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mmmm, I guess it depends on how often you hope to camp and whether you will have an electic hook-up, budget and how much space in your car and tent.  For starters, I would always suggest getting a table as big as you can and consider taking duvets.  We use a camingaz stove with grill and a little electric fridge.  There are lots of ideas for kitchen set ups on this site and lots of pics which are great for getting ideas.  For me it is all about getting organised so you know where to find things easily, but i'm sure you found that when caravanning as well.

2 adults one child, possibly the Vango Icarus 500 which I have and would highly recommend. It has a curtain to separate the bedrooms if that's an issue. Another good tent is the Hi Gear Zenobia 6 which has a central living area with bed pods at either end.

Alot of the camping bits and pieces can be got at a pound shop or discount shop. I have a B&M Bargains near me where I got a camping stove for £7.99 and a heater for the same price. The same heater is £34.99 in Argos.

Also pick up torches, lanterns, picnicware (plates and cutlery) a table at £12.99 and lots of other little essentials at a pound shop. I got a set of plastic drawers to house all those bits and pieces (I keep my first aid kit in there, as well as cutlery, chopping board, sharp knife etc) and it fits into my hatchback. The plastic drawers are a good idea, but alot of people use glue to stop them falling apart every five minutes.

Quote: Originally posted by Coullio on 03/8/2010

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Thanks for the reply. I only plan on using campsites with electric. As for space in the car I drive a Nissan Primastar Taxi so plenty of space!! We are planning on using the tent a few times before the season ends, but next year we plan on using it more often. I was planning on popping in past Blacks or Millets tomorrow for a nosey and get some prices.

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Unless Blacks and Millets have a sale on I tend to find them expensive. Try looking at independent camping shops if you have any nearby. We travel about an hour to a good shop which is more specialised and can cover all our needs.

I tend to first make a list of what I need and then price it up online, visit the shop and buy if cheaper, if not return home and buy online. That way you get to see items in the flesh and decide if they are what you want.

We couldn't even get rock pegs in our local Millets last week. I love visiting our camping shop! I ask to go as a special treat on Mothers Day etc. OH thinks I am very sad but secretly enjoys it too!!