Weekend(s?) only camping, possibly only once or twice a year - cheap pop-up or proper tent? Please help!

[MistergodthisisSal]

Well, neither dh or myself campers, but I've persuaded him to go to Blackberry Woods next weekend, for 2 days only.

It will be dh, myself and our 16-month old (escape artist, if that makes any difference).

With weekend rapidly approaching, I'm starting to panic about the tent.

I've read a lot of reviews and threads about the best tents on here, and keep having to have words with myself as to why we don't need the really, really lovely ones that I want to live in looks comfortable but costs a fortune.

My problem: Do we get a proper tent so as not to put dh off completely on first attempt at camping (but spend too much on what will most likely be the only camping weekend this year), or do we buy something cheap that will erect in minutes, but not so comfortable?

None of our friends camp, so sadly we can't borrow one, which would have been ideal.

PS: You can't really realistically go camping in winter, can you??

Thanks very much in advance!

WOW. I see what a cow bed is now

Looks fab.

Should probably have explained a little better.

Sorry for the many questions, but just one more: Any specific site that's good for tents, or very same-ish and just go by price?

ukcs campsite search

The reviews are always really helpful.

Having paid £20 last night for us to camp for 1 night in a site with 2 loos, a sink and a drinking water tap, compared with £24 for a pristine site with many loos, many showers and fabulous facilities (Home Farm on Anglesey) it goes to show you do not always get what you pay for!

Great, thank you very much!

Oh wow Slubber, have just searched for Home Farm - looks amazing!! If this whole camping thing goes down well, I'm going to try going there once. Obviously further from us, so might try for a week or so one day.

Several of us on mn have been there now (I booked because Lucycat was so complimentary about the cleanliness of the loos). It's quite a big site but is definately one of the nicest I've been to.

We have a vango tigris which goes up in about 20 mins and is pretty simple. Ring wherever you are ordering from and check they will get it out immediately.
have fun at blackberry wood, how did you ever get a booking esp for two nights over bank hol! I just booked for next summer !

Hi cockles. It's good to hear of another Vango fan.

Well, we got our tent! It's actually a bit bigger than planned (the Vango Orchy 500 ), but we went to the store after work, and they had this in stock and at a good price. I'm so excited! Hope the tent fits the space though. What do you think??

Actually, re bank holiday weekend... I'm talking complete rubbish, we're going to Blackberry Wood the weekend after bank holiday, not the actual bank hol! But keep fingers crossed for good weather nonetheless, as we're in a Yurt this weekend. Months and months of no nature, and now almost every weekend (well, 2)

But yes, I was so glad when they had space over a weekend. We booked a couple of months ago though, and it was the first weekend opening.

Great tent

Have fun in the yurt.

Thanks Slubber. And thanks again for all the help (and listening to my overexcited blabbering!) Should we ever meet in real life (flashing red light on top left tent corner??? ), I owe you a drink.