I've just started camping again this year with my 6 year old son. We're also in Bristol and have had 3 weekend and 1 week long camp on different sites well within a 2 hour drive of the City. Personally i like to have a campfire and the south west is well supplied in that respect.
Loads of good advice above on equipment, my 2 'luxury' essentials which have made the most difference to the quality of our camps have been a fold out picnic table (tesco direct sale £10) and a decathlon tarp (also in sale for £10). Being able to sit out under the tarp even when it's raining is a wonderful thing.
We started when our kids were a bit younger than yours. We initially had a kampa khazi but we got rid of it becaus wit took up so much boot space. The girls can go all night without a wee and I really don't mind a trip down the field if necessary.
I would add, don't underestimate the amount kids want to eat when they are running about in the fresh air all day, take plenty of snacks. Also, leave your routine behind, half the fun for my two is being allowed to stay up late talking, running around and playing cards with the grown ups. Obviously, they know to be quiet and respectful of other campers need for sleep, but otherwise, things are very relaxed.
------------- Mummy of two daughters and two guinea pigs
OK - thanks again folks. Well Geoff, some friends of ours have a Grand Voyager, roof box and trailer and they struggle to get it all loaded. Mind you they have four kids. But equally they seem to empty their house when they go away...
Quote: Originally posted by boneshaker on 13/11/2014
OK - thanks again folks. Well Geoff, some friends of ours have a Grand Voyager, roof box and trailer and they struggle to get it all loaded. Mind you they have four kids. But equally they seem to empty their house when they go away...
lol, we are a family of 5 with a car of similar size and use a 5x3ft trailer with high side extension and we are looking to get a roof box for next year as it's still a squeeze to get everything in for our long stay holidays.
We're 2 adults and a dog, and we easily fit all our gear in the back of a Passat estate. The dog has her cage on the back of the back seat (folded down).
This leads me to think that it's the presence of children that needs all this kit, and you could save loads of room by putting the kids in kennels.
The most important thing is keeping warm and dry imo. The next most important is a comfy bed. Good sleeping bags or duvets, extra fleece blankets, possibly hot water bottles, plenty of warm clothes, waterproofs and wellies.
Comfy beds are a matter of taste. I find airbeds fine, but they do need some sort of insulation underneath as they get cold otherwise. Other people prefer self-inflating mats (SIMs) or camp beds or a combo of both.
A couple of cold, sleepless nights will ruin any holiday.
Importantly, practice erecting your tent , that way you become familiar with it when on site. Always takes longer the first time around.
------------- New Year: Hesketh Bank
Feb/March: Red Squirrel
March: lakes
June: Morecambe
Aug: Lake District(not camping camping)
October: Red Squirrel
I would suggest going and then gradually getting the things YOU really need. We started with the real basics, tent and sleeping things and have gradually added the table, chairs, kitchen stand and stove, cool box tent carpet..... But I would suggest doing it gradually and building up otherwise the costs spiral upwards, and where do you draw the line at what is essential, one mans glamping set-up could be what someone else thinks of basic!
I would suggest the port potty is an essential, there is nothing more exciting for a child than a trip to the loo in the dark, however you may think otherwise! We still use ours (kids are now 11,9 and 6) and it is still sometimes used in the night. We spread a bed mat out underneath it, and now have to pop an incontinence pad as the wee's are much larger. But I would class this as an essential before the table and chairs (I like my sleep without a walk to the loo!).
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: Essential equipment?
Good luck. Geoff
