first before you think about kit, but since you’ll be carrying it yourself think about how many trips back and forth you can do with the kit. Start small and you can add to your set up. I would say go for a good quality air mattress that you can use everywhere which isn’t always the thickest. I do recommend thermarest as they are great quality. A thick mattress in a small head height tent = more condensation so I personally would go for a slimmer mattress and pop a foam roll mat underneath for the extra insulation which is the warmest set up. Don’t skimp on the mattress- We had some cheaper self inflating ones which really only lasted a couple of years so were a total waste in the end.

buy at least a three season sleeping bag, as you’ll end up getting one anyway if you ever camp in the UK. Nothing ruins a camping trip like being cold and gets surprisingly cold at night even during summer. And always bring a warm hat and warm socks for nighttime.

And get a stove - MSR pocket rocket is great if you want to keep it light, but a Coleman suitcase type one is easier and more stable. Get nesting pots and pans, you don’t have to bring them all on every trip but you’ll usually want a hot drink in the morning. A kettle is fine on some trips - noodles, instant porridge, instant cappuccino/hot chocolate are all practical camping options for if you plan to eat most meals in pubs and cafes, you have covered breakfast or a quick meal if things don’t work out.

Look out on local groups and online as people often sell old kit at the end of the season when they upgrade or decide camping isn’t for them.

also consider a warm coat for the dog. We discovered our dog was getting cold at night when he reached the age of 7, so bought him a fleecy coat for overnights in tents which made a big difference to him.

Runssometimes · 15/09/2025 10:52

wakemeupwhenseptembercomes · 15/09/2025 09:33

By the time you have bought all the stuff you need, l would just do air bnb.
But then l hate camping - even campsites aren't cheap any more.

Yes but that’s only true if you only use the kit once. And not always possible to sit by a fire gazing at the stars in an Airbnb. But appreciate camping is definitely not for everyone.

EuclidianGeometryFan · 15/09/2025 11:16

Wild/walking camping is a whole different thing to site/car camping. Some allow real fires, some don't. Know what you are aiming for.

Busy sites with lots of kids, neighbouring tents who have portable TVs, and everyone drunk and BBQing is my idea of hell.

Rain is manageable. Wind is not.
Don't go camping if moderate to strong wind is forecast. The tent makes a terrible noise being blown about, it always feels like it will collapse at any moment (even though it won't), and outside you cannot put anything down for even a second without weighing it down with something heavy. It gets very tiresome very quickly.

Even if you plan to eat all meals at restaurants / cafes, you want to take a small stove for making hot drinks. Take lots of 'instant' snacks; fruit, crisps, biscuits, cereal bars.

The tent can get unbearably hot during the day in full sun, so hot that you can't go in there (unless it is real canvas), yet even during the hottest weather the nights are freezing. Take loads of bedding and wear layers of clothing like tees and leggings at night.
Evenings are also too cold, especially if the site doesn't allow campfires.

It takes a bit of adjusting to having no electricity and no fridge.

BUT
There is nothing like the wonder of waking up at 4am to go and pee and seeing the stars, or a sunrise, or lying in a warm cosy bed in the morning with the tent flap open and soft rain coming down on the grass just inches from your face.
It is magical.

Julieju1 · 15/09/2025 11:35

Ask on a local Facebook group if anyone can lend you items.
Agree with others, a tent you can stand up in. Warm sleeping bag, self inflating mattress, small camping stove, something to sit on, torch.
Enjoy!

JungAtHeart · 15/09/2025 18:31

Tigerthatcameforbrunch · 13/09/2025 17:41

Thanks all. It sounds like you think I could manage it, but I may not actually enjoy it. I don't know anyone with kit I could borrow. I am concerned about it becoming an expensive experiment

I have already undertaken that experiment at the behest of my children. The results - I gave all the equipment away and stayed in a hotel for the last three nights of our final camping trip (there were two). The conditions were that they never ask me to go camping again. It’s really hard to pack a makeshift home into a car. Drive. Build the makeshift home - once in the pouring rain. Live in the makeshift, damp and uncomfortable home - mine was high end but in camping terms that doesn’t mean an awful lot. Then deconstruct the makeshift home, often wet and pack it all up again. Somewhere in there it’s supposed to be a holiday 🤷🏼‍♀️ it was a costly experiment. I’d suggest a nice city break.

OgdensGoneNutFlake · 15/09/2025 19:10

You can get brilliant bundles on marketplace at this time of year as everyone upgrades their stuff at the end of the season. You will find a whole set up if you spend a few weeks looking (bed, tent, cooking equipment) because people get rid of big bundles for next to no money.
I'm a seasoned camper and if I'm honest , this time of year it's not going to be very enjoyable for you- spend the time over the winter and get yourself ready for next year- i usually make my first trip on the early may bank holiday weather permitting.
You'll find out what you like and then you can buy better stuff as time progresses.

Beachtastic · 15/09/2025 20:22

OgdensGoneNutFlake · 15/09/2025 19:10

You can get brilliant bundles on marketplace at this time of year as everyone upgrades their stuff at the end of the season. You will find a whole set up if you spend a few weeks looking (bed, tent, cooking equipment) because people get rid of big bundles for next to no money.
I'm a seasoned camper and if I'm honest , this time of year it's not going to be very enjoyable for you- spend the time over the winter and get yourself ready for next year- i usually make my first trip on the early may bank holiday weather permitting.
You'll find out what you like and then you can buy better stuff as time progresses.

Agreed. Bear in mind that in spring/early summer, the ground can be C-O-L-D at night. It takes a while to warm up!

I went camping with a BF years ago and made up the bed for the night by laying a cotton sheet on the groundsheet, with a duvet over the top. He said "You've never done this before, have you?" 😬

dilemma2516 · 15/09/2025 21:36

Lots of Facebook groups about camping solo or with your dog, try camping canines for next year they had some fantastic events

Tigerthatcameforbrunch · 15/09/2025 22:08

Thanks everyone. Its made me think about things a bit more. I'm not sure I like the idea of leaving my dog at a tent by herself if I have to go to a shower block for example, I think the logistics of being on my own with a dog that I can't leave somewhere safe would make me constantly worried.

I'm not sure I've ever gone for a wee in the middle of the night, but too many mentions of it on this thread have made me think about the potential of how I'd manage doggo.

OP posts:
DinoLil · 15/09/2025 22:18

Borrow a tent and get an electric hook up. The first site I tried hired out all the things needed - lights, connections, a fridge, for just a few pounds for the one night I gave it a whirl.

A year later, £££s, all the kit, massive tent and me, DC and dog were camping all the time!

Wadadli · 15/09/2025 22:19

Tigerthatcameforbrunch · 13/09/2025 16:30

Camping was never one of those things we did as a family growing up. I'm quite outdoorsy and practical. I haven't booked a holiday this year because I've been so put off by the cost (holiday accommodation seems so expensive now, particularly if I want to take my dog which adds £20 a night).

Am I being completely crazy thinking at the age of 40 I can buy a cheap tent and sleeping bag and have a nice time camping just me and the dog? Id aim to do what I'd typically do, walks during the day and pub dinners. But just saving on the accommodation.

Borrow or buy a camp bed that’s off the ground if it’s just you. I stored my belongings beneath it. Decathlon stocks loads of camping gear - we bough an inflatable tent with built in ground sheet plus a separate camping gazebo (again with built in ground sheet) plus kitchen, gas camping stove and garden chairs

We were very cosy on our double blow up mattress (pump from Decathlon) and regular bedding inc base and top sheets plus several crocheted blankets for layering. If camping alone, a sarcophagus sleeping bag (I use a doubled over single flat sheet inside as it can get clammy) will keep you warm

here’s our set up …

Never been camping, AIBU to thing I can give it a go by myself and what do I need to know?
Runssometimes · 15/09/2025 22:23

I always brought the dog with me for night wees. He would wait outside the toilet. He’d never have stayed in the tent on his own and actually learnt to unzip it and I wouldn’t use a tie out stake if we weren’t nearby in case other dogs bothered him so would like to have him close, hence bringing him with me and securing him just outside the showers.
For a shower it’s likely you could ask someone else to keep an eye on him especially if they are queuing. Plenty of friendly folk usually on a campsite if your dog is good with other dogs and people.

We used to find our dog would be adopted by groups of kids anyway and was kept pretty busy fetching balls so as long as there’s one adult keeping an eye and dog is reliable I wouldn’t worry. Also I never showered if it was just one night camping cause I couldn’t be faffed. But that might just be me.

soupyspoon · 15/09/2025 22:26

YANBU to think that you can do it but YABU to want to, previous poster is right, Airbnb all the way

coravantexel · 15/09/2025 22:30

In my experience camping is only really fun if you have all the gear to make it comfortable. So a large, decent tent with enough space for a camp bed or inflatable mattress and living space too. Camping stove, decent lights for inside the tent, a chair to sit on, within reach of hot showers and preferably a kitchen. It can absolutely be a fun and cheap holiday but don’t stint on the bells and whistles.

Itsnottheheatitsthehumidity · 15/09/2025 22:33

My minimum accommodation requirements are a caravan. I grew up going camping because we were poor, and it was shit. You never feel dry or well rested. I’ve been glamping twice as an adult: still shit.

Get a pod or teardrop caravan, far better.

TheWomanTheyCallJayne · 15/09/2025 22:48

Having managed to wee on my pj bottoms/spare thermals last time I was out whilst having a wild wee I’ve invested in a pee bottle so I can just go in my tent.
Not sure I would use it on a campsite surrounded by people though.

hoonoo · 16/09/2025 08:33

go on fb market place and buy a good quality second hand tent, with an awning for the rain. buy a second hand good quality second hand bed mat. buy a new sleeping bag, a 3 or 4 season one. rest you can pick up at charity shops and fb market place but the quality is up to you. the most important thing is to be warm and dry. enjoy! i'd join you!

Entree · 16/09/2025 19:37

The coldest I have ever been, was sleeping on a blow up mattress. It is just cold air beneath you. Horrible.

Grapewrath · 16/09/2025 19:39

I honestly hate camping. I’m so glad my kids are grown and I never have to go again. OP you are not missing out imo

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