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.

nah, they're just a quite mad

Go for it! I have been taking my DC camping on my own for about 7 years now! We now camp for about 3 weeks every summer.

It has got easier as the DC have got older but my tips for camping with toddler especially if you're alone would be choose a site with either family bathrooms/showers (I can suggest a few in Dorset but not sure where you are). A family bathroom with bath is uber fab for tots that hate showering. Also the space is much needed in a shower cubicle when showering with a toddler. I think most mum campers have experienced the misery of showering and then attempting to get both of you dry in a tiny cubicle!! I am a bit sad because I have even gone to point of sewing elastic loops onto the towels I take camping to help maximise the use of the hooks in the cubicle and avoid the towels falling on wet floor!! I just find it makes life ALOT easier! Also with tots - a towelling dressing gown is sometimes easier than getting them dressed in the shower - walk back to the tent and get dressed there!

Also take some "indoor" type toys like colouring, magic painting books, perhaps even some lego or playmobilor whatever keeps them amused as home etc. If the weather is pants and outdoorsey stuff is off the agenda an you are tent bound - it will be needed. I have a camping toy pack - My DC now know I have one but when they were small I kept it a "secret" so it kept maximum novelty value when needed on wet days etc. I also introuce its contents gradually not all in one go! I also use the toys for when I want a little bit of chill out time just reading the paper sat outside the tent etc!!

I would also consider a site with a bus stop very close by if you will be left with no transport.

Go and enjoy!! Its fab! Some of the best memories I have of years gone by with DC have been our camping memories!

You will love it - take lots of wine and books for evening

Sounds great to me. I wanted to do similar this summer - DH and I are taking it in turns to take leave from work to cover the school hols. I thought we could book six weeks camping somewhere local and just live there for the summer, taking it in turns to go to work. DH vetoed me though

Some fantastic tips there, thanks Slummymummy. The thought of family bathroom never occurred to me, but makes sense. The only problem there is that I prefer small sites, which tends to have basic facilities. I'll have a look anyway, as that would be ideal.

We're in SE London, so Kent ideal, but also looking at surrounding areas.

Neenz, books and wine right up there with tent on packing list.

I've done it, and it was the first time I've ever been camping (apart from as a child myself) and in a place extremely lacking in amenities! (No toilets, no showers, no shops in walking distance)Took my DD who was 20 months at the time, went on PT, carrying everthing including DD, and stayed four nights in torrential rain, the tent was uprooted twice We survived, and it was even fun in parts

Rofl. I'd have given up by then! Do you still camp?

Whoo hoo, got confirmation re a week's camping at Welsummer! Thanks again, Doozle.

Ah brilliant, they are lovely there. Know it's not quite the ethos of camping but they even make you nice coffees and bacon sandwiches in the morning if you want them.

When you going?

We'll be going back there this summer at some point.

YANBU

Sounds ideal.

I have had many extended camping trips with DS, since he was a baby, and all have gone without serious disaster.

Well, proper camping or not, if there are coffee and bacon sandwiches going, I'm most definitely not going to say no. I'll do marshmallows for proper camp food... We're going first week in July.

I'm surprised at how many people have done this and more and loved it. Pleasantly surprised, of course, but still.

Had a little chuckle at your "without serious disaster", overmydeadbody.