Can't really give you any advice as we are only just starting camping up ourselves, however we did camp in September last year and forgot quite a few things lol. Certainly was a steep learning curve!
We have recently purchased a new tent which is massive and I have been e-mailing various sites I like the look of asking if they accept larger tents and all have been very helpful. so just give the sites a ring and enquire about booking. I found the reviews of sites on here quite helpful too.
Theres a really useful list of stuff to take on this site. have a look at that and decide what You will need. It really isn't rocket science, so don't worry.
Alan
You got it in one. Go local first, and i hope you haven't bought all the gear as you have a lot of things already at home you can use, then once you get into it ,you can start getting a few camping luxury's Good luck, let us know how you go on. If you get into difficulties campers aren't a bad bunch ,any of them will help you out and give you advice , don't be scared to ask.
------------- Corpogreen esq
dead horse
and
donkey buyer
we have just had our first camp and ended up in 8 inches of snow. All i can say is take a change of clothes, stay local, make sure you can heat your tent safely, I.E electric hook up and you will be well away. we are off on our second weekend on the 18th April and are so excited about it.
hi i"ve been camping a couple of times just starting myself. my advice would be to make sure your all warm do your shopping when u get there as this save space in car.make sure u got the essentials and when u camp you,ll decide what your needs r and remember 4 next time. happy camping
------------- live life to the full enjoy every moment and never regret anything!
Just have fun, you will enjoy it so much!! Our first camping trip we got to campsite at 10pm at night after driving around because we didnt book, it was just a field with a toilet. We had borrowed a tent so had no idea how to put it up and it was pitch black. By time we had finished we couldnt be bothered blowing up bed so we ended up just sleeping on floor and it was very rocky!! But next day we got properly organised and then loved it!! We went straight out and bought our own tent and have loved it from then on.
We started camping last year, did a few days in the New Forest to start with (we were blessed with warm weather which helped). Reckon one weekend camping gives you plenty of ideas of things you will or won't need. Keep a running list as you camp so you don't forget, it's mad how many little things you need but are easily forgotten (ie.tea towels) I recall from our first trip we didn't have proper seats, no table (improvised with box & blackgammon board), only a kettle and no gas stove or even a toaster! However, we had a fantastic time with just the basics. Only a few more camps away and we went on to spend two weeks camping in France at the end of the summer!
It's a brilliant thing nowadays but you can pick up cheap items you forget at supermarkets plus they also seem to do a lot more camping gear nowadays.
I certainly agree with Mick & Elaine, corkscrew is probably the most essential item though...
As for booking & pitching, it does seem to vary from site to site. The hardest sites to pitch up are the ones where there is NO one around to ask advice and you're faced with a massive field...you don't want to pitch to have to unpitch...best ask the basic rules when you book or ask other campers who are there already.
And as for general rules, this site is a gem for sharing tips and info on general rules from the basics through to all the safety stuff with heaters.
Good luck and have a fab time camping this summer!
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: first camp
