Anyone camped with their DCs as a sole parent?

[PosiePootlePerkins]

Not sure I've worded that very well, I'm not actually a sole parent but I have a DH who works away a lot of the time. We are just about to buy a campervan, brand new, 4 berth, fridge, hob, grill, heating, toilet. I am hoping to be brave enough to take my two DS away for weekends on my own when DH is working away. I was just wondering if anyone has done this, if they felt happy/confident doing it, and if there are any top tips. We live in Hampshire so can easily access the New Forest, or somewhere along the South Coast. My boys are almost 8 and 13 and are pretty sensible. I'd love to think I can do it, but am a bit apprehensive.

Sorry no advice! But I'm here to bookmark and steal the suggestions as I'm a sole parent planning on taking my 4 camping this summer (age 3-15) we would be tenting it though!

Porpoise that sounds exciting (and very brave!) I have visions of the boys entertaining themselves around the campsite and leaving me to have a peaceful cup of tea and read of my book....it could happen!

With an 8 and 13 yr old? Absolutely!

I've taken 3 of mine, (3, 7, 9) and the only awkward bit is that EVERYONE has to come on the toilet/firewood run.

They were able to hold a tent pole up while I slotted bits together etc.

I have a DH but he's not keen on camping.

Thanks happy! Yes they're pretty independent, I'm thinking if we just go for a night or two we may not shower Good to know you have done it successfully with younger DC.

Yep all the time! Dh is a farmer so is unable to come away with us in the summer - we manage one week away early in the year as a family but I take the dc away a least 3 times on my own. Been doing it for the last 4 years since I youngest was 3 - dc are now 14, 11, 9 and 7.

I always try to choose quiet campsite with basic facilities near a beach or moorland so we can do plenty of walking. Always plan at least one day out to a local attraction and the rest of the time just relax.

The older 2 are great at helping put the tent up and will also take the younger ones to the shower block or toilet if necessary. Food prep and washing up is a group effort and we spend a lot of time in the evening playing card games or ball games or frisbee.

I really enjoy taking the kids away on my own - I find dh tends to be less relaxed than I am when we are away whereas I tend to allow the dc a lot more freedom.

Enjoy your trip!

DH has done it since DD was 3 or 4. He takes a padlock for the tent so she can't escape!

I've been in a tent with DC aged 5 and 8 but camped with a friend and her 2 DC aged 6 and 8. The following year the kids actually helped put up the tents. There's honour amongst campers (one hopes). Camper van much more secure than a tent. I wouldn't wander off to the loos alone in the night though. That's what buckets are for!

• at night that is. He doesn't keep her locked in all the time

Whojamaflip that is very inspiring! Your idea of a good location sounds just like mine. Not a fan of larger busy campsites with 'entertainment '! Card games are up our street too. I'm picturing cosy evenings now!
Thanks for all the replies, it sounds very positive.

Ha ha hair that would be a bit extreme
Fusspot yes I'm hoping I'll feel safe in the van. I think the loo, although basic, will definitely be good for night time wees!

I've done it and in a smaller VW camper with no loo. Kids 5 & 8. It was mostly great fun. Camp sites are generally pretty safe places - fine for them to wander to loos and washing up block together etc. Give them little jobs, get them involved. Also, try to plan in some down time for you so it doesn't turn into a mission. Kids make friends easily on camp sites so they can wander off while you get yourself sorted out to make dinner or sort out the van.

You'll be fine. I tent camped on my own with Dd from when she was about 4yo, then a camper van when she was a bit older, then a caravan.

People on sites are friendly and helpful if you get stuck with anything. My first weekend in the caravan I couldn't work out how to turn the heating on and just asked the neighbour for help.

My tip would be to get breakdown cover. Then if the worst happens you know you'll get rescued.

Karma that's why we decided to get the van now, while the boys still want to come. We have previously camped a lot in our old rusty VW but have been without a van or tent for a couple of years. We since done an all inclusive holiday, and a cruise, and they just keep saying they want to go camping again! I guess my 13 yr old is not your typical teenager (yet) he barely uses social media. They do both love their tablets for games but we'll have power so I guess they'll survive.
Kind of want to seize the day.

At that age absolutely! I have camped alone with a 3 or 4 year old and that was more of a challenge. With two kids when you gets was 4. That wasn't a motorhome either!

Thanks midlife and possum very good to read such positive experiences. I was thinking people are generally helpful and friendly but it still seems a bit of a big step - you have all encouraged me loads

Wolfie so impressed with all of you who have done it with young kids!

OP, once you get your confidence, you could easily go to France for long weekends esp as your in the south.
The app "aires c.car" is very good for finding places to stop with a camper van if you go over.

Yes I camped - in a tent - for the first time as a solo parent last summer (had camped before but with ex). It was fine, if hard work at times. Packing up at the end was tiring but I made the kids (11 and 8) help. If you're struggling to put something up some friendly nearby bloke will probably offer to help.

My 'cheat' for my own sanity was getting takeaways or eating out, not cooking every evening. In a campervan it should be a doddle.

Yes. One night, they were 8 & 6.
Stressful and exhausting. Over my dead body will we ever do that again .

Last summer two of my friends went camping together with their DC (age about 3 - 7). One is a single parent and the others' OH didn't come for whatever reason. From what I heard they had a great time! If you were worrying about coping, maybe you could buddy up with a friend with similar age DC?

At 8 & 13 I'm sure they'll be fine. Guides (10-14) can be taken camping at a ratio of 1:12, if I remember correctly.

Steady on Annette that involves driving on the other side of the road and everything (but mmmm baguettes, croissants, vin rouge, fromage, I could be persuaded!)
Biscuitmillionaire definitely agree about takeaways and eating out. No washing up for one thing!

Will look at that app too, thank you.

Planning is key! Look at places you can stop on the way. Take a frozen spag Bol or similar in a coolbag with milk for the morning. Dinner and morning tea sorted!
If yours bicker a pup tent could be an idea! Also card games or similar for evening entertainment.