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a big hello to everyone, i just registered tonight and have been reading all the topics and postings, wow i didnt think there was soooo much to camping lol, my fella and i just bought a family tent and thought it would be an easy way of taking our large family on holiday, i just hope we can remember everything, i'm a nightmere with my lists at the best of times, any advice or tips would be gratefully received, thanx to all.   milla.

hi milla, i dont think there is any need to advise personally, whatever you need you will find on ukcampsite. this is the best place on the www for info on camping. although my main piece of advice would be to ensure you prepare for cold evenings (even in summer it can be very chilly) so invest in a decent sleeping bag and if poss a fleecy liner (got ours from lidl for £5, well worth it!) and a warm coat/jumper e.t.c.. dont forget the usual, kettle tea bags sugar, bottle opener for the beer n wine (priority really hee-hee) plenty of batteries for torches, unless you go with EHU, we use glow sticks for kids as they stay lit for about 6-8 hours. we started the camping bug about 3 years ago and haven't looked back since.

Just go with the flow hun and enjoy every single minute of it. most of all take time to relax, thats what its all about!!!

Hi & welcome to the forum Milla  Congratulations on getting your first tent.

There's a handy checklist here which is a good starting point, but when you go on your first camping holiday take a pen & paper with you so that you can make a list of items you wish you'd taken. Add them to your main list when you get home, then you'll remember to take them next time.

Quote: Originally posted by jenhug on 13/4/2006

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always take 2 mallets!!  It will save lots of time pitching the tent!

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 Very sound advice ! We only took one mallet on our first trip and it took my OH an age pegging out our huge tent !!!!!  We now have two so we can halve the time it takes.

We took far too much stuff on our first trip - ( you learn by experience ) and we have streamlined a lot for this year ! What ever happens, I'm sure you and the family will have great fun - but be warned - camping is very ADDICTIVE ! Ask anyone on here !

Hi Milla,

welcome loads of advice on here it's great!

It's good practise to take your list on your first trip to jot down what you should have taken for next time My main advise though is to remember to score off everything you discover isn't useful (you know OH, kids, dog, etc..lol)

Happy camping enjoy!

Luv Shizx

Hi and welcome to UKCS.
I have a master list for camping that I can alter to suit the length of the trip - print it off and tick off as stuff is packed/loaded into the car.   Makes it easier when you have excited kids helping.    I also find that if I start packing clothes etc about a week before hand, my list helps me remember whats already been packed. 
I also have a list of things that should be in my fiddly bits box - eg matches, candles, insect repellant sticks etc.   Check the box after a trip, and then I can replace anything if need be.  Saves getting to a site and finding that you haven't got a match to light the cooker.

Everybody has different ideas of what is the ideal amount of stuff to take, just remember its up to you.   No good tearing your hair out and spoiling your holiday because someone without children has assured you that there will be no need to take any toys when you go camping, or that you won't need a picnic table as they manage eating sitting on the floor.    Its up to you.

On site dont be afraid to accept help offered or if necessary ask for help - as a whole campers are a very friendly bunch, willing to help each other.   In the past i've been sent cups of tea when I'm trying to pitch, and I've been able to do the same.  
Whilst we are all out to relax and enjoy oursleves, the big thing to remember is totreat your fellow campers the same way as you want them to treat you.

Just relax and enjoy yourselves and everything will be great.

hi milli,

we usually set off in the early hours, so we can pitch up early,paul puts ten t up while i unpack the cooking gear and start brekkie.by the time it is ready the tents  nearly up.after that i help with the inner tent and airbeds,then off for a wash and brush up,a look round the campsite and off we go sightseeing.that way you dont lose most of the first day of your hols.If you cant get on your pitch till later then find a picnic area.great. margie   

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Hi Milla,

I only started last year, went about 5 or 6 times and cant imagine doing anything else for a holiday, we absolutely love it.

To start with just get basics - something to sit on, cook on and sleep on and take it all as it comes, you will know what you need the more you do it.

I also have a box which I keep all the bits in I need so it is ready to go in car at those last minute-thursday night-good weather forecast-lets go away tomorrow moments ie matches, batteries, tin opener etc.

It is a fantastic way to holiday and I am sure you and your family will love it.

Mandy.