First time camping - what do we need?

[Lawnpop]

I think camping is the only type of holiday we will be able to afford this summer. DH has bought a tent in the sale but what else do we need? We are a bit clueless. Our kids are 5 and 2. Please can anyone share a list of must have equipment and any other camping top tips. Thank you!

You need a lot of equipment to camp with kids.... Its not as cheap as it first seems. I think airbeds are key and lots of blankets to keep warm. In fact I always take my duvet. Being cold and camping is hell on earth. Also consider getting a little portable loo, so you don't have to get up and go outside at 3am with a kid that wants a wee. A stove is a must too.

There's a whole industry of camping supplies and it's possible to get a bit overwhelmed. I'd say keep it simple and celebrate the fact it's living a different way for a week or two. Your kids are rhe perfect age to enjoy the adventure.

Two ring cooker with grill (plus gas); travel cot (can double as playpen when you’re cooking); folding chairs; table; small tables; coolbox; flip flops/crocs for easy night wees.

If you’re using air beds, get those foil blankets for underneath. With air beds, I use fitted sheets and duvets. Extra fleece blankets for when you’re sitting outside.

Do sleeping bags not keep warm enough then? This was my worry about camping, all the stuff that’s needed but DH insists the boys are going to love it and this is the future for our holidays! Good point about loo trips in the night.

A hotel

Selling sites will be your friend here , or else it'll cost a fortune .

Sorry!
Staying warm was always my biggest issue, sleeping on top of warm blankets, as well as plenty to put over you is a must.
Sliders rather than flip flops for the shower and trips to the loo first thing.

A decent tent? Check how waterproof!!
Sleep! It’s cold at night. And air beds aren’t great. We used camp beds. You need layers. Proper sleeping bags. Check ratings. I have been known to wear hats and gloves or bed socks too. Blankets.
Eating! Cooking and sitting to eat. I must have tea in the morning so we had electric hook up and camping kettle.
Can you borrow some stuff to make it less of an investment?

@crosbystillsandmash

A hotel

You might have a point

Also how big is the tent ? Can you loan any air beds ?

Before you go and buy a million things ask around friends if they have any bits to lend you for the week. Otherwise it will cost a fortune.

But things we always bring are

Tents
Chairs
Camping table
Bedding (we just use duvets and blankets)
Cooking bits (we usually bbq, but all the plates, washing up bowls, cutlery, etc)
Wellies
Flipflops
Really warm clothes for nights
Sunscreen
First aid box
Then lots of things to keep the dc entertained like balls, kites, games, etc.

I take my mattress topper and put camping mats underneath. It is really comfortable. I hate airbeds they deflate due to the cold and they are freezing. I also just find them odd to sleep on. I just use my quilt and blankets.

I think being organised is key and makes it more enjoyable. So different boxes for different things. A rucksack each for toiletries etc for walks to the shower block. Easy shoes to slip on and off on site etc

I don't actually think camping works out cheaper than a couple of nights in a travelodge.

We're in the same position op! I have just ordered four camping chairs and a folding table from millets in the sale. Keeping my eye on Facebook marketplace for some bargains, we got our tent from there.

I agree as PP said the first couple of nights you need to acclimatise. That's why most people say they hate camping and can only handle a night or two. I like this period of transition and by the fourth night I don't want to go home.

Yes but I wouldn't want to stay in a Travelodge. Some people like camping. I know it's hard to get your head around I don't go because it's cheap.

Last year I went camping and then tagged a couple of days at the end in a spa hotel. I couldn't wait to leave the hotel and won't do that again this year.

Are you camping in the UK? There will be lots of great answers on this board but as a starting point:

(Also consider the size of your car before you start shopping. None of this has to be top-end expensive kit and if you look on eBay/marketplace you'll likely find lots of kit for sale.)

Something to sleep on/in. Airbeds are cheap, self-inflating matresses are more comfortable but bulkier and expensive, foam mats are cheap and might be ok for the kids for a night or two. Camp beds seem popular on here but obviously big to pack.

Something under your airbed/mat insulates you from the cold ground and helps to keep you warmer at night - foam mats or plastic/foiled bags picnic blankets. Some people like sleeping bags, others take duvets, pillows, blankets.

Something to sit on - Camping chairs and a table. Spending a weekend sitting on a picnic blanket isn't fun.

Eating Something to eat and something to cook it on! The briefcase stoves are ideal for simple meals. Take lots of snacks and think about things that you can just heat up. A cool box and some extra ice packs (check the site but many will have a freezer so you can freeze packs and then swap them each day). Plate, cups, cutlery, a sharp knife could be all be things that you have at home. A couple of pans.

If you'll have electric you need a special cable to run it to the tent. If you do have electric take a cheap kettle - much quicker in the morning for a cuppa.

Lighting Campsites get dark at night - stupidly I never thought about that the first time we went! Some lamps that you can have in the tent and then some torches for bathroom trips. Head torches are fun for the children.

Other random essentials that are in our camping kit:
Card games, a couple of puzzle books, something to keep the kids amused if they wake early, wellies/flip flips/crocs , boxes of wine, mozzie spray/citronella candles, suncream, bin bags, spare clothes that stay in the car so can't get wet, matches, washing up stuff including a couple of bowls, antibac wipes, kitchen roll, toilet roll, first aid kit...

I'm sure there's loads more. We camp regularly and I love buying camping kit and gadgets but you don't need a huge amount to get started.

Dont be tempted by childrend novelty sleeping bags, they need proper warm ones. Although the ready beds with extra covers can be good for toddlers to stop them rolling off.

Practice camping in the garden before you go, or at least putting the tent up.

You'll need...
Somewhere to sleep
Somewhere to sit
Stuff to cook with
Stuff to eat off
Something to keep fresh food cool
Something to keep other food safe from insects and animals
Stuff to keep you warm.

We can camp with all our stuff in bags on our backs, or with a car full to the rafters plus trailer and roof box. There's various levels of comfort.

We will be camping in the UK, probably somewhere on the south coast. I’ll be looking for somewhere with a decent toilet block and electric points. We already have some of the stuff mentioned. We have done travel lodge type trips but my boys love being outside and have so much energy I do think they’ll love camping. We are pretty outdoors people so I don’t think it will be too much of a shock. But I do need a warm shower.

Have you looked at ReadyCamp? Good choice of holidays around £220 Mon-Fri for up to 6 people, real beds, electricity and everything you need except bedding.

I’ll never do “real” camping again

You'll need a electric hook up cable.

Camping is ace! Take self inflating mats and then a duvet/mattress topper on top. Then sleeping bags and another duvet if poss. Aside from that, all you really need is camping chairs, a table and something to cook on. Also take a rechargeable lantern for in the tent at night. Torches are quite annoying coz they jiggle about when you point them. The kids will have an absolute blast. Pre prepare some food to heat and take dry pasta to cook on. Makes it easier. All other stuff you can get bit by bit as you get more into it. Be warned tho, the kids go wild and don’t go to bed til late. They have so much fun.