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Hi All,

I found this site by chance and I am really glad I did. I have decided to start up camping this year. We are a family of four (with 2 boys under 6). I have a number of questions after reading the messages on this forum over the last few days:

1) I like the Vango range of tents - considering Vango Aspen 700 or the Vango Diablo 900 - any user feedback/comments would be appreciated.

2) a.Are there any campsite restrictions on tent size? b.Would the two tents above be accepted on most campsites?

3) Prime objective for purchase is to provide a fun cheaper holiday this year for my family - what can I expect to pay for a weekend break in a standard campsite with the basic amenities?  

Any guidance would be much appreciated.

hi 

    We started camping last year and like you found this site by chance,it is worth it's weight in gold........in answer to your questions

                   1.  We have a vango diablo 600 ...a great tent (once you get the hang of putting it up) i would recommend it we are a family of 4 and it is big enough for us so that extra room will be plenty for you lot

                   2.There are restrictions on tent size in some sites but most are ok with it you just tell them what tent you have before you go

                  3.The cost for a pitch can range from site to site you can go from about £10 a night to £25 but a basic one is about £10 to£15 ,if you go on the camp site search that will give you the information and you will be able to find a site near you

                     Just to finish off by saying you will not regret starting camping, we started because we couldn't make it abroad last year and it was the best summer we have ever had as a family the kids loved it they are already asking when we are going this year.Go for a few weekends away not to far from your house so that if anything goes wrong you can get home with no fuss,but you will have a great time ..........

                        Good luck

Hi, and a very warm welcome to the site!

If you are just starting out camping, intend taking weekend breaks and have never pitched a tent before, you might want to ask yourself if the two tents you have mentioned will really fit the bill (both are spacious tents, great when erected but will take some pitching and you might ultimately find it is just too much hassle to pitch for a short break, especially when you have two children under six to watch!).

That said, most campsite pitches are around 10m x 10m in size, so should accommodate large tents without too many problems (though it is always a good idea just to check, when booking, and include room for guy ropes when quoting the footprint size of the tent).

If you like Vango tents, have you taken a look at the 2007 tunnel tents, with SIGS? They generally are easier to site on a pitch and both easier and quicker to pitch. Just a thought (and feel free to ignore!)

Best of luck, whatever you decide!

One tip....

Second hand, second hand, second hand. Scour your local 'trade it', loot, local rag.  Ebay tends to be expensive in my opinion for second hand.

Thanks for the advice.

Have decided to go for the Vango Diablo 600. Slightly smaller than the original tents I was looking at but after listening to your comments - I feel that it will be more than adequate.

Thanks for your advice - can't wait to get started.