Thinking of going camping for the first time...top tips needed

[jofeb04]

Hiya

Both myself and dh are really thinking of going camping (after seeing a load of people camping whilst in a local country park).

But, we haven't got a tent or anything tbh! First trip is without our dc, thinking of Brecon or Gower (pritty local to me).

So, what do we need?

Thanks

I'm so excited looking at tents etc and the thought of going! I'm acting like a big kid!

Forgot to say, would you got with a 3year old and an almost 2year old?

We have just got back from a weekend in the Forest of Dean with our 3.10 and 1.4 yo ds's. Once you get into the swing of it camping with kids is great fun. They love being outdoors and sleeping (or not!) in the tent.

The main things you need are : Tent, groundsheet, airbeds, sleeping bags, cooker, kettle, pans & cutlery, water carrier, chairs & table..... the list really can go on depending on how luxurious you want your camping to be!

You will get huge scary lists on here so be prepared I would recommend that if this is your first time then try and borrow as much as possible to see if you enjoy it before shelling out and buying it all yourself.

I always add a bucket with a lid to these lists for night-time wees

that my list you're referring to dustystar?

there are lots of threads recently on here about this very topic - have a scroll down - you might even come across my list!

Of course lucycat Naturally i agree with your list 100%

it scares me too tbh - but it's all essential

Have a look here jofeb04 for a recent thread on what you need.

Surprisingly lucycat's list isn't on this one

Or here is a thread with lucycat's fully comprehensive list

Thanks for that. Great list Lucy!!

Question about the tent. Is the more expensive the tent, the better that the tent is? Or is it more concerning brand names? (Hoping that it makes sense!)

No not at all! Sure there are some very expensive tents out there which will last 10 years plus, but some like the Vango Breckenridge - not a cheap tent were all recalled earlier this year as they leaked!

Your best bet is to go for what you can afford - check out the reviews on ukcampsite and try to look round some 'in the flesh' if you can.

and yes your kids are just the right age - try to go for one where you can all sleep in the smae bedroom - or at least one with a divider curtain so you can get to them if they wake up without having to crawl across a dark and cold tent!