First camping experience…. Tips

[fruitfly3]

Intended to be lighthearted. In a moment of enthusiasm, I’ve booked for me and my two children to join a large group of campers / glampers in May. We’ve booked a pod which has a light and a socket but nothing else. I don’t need a tent but do need bedding and all the other bits. I have absolutely nothing, am a bit freaked out by camping generally and don’t cope well with grime at all 😆 (genuine OCD). I want to try and make this light and fun for the children (it’s 💯 for them) but I’m generally not a light / fun kinda gal. How can I make the kit side of things easy? I’m thinking camping mat for the floor, raised cots, sleeping bags, collapsible crates etc. The car is 200m away and I’ll be carrying everything there myself. I don’t mind throwing a bit of money at it to buy some comfort - don’t want to buy tatt and only want the essentials. Please help lovely mumsnet campers!

What is a ‘pod’? Like a cabin?

In which case I’d consider just taking your normal duvet, pillows etc. if you do need sleeping bags get three-weather first as last and the sleeping bag liners which are far easier to wash / keep clean. Instead of roll mats you might want to consider inflatable camping mattress for better comfort.

take extra blankets to be cosy, and a big coat/camping chair for nights by the fire and to keep you off the floor.

have some hand sanitizer to hand and loo roll - it’s most certainly provided if glamping. wet wipes are your friend even if there are decent showers. I’d try and be easy going outside of the pod but have a wipe your hands / remove shoes in the pod if this will get you down.
Some crocs or flipflops to slip on and off easily to get in/out the pod (hence the baby wipes)

you probably want a cool bag and to check if the site has switchable ice packs. You’ll still need your own torch (as well as a phone one).

consider a little trolley carrier thing to help move your stuff (and keep your stuff together in the pod)

Glow sticks, sparklers, and toasting marshmallows for your dc!

Take your kettle, mugs and sachets of hot chocolate

If treating yourself to a sleeping bag, look at “The Beast” - it’s the best sleeping bag I’ve ever had. I am a side sleeper, and I can actually sleep on my side in this, plus it’s actually warm.

With camping it’s always a toss up between comfort and how much stuff you actually want to take with you and have to pack away etc. if you can park next to your pod, take all the creature comforts. If you have to park away and walk, invest in a decent trolley!

Fan heater. But check what power rating the electric is. Using it on 1kw setting is normally fine.

Brilliant - thank you. Next stop is to check out ‘the beast’ @Tillow4ever thank you 😆. @Forgottenmyphone yes!! I actually marshmallow toasting candles already - about the only thing I do have. On the list, great shout.

One of those pull along trolleys could be useful to transport your things and useful in the future for beach days etc I bought a beast with thick sturdy wheels off Amazon for about £80 last year. (Beware of the ones that have literally shopping trolley style ones).

Take layers - leggings/shorts/t shirts/hoodies/fleeces. Don’t bother with pjs just sleep in joggers and a hoody easy then to nip out to the shower block and you feel more ‘presentable’ first thing in the morning. Take crocs or easy to put on footwear no one wants to messing about lacing up shoes if the kids need the loo

Take hot water bottles even May which can be beautiful in the day can get chilled at night.

Depending on room in your car I wouldn’t bother buying loads of sleeping gear in case you never camp again just take your winter duvets/fleece or brushed cotton bedding and climb in to the popper end it keeps the heat but not as restrictive as a sleeping bag.

If you have yoga mats/ play foam squares they will work well as an insulated base and then either inflatable beds or camp beds - kids don’t tend to feel as uncomfortable as we do as adults!

Take lots of bags for life - great for wet and muddy clothing and towels, toys and storage.
Don’t forget folding camp chairs too for sitting out and a picnic blanket.
Pack everyone’s clothes in a backpack each so kids can help carry things.

Other than that just go with the flow don’t bother with bedtimes it makes it too stressful and don’t be put off forever if you don’t sleep well it generally can take a couple of nights to feel settled.
Howver it goes it will be an adventure and one you can either look back on as the start of a new love of camping or a disaster that you can laugh at!

We take fleece blankets which can be useful in the evening if you’re all sitting out.

You do sound similar to my DSIL. She bought a coffee pod machine with her wheb she came camping with us

Oh and a tote bag each fkr going to the showers. Helps to keep all of your things together.

I'd got for inflatable mattresses if I were you - they are pretty comfortable. Get the ones that plug in and inflate themselves.

Torches or camping lanterns for if you need to go to the loo in the night.

Adapter so you can charge a few different devices at once.

Kettle, and pot noodles if you like them!

Stuff to keep the kids (and yourself) entertained - tablet you can stream films on if you do that, games like top trumps, travel versions of games etc, plenty of books, colouring or stickers if that suits the age of your kids. .

My daughter (older teen) brings craft projects to do in the evening! (She is more organised than me!)

Hoodies, joggers, easy to slip on shoes like crocs.

Have fun! I have been taking my daughter camping since she was about 6, and we still go together now. We usually go in a pod as it's less stress than a tent, and you get a plug socket, light, usually a heater....

This thread is making me want to book to go over the summer .....

Camping chairs are handy too!

Thank you - you’re all wonderful. @SleafordSods i think me and your SIL could be friends 😉. Full disclosure, I went to Centre Parcs with my family a couple of years ago complete with my own hoover and mop. The place was much cleaner when we left than when we arrived 🫣😬🤣

I’ve left a few holiday homes in a better state than when we arrived too

Thick, warm socks and a pair of sliders/Crocs are my absolute essentials. The socks will keep your feet warm an provide a bit of comfort and the sliders are easy to slide on when leaving the tent/pod and if you need to go to the toilet in the night.

Campsites where you have to park away from your tent / pod supply big barrows / trolleys for transporting your stuff.

See what you can borrow from other group members or friends, or you could end up spending a fortune.

Camping chairs?

Will you all be mucking in and sharing cooking? What will you do for food?

How old are your kids? Nightime wees! Based on your description of your preferences this will freak you out but many of us rely on a bucket with lid rather than leave the kids sleeping while you go to the toilets, or get everyone up if one child needs a wee.

I used to take my kids camping, we all loved it. Take some games for the evening and some outside fun like a frisbee or bats and balls. We took hot water bottles in the cooler months.

Don’t forget to pack the kids clothes, which I did on my first ever camping trip.

We once forgot toothbrushes and pillows. Had to have a hasty trip into the Lo al town that day.