My husband and I are taking our 2 boys (7 and 3) for our first camping holiday, very excited at the prospect of 2 weeks in Cornwall. However we really are novices and need to know what to take. We have a tent!!!
This thread includes a list compiled by Sceptical Camper, who has thoughtfully also given links to the UKCS checklist and one for "camping spares and repairs".
When it comes to kitchen equipment you don't really need to purchase special camping things, just take stuff from your kitchen. It's much nicer drinking out of porcelain mugs than plastic ones (IMHO).
Fleece blankets are great for keeping warm at night outside the tent and also hot water bottles later in the season
A very large car, Trailer and roof box, oh and a second mortgage, buying all your bits for camping is like opening a pack of pringels, once you start you cant stop.
great fun though, so worth it, your family will love it.
tropicool electric coolbox
gaffa tape -string - scissors - sellotape - paper pen - bin bags - kitchen paper towels - wet wipes
tent repair kit
extra guy ropes
good book
toys
tent carpet
extra tarpaulin for ground sheets and also to gather stuff prior to packing/unpacking etc (cheap from ebay)
your favourites sauces and coffee etc
docs about the area you visit
peg extractor/crowbar if ground is hard
Basic medical stuff aspirin - gaviscon - elastoplast - insect repellent
Don't do what some friends of mine did, and forget to take washing up liquid, dishcloth, tea towels and something in which to carry the dishes to and from the washing up point.
A mallet for banging the pegs in.
Something like a plastic crate with a secure lid to keep food safe from wee beasties. And/or a coolbox.
Something to cook on, something to cook with, and something to eat off.
Something to sleep in - either take duvets from home or buy the best sleeping bags you can afford. This is the most important bit of kit after the tent, so don't skimp or you risk cold, miserable nights.
Something to sleep ON is as important as something to sleep IN. The ground is cold and hard! Air bed, camp bed, self-inflating mat or a foam backpacker's mat is essential. If you have an air bed you'll need extra insulation to protect you from the block of cold air it contains.
Lights, including a torch for bedtime trips to the loo.
A first aid kit, including stuff for burns, bites and cuts.
Chairs and table aren't essential, but they're a lot more comfortable than sitting on the ground all the time.
We take a dustpan and brush, which is handy to sweep bits of grass and stuff out of the bedrooms before we pack the tent away.
Warm clothes, it gets chilly at night once the sun's gone.
I wouldn't bother taking too much fresh food, there aren't that many places in the UK that are far from a food shop, but non-perishables will probably be cheaper if you take them from home.
Hi and welcome! Your boys are the perfect age for camping, they will love it.
If it helps this is my full list which gets abbreviated slightly for shorter trips:
Tent and repair kit
Ground sheet for under tent
Tent carpet/picnic rugs
Mallet
Airbeds and pump
Airbed covers
Sleeping bags, liners and fleece throws
Pillows
Hot water bottles
Tent heater
Gas bottle
Stove and matches
Pans, cutlery, plates, mugs, wine glasses
Sharp knife, scissors, can and bottle opener
Washing up bowl, sponge and t-towels
Flask and cool box
Chairs and tables
Head torches and lantern
BBQ and windbreak
EHU lead, kettle and fan heater if using
We also take a small box of food to get us started, a few travel games and playing cards for the kids, full waterproofs, wellies/crocs, toiletries etc. With clothes we try and take as few as we can get away with (space in the car is limited so I will use a launderette if necessary).
You might want to think of a some kind of bucket with a lid or kampa khazi toilet for the boys during the night. We have a full toilet set up because we sometimes camp on sites without facilities but it really does make a difference.
I also echo the warm clothes advice. Even if the weather is hot and sunny when you go (fingers crossed) it can get surprisingly cold at night. Make sure everyone has one really warm fleece or jumper. My kids sleep in thermals rather than pjs most of the year.
My boys are 10 and 12 and we have camped with them since they were 3 and 5. Feel free to ask any questions, everyone on here is very friendly.
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: What do we need?
