Tell me everything about camping...

[MrsPiddlewink]

Somehow I have agreed to going camping this year. I've put it off for about 5 years.

We have nothing.

What are the essentials?

There are 5 of us (DH is very tall) + dog. Kids aged 3 - 9. Will a 5 berth tent be big enough? What features should be looking out for? Do we need a carpet?!

Please give me your tried and tested tips to make this experience as bearable as possible!!

Asda used to sell a stainless steel hip flask for £2

Flipflops/crocs for the showers.

If weather forecast is diabolical pack wellies and rain ponchos as they will save your life

Take squash and refillable drinking bottles. The water supply on site is safe to drink but sometimes the chemical treatment makes it taste a bit funny. Squash will mask this

I tend not to bother cooking at festivals. Food from the stalls isn't particularly budget though (£7-9 a meal typically). I pack copious cereal bars, crisps, biscuits, 2 for £3 cake bites, fruit, crackers etc. Stuff like sealed cheese slices should last a day or two in your porch (under the groundsheet if possible). You could have cereal for breakfast if you can find milk from a supermarket onsite or develop a taste for UHT Boil water on a stove for pot noodles?! It's worth finding out whether there's a Tesco etc on the doorstep to replenish mid-festival (some festivals run shuttle buses).