Carry On Camping...

[Deputy_sherriff]

I have decided to take the kids camping this year.
We've never been before and I'd like to know what I need to take with me.
I have a tent, 3 sleeping bags, 2 double airbeds and a stove (with pots and pans)

What else will I need?

I'm doing it on a massive budget, so nothing ridiculous please.

[maggiebee]

Think the simpler the better. Apart from some plates, cups and cutlers (I always used plastic type) then not a lot more. Kids love roughing it.

[maggiebee]

"cutlery" doh. Oh and a kettle!! Can't be without a cup of builders.

[Tilly2]

Portable loo.

[B00]

Are you on a 'proper' campsite? Or just in a field somewhere? Will you be on an electric hook up pitch?

[sunny-dave]

If the budget will stretch to a double burner stove then that is soooo useful - heating one pan at a time is a serious pain.

Unless you are prepared to spend the whole time faffing around cooking on the floor (which my back hates) investing a few quid on a camp kitchen (like this Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation ) is well worthwhile - get one that has the 'wind shields' - saves loads of time and gas when cooking.

[maggiebee]

Portable loo??? Oohh you are posh Tilly2 - if not on a campsite then the nearest tree will do!!

[Tilly2]

It's all that traipsing about at night time.

[VHG]

I am amazed that people dont realise that stuff like this is always available somewhere on the interent, it just takes a quick search.

I did a quick search and found this web site

http://campingandcara...dvice/gettingstarted/

[Deputy_sherriff]

Thank you for all the answers. It is much appreciated.

I have booked onto a 'proper' campsite, as I was worried about safety issues of just pitching up in a field. It's just me and the kids, so thought that probably wasn't wise.
I've just checked the website, and there's no electricity there that we can use. There are toilets though... thank goodness!
The stove I have has got two burners on it. It was just a cheapy that was on offer with the tent, but it should do the job fine.
I'd completely forgotten about plates and cutlery! lol Kettle is also a good idea.

VHG, I don't think it's a case of not knowing. I could go onto Go Outdoors and get a list of stuff they say you need but, as I said, I'm on a budget so don't want to be spending money on stuff they say you need, yet turns out to be non-essential.
Also, if everyone just "looked on the internet", then sites like this would be pointless!

[maggiebee]

Deputy_sherriff, camping should be an adventure for the kids. When my son was small we went all over the country with very little "gear", just threw the tent etc in the boot of the car and headed off. You learn as you go along and hey, if you forget something there's sure to be a shop within driving distance. Don't forget the TINOPENER lol.

[B00]

Take hot water bottles- you'll be (unpleasantly) surprised how cold it can (and will) get at night.

[HowardKennitby]

If you haven't already done so find out how the stove works and cook something on it.

[Toes]

A pack of cards, and a gas lamp. Its great sitting on you blow up beds playing cards, and the kids seem to love it.

[Celticv11]

Take a torch, matches or a lighter and a quilt and pillows for your bed. A collapsible water container is also useful

[HowardKennitby]

first-aid kit for things like burns and cuts or grazes.

[pusskin]

Make sure there are no leaks in the blow up air bed before you go.
Check gas bottle.
Very lightweight little chairs are well worth taking.
Tin opener --matches -- small washing up bowl--cloth.- tea towel.
Small bucket to pee in in the night, to empty in the morning.

have fun, happy camping Deputy x

[pusskin]

With no hook up, water bottles will be brilliant for that warm cosy slumber at night. Our first camping in 1989 was brilliant, and we didnt have a pot to pee in and had to creep behind the bush at the back of the tent.
We try and not forget anything now haha.

[snags]

''Small bucket to pee in in the night''

I'd take a large one... middle of the night in-tent overspill is not pleasant.

[Deputy_sherriff]

That's really great. Thankyou all so much.
I wasn't massively looking forward to it, if I'm honest. But you've all made it sound quite fun!

Thankyou to all. It is much appreciated :-)

[shoota]

Don't forget lighting for the evening, lamp and torches.
Something to read, board games, football, frisbee as there will be no TV.
Washing up liquid and washing powder.
A couple, or even three, buckets - washing, carrying water, peeing etc - also make great stools for the kids.
You can go on and on until you need a pantechnicon......