Camping, advice needed

Sailorgirl

Hello Jamie Dodger,
I would definitely advise getting camping mats (or if you want to be posher - air beds) as you will get cold at night unless there's an insulating layer between you and the ground. The foam ones are fine and I think are quite cheap. Sometimes tesco have them in a "bundle" with a tent and sleeping bag which is good value if you need the sleeping bags too.
Also, a ground sheet to sit on between your two tents is useful in case the ground is damp (bin bags can do the job too)
Don't be over ambitious with cooking but definitely have a kettle and single gas burner, then you can do hot chocolate, cuppa soup, noodles, plus a cuppa tea! Sandwiches for lunch, cereal for brekkie, take some cake as a filler upper etc.
I still have a friend I met at a campsite when we were both on holiday camping aged 7, so it is a great idea!

frizz_head

JAMIEDODGER wrote: »

thanks for all the advice:)

i have been camping myself many times (before the kids lol) i love it, my eldest two have been and my ds3 was 3 months old when we last took him, but we havent been since.

will look into ebay and see whats on there,

keep the ideas coming....

Ahhh didn't realise you'd been before - sorry! About 2 years ago I started a thread on here asking for tips and hints for a first time camper - was absolutely inundated with invaluable advice. Anyhow, as it is, I am not suited to camping - I gave it 4 tries, but just can't get used to it. Mr Frizz now takes the DDs 'Dads camping' and I stay at home with my dishwasher.

Also, might be worth checking out places like Argos/Blacks/Milletts as they are sure to be selling off their camping stock after the dreadful summer we've had so far. Argos in particular do good deals on tents and sleeping bags just now.

Argos Sale Link

frizz_head

P.S. Congrats on being Debt Free!!! :T:T:T

kezz

Hi, We camp lots and I agree with all the others who suggest a big tent. We always end up taking our duvets instead of sleeping bags as they are just cosier. Definately get airbeds and take extra blankets to lay on them like sheets as thats where the cold gets to you, from the ground upwards

As suggested before, It is a good idea to see if you can borrow a tent to begin with, then if you like it you can invest what you can afford into a tent that could last you a good few years. We bought our canvas frame tent 8 years ago and it is still going strong and has been wonderful through real dire weather conditions( including floods at glastonbury festival a couple of years ago):). Hope you and your kids have a wonderful time!

vivw_2

Saw in aldi what they called a festival pack today. Included tent, 2 sleeping bags, 2 mats and other bits - didn't look that closely I'm afraid. Also not sure of the price

vivw_2

This in Halfords looks quite a good deal:
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&langId=-1&catalogId=10151&productId=230835&categoryId=33978

vivw_2

Also with kids around this looks like a fairly safe cooker:
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&langId=-1&catalogId=10151&productId=229795&categoryId=31306

johanne

Some great advice given so far....(as a scout leader ) id go with what others say and suggest a 6+ man tent... purely as its warmer due to body heat! Plus in your case you have all the kids in the one place = easier to attend to incase of tears or toilet in the night!!! lol

if you can borrow stuff that would be best cos it can prove expensive until your sure everyone will enjoy camping.. and i do suggest a roll/sleeping mat or airbed each. ive seen the foam mats as someone suggested in lidl and B+M bargains for £3/4ish each.


*puts on recruiting hat* AND as im a scout leader will have to say here... if the kids enjoy it why not look into them joining the local scouting group? Its loads of fun, they get to make new friends, learn new skills and they go away camping/on days out for usually a very reasonable cost (I know our group offers discounts to families with more than one child taking part)........ Google "scoutbase" or pm me for more info about finding your local group *takes off recruiting hat* SORRY but it comes as part of the role... its a really bad habit.....:o :rotfl:

kabie

I know it's been mentioned but you really should have a look at your local freecycle. A lot of people seem to buy tents and barely use them before getting rid.
I bought one a couple of years ago with good intentions but I'm still determined to use it, so it remains stashed away unused in the loft.

kj*daisy

And with the weather as it is - there may be a few tents on offer on freecycle!!
Seriously though - a big tent you all fit in will be less in site fees and more practical. As the others say, use duvets and blankets but get airbeds. A hot water bottle is one of my essentials!
YOu aill also need, chairs, table, coolbox and cooker of some sort.