We stayed at La Croix last year our first camping trip abroad and only our third holiday camping. Thoroughly enjoyed it, not sure if that's where you stayed last year?
We initially bought a HiGear Zenobia to test the water and just the basics. Really enjoyed it so then invested in an Outwell tent. Make do where you can initially until you know you are going to enjoy it.
The cheap picnic rugs are great for on the floor. They add warmth - great for kids to sit on etc. I take a few then if need be, say a drink got spilled, I can take it up, and replace with a different one, Then when I get home I just shove them in the washing machine..
thanks everyone. Been great advice. now have a list as long as my arm of things we will need to get. We are going to go on our first trip May Day bank holiday weekend. Hopefully haven't left it too late to get booked up!!
Good luck with your shopping trip and first camping trip - we started off in a two man tent with everything borrowed when it was just the two of us, many moons ago!! However, as you have a little one to consider, it really is as everyone says, important to get the tent right. We have built our kit up over a few years and now my husband says there is nothing else we need - but there are lots I want .
Hope you have a lovely time!
------------- Redjeni
April - Filey - no tent :-(
June - Carlton Minniott
July -Spain (no tent)
August - Carlton Minniott and others to be planned!
we only got into camping last year, so no great pearls of wisdom, except I would say - read lots and take advice, but then be sure to find your own way of doing things.
We have some really good friends who are very experienced campers and we made the mistake of trying to do everything exactly like them. They had some great advice for us but essentially exactly how you like to camp is a personal thing and a little bit of trial and error goes a long way.
This is probably too small for your needs and I didn't want to start a new thread with it but I came across this which some might be interested in. Cotton 4 berth ridge tent BNIB for less than 40 quid.
What suits one person may not suit another. although your little one is too young to be sent to the play area on her own, I find that looking for a site with the play area symbol usually means that there will be other children. Now mine are older I loose them for hours on end.