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Another tip is if you have litle kids, clothes that are just starting to get a bit short on the arms or legs are fine for camping.

I have started taking my 2 and  4year old granddaughters with us , their winter fleece tops and long sleeve t shirts, leggings were starting to get a bit short, my daughter was about to go out and buy all new for camping. I said not to bother. if they get so muddy playing on site they don't wash up clean , they can just be binned . daughter was a bit miffed, she always likes the kids looking nice.

 but its a big difference in how dirty they get camping than normal play at home. The kids are never told, stop doing that, you'll get wet/ muddy/ spoil your clothes when I take them . They really enjoy the freedom, and they seem to have black knees and bums as soon as they go outside the tent.

she was glad I had insisted the old clothes would be just fine when she saw how they came back though.

well, i'm not one for buying cheap stuff but t-shirts and shorts for camping- asda tesco 3 for a fiver, dog walking has brought berghaus and hunters, a quality waterproof is best. crocs, reefs, and wellies (OH insists), trainers and walking boots.

socks pants £3 for 5 pairs binned and not brought home. 3/4 trousers are best for plodding across a field to the loo and other activities. t-sh*t and shorts for night time sleeping.

we seem to wear the same clothes all week and always take too much. thank god we have no kids.

bikini does go go in the vain hope the sun will come out enough to warrant its exsistence.

jeans stay at home.

now you all think i'm a dirty minger who leaves her pants all over the country!!

We always take too much (that's the royal we, she who must be obeyed takes at least a dozen suitcases), I tend to spend a week in the same shorts and fleece!

The best investment I have ever made was a pair of Merrel Chameleon GTX (Goretex) trainers. Waterproof, hardwearing, smart enough not to look like a proper trainer, casual enough not to look like a boot, comfy and can be used for some serious rambling.  Perfect for camping.

If you want to keep costs down, take your normal weekend wear, a kagoul and some wellies.

I have camped for a long time with OH and now with 2 children and these are my thoughts:

Take less clothes than you think you will need, you will find you dont really care what you look like when camping!!  Part of the laid back life I think.

Take something really warm, even if its hot (!) it can get cold at night.  I take thermals for the kids instead of PJs then they can also wear them during the day under their regular clothes if necessary. 

Dry feet are essential so take wellies for the kids, they can also put them on quickly for a last minute hike to the loo.

Nothing dries very well in the tent unless its hot and it isnt usually when I am camping so jeans etc are a bad idea.

Wouldnt buy any special clothes for camping to begin with except maybe a waterproof coat, just see how you go.  Enjoy!

Angela