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I was just wondering if you all had any advice for a first timer (camping that is).

I thought about going somewhere local for my first camp just in case it all go’s belly up.

IV been camping in my garden but it’s not the same.

I still need to know the ins and outs of camping like booking a pitch and if they have electrics and just general camping skills.

I want to try and get it right so I can enjoy what I hope to be a new part of my life.

Hi

Can't really give you any advice as we are only just starting camping up ourselves, however we did camp in September last year and forgot quite a few things lol.  Certainly was a steep learning curve!

We have recently purchased a new tent which is massive and I have been e-mailing various sites I like the look of asking if they accept larger tents and all have been very helpful. so just give the sites a ring and enquire about booking.  I found the reviews of sites on here quite helpful too.

By the way you are very local to me

Happy camping

Here is the check list

http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/articles/view.asp?id=7

Not to far for first night so that you can always nip home for anything you have forgotten

while on site   sit down with a glass of something pleasant and list

what you need

what you would like

then when you have your difinative list type it print it and it's ready for next time.

Just have fun, you will enjoy it so much!! Our first camping trip we got to campsite at 10pm at night after driving around because we didnt book, it was just a field with a toilet. We had borrowed a tent so had no idea how to put it up and it was pitch black. By time we had finished we couldnt be bothered blowing up bed so we ended up just sleeping on floor and it was very rocky!! But next day we got properly organised and then loved it!! We went straight out and bought our own tent and have loved it from then on.

Thank you all for your comments and advice.

It is very much appreciated and will take all your advice on board.

Happy camping and all the best to everyone. 

Essential items to remember;

bottle of red wine

corkscrew!!

We started camping last year, did a few days in the New Forest to start with (we were blessed with warm weather which helped). Reckon one weekend camping gives you plenty of ideas of things you will or won't need. Keep a running list as you camp so you don't forget, it's mad how many little things you need but are easily forgotten (ie.tea towels) I recall from our first trip we didn't have proper seats, no table (improvised with box & blackgammon board), only a kettle and no gas stove or even a toaster! However, we had a fantastic time with just the basics. Only a few more camps away and we went on to spend two weeks camping in France at the end of the summer!

It's a brilliant thing nowadays but you can pick up cheap items you forget at supermarkets plus they also seem to do a lot more camping gear nowadays.

I certainly agree with Mick & Elaine, corkscrew is probably the most essential item though...

As for booking & pitching, it does seem to vary from site to site. The hardest sites to pitch up are the ones where there is NO one around to ask advice and you're faced with a massive field...you don't want to pitch to have to unpitch...best ask the basic rules when you book or ask other campers who are there already.

And as for general rules, this site is a gem for sharing tips and info on general rules from the basics through to all the safety stuff with heaters.

Good luck and have a fab time camping this summer!