Camping questions, please give your best tips, answers and recommendations!

[Peanutbutterfingers]

After a few weekends in a dome tent the 5yo and I are planning our first Big Adventure this summer. I've my eye on a tent with more space.

Up till now I've just used disposable bbqs, I'm pretty nervous about using gas. Is it worth taking an electric hot plate? If so does it need to be outside or off ground? (Hoping to use fire bowl and grill most of time but I'm a planner/worrier)

If I really have no choice but to cook with gas again do I have to raise it off ground? Do I need windbreak?

Will a slow cooker run off electric hook up? Do I risk burning tent down if I leave it on while we're out at beach all day?

Any other top tips? We're going to Norfolk as we ALWAYS go to Wales with family and I want to explore somewhere new. I have a teeny tiny car and plan a teeny tiny roof box and am prioritising lots of fleece blankets, electric cool box for tonic water and board games for the bored child in the rain.

This will be our first proper holiday without another adult. Please help make it good experience and first of many memories:)

I can't imagine slow cooking while camping! But we've never had a hook up. Barbecue all the way ( bucket or disposable). My main memory of camping with a little one was that she really enjoyed playing with all the other kids, and they all had water pistols! Enjoy the time with your little one.

There's no need to be nervous about using gas. You could buy a small one ring stove that runs off canisters, or a larger camping stove with more than one burner if you think you'll need it. They don't need to be raised off the ground unless you want them to be and I manage fine without a windbreak. Don't be tempted to cook inside the tent. A gazebo or tarp is handy as an outdoor shelter for cooking when the weather isn't so good.

I don't know about electric hook up as I never have it.

We mostly do barbecues and used to use disposables but now have a small bucket barbecue. It's handy to chuck a fire log into when we've finished cooking so we can have a campfire with no hassle. One thing to bear in mind when you've been out and about all day is to get the barbecue on in plenty of time when you get back. Mine always takes longer than I think it will to be ready to cook.

I camp on my own with DS sometimes. It's lovely (but I do end up going to bed very early without another adult to sit and chat with). I try to take some crafty stuff to keep us occupied in the tent - so far this year I've stashed away a painting by numbers and a kid's sewing kit.

This is the kind of thing you need. They're cheap, compact and easy to operate, you just clip the canister in and turn the knob.

We've used them on the ground, they have a large footprint so you can put a frying pan or kettle on them without toppling. The case makes a handy windbreak.

My best tip is take chairs, not stools, so you can sit upright in comfort. There is only so long you can squat, sit on the ground or lay down for. Get the best folding chair you can afford or a moon chair. If it were just me and DS I would be happy sitting up in the evening with a few glasses of and my Kindle Paperwhite.

Thank you, don't know why I'm so put off by gas, I use it at home! Good idea to go for a cheaper one while I get my hand in.

Yes yes to chairs, craft supplies and kindle. Quite used to no adult company but live in flat so looking forward to reading outside in evenings :)