Camping...be honest...do you really enjoy it?

OrkneyGirl · 2024-08-10T22:40:58+00:00

I'm typing this in a field in Cornwall. I love the idea of camping but, honestly, is it really a holiday? My neighbour is snoring. I've got to wash up at a sink area with no roof. The tent is starting to ming because it's been so wet. I could go on! And the one thing I never seem to get right is sleeping comfortably. I've tried blow up mattress, camp bed, blow up mattress on camp bed - all just a bit uncomfortable and making me want the comfort of a double bed with a cosy duvet!

MavisPennies · 10/08/2024 23:43

No. It is madness

DelphiniumBlue · 10/08/2024 23:44

All those reasons are why I will never go camping again. I have tried, several times, I wanted to like it the sake of the DC, but I hate being damp and uncomfortable and having to cross fields in the dark to go to the loo.

Original poster

OrkneyGirl · 10/08/2024 23:46

DelphiniumBlue · 10/08/2024 23:44

All those reasons are why I will never go camping again. I have tried, several times, I wanted to like it the sake of the DC, but I hate being damp and uncomfortable and having to cross fields in the dark to go to the loo.

Exactly. Just done that and bottom of pyjamas have just got wet in long grass! Aaaargh! Also thinking to myself that I'm sitting on toilet seat where someone who hasn't showered for days has also just sat. Ewww!

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DancingFerret · 10/08/2024 23:48

I did it once; never again.

whiteboardking · 10/08/2024 23:49

You have to lower standards & relax. I like it for a few days as it's back to basics. And I sleep really well in the fresh air !

whatisdrowsybutawake · 10/08/2024 23:49

I do enjoy camping but the faff of it all puts me off. Last time my knees were so sore from crawling around the tent,

However, If it's clear look up to the sky and you might get a glimpse of the Perseid meteor shower!

Nadeed · 10/08/2024 23:51

I hate the setting up and taking down, but I do love the actual camping. I sometimes think I could live in a tent permanently if I was somewhere it never got too cold.

Original poster

OrkneyGirl · 10/08/2024 23:51

whiteboardking · 10/08/2024 23:49

You have to lower standards & relax. I like it for a few days as it's back to basics. And I sleep really well in the fresh air !

Def back to basics! Haven't even got electricity where I'm camping at mo!

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qwertyasdfgzxcv · 10/08/2024 23:52

Not with kids in tow, but when if was just me and my boyfriend with no worries it was great fun. I'm a couple of decades older now but if I found the right partner then I would camp again for a a few days

Original poster

OrkneyGirl · 10/08/2024 23:54

whatisdrowsybutawake · 10/08/2024 23:49

I do enjoy camping but the faff of it all puts me off. Last time my knees were so sore from crawling around the tent,

However, If it's clear look up to the sky and you might get a glimpse of the Perseid meteor shower!

Clear skies are great , I agree. When it's not been raining! But will look out for meteor shower, thank you!

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BrieHugger · 10/08/2024 23:55

We loved it when the kids were little and went (with other families) over 30 times in 10 years or so. It petered off during Covid then after that the kids were more concerned with their phones than running about playing. Very happy memories, though!

Self inflating mats worked best for all of us, and extra large sleeping bags.

DinosaurOfFire · 10/08/2024 23:55

I do enjoy it. But- we have a huge tent that we can stand up in, a carpet for the main living area, a tent extension so we have a whole extra large porch space as well as bedrooms and a living area, and we tend to go with close friends/ extended family so take an event shelter with sides to cook and sit and eat in as well, it also has the bonus effect of meaning our kids have more adults to talk to and spend time with too! We take airbeds, sheets and duvets for sleeping, as well as oodies for bed. We have a 2 ring hob, 2 tables- one for cooking on, one for prep etc, proper deck chairs, and we eat out in pubs and cafes as much as possible. I figure it's my break as much as anyone elses so anything that makes our collective lives easier, we do!

hayal · 10/08/2024 23:56

I like the idea but not the reality. We stopped camping in 2019, DH won't sell all the equipment "just in case," but I swear I will never do it ever again and would be happy to donate everything to a charity. My DC won't even let him put it up in the garden for them to have a sleepover with friends. We like our comfortable beds too much 😂

Colddipinthemorning · 10/08/2024 23:58

It isn't a holiday if it's more uncomfortable than being at home. Which camping is...

Original poster

OrkneyGirl · 11/08/2024 00:03

DinosaurOfFire · 10/08/2024 23:55

I do enjoy it. But- we have a huge tent that we can stand up in, a carpet for the main living area, a tent extension so we have a whole extra large porch space as well as bedrooms and a living area, and we tend to go with close friends/ extended family so take an event shelter with sides to cook and sit and eat in as well, it also has the bonus effect of meaning our kids have more adults to talk to and spend time with too! We take airbeds, sheets and duvets for sleeping, as well as oodies for bed. We have a 2 ring hob, 2 tables- one for cooking on, one for prep etc, proper deck chairs, and we eat out in pubs and cafes as much as possible. I figure it's my break as much as anyone elses so anything that makes our collective lives easier, we do!

I must admit. I do have a bit of tent envy! Standing up rather than crawling about has got to be a bit easier! There are so many fancy ones! Even saw someone bring their own hammock!

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NewName24 · 11/08/2024 00:06

No, I hate it, but fortunately have a dh who loves it and has instilled a love of camping by taking the dc on his own.

Original poster

OrkneyGirl · 11/08/2024 00:06

Tried the double air bed for me and DH - so annoying! He rolls over and I'm following him! Got to be separate mattresses next time! Love the real duvet approach and large sleeping bags idea. So weird sleeping so differently to how you do at home!

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elozabet · 11/08/2024 00:07

Yes, but not in the rain. You just feel constantly damp and nothing dries. We have a nice big tent that you can stand in and always hire a fridge on the French campsites.

Original poster

OrkneyGirl · 11/08/2024 00:12

Can't help feeling some families just get it right! Even fancy lights and bunting to make it all festivally! Want to have a nose around to see what gear they've got that I haven't! Or simply not bother and stay cosy at home! Milk in a cool bag isn't cool!

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Messen · 11/08/2024 00:12

I can see both sides.

Now my kids are older and I’ve sorted my setup (and crucially discovered wax earplugs and a fresh and black tent) I really enjoy it.

If I can’t take my camp bed, SIM, duvet and dog, and any suggestion of not being able to drive right to my pitch, or giant family and friends groups, then you can get right in the sea.

Messen · 11/08/2024 00:14

Air beds of any description are an absolute no no. SIM all the way, plus duvet and really, really good earplugs. Then you’ll be flying.

plus you need no or little rain.

Nadeed · 11/08/2024 00:14

You have to have a tent you can stand up in. It makes a big difference.

EconomyClassRockstar · 11/08/2024 00:15

UK camping? 100% no. Too much rain and once you're wet, it's miserable.

Original poster

OrkneyGirl · 11/08/2024 00:16

Def getting ear plugs!

Sorry, being thick. What is SIM?

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Messen · 11/08/2024 00:19

Self inflating mattress. They are thin but ultra comfy and none of that boinging around. And yes you need single ones. Doubles are the work of the devil.

and not just any ear plugs. Wax or silicone ones wedged in so tight you’ll be fishing bits out for weeks after you get home 😂