Is it really stupid to go camping/glamping end of February?

[angel1976]

Ok, never camped before and actually never considered it. I need the loo in the middle of the night and camping is NOT conducive to that need of mine!

However, I do have two boys (almost 5 and 3) who would LOVE it. And friends who won't stop recommending it. So I kinda would like to try a compromise, which is basically hiring a yurt in the middle of a campsite. Ok, ok, call it glamping or whatever...

DS1's 5th birthday falls on the weekend of half-term (the end-Feb end), was thinking of booking this yurt on a campsite not too far from us for 2 nights just as a 'trial'. Is that a really bad idea? In the past years, his birthday has always had brilliant sunshine and almost spring weather. But I've gone and jinxed it now haven't I? I would have considered the Easter holidays but of course, anything from end-March onwards is already fully booked up...

I need some advice from those who have braved it in the colder months? Is it really that bad if it rained? As long as it didn't flood? Thanks!

We were definitely up for doing that, also in Feb half term, even if it snows, and have only bailed on the idea due to lack of funds.

I think if you go prepared then you'll be fine - waterproofs, woollies, etc. It absolutely pissed it down when we went camping in August but we knew it would so we were fine, if a little muddy.

Yurts definitely sound fun.

I wouldnt, but then i live in the south west and it has snowed either the week before,during or the week after my sons birthday every year since he was born, so for the past 8yrs. I imagen it would be quite uncomfortable camping in snow!

His birthday falling in half term week btw!

I take a bucket. I say it is for the dc so we don't have to walk to the loos a few times in the night, but it is also for me!
I love camping but refuse to leave the tent in the night to walk to the loo. Bucket serves a purpose!

Camping then should be fine, Make sure you take plenty of blankets, good sweepings bags, lots of layers to wear and hats too. You can always take them off if too warm but nothing worse than being cold.

sleeping bags even
Should learn to read through posts!

Ok, I called the campsite and even though they re-assured me that the yurts are very warm when it is cold, they also have availability in the Easter holidays so I might wait till then to go. Not that I think April is a guarantee of great weather but I am hoping the days are longer anyway...

Kahlua A bucket sounds like a good idea... Thank you! Yes, that walk in the dark never appealed... :)

In my opinion ... Too cold! We went in march in dorset and took duvets, blankets, very warm clothing and slept with 5 of us huddled together and it was ok, but anything exposed to the air, eg nose and face, were freezing! It ment poor nights sleep and then grumpy adults and kids in the day as tired! Kids were 5,3 and 18month. The little one was cosied up to me most nights.

We went camping for the first week of Easter holidays last year and ice formed on the inside of the tent. Temperature down to minus five. Big slippy patch of ice outside the door too where we'd emptied the kettle.... We went prepared with full thermals 3 season sleeping bags for everyone etc and it was ok but not the best fun we have ever had camping. We are pretty die hard campers but I wouldn't go again if predicted to be that cold at night. Bucket is a good idea but imo the hardest thing is getting out of your sleeping bag at all when its that cold.

We've booked to go in mid-April for 3 nights. It could be the start of a love affair or the end of our camping adventure before it even starts! Thank you for all your comments. I don't think I am hard enough for Feb afterall... Apparently, it will be bluebell season in the woods so would be lovely.

Utter madness.

Sorry that was about camping in Feb. We went for first time in August and it was too cold. Even our keeno camping friends wouldnt camp in Feb

Dont they use Yurts in some very cold contrys???
I feel if you have the right equimpment you will be fine.
I am sure the Yurt owner will have it heated with a big fire etc, keep the fire on all night if its allowed? it will be a big adventure, take plenty of family games go out at night and look at the stars, No wellys as they just make kids feet cold.
We once bought a £100 caravan to try it out, cleaned its and fixed a few bits, went away Twice in Feb, once in march then bought a proper one, we were fine even though we had a leaky roof!
If you are worried the owner shoudl be able to advise best, I would just go for it summers too short and too wet

zumo Yes, the yurts at the campsite we are looking at are all either felt or wool-lined and the guy I spoke to on the phone said it does get too warm in there during the summer and they have to removed the top bit (whatever you call it) so air circulates! And yes, you can have a fire in there etc as well.

And we only have to bring the kids' duvets as the king size bed in there will have all proper sheets/duvets, we will be thoroughly spoilt! A friend of mine just booked to go in a smaller 'wagon' (just her and her daughter) that they have kitted out at the same campsite for the same period and we are trying to get another two families to come so it will be great regardless hopefully! :) Thanks for all your comments, very helpful.

DS and I camped last Easter and the temp dropped to -2 overnight. I don't generally feel the cold but I was very pleased when 9yr old DS crawled into the bottom of my sleeping bag to warm me himself up.

I'm to say that when he woke up in the middle of the night for a wee, I sent him out by himself because I wouldn't couldn't get out of my sleeping bag.

We had to abandon the tent for the second night and upgraded to a wooden pod which was fabulous.

The friends who we went with have suggested bypassing the tent and just booking the pods this year.