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Hello all - we're new to camping - ie we did camp before we had kids - now we've got 2 of them its a whole different ball game!! lol

I was hoping someone out there might be able to recommend a tent which will sleep 4 but will loads of room - preferably space for us to do stuff if the weather is rubbish,  eat inside etc.

Also what other stuff do I need? Last time I went camping I didnt take anything as we we young and care free!

Everyone seems really nice on here so hope someone can help. ta x

Welcome to UKCS - now you've found it you will never leave  

I have no idea which tent you should buy as we bought a 12 berth for 5 of us

It is well worth spending some time going to see tents on display before parting with your money. There's no better way to get a 'feel' for the space and get some impression on what layout inside (cooker, storage, furniture etc) works best for you and your family.

We began looking at smaller tents and ended up with an Outwell Vermont L. We bought the optional carpet which makes it feel very comfy inside (and protects the groundsheet against children/pets.

One thing we'd never be without is a toilet inside the tent (no.1's only mind!). The Vermont's wardrobe area is perfect for this and you still have room to hang your clothes!

Quote: Originally posted by Belinda H on 26/3/2008

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Welcome to UKCS - now you've found it you will never leave

I have no idea which tent you should buy as we bought a 12 berth for 5 of us

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Another vote here for the vermont l, with toilet in the wardrobe!

Find a camping shop with a good display and you will get a better idea of what kind of space you are looking for as it is personal preference.  I think there is a Go Outdoors in Oxford that sell Outwell tents, we went there last year although I don't think they had the vermont then.

The bigger the better - so we're looking at 6 or 8 birth plus.

Have read on here that people sometimes have problems getting site to accept them with their big tent - do you find that?

Quote: Originally posted by Belinda H on 26/3/2008

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Welcome to UKCS - now you've found it you will never leave  

I have no idea which tent you should buy as we bought a 12 berth for 5 of us

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We've got a 6 berth for 2 of us!

Quote: Originally posted by emjane3009 on 26/3/2008

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The bigger the better - so we're looking at 6 or 8 birth plus.

Have read on here that people sometimes have problems getting site to accept them with their big tent - do you find that?

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I don't havea a ground sheet in any of the tent, as not only do I like the feel of grass under my feet, but it also soaks in the glass of orange juice that one of the kids has just knocked over.
What is ideal with kids is a couple of those plastic backed picnic rugs,  I just put a couple down inside the tent.   Kids can sit on them,  If necessary they act as a carpet when the weather is bad,   Then when I get home I just shove them in the washing machine.   I take a spare then if there is an accident I can replace with a clean one.
A toilet of some sorts is a must when you have little ones, not only for night time, but for the day when they are too young to go to the loo on their own.   Before now I've taken one up to the loo block, the other assuring me they didn't need to go, until I got back, at which poin they decide that they are desparate, so I have had to go back.    At that point I decide that the loo could be used at any time.
I keep a box of camping stuff for the kids - crayons/colouring books type stuff, with enough for other kids to use, so that if they are playing with friends there isn't a problem,   I just pick stuff up in the bargain shop and keep it for camping.   If it get spoiled its' not really a problem.

Hi i would definately recommend going to a camping shop and walking around inside some tents to get an idea of space,suncamp and aztec aren pretty good makes and ive never had any problems with leaks.I would also recommend a tent with a built in groundsheet and a flysheet as this makes for a much more cosy warmer camping experience.As far as size is concerned wnen you have kids ive always found the bigger the tent the better,having space for storage and for those rainy days when you might be stuck inside is essential.I would say for a family of four dont get anything smaller than an eight birth depending on your budget i would even consider a ten remember its up to you how easy you want your camping experience to be and how much luxury you want.As far as equipment is concerned you will need your camping stove and stand as basics,i would also recommend a chemical toilet we find this essential with children and theres nothing worse than having to trudge over to the toilet block in the night especially if its raining.I would also recommend a camping fridge if you really want to get serious about camping we bought one and never looked back no more messing about with ice packs! You also need to think about airbeds and sleeping bags being off the cold ground is essential as as far as sleeping bags are concerned you get what you pay for remember it can get pretty cold at times and having a good sleeping bag to keep warm is a must! hope you find this useful. As far as cooking in your tent is concerned it is not recommended unless you have a house tent,a cheaper alternative ia to buy a waterproof gazebo or cooking tent this is also a safety issue when it comes to having children around.I would also have to say choosing your site is essential make sure you read all the reviews you can and check out several locations.I hope you found this useful and wish you well. ps we have six children and camping is a military operation!