hi all - REALLY need some advice. Last time I camped was around 20 years ago - was much younger then, and somehow the cold and damp made little difference to any enjoyment... With 3 young children, we've decided to brave the wonderful world of camping - somewhere on the south coast in August. We have a tent - Geldert Saturn 6 which seems to stand up, as well as a (tiny) 25 year old Trangia stove. kids have roll mats and sleeping bags... but that's it! What else do I need? Camping Loo? More roll mats for us? Double sleeping bag?!? Insurance?! Do I need a site with electric points? (any sites around Sussex/Kent/Hampshire welcomed) . People have advised us to take flip flops, and pack bits in tupperware containers... As much advice welcomed as possible - I want us to enjoy this!! Thanks all, in advance...
We're new to camping, so I am by no means an expert! We have 4 daughters, the youngest of which is 4 years old. We do have the EHU and it was invaluable recently to put a heater on in the evenings. We have 3 double airbeds for the 6 of us, and I think one of the most important things is the bedding. I bought 3 new sleeping bags (vango nitestar 450) and the DD's using them were really warm - I even found the youngest sleeping on top of it one night! We've now replaced our other 3 with the same ones, they're not cheap, but worth it, there is nothing worse than being cold at night. When you say roll mats, do you mean the self inflating mats, or the thin mats - if its just the thin mats you'll certainly need something more than that to sleep on!
We've got a double burner stove with a grill, but tbh the grill is rubbish, and in hindsight wish we'd spent a bit more on a hob without a grill and bought a toaster!
We're still very much learning, but our kit is coming together and we're loving it so far.
Not sure I've been much help, but I'm sure much more knowledgeable people will be along too!
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Rhian, wife, mother to 4 daughters, and now a caravan owner
2017
Riverside Caravan Park, Aberystwyth
Au Lac de Biscarrosse
2016
Stowfords, Devon
Trefalun Park, Tenby
Le Logis Du Brueil
Welcome back to the world of camping! I have only been camping for the past year so I am sure there are plenty of more qualified people to advise you but my suggestions would be - some good lights/torch, definitely flip flops or something similar, cooking wise I would suggest that would be fine if it is complemented with a BBQ although if on it's own you may benefit from something more suitable to family cooking. We use inflatable matresses instead of roll mats as I do like a little comfort and ensuring you dont get cold (or the kids) can make or break it. We have a double sleeping bag but to be honest only one of us sleeps in it as with two in it not only is it a bit restrictive for movement but also if one rolls over a huge gap develops which lets the cold in - I would suggest a sleeping bag each. For us an electric hook-up is a must (for the fridge and small heater we take just in case) but I know of plenty that do not need it.
As for suggestions on the south coast - Chestnut Meadow near Bexhill or Honeybridge Park in Horsham are both a fave of ours and have a number of visits planned over the next few months.
All the best - I hope your family enjoy it as much as we do.
I think cooking for five with a Trangia could become a bit challenging, so I'd suggest an additional stove.
Toilet, possibly with its own tent, would certainly be a useful item and mean that (if you joined the Camping and Caravanning Club) you could use a wide range of basic, and usually cheap, Certificated Sites, some of which are "own sanitation essential", having only a drinking water tap and a Chemical toilet Disposal Point.
Roll mats or Self Inflating Mattrresses.
You might find a duvet more comfortable than sleeping bags.
Insurance - up to you!
Very few people actually needElectric Hook Up, but quite a few find it useful.
Make sure you only use a proper camping-specific unit.
Yes, food containers, coolbox (powered or not).
There is a Camping Checklist on this site which will suggest things you may need - there is also a current thread "Worst Camping Buys" or something similar advising what gear not to buy!
Gas lantern (these are superb)
Lighter (as in cigarette)
Matches (preferably water proof)
Spare batteries and bulbs
Spare lantern fuel and mantles
Shelter/Bedding
TENT!!
Sleeping bag
Duvet (if you've got room!)
Ground Sheet
Mattress or pad - Inflator for air mattress
Pillow
Windbreak
Hammer to sink tent pegs
Medical
Suntan Lotion (ever optimistic!)
Insect Repellent - Spray
Aspirin, Paracetemal etc
Tweezers for splinters and ticks
Antiseptic, plasters and bandages
First Aid Kit (may include all the above items)
Pocket Tissues
Cleaning and Personal Items
Soap
Flannel
Shampoo
Toothpaste and toothbrush
Comb/hair brush/clips/bands
Make-up bag
Razor and shaving cream
Towel
Deoderant
Toilet Paper (essential)
Miscellaneous
Swiss Army knife
Compass and Map
Safety pins
Mobile phone / extra battery and car adapter
Camera / good battery and extra film
Camcorder / good battery and extra tapes
Books, radio, cards, games, toys, etc.
MONEY, credit card, etc
Guitar
Bike ?
Binoculars
Chairs
Travel Clock
Clothesline and pegs
Basic tools (screwdrivers, pliers, etc.)
Maps!
Cooking
Stove with fuel and lighter
Newspapers for lighting a campfire
Charcoal and Grill for BBQ
Frying Pan
Sauce pan - ; With lid
Can opener
Thermos flask?
Corkscrew / Bottleopener
Dishes
Plates
Mugs
Sharp knife
Knives, Forks, Spoons and Teaspoons
Dish Cloth
Tea Towel
Washing Up Liquid
Consumables
Paper towels
Rubbish bags
Paper plates, cups, bowls, etc.
Plastic knives, forks, spoons
Aluminum Foil
Food and Drink
Cooking Oil
Baked Beans
Crisps
Butter
Bacon
Eggs
Tomato sauce
Cheese
Onions, mushrooms, Tomatoes
Bread
Salt, Pepper, Spices, Sugar
Fruit - Small fruit cups or fresh fruit
Veggies
Coffee and Tea (don't forget SUGAR!)
Milk, juice, soft drinks
Beer !!!!!!!!!! (don't forget this!)
When we had a tent we bought a double sleeping bag and it was awful, tried single ones then went on to just using a duvet, with a blanket on top of the airbed.
Well we're new to camping too and going on our first jaunty tonight for 2 nights. We've started from scratch with buying things- taken all of our advice from here. We're a family of 4 (2 adults, 2 children who are 5 and 6) currently in the car we have:
crikey... i love this site!!!! Rhian, yes they are in fact self inflating mats (although needed a little help!). So much very useful info already - will read through carefully, thanks to all! Will check out those campsites. One essential though... does anyone know where i would get a stainless steel cafetiere? bit of a coffee fiend...
thanks again
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: new to all this...
