Camping for the 1st time- advice?

katsu

put a blanket under the airbed, to insulate you from the floor - makes a heck of a difference. Also take blankets to go on top of you as it can get v cold at night. I generally take thick PJs or joggers and T shirts to sleep in too.

Horace

Take a toilet roll too - I rolled up at one site that had toilets but the farmer was too mean to provide toilet rolls so now when I go camping, I will always pack a toilet roll.

Ditch the solar shower - take a load of 20p pieces for the shower - it is unlikely that you would be allowed to use the solar shower anyway because folks would see your nakedness:eek:

If you take an airbed - put a blanket underneath it (I use the cheapo primark fleecy ones) and I have a useful gadget to blow the thing up that plugs into the cigarette lighter socket on the car, so much easier than a footpump.

Go with an open mind and don't stress.

Ponkle22

Duvets underneath you but on top of an airbed make it warm and snug. Don't blow your airbed up to the max - you want a bit of give in it (a little anyway) as it makes it more comfy and better to turn over in the night.

cleggie

Thanks for the great advice so far!

lolly_896

Duvets are a must (We take sleeping bags too) £1 shops do these foil blankets for runners we put on of those on top of air bed then duvet, get in a sleeping bag with a duvet on top. We bought a fair few duvet covers from charity shops for our camping.

And with children i would most definatley take a potty even if there 10! lol

And a flask! x

diable

Where are you planning to camp? you don't need fancy stuff if you have a decent tent and a decent sleeping bag.

hcb42

I often take my duvet and my pillows, and find airbed essential, with that lot, I can often sleep like i was in my own bed.

~(We have an outwell bear lake tent, which is superb!) I just love camping but only been doing it three years myself. I just love Outwell stuff.

always take toilet roll, and plenty of coins if it is coin operated showers. We take chairs on longer trips, but for short ones we limit what we pack, as it all adds up when setting up at the other end. we can get the tent up in 20 mins, but takes that again to get the rest of the gear out of the car. We take minimum pots and pans, but again take more for longer trips, for shorter ones we can get by with a pot of boiling water and some local croissants, for longer trips 3 days or more, we will cook more, and take a two ring burner.

We tend to find a campsite with electric hook up now, and hubby rigged up a lightbulb which he hangs in middle of tent. I would rather have used a battery type lamp but have to admit his idea works.

we try and get one week holiday in a year, and a few short breaks, and it will be more once I have finished studying this year, I work in hotel trade so have easy access to cheap hotel rooms, but yet I still love the freedom of camping.

life_in_termoil

If your getting a pitch with electric hook up then dont forget an extension lead. Depending on car space I usually take an electric kettle and have in the past taken my slow cooker! Dont forget to take fire extinguisher or fire blanket, washing line and pegs, torch, sink plug or small washing up bowl (for doing the dishes) insect repellent and sun tan lotion. I usually pack plenty of fleeces just in case it gets chilly at night and we all have shower shoes as they are easy to slip on in the night or first thing in the morning when you need the loo.

steve1980

Don't forget ear plugs, ensure the tent is zipped up and make sure you take citronella candles for the evenings.

When you leave and the tent is back to it "shell" then get the bug spray and give the tent a good spray!

cleggie

Thanks for all the advice. It has all been greatly appreciated!

I am looking to go somewhere reasonably small and quiet for my 1st time, but places are starting to get booked up now and i have no clue where to go!!
I reckon i will have to book quickly...roll on Thursday (Pay Day)!