Camping "essentials" list

[insertimaginativeusername]

Who can help me write up a list of all things we'll need for camping with 2 under 5?

I say "essentials" as I'm not a wild camper so like some luxuries.

We used to camp pre kids so packing really only consisted of beers and freezing BBQ food to cook when it had defrosted on the journey . Now we're planning to take the children I'm thinking things like a hook up fridge/coolbox, table and chairs etc...

What's your must have items for camping with young children?

Not sure if anyone's mentioned it but the one thing I'd add is those very thin travel towels. They dry you surprisingly well and don't take long to dry out when you hang them up. Also fold up small. We all have the same type with our initials embroidered on the corner!

Not sure if it’s been mentioned but we got a thin door mat. We put it outside the tent door and then the kids stand/sit on it to put their crocs/wellies on/off. The rule is no dirty shoes on it and it adds an extra barrier to keep socks and the tent dry. We always take both wellies and crocs-if there’s long grass then it can be wet with dew on the early morning loo run and the wellies keep the PJ bottoms dry!

We've got decathlon microfibre towels so will be taking those.

Will look for a cheapy door mat

Last minute shopping... do people use those insulated (thin, silver) mats to keep warm?

We have self inflating mats but I’m worried we will get cold. Is it worth getting insulating mats to go on top of the self inflating mat to reflect body heat?

Or does anyone put anything between the mat and the groundsheet to stop the cold coming through?

This is Cornwall, not the arctic but I do get cold and then can’t sleep.

Oh and do we really need a portable loo?!?

I've never used the foil blankets. We have a campervan now but when we used to camp in a tent, we'd just take our duvet and blankets and be nice and cosy!
We managed for years without a toilet, however now I have one I'd find it hard to go without. Its the middle of the night and early morning wees that are tricky!

Not used insulated sheets but for me a toilet is essential! I've never fancied trekking across a field getting cold and my eldest is a very heavy sleeper so having a toilet close to hand allows her to go straight back to bed still half asleep.

Insect repellent:
We use roll on MosiGuard. It is natural but fully effective.

Some essential ‘do and don’t ‘ tips:

The roll on repellent is because it is best not to use any aerosols in your tent. The residue can seriously increase the flammability of your tent, and may affect the waterproofing.

If you use one of the ‘suitcase’ stoves with the aerosol style gas, study the safety instructions carefully. Do not use a big pan that can cause the flame to spread out this heating the canister, and don’t put two up against each other so that the canister vents get obstructed.

No bubbles! Kids blowing detergent on to tents destroys the waterproofing.