Camping where do i start??

littlelost

I would love to take my children camping. They are 5 and 4 at the moment... The only thing is I havent a clue where is best to go with children or where to even start, I suppose I have only really started looking into it as money is really tight and i want to get lots of weekends away with the kids in the holidays and stuff.
I was brought up in the middle of the sticks as a child but moved when i reached my teens but my husband is a complete towny so cant imagine how he would cope with camping.
What sort of tent will we need and what else??
Do you have to make your own camp fires (its something we would love to do)
Can anyone recommend a good camp site with lots to do for children??
How much does it cost to camp??
Im in Kent...
Thanks.

jane130

www.ukcampsite.co.uk

this is a great website , it has fantastic forums aswell as reviews of lots and lots of campsites and tents . we worth a visit if you are thinking about camping

littlelost

Thank you im going to take a look now.

inmypocketnottheirs

Littlelost, where abouts in the country are you. I am sure then there will be recommendations for sites within a reasonable distance and there is little point in travelling hundreds of miles if there are suitable facilities nearby.

littlelost

Im in kent so assume there are few decent sites around I just done know where??? Also what equipment will i need other than a tent??

inmypocketnottheirs

OK, equipment

Camp beds or lilos
Sleeping bags
Water cannister
Stove to at least make a cuppa
aluminium kettle and some plastic cups
cooler box for milk/cold drinks/beer :beer:

And thats all you need in my opinion, but you could add

lighting/torches
12v fridge
Portable radio

littlelost

Thanks for the list its given me something to get started with.

diable

pump that runs of 12v to pump up the lilo, ice packs for the cooler box, Argos used to sell a great table which would seat four that folded away, check out Millets as they have some offer on but the tents are not really that great, some campsites in the UK put entertainment on for the kids, have fun.

chnelomi

considering it's your first time i wouldn't go to nuts spending money on expensive equipment. take a couple of cushions or old pillows to sit on. get a cheap tarpalin/picknick blanket(water proof) for sitting on. check pound shop for a cheap frying pan and pots or take old ones from home. Instant BBQ trays are great if you are not allowed open fires you can get great heat and make lovely meals. get good sleeping bags really makes a difference Check tesco etc for specials got double air beds for 7.99 still going strong after 2 yrs previous £20 bed burst first use(ok dog did lie on it).

get a camp stove mine was £20 4yrs ago can get for £10 now make a food list with meals and another check list for items packed in car. how many times have we forgot the tin opener/water bottle washing up liquid etc:rotfl:. A couple of lights are a must at least one freestanding and one torch for trips to the loo.cool box with lots of ice packs most places will freeze them for you free or for a small fee, take a good knife too most camp sets dont contain a knife only flimsy plastic ones would recomend baby wipes and insect repellant on your list too.

Also ask people you know if they have any of the more luxury items (campers or guys that like to fish) they may have folding chairs wind breaks etc camp stoves good lights. take wellies too can't think what else at the moment but any questions feel free to pm.
hope you enjoy your trip.

Just seen the ages of your kids, take some toys from home or get cheap ones from £ shop to entertain them if it rains also waterproofs as i remember my two loved the puddles at that age.

SailorSam

If you go on Freecycle you could try asking if anyone has anything which may suit you as first time campers.

chnelomi

SailorSam wrote: »

If you go on Freecycle you could try asking if anyone has anything which may suit you as first time campers.

been on freecycle all day and never thought of saying to try it DOH!!