Camping!

pesky85

I have two young children (2 and 3) and 2 lively dogs, and we recently became in possession of a lovely big family tent (a christmas present).

I always camped as a child but I wondered if any seasoned family campers had any tips or advice!

I plan to start off by only camping locally (within an hours drive) as the children are so young, but would eventually like to go further afield.

Most of the equipment I need (electrical hook up, beds, cooking equipment etc) I think I can get from family who have stuff going spare.

How much, on average, should a long weekend at a campsite cost?

Thanks in advance!

flea72

Most campsites now charge per person, rather than a flat pitch rate. Expect to pay about £8pn fir adults, £5pn for kids, electric £3pn and gazebos another £5pn.

However most don't charge for kids under 5 and showers are usually free

The above prices are for a basic campsite. If you want a pool and entertainment, then expect to pay more

flea72

Oh forgot to say, a lot of campsites charge for bringing dogs too and limit it to one dog per pitch

richardw

Perhaps also post on the uk board http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/forumdisplay.php?f=80

fishybusiness

Take your boots and waterproofs!

In the last 3 years I think we have had only one rain free week

knightstyle

When our children were younger we joined the Camping and Caravaning club, most members have caravans but don't let this put you off.
They organise local club weekend meets with activities for the children who soon made friends and had great times.
These weekends were very cheap and there were always helpful people on hand if you forgot something or were in a fix.

flea72

Tbh campsites don't vary much in price, so the question the OP is asking isnt as vague as you make out. Having spent more hours researching campsites than I've prob spent visiting them, I can say that everywhere is much of the same.

As a family of 5 I know that a field with a loo will cost me £20 a night. If I want a pool and activities it's more like £35. Where it is in the uk, has very little effect on price.

Most likely the OP has found a site and was under the delusion (as most people are based upon their childhood) that camping is cheap. Well times have changed and the days of just rolling up at a site without prebooking and expecting to pay a flat rate pitch fee, are long gone.

There are so many hidden extras that my summer holiday planning, now starts in january and involves spreadsheets and numerous calculations. Whereas in my youth, I would just load up the car and head off, knowing that no matter how big my tent, car or family was if the sign said £5pn, that is all that I would pay (ok showers might be extra at 2p)

pesky85

fishybusiness wrote: »

Take your boots and waterproofs!

In the last 3 years I think we have had only one rain free week

Ouch!! And noted

purple45

This website is great for research. You can get an idea of places to go, facilities and costs, but more importantly read the reviews! Its always worth reading what other people have to say. Bear in mind that some people are impossible to please, but try to get an average impression of a place.

http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/

We've done camping close to home, just as good and without the petrol expense. You still can stay somewhere beautiful where there is plenty to do and see and enjoy the whole camping experience.

Costs can be kept down if you have cool boxes for food and plan ahead so that you're catering roughly the same as you would be at home.

Also might be worth a couple of shorter trips (long weekends) just to try it out and see how you get on with things. Its a learning curve to work out how to organise everything.

Take plenty of warm clothing and waterproofs!

Enjoy!

flea72

pesky85 wrote: »

I don't expect camping to be cheap, just cheaper than other holidaying options I'm probably more likely to head towards a forest type campsite - plenty of walks for the dogs (if they'll allow 2!) and lots of ball games / den making etc with the children. That's the kind of camping I did as a child and have really fond memories.

If you want woods and walks then look at forestry commission sites.

anitainjune

My children have camped with us from toddlers and now camp as adults, we joined camping club too and camped for years with our local District association as they are called. For a few pound,ave £5 to £12 we had numerous weekends, my children enjoyed a freedom not available at home. They got wet, climbed trees, camped in their own tent from early on and joined the camping club youth. It's a wonderful way to enjoy time with your family. Enjoy your tent it's a great adventure.

knightstyle wrote: »

When our children were younger we joined the Camping and Caravaning club, most members have caravans but don't let this put you off.
They organise local club weekend meets with activities for the children who soon made friends and had great times.
These weekends were very cheap and there were always helpful people on hand if you forgot something or were in a fix.