If you are a bit concerned about the kids wandering off on a new campsite buy them a 2 way walkie talkie (costs about £20). You can easily contact them when it's meal time or if you are beginning to fret.
------------- Anything becomes a pleasure if one does it too often!
I camped on my own, with my 3 sons last August for the first time, and never gave it a thought about safety.
However, when I booked in at reception at the campsite, the owners noticed I was a lone adult with children, and did keep asking me if everything was ok when I went into their shop, and when the warden did his rounds, he nodded at me, almost as though he was checking everything was ok, so to speak.
------------- its me again!
Top End Farm May
RSPB Big Camp June
Diamond Campsite August
I would highly recommend making use of the meets organised on this website if you are new to camping or on your own. I have had help pitching, even wine/beer offered after you camp in the same area and people look out for you - kids will also have instant playmates
check out the meets section to see whats going on near you
Hi - for night time loo, there is a new one on the market I have seen at Towsure - the kamper Khazi - its a loo seat with a removable bucket, which you empty in the chemical disposal point. It is cheaper than a porta potti type loo and has the added advantage that you can store stuff inside it for tranaposrt (gas bottle will fit nicely!). More comfy than the bucket with lid that a lot of us favour!
Also, if still looking at tents, I would recommend getting one with a bedroom you can partition. That way, if you do need to get to your children quickly you just have to move the partition. Also, if yo uare likely to be putting it up solo, go for a tunnel shape as these are easiest to manage - the Vango Yukon could be ideal.
I hope you have read enoug to re-assured that, with sensible planning and precautions, camping alone with your children will be fine.
I am so impressed with the quality of advice given to you already that I feel humbled even to respond. But I will :)
The idea that a 'potty' has been mentioned should be re-enforced. My wife is very uncomfortable trekking to the 'loos' late at night, so we have one in our tent (or, in our outside (toilet) tent, if we are staying for more than two nights). This is very sensible advice! Would you want to take the entire family for a pee? I think not ;) -- buy a potty, and sleep easy at night.
Whilst all have said, 'do it', and I agree, there must still remain some negative thoughts in your mind. There are some odd people out there!
Take the precautions mentioned earlier, register with the site operators, explain your misgivings and ask that they keep an eye on you and yours.
Camping is great fun, and I'm sure you will come to love it, as me and mine do, but please be weary.
These club meets are a sure way to enjoy yourself and give you a break from the mundane and regular troubles that life brings. But there Will be Troubles and a little Anxiety, that is to be expected, the main thing here is to have fun, forget those anxieties that plague us from day to day, and just have fun!
I wish you well, and I truly hope that your experience is one you can share with us all when you return.
Did I say... 'Have fun'!! ?
------------- --greg
Starting the fire is easy; the hardest part is learning how to keep the flame!
I always stick a carabiner through our inner zips to stop the kids wandering off, you can easily unclip them from inside but it's impossible for anyone outside to get in.
hello happy mum, I am laura, on here known as layney2 great to hear your thinking of going camping with your children as a single mum. I know the idea must feel very daunting for you, but if you take the plunge i know it'll be a fantastic experiance thay'll benifit you all in so many way's.As i write this message i can tell you i have experianced camping on my own with the kids also i go with my fella and the kids and both times i can honestly say to me it really does'nt make that much difference as i always put a plan in action where safety concerns. my first rule when arriving on site at reception i alway's explain my situation and i always ask if i can be pitched near group campers ok it might not be ideal if you like absolute peace and quiet but to me the sound of laughter and innocent happy noise makes me feel very secure and if anything should happen you can rest assure you have an army by your side, fellow campers are always friendly and always give a great sense of community let it be known we all stand together!! 2nd rule if you have the luxury of having a 240 lead (electric hookup) you'll have the advantage where you can use a lamp ,sterio,tv etc and this advantage gives you security alone as when you go to sleep set the tv and sterio up full blast before turning off so that if anyone should intrude 1 flick of the electric power would alert any fellow camper as they dont like high pitched noice so you can almost garentee someone will come to you to complain ha ha and rule 3 alway's carry a rape alarm with you 1 pull on the cord and hey presto (guarnteed mayhem) pretty drastic i know ,but in my book safety alway's comes first. and here's just a little advice,as for camping as a single mum do you have any friends from you childrens school who are single or any friends who go camping ask about is my advise its a great way of making a very good friendship i bet you'll be surprised as to how many would love to invite you along ,good luck and i hope you all have an amzing time and who know's maybe you'll become a real pro at this and i'll take my hat off to you go for it girl!!! p.s you have my username and anytime you want to contact me for any advise your welcome warm wishes to you all laura layney2
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: how safe is it ?
you camp in the same area and people look out for you - kids will also have instant playmates 
Yvonne
