Will everyone be able to tell we are camping virgins??

[FeelingOld]

We are going on our first camping trip next Saturday (well used to go as a child but that was a long time ago!!) will everyone else on the site be able to tell we are new to this, will they be pointing and laughing at us??
We have practised putting up the tent and each of the kids have be briefed on which poles to hand to us and when etc so will we look terribly out of place?
Is there anything, apart from the obvious (tent, beds, cooker, coolbox etc) that seasoned campers take or things you do that makes you look and expert at it rather than a newbie?
I am really nervous about it all cos we have spent lots of money on all of the camping stuff which we hope will make our holidays a bit cheaper from now on and I really want this trip to be successful so any tips would be great.

Your post did make me laugh - don't worry, no one is going to stand theree and point and laugh at you on the campsite! They are more likely to ask if you need a hand.

We camped as a family for the first time last year and it was great, going again tomorrow (if I ever get packed!). Have a great time!

Why would anyone care??????

if anything, theey are likely to be aprticularly welcoming and helpful to you- camping types almost always are ime.

We looked as if we were struggling with tent in IoW (we weren't, just with the kids) and the kind lasy next door took the older two (DS3 asleep) off for hot dogs (in full view of us may I add). mping types ar3 excellent!

FeelingOld - we had our first camping trip this weekend, and we made a bit of a hash getting the trailer straight (hadn't accounted for dealing with a slope and blocking the thoroughfare with the car at the same time!)

However, no-one pointed and laughed - instead our "neighbour" came over and helped us hold the camper in place while we sorted out the car and the stabilizing struts. Was fab Of course, when we got new neighbours the next day, we helped them get their awning up - so it all balances out in the end!

Was great fun - can't wait to go again.

We have just done exactly the same we have spent alot of money on all out camping things & are off next sunday for 1 week, we have not even practised put our tent up & i dont care, i dont think people will be pointing & laughing & if they are well i will just invite them over to give us a hand

Although the first time me and DH and some mates went camping about 10 years ago we spent all morning getting the massive frame tent up, all pegged down etc then realised the canvas was actually inside out. When we all starting laughing then started taking it down we got a slow hand clap and much laughter from the campers opposite!

We paid them back by getting smashed and talking and laughing all night!

wouldnt worry at all..we went in may for first trip and believe me after one night you will not be a newbie anymore Everyone tends to be very friendly so dont stress.

We are off for our first trip tomorrow. Hope we do OK!

Oh bless! What a cute question FO!!!

Have a lovely trip!

We had an AMAZING time, Gillian - although we do need more strategies for dealing with the kids during set up/set down and bedtimes as they were quite stressful - otherwise a very enjoyable weekend.

KBear: you weren't at Bracelands this weekend were you - there was a tent opposite us who were smashed and talking all night Friday

(ah just reread and realised you meant 10 years ago... will let you off the hook then )

Glad to hear it, Georgina. I imagine "bedtime" will be quite a loose term, they will be so excited!

Yes - expecting them to sleep before sunset and awake after sunrise is slightly optimistic

georgina - that was in my misspent youth (well, as I say, about 10-12 years ago). I am the grouchy one who likes it quiet now! ha ha

I've seen people who have camped for years do sillier things than first time campers.
Noone will be able to tell.
Just enjoy yourselves!