I have very thick hair which would take all day to dry if I didn't use a hair dryer, so I ring and check that the site either has a dryer or sockets you can use in the ladies. I also have a very groovy pair of straighteners that plug in the lighter socket in the car. I also won't leave the site without full slap!
Read the reviews on here before booking a site and make sure it has good showers etc. Grotty bogs etc can be very off putting.
I echo what everyone else says about making sure you're warm and dry and would recommend you get a decent waterproof coat with a hood, as you will have to venture out to the showers etc even if it's tipping down, and some wellies or similar.
I would also make the boyf promise to do ALL the cooking. If you're not that keen on the idea, trying to cook on a camping stove in adverse condtions might well put you off. It can be a pain until you get used to it.
I hope you have a great time. When the weather's good, there's nothing better than camping.
My brother used to be in the army before becoming an adult instructor so I know just how rough our forces have it from the stories he's told me. If a fly landed in his food, he'd shrug and call it "ambient rations". Comparitively speaking, going to a campsite with "basic" facilities is still luxury!
Incidentally one reason I grew my hair long is so that I can just tie it back on site rather than having to fiddle around "doing" it. I used to have a 800w hairdryer that ran off the EHU but as the hair still got blown around on site it never looked presentable for longer than five minutes anyway. I now take scrunchies and clips, and on rainy and windy days I use one of these cotton tubes that walkers use as hat/scarf/snood, as weather dictates.
I'm 'lucky' that I have one of those hairstyles that's supposed to look like I've been dragged through a hedge backwards, so a bit of wind, or crawling in and out of a tent, doesn't make much difference to me. And, like Val, I tie it back when necessary.
------------- Tigermouse
I have a very temperamental personality - 50% temper and 50% mental
OK... haven't time to read through all the hairdryer suggestions... I don't need one (lucky? to have very straight very fine hair that dries quickly on its own)
However, I do think there are ways of introducing yourself to camping before taking the plunge big time.
I think there are now sites in the UK that have 'ready tents' - like the Keycamp, Eurocamp and Canvas tents you get in France. If you can't find them in the UK, go to France for a few days - its only an hour over the channel.
These tents have beds, fridges, electricity, mirrors,hanging rails and they are canvas - so they are warmer in the bad weather and cooler in good and they are huge so no crawling about or trying to keep your clothes squished in bags. See if you like the camping experience - and then work out what of the "luxuries" a ready setup tent gives you that you can live without?
If you can do a trip to France I would recommend it as the campsites are generally much nicer, and the weather is likely be warmer - fine weather definitely helps first time campers to acclimatise (as long is its not TOO hot). If you like activity type holidays go to Ty Nadan in Brittany, for chilling, canoeing down the river and caves go to Avit Loisirs in the Dordogne, or for chateux visiting try Chateau de Marais or Catherine de Fierbois in the Loire. None of these are cheap sites, but the idea is to see if you like the outdoors experience before spending a fortune on kit (assuming you don't already have it).
We go camping when we can and love it, my 14 year old daughter was worried about her hair and her straighteners when we first started camping but she is not so bothered now. as previous posts have said you can use a EHU for electricity and also some sites have the facility to plug in hair electricals in the ladies.
Give it a try you might be surprised at how much you enjoy it and you could meet some new friends along the way.
If you do give it a try I hope you enjoy it and if your boyfriend is a more experienced camper than yourself ask him to check some of the sites out for you first and what facilities they have available.
Quote: Originally posted by neilnsam on 29/6/2010
We're taking the mother-in-law away with us in August. She's never been before and is the fussiest, moaniest woman I have ever met. Please help me!!
All I can say is good luck to you. You maybe surprised and she may actually enjoy it try to make sure she is involved when deciding what to do but don't let her take over and ruin your holiday
Quote: Originally posted by neilnsam on 29/6/2010
We're taking the mother-in-law away with us in August. She's never been before and is the fussiest, moaniest woman I have ever met. Please help me!!
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Not sure I will like it
Comparitively speaking, going to a campsite with "basic" facilities is still luxury! 
