i'm a virgin! give me your top tips for camping!

[chimchar]

ok. have bought the tent. have an airbed thingie and absolutly NOTHING else yet!

have 3 kids (age 9,6 and 3) and a dh.
what would you never go away without, and what are your top tips.

will be camping in the uk only (at the mo!) and only for weekends at a time.

all advice most welcome!

How to pack it all in the car is a whole other thread!

before you go google a camping store and a supermarket close to the site so if you forget anything it is not an issue

take 3/4 length trousers as full length ones acquire muddy hems quick as a flash

waterproof shoes thatc an be rinsed under a tap- jellies, crocs, flip flops- as useful as wellies in teh summer mud and good for showers too

the more lanterns you take the better tbh

pop towels or a fleece under an airbed or mat to insulate; tuck clohtes bag under camp beds for same reason

Store your clothes in a suitcase in the boot of the car.