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Camping

Our UK Camping forum has all the information you need on finding the right equipment for your tent or caravan.

Original poster

Thought camping was meant to be fun

27 replies

Lovemusic33 · 04/08/2019 08:17

We (2 teenage dd's, me and the dog) are camping in Devon, thought it would be great fun, we have a campervan and large tent, all the gear cost me a fortune and I was super excited about using it. We bought ddog camping for the first time.
Dd's refused to help me set up when we are bed due to how warm it was, took me hours to set up by myself. Today I woke up and something has managed to get in my onesie and bite me in a awful place. The dog keeps wrapping his lead around things (the table, camping chairs etc.. ) so I have to keep untangling him. It rained most of yesterday and last night. I didn't pack enough clothes for myself and now I'm wearing the kids clothes. Because it's raining and we have the dog we are limited to where we go. I'm now wondering how we are going to get everything back into the van to come home tonight, we are leaving early as heavy rain is forecast for tonight and tomorrow and I don't fancy packing away a wet tent.

We are camping again In 2 weeks, any tips on making it easier including how to control the dog and stop him getting tangled up every 5 minites?

OP posts:
IfIShouldFallFromGraceWithGod · 04/08/2019 08:19

The idea of taking a dog camping is much more fun than the reality
I would put the dog in kennels for your next trip. Unless it's a walking holiday they restrict you too much

user1474894224 · 04/08/2019 08:23

If teenage kids want to camp they have to help. Setting up a tent is not optional.

Have a plan for each day of somewhere to go, something to do to keep them and you busy - research in advance dig friendly.

The rest you will learn by experience - but cutting your holiday short because of extreme weather is a great lesson you already have.

CherryPavlova · 04/08/2019 08:32

Camping with a tiny tent in a beautiful remote spot when two young things is fun and romantic. Group camping with children’s charities on a sole use site with a planned programme and permanent tents can be fun.
Any other camping is miserable with disturbed nights, constant noise, communal lavatories and showers you have to trudge to in the rain and dampness.

Fairylea · 04/08/2019 08:42

I agree with putting the dog in boarding or having a dog walker come and stay in your house. Sounds like hell! Shock

Strugglingtodomybest · 04/08/2019 08:42

Have you got one of those spikey things for putting into the ground to attach the dog lead to? I don't know what they're called.
One of those, far away enough from the chairs etc should sort out the dog lead problem.

The DD not helping problem could be solved by simply not setting up at all unless they help. You have a van so presumably you can sleep in that? If they want the tent up then they can put it up.

Aquilla · 04/08/2019 08:45

Shorten dog's lead.

LazyFace · 04/08/2019 08:57

Camping is not fun. You need to cook and do the washing up, you're stuck in tent if it's raining and all the indoors entertainment gets booked up quickly. We didn't even take the dog when we went first and last time ever in my life. 4 days of nightmare, cold, rain, discomfort. Sold campervan now. :-)

Original poster
Lovemusic33 · 04/08/2019 09:20

We have a spike tho g to go in the ground for the dog bit can't really put him away from the chairs as our pitch isn't big enough, don't want him roaming onto the next pitch, he's getting caught up as he wants to follow me everywhere, so when I cook he's trying to get under my feet. I know it's all new to him but it's driving me nuts, even on a short lead/chain he's getting tangled up (wrapping it around his leg and then falling over). We don't have much on site for the dc's to do, chose a quiet site as dc's have ASD and the dogs not used to lots of people. We have been here 2 nights, were meant to be staying 3 but die to the rain comming in later we will leave early evening (if I last that long).
Kids have moaned a lot, there's not much light on site so it's a case of going to sleep when it gets dark and getting up at stupid o clock every morning.

It all jist seems like a lot of hassle for a couple nights away. I feel damp, smelly and itchy (thanks to whatever bit me).

OP posts:
tinkywinkyshandbag · 04/08/2019 19:40

A big stuffed king or bone for the dog to chew when you need him to be occupied, or a playpen? A campsite with a club or a games room can be good for teenagers or camp with friends with similar aged kids and have barbecues, do a rota so the kids have to share the washing up. Take lots of cards/games, play for matchsticks or pennies, have plenty of treats to cook over the fire or even on a gas flame like like marshmallows or peanut butter and chocolate in a tortilla, go out for fish and chips if it's raining... camping is fun but it can be hard work. Other adults and lots of wine help a lot!

stucknoue · 04/08/2019 19:44

In Devon lots of places allow dogs in, ours loves tea rooms! We have a screw in thing and 5m lead but mostly just trust him, he doesn't go far - at night he sleeps with me

Sunandrainallconfusedhere · 04/08/2019 19:46

To the new neighbours on our campsite that starts with P, if that's your bloody yappy ddog please shut it up.. It may suffer a misfortune if I see it alone....
Angry

Missillusioned · 04/08/2019 19:47

Tell the kids to take the dog for a walk while you're cooking.

But in my experience camping with children without at least one other adult is boring and lonely.

umberellaonesie · 04/08/2019 19:52

pin.it/p2hdqfjdqe6x35
We use a zip line for the dog. Two spiky things, tether rope taught between them, short lead on tether. They can move the length of the tether up and down instead of out.

fedup21 · 04/08/2019 19:53

Nothing about your description sounds fun!

growlingbear · 04/08/2019 19:56

Thought camping was meant to be fun

Where on earth did you get that idea?

Last night DH and I went out into the countryside for a romantic picnic. We were walking through the heather with the sun setting, watching the wildlife and I got the teensiest urge to camp and said: 'Do you ever fancy getting a sleeping bag and camping out here. he said, 'Nah.'

I was so relieved. The idea is lovely - the starlight, the fresh air etc. the reality is always a shit night's sleep, clothes damp from condensation and beasties biting bits no one should find except you.

Original poster
Lovemusic33 · 04/08/2019 22:08

I’m glad I’m not the only one that doesn’t find it much fun.

We are now home, I have had a nice long soak in the bath. Tempted to sell all the camping gear and book a holiday in a nice hotel.

I think I need a zip line, in the end I attached the extendable leat to the tether but he still kept getting tangled up, he then developed the urge to chase any bird that landed near by 😡.

I have learnt a lot, I will do things differently on our next trip, take less stuff, not going to bother with the electric cool box because it kept nothing warm and I had to chuck all our food away (ended up having to buy Burger King in the way home).

I sleep in the van so a bit better than the tent but still got eaten by bugs.

OP posts:
Sunandrainallconfusedhere · 04/08/2019 22:22

Df (Disney Father) rocked up at quiet now campsite at 9 pm, started kicking a ball around, closed his hired van door 15 times in the first half hour...

Original poster
Lovemusic33 · 04/08/2019 22:31

That’s another thing, you can hear every little noise and no one has any consideration for others on site.

We were lucky we had quiet neighbours, then a caravan turned up, 7am they decided to vacuum the caravan and then it started leaking waste from their toilet 🤢

OP posts:
bookmum08 · 04/08/2019 22:45

Could you get some windbreakers to build fence around your pitch to keep the dog in if you take him next time. Also a garden gazebo to sit under when it's raining gives you an extra 'room' - you can even get sides to add to it.
Camping does kind of suck when it's raining though.

Titsywoo · 04/08/2019 22:48

We have fun camping but only because we go in a massive group of friends so the kids have other kids they know to hang out with and they get freedom to run around while we all get pissed Grin

RosaWaiting · 04/08/2019 22:48

Your dc wanted to go but refused to help?

converseandjeans · 04/08/2019 22:53

Could you get pop up tent for the kids?
Also don't try to cook every meal - lots of campsites will be selling pizza or fish & chips this time of year. Buy lunch from Aldi or somewhere like that.
Take cards & games to play.
Go to a site with a communal area/room or some sort of clubhouse. Somewhere to head to in the evening. Cornwall is v dog friendly & you could take dog in cafes.
Perhaps leave dog with dog sitter?

Original poster
Lovemusic33 · 05/08/2019 14:54

Rosa no, one of my kids didn’t want to go, the youngest wanted too bit she’s severely autistic (both have autism and dyspraxia) so I kind of knew I would have to set up on my own.

OP posts:
AmarilloVan · 07/08/2019 21:57

We hook the dog's lead onto the tow bar; just remember to unhook before you drive off Confused

IWantMyHatBack · 10/08/2019 22:12

With the dog - set up a windbreak in a right angle on the front of your pitch, then put the tether right in the corner, and have him on a short lead. Even on a small pitch you should have enough room for that. It's also useful for shade