Camping for the 1st time- advice?

DCFC79

colli wrote: »

you can get windbreaks fairly cheaply and they are great for adding a bit of privacy in front of your tent. It was the only thing we wished we had bought after our first camping trip, got one for the second. I also recommend getting a tent you can just about stand in, getting dressed whilst lying down is not easy! Hope you have a great time!

yes luckily the tent i bought allows me to stand up albeit not stand up straight but i can easily get changed

nickj_2

check out your campsite on google maps , you can then see if there's a nuclear reactor , motorway, they've forgotten to mention in their promotion blurb , also check out user reviews at uk campsite

Rebob

Dont forget to take a head torch (have them at Aldis today for £3) so you have both hands free to do nessesary jobs and a BWL (bucket with lid) for use for wees during the night when you dont want to traipse a little one round the site in the dark. Also a bit of disinfectant in a small bottle to put in the BWL each morning after emptying to keep it fresh.

Also, you are supposed to have a fire bucket filled with water next to your tent. There is a lot of info on the camping and caravanning club website to read too.

jackomdj

depending on the childrens ages make sure you do the front up so the two zips meet at the top - makes it harder for them to get out on their own early in the morning!

we have never done "posh" camping, my camping has mainly been at bike events where 20,000 bikers have used the tolilets & the though of a shower is enough to make you happy with a wet wipe for a few days! Reading through the thread I may suggest to OH that we go camping this summer.

Shelldean

can i add some tunnel tents are suitable for larger families. I personally don't like the multipodded dome tents as the sheer size of them restrict them being used at certain sites, although not all sites.
We were a family of six, five now DD has decided it's better to stay home.
Our tent is similar to this one HERE and we have plenty of space.

Always remember if a tent says it's four berth then it's probably a 3 berth max.
Tent manufactures tend to work out berth sizes using stick insects as models and never allow for personal space or personal stuff like clothes!!!

As a family of 4 you should really look for a 6 berth mimimum.
Do try and visit a showroom and see the tents actually pitched makes all the difference being able to see the tent in the flesh.

As others have said have a read over on UKCS, reviews on tents and site are helpful. Plus any questions you may have some one over there is sure to know the answer

kroome

we as a family of four have an outwell hartford XXL which has proved invaluable over the years, tonnes of space especially in wet weather. 18 hours straight in northumberland and still had happy kids and were dry whilst others bailed out. refered to in many forums as Glamping. See tent reviews at ukcampsite .co.uk

cleggie

Thanks for all your help. I cant wait to go camping now! BOught the last of the stuff today, and also bought some travel games in case it decides to rain.

Rachie_B

definitely check out all the advice / reviews etc on www.ukcampsite.co.uk
the discussion forums are a mine of info

crocs or flipflops for the showers
those plastic "trugs" with handles make a fab washing up bowl or for storing shoes etc
they come in 3 different sizes and lots of colours

cleggie

Rachie- whats a trug?

For washing up your dishes, how do you get hot water, and where to you empty the dirty dish water when you have finished?

Rachie_B

cleggie wrote: »

Rachie- whats a trug?

For washing up your dishes, how do you get hot water, and where to you empty the dirty dish water when you have finished?

a lot of sites have proper washing up areas ,but if not then boil a kettle and add some cold water!

if theres no grey waste point then pour in a hedge! lol

Trugs are these : http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/rhino-40l-flexi-tubs-only-3-at-asda/572813

i use the smaller size for camping

and the larger ones for laundry baskets @ home!

good for the carboot for putting sandy / wet stuff in when at the beach,keeping drinks cool,bathing baby,soaking your feet haha!
ideal for storing / carrying stuff anywhere really!