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Hi and welcome to UKCS - beware its a very addictive site.
On our first trip out, we did local, about an hours drive away, we worked on the theory that if the kids (then 2 & 5) didn't like it was easy enough for us to run them home, and then go back to collect the stuff.    No need to worry they loved it.

Remember on site to treat other campers in a way you would like to be treated.

The atmosphere on a campsite is usually very open and friendly - help is usually freely offered/accepted.   If somebody offers to help you put your tent up, odds are its not because they want to show off their superior skills, its because they have seen that you need a hand, and are willing to help.  On our first trip out,  OH helped other campers who were struggling with their tent, and our airbed pump made the rounds.
Somebody saw that it was quicker than their foot pump and asked could they borrow it - and then they were asked by somebody else. 

With regard to safefy of valuables, just use some common sense - lock it in your car when you're not their, and possible at night.    Campers again tend to look out for one another.    I've had my tent zipped up for me, after going out and forgetting.  Chap came over, and apologied for looking in my tent, but he saw the car had gone, the tent unzipped, so had checked that nobody was in the tent and zipped it up.
I take things like my mobile phone and money into the sleeping section with me.   Never had a problem with any of my camping gear.

Just go out an relax and enjoy yourselves.

If you remember what the UK was like over 25 years ago...... that is what campsites are like now.  Generally people look out for each other, have respect for other peoples pieces of kit and are willing to help.

You will get the odd scumbag but they are few and far between.

Hi

Welcome to the site, have a look on the link below for threads about wild camping.

Wild Camping

Hi

I agree with what the others have said, just use your loaf. Dont leave valuables in the tent, but clothing and everything else is fine.  Not alot of people take anything of great value away with them anyway, however saying that all your camping gear comes to a pretty penny so if you're worried then get it Insured!  Camping Insurance doesn't cost alot and at least you get something back should the worst happen, You're also covered for Fire too which can be handy when camping in the summer and you leave aerosoles geting hotter and hotter in your tent   Yes this has happened to someone we know! Came back from a day out to find a black mark on the ground where their tent was

If it's just the theft you're worried about, I'd say dont worry people are very trusting and incidents happen very occasionally.

I wouldn't just pitch up anywhere though, my parents took their TT down the park to pitch it for the first time, by the time they'd put it up the police where on the scene moving them on as they thought they were travellers

Enjoy your first camp!

hi chilli after 18 yrs of camping and 7 yrs of caravaning and enjoyed every minute of it just be prepared to get cold, get muddy, get wet , ruffing it is what makes it all the more fun forget the creature comforts it great the 10 yr old will want to take a mate and make friends on site as you will, the best thing i think is when you go to a camp with a clubhouse but end up sitting up till the early hours outside the tent drinking with others pitched up around you, enjoy it we have so have the 5 kids great wy of life your child will remeber the breaks for years

regards  

Have to join in and confirm the consensus of opinion.  Campsites - especially the familly oriented ones - NOT Billings Aquadrome.... but that's another story - are generally safe and secure for property.  If you treat others as you would wish to be treated - keep an eye on their gear if your around etc. yours will be kept an eye on too.  Valuables either stay at home or wear them or lock them in the car. 

As for can we camp anywhere.... no..... just ask our 'friends' the travelling fraternity - then check all your wheels are still on your car.....