Help! Camping wishlist to convince dw that camping is fun

[Dad257]

After 15 years marriage and 3 dcs (aged 5,3,2) I've convinced my dw that we should go on our first ever camping trip - it will be a 3 day trip. Money is as tight as money ever is ... the pitch is paid for - and I need to get kit.

I can borrow a skandia tunnel tent (not sure what model number) but I need to buy the rest - the site has central bathrooms and a central electricity point but I need the rest.

I've always rambled on about how much I love camping but I've never tried it with children and I really want this to be a success. What do I absolutely have to buy ? And any tips on making it fun for us all ? THANK YOU !

Blanket/duvet on top of the air bed.. Not under it. The air in the bed cools down overnight and makes you darn chilly!

I always make chilli/casserole for first 2 nights one frozen and defrosting Slowly under the bag of ice cubes that keeps wine and gin cold. I make a hot choc mix with cocoa, icing sugar, White choc buttons and marshmallows all in a tin for DCs. This only ever comes out on camping trips. :))

An insulated mug keeps coffee warm and I can't do evenings without a scarf and wooly hat. Even in summer. Even in France

I don't deal well with the campsite showering thing, so I now take super luxury shower gel and shampoo. A small cost that makes a huge difference, perhaps you could pack something to surprise DW?