To consider camping on my own for a week with a young toddler

[MisSalLaneous]

In summer, of course!

Well, dh not too keen on using annual leave for longer camping in UK, but is happy to go for a weekend or two.

After our first attempt at camping last year (Blackberry Wood, so small site), I can't wait for summer to return and am currently looking at booking places.

I'm a SAHM, so don't have to be at home. So, except for both ds and myself missing dh, are there many downsides to going camping on a Saturday, with dh helping setting up the tent etc, him returning home for work for the week, and then joining us again next weekend?

Ds will be 2.5 at the time and is very active and adaptable. We travel relatively often, so the change of scenery won't upset him at all.

AIBU? Should I stick to weekend camping instead? It won't be the end of the world, of course, but I'm tempted by the chance to have a longer holiday and I love nature.

NO! although i wouldn't be brave enough to do it

Sounds lovely! Go for it!

yanbu

Phew, I was bracing myself for some "are you insane" comments, taking into account that this doesn't just hit the Camping posters, who are all crazy nice. ;)

Choufleur, that is my main worry, really - I know it doesn't make sense to be scared, nothing will happen etc etc, but I'm nervous. I've been on my own for a couple of weeks with ds before whilst dh on business trips, but that was always either at home or on holiday, but staying at my parents'.

I don't drive, but don't think that will be too much of an issue in the UK.

Has anyone here done this before? Gone on their own with a child / children?

YANBU

tbh cyrling up in a tent for aweekwith Bas in the summer sounds lovely

Any ideas where you might head?

Yes I'd go for it but would choose a site where you're likely to be around other families too.

Peachy, was just asking your opinion on PN thread too! Oh, that is so good to hear.

I have no idea really. I loved Blackberry Wood, loved the privacy, peacefulness, how simple and back to nature it all was. However, I've been thinking - maybe a field type would be better when we're on our own so that I don't get too scared? What do you think? I'm looking through Cool Camping with Kids at the moment, they all look great though.

I don't think you're unreasonable but I do think you're nuts!

Ah, Doozle, cross post. Yes, that's what I wondered about. Do you mean to feel safer, or do you think the children would mix? I'd love it if ds could play with other families, but wouldn't want to intrude if uninvited.

You could try Welsummer Camping in Kent - you can have campfires there like Blackberry Wood but it is in a field rather than enclosed pitches. There's a sandpit etc for little kids. Very nice site, only has around 10 pitches.

BelleDameSansMerci.

Ooh, that sounds perfect. We're SE London, so Kent ideal. Off to search now, thanks.

MisSal, suppose for both reasons you mentioned.

I'd feel safer knowing someone was camping next to me, particularly during the week when it will be quieter than at weekends. At Blackberry Wood, you do feel a little isolated (even though people aren't that far).

And yes also for company, and friends for your DS.

Welsummer was great - all the kids played together and spent hours running around the field in circles! All in view of your tent as well so good for keeping an eye on them since your DS is only 2.5.

Welsummer looks great and reviews consistently good, so that's definitely one I'm considering, thanks Doozle.

Supersalstrawberry, your camping weekends sound lovely. My friends either work or won't do camping (I think), but I might try and persuade them to join one weekend, as the idea is tempting. I don't ever do holidays with others (exclude visiting family, obviously), but camping a more social and relaxing activity anyway, so I can see how that could be great.

Would love to join mn meetup if there is another one this year.

I'd love to do that, only negative I can think of is never being alone or having someone to "mind him while I just.." IYSWIM.
But I suppose the biggest part of that is in erecting the tent, which you will already have done when DH there.
Good luck!

Iggi, yes, I don't mind the never being alone bit (says she now...), but realise that the showering / bathroom thing might be a bit of a struggle. He hates showering, but perhaps I can bribe teach him over the coming months to enjoy it (we always have a bath together, you see), so that he can just come in with me.

The tent would have been my downfall, but as long as that is done, I should be able to do the rest. I'm good with starting fires.

Sounds lovely. Go for it

I think you're mad because for me camping is hell on earth, but you're not unreasonable.

I think it's a great idea. I used to camp with my dad when little and those are still my fondest memories! It will be a great adventure for him.

Fantastic, thanks for your input, everyone.

I've just sent a booking request to Welsummer, so fingers crossed for availability.

I've taken my dd camping a couple of times. She's older so watching her constantly isn't an issue. Go for it and enjoy it.

do it i take my dc camping regulary they love it bit easier now as ds1 and ds2 are old enough to be usefull

It always makes me smile when married/paired up people talk about having to do stuff on their own - the lone parents never do it any other way!