Camping?!

[frustrationcentral]

Has anyone heard of campsites allowing groups of 16 year olds to camp?

DS has asked if he can do something this summer with his mates. They were originally going to a festival but obviously that's cancelled. So now they've come up with the idea of camping somewhere.

I'm just not sure where to start with looking for a campsite that would accept a group like this? Do they even exist? We're in Hampshire with fairly easy access of the new forest.

I'm thinking it would be better if they could find a friend/family member with a nice big garden for them to pitch up their tents..

Bumping

If he’s mature enough to go away with his mates (and I don’t think there will be many camp sites willing to take a group of 16 year old boys without adult supervision).

Then he should be sorting this out himself rather than getting his mum to do it (IMO).

@NorthernSpirit

If he’s mature enough to go away with his mates (and I don’t think there will be many camp sites willing to take a group of 16 year old boys without adult supervision).

Then he should be sorting this out himself rather than getting his mum to do it (IMO).

I fully agree with this. Surely he has access to google?

Its highly unlikely a campsite will allow a group of 16yos to camp just now. Very few have toilet and shower blocks open, only allowing self contained motor homes or caravans in.
Also they would be from different households and not social distancing, campsites wont be happy with that. Let him research it and come to that conclusion himself though.

Should he have set up his own Mumsnet acc to ask? Or was it not ok that I asked on his behalf? Nothing in my OP stated he wasn't the one doing the research.

I really wish I hadn't bothered

I think your idea of trying to find a friend/family with a garden or field would be a better option. We often took groups of 14-15 year olds for DofE camping and they all the sites we used were very clear about having adults there especially for noise control.

@frustrationcentral

Should he have set up his own Mumsnet acc to ask? Or was it not ok that I asked on his behalf? Nothing in my OP stated he wasn't the one doing the research.

I really wish I hadn't bothered

No of course not. One would expect a 16 year old to google and find camp sites, read their T&C's etc in order to find a suitable location.

And he is @cuntryclub , I just thought I'd ask on here if anyone knew of anywhere that would take them, or if he was missing a trick somewhere

My DS and his friends went camping in a big group after they did their GCSEs - mixed boys and girls . This was in Shropshire so some distance from where you are , and 3 years ago so things possibly different now.

Sorry OP. That was really shit of me.

He's not found anything @shinynewapple2020 , I think they're hoping a friend who lives next to a farm is going to wangle a bit of space to pitch up. Rather them than me, I hate camping!

FFS back off people, the OP was just asking and you all jump on her and her DS. My DS is 16 and in this situation would have done a majority of the looking up but knowing me I would have asked around too, just in case there was something he was missing. Totally get where you are coming from OP sorry I don't have any advice for you though

Mixed sex is much easier to get a pitch than a group of single sex.

Have you looked at YHA properties with campsites. My son and a group of friends camped at YHA Okehampton last year. They were all under 18 and it was great.

Ooh good shout @Ilovefriday ! Didn't even realise they exist anymore!

Thanks @YouCanBeMyWingWomanAnyday

Loads. Ds1 was going to go to Reading post GCSE's, that never happened!
Now they are going to Lewes.
What area?

Sorry. Missed the Hampshire bit.
Yes OP. With a bit Of investigation I'm sure you can find one.

quite frankly I can't imagine that many campsites would want to have a big group of 16/17-year-olds but apparently there are quite a few!

Newquay surf lodge My Dd found that, they are looking for similar, group of 7 girls - it’s too far from us. My dh suggested YHA, Dd said no, I thought seemed a good option. Let us know if you find anything else.

Oh really @Oblomov20 ? I'll suggest maybe he expands the search area. They've got all their camp gear that they'd bought for the festival just sat there looking a bit sad!

I really recommend YHA camping. We have also stayed at some as a family. You can usually use the hostel facilities, like the games room and the kitchen, so it's great if the weather is a bit rubbish.