Lessons I learned from our first camping trip with the children
Camping is something that I enjoyed a lot as a child, usually in the South of France or Spain, rarely experiencing cold weather or even rain, and free from the worries of being a parent and having to remember the million and one things to make the whole experience run smoothly! Now, as a family of six, camping was never really on our radar until recently when we were kindly gifted the most amazing six man tent, and all of a sudden it seemed crazy not to give it a try.
A couple of weeks ago I wrote a post where I shared all of the amazing advice I had received from other more seasoned campers on how to survive a camping trip with children and, armed with this knowledge, we headed off to Wales to see if this camping lark was something we could commit to long term.
Now, safely back home, after a nice hot shower and a good night’s sleep, I thought that I would share the lessons I learned on our first camping trip with children, including how tools like camp registration software can make planning and organization much easier for families.
1. Fitting all of the camping equipment into the car requires some major packing skills. Thank god for Gaz’s expertise at Tetris.
2. Putting up the tent may well be the toughest challenge your marriage has ever faced. If you can get the tent up without taking a rubber mallet to your other halves head, you can survive just about anything
3. Your tent may well be pitched on a bed of granite where no amount of blood, sweat or tears will get those tent pegs in. Take rock pegs as back up!
4. Just because it’s called an air bed doesn’t mean that it has any air in it. Check for punctures before you leave.
5. There really is no need to sleep in seven layers. You’re not in the Arctic and you will wake up sweating.
6. When you position your tent next to a running stream river, because you think that it will make you feel “at one with nature”, it won’t. It will annoy the hell out of you, every second of every waking moment and, more that that, have you bursting for a wee every two minutes.
7. Going for a wee at 3am whilst wearing seven layers of Christmas fleece pyjamas is never fun.
8. People on camp sites like to chat. Even at 3am in the toilet block….
9. Camping is a nightmare for children at bedtime (imagine a time when your children have been the most hyperactive and times that by about ten!) but amazing for a lie-in, 9.30am every morning! Result!
10. Camping is the most fun you could have when the sun is shining, not so much when it’s torrential rain and thundering and lightning.
11. When it rains in the night your chance of sleep is zero. Prepare to be tired.
12. You will spend the first 24 hours fighting the mud and from there on in, embracing it.
13. It’s not the end of the world if you don’t shower for three days running. Dry shampoo is a must.
14. The first hour or so without wifi will be a struggle but all thoughts of TV, iPads and technology will soon be forgotten – for the better.
15. There is nothing better than seeing your children enjoying the great outdoors, plus all of that fresh air knocks them right out!!
16. You will be amazed at the amount of dirt that can fit under your fingernails.
17. Putting up the tent may seem like a challenge but taking it down and fitting it back in the bag it came in may well prove impossible.
18. Your bed will never feel as comfy as it does on the first night home from camping.
19. Nor will a hot shower ever feel quite as luxurious.
20. Camping will never compare to five star luxury, a fast deflating air bed to a pocket sprung king sized bed, or burnt sausages to your finest cuisine. But nor will five star luxury compare to the looks on the children’s faces when they caught their first crab, skimmed stones by the sea, ate ice cream by the bucket load or told late night stories by torch light. You may return home a little grubbier, a little achier, a lot more tired, but you will make the most amazing memories together and really, that is all that matters.
And if you’re in any doubt as to whether we enjoyed our camping trip…….we’ve booked to go back in October when I’m pretty sure, all seven layers will be needed!!!
Been camping twice now and definitely agree with all these!
It’s hard work at points but the kids love it and it’s a real adventure, we loved it! xx
Haha love this and all so very true! We’re camping in October too, by in a camping pod as opposed to a tent x
Oh I would love to try a camping pod! None of the faff of putting up the tent at least! xx
Wow! I wouldn’t even consider going to camping alone! With 3 kids? You’re so brave and you handled everything so smoothly I can see! Always with a plan! I hope you had a great time!
Haha next time we are taking all four of the children, at least all of those bodies will keep the tent warm! xx
Haha you guys are six and you are going back!Crazy woman!?We both love and hate going camping. Love waking in the nature…the rest I just hate it!? We went camping first time with our daughter when she was 8 month and this sunmer 20 month. She loves it! Your kids are adorable!
Haha I think we are crazy but it’s just so cheap!! We already had our summer holiday so this was a bonus, but we loved it and will definitely be going back! xx
I really love this post. When I was growing up, my family took a lot of camping trips. We pitched a tent at our favorite camp ground. Gathered the firewood. Went swimming at our favorite pool. It was always a fun time. I remember this one time when we found our old dog, Ozzie. He was just a puppy then but that was probably the best trip of them all. I hope to take my daughter on camping trips. These are great expectations of camping.
Ahh that sounds lovely and it’s great that you have such lovely memories. My children had THE best time camping, it was great to share that time together. xx
I’ve been camping with my oldest two boys once. That was enough for me, heh. We also camped on a cliff, so I was paranoid the entire time that kids would run off it and they didn’t allow cooking, so we had to buy food at the cafe which was crazy expensive. It was not fun. Now that they’re all older, it might be worth another go.
Oh no! Maybe second time lucky? xx
Lol 7 layers wow I’m surprised you could move. I admit I’d layer up too though. I think I’d let mine stay up rather than stick to normal bedtime to tire them out.
Hahah I barely could!! Oh yes I didn’t mind them staying up later at all! Was lovely to have a lie-in! xx
We love camping. The kids love being outdoors and the freedom of running around. I certainly agree about getting the tent back in the bag and also about rock pegs – we had to get some on our last trip to hold the tent down in the wind. I will say that electric hook up is a must and take a kettle with you – so much quicker than lighting the stove and waiting for it to boil ?
We had electric hook up, I’m not cut out for no electric! Didn’t have a kettle though so will definitely be getting one for next time! xx
Even just when I camp with my husband it gets hectic, cannot imagine how it would be if we added kids to the mix! But, you guys look like you had awesome fun time! Great pics!
Haha it was a little crazy for a moment but then we found our feet and had a great time! xx
I have some BAD memories of camping with kids. It was never easy and to be honest we gave up after 2 attempts and stuck to hotels after that lol!
Haha I don’t blame you really, I think we were quite lucky as the weather was amazing! xx
I hear everything you are saying. I love camping and the fun you can have. I love that after an hour or two lack of wifi doesn’t matter anymore. The worst thing for me is needing the loo in the middle of night and rain = no sleep! X
Yes!! My friend has a camping toilet, I might have to invest! xx
Brilliant! Loved reading this, made me chuckle. Not been camping since I was a child but this brought back memories. My hubby is allergic to camping so can’t see us going any time soon. Looking forward to hearing how October goes…brave lady!
Hahaha allergic! That made me laugh. Yeah, October….hmmmm…..watch this space! xx
We have never been camping with the kids – to be honest I have only been once without them and it wasn’t my cup of tea!! However I know my little ones would love it so when Alfie is a bit older I have promised my husband I will give it another go – eek!!!
Ahh I think you’d be surprised Natalie. The kids LOVE it so much, it’s hard not to love that! xx
Some brilliant tips and advice! I have to say I am more partial to a caravan for electricity and not having to wonder out for a wee half way through the night! #BigPinkLink
We had electricity! God I couldn’t go that far!! But yeah, a toilet would have been nice! xx
Looks like you had an awesome adventure! I loved the big smiles on everyone’s faces. #bigpinklink
Thanks Heather! It was a lot of fun! xx
I haven’t been camping since I was a child. I’m not a huge fan to be honest as I love my creature comforts, but I would still like to do it with the kids as I know it would be so fun for them. Maybe hubby can camp with them and I’ll stay in a hotel down the road? Great tips here, sounds like you had a great time if you’re going back for more! X #bigpinklink
Hahah you could try glamping first and take it from there? I thought I would be moaning the whole time about how cold I was but turns out seven layers is enough to make even reptiles like me sweat! xx
I’ve never been camping before! But it sounds like you guys had a great time! Lovely to see everyone’s smiling and enjoying themselves. 🙂
Thanks Lily, it was so much fun! Even the bad bits! xx
Ah you make camping sound so much fun. I know my kids would have loved it when they were little but it was a total no for my husband. They had to make do with scout camps! Love the look of your adventure and it is practical with a large family. Popping by from #KCACOLS
Thanks Fiona, the best part for us is that it’s so cheap! We already had our summer holiday so this was such a nice little bonus to go and have another week away together! xx
Lol, it all sounds like really hard work. I’m. It sure the hubby and I would survive putting up a tent together!
Haha it was a challenge that’s for sure! xx
Wow a learning experience then? It sounds like in the end you all had lots of fun and you’ll be pros when it comes to your holiday in October!! 🙂
I hope so! Although it’s going to be freeeeeezing cold by then! xx
We usually go camping each year, but didn’t manage to do it this summer. Really sad about that 🙁 Loving the kids photos as always, they look like they are having so much fun! Your tips made me giggle. My husband has a wooden mallet which we use on those pegs, because as you mentioned, they are blimming hard! 😉 And yes, air beds ugh. Still love camping though. x
Ahh maybe in the autumn? We’ve just ordered a new air bed…hoping for more success with that next time! xx
This honestly sounds like the best camping trip ever! Your post did make me chuckle! I am hoping to go camping with the family at the end of this month – only for the weekend mind but I’m excited! We don’t drive though, so getting everything we need into backpacks will be a challenge in itself! x
Oh wow that is a challenge for sure!! I hope you have big backpacks!! xx
I’ve never been camping but boy have you made me want to go! Boo to late nights but yay to lay ins 🙂 ox
Oh yeah, those lie ins are pretty wonderful! xx
We got a tent this year! We haven’t used it yet! Next summer we are going somewhere, but we’re not sure yet, but I am so excited! I went to Glastonbury Festival for 13 years so I think I have enough camping experience for all of us, but I wonder how different it’ll be with two kids in tow?!
#bigpinklink
Haha it’s very different I think, there is so much to remember and the kids get so crazy hyper. It’s a lot of fun though! xx
I loved reading this Laura! We’ve just come back from our first-ever camping trip as a family of 5, and we loved it! We didn’t bring sleeping bags but used duvets (1 on top of the mattress and one as a normal duvet), but we were COLD! Thankfully, I didn’t find anyone wanting to speak to me at 3am, but I can’t tell you how I hated having to get up to walk to the shower blocks with a torch at 3am! I’d be lying awake for an hour debating as to weather it could wait until the morning to then decide that, no, I had to get up! All in all, we really really loved it. And I can relate to all your points, especially the packing in the car, the 7 layers, and the lack of wi-fi!!! Thanks so much for linking up at #KCACOLS. Hope you come back again next time!
Thanks Sara! Camping is definitely a whole new experience isn’t it? That was like me, thinking surely I can wait until morning but then I’d waste a whole hours sleep bursting for the toilet and having to go anyway! I’ll be back next week, thank you for hosting! xx
Ha ha great tips…for me I loved the fact the kids sleep in – when else does that ever happen?! Looking forward to seeing how you get on in October, hope it’s still lovely.
Oh me too Nichola, or it could all go very wrong!!! xx
Looks like you had such a good time! I don’t have any children but even I can use all these tips for my next festival or camping trip!
We had a great time! Camping is way more fun than I imagined! xx
It sounds like you had an amazing time and I love your tips – there is nothing like your bed when you have been staying somewhere that isn’t so comfortable.
Totally, best sleep ever that first night back! xx
I read this yesterday and loved it! I really want to go camping with my kids but I’m just too nervous haha #KCACOLS
Ahh just go for it, you’ll be surprised by how much fun it is! xx
I just don’t think we are ready for that challenge!! Looks like it might be worth the work though? #bigpinklink
It’s totally worth it!! Go for it! xx
I’ve never been camping before, but it looked like you and the family such a fun time, don’t blame you for boooking again for October! x
It was such a great holiday, can’t wait to go again! xx
Argh the 3am wee!!!!! Do you know you can get a thing called a Travel John for weeing in in your tent? Super handy but then you guys would need a lot of those to pee in!!! So true about the air beds xoxo
Haha I will look it up, anything would be better than the trek to the toilets! xx
I haven’t braved camping with Soph yet – she would love being outdoors, it’s more me that has a fear of dirt / being cold / the dark lol… Glad you all had a lovely time x
You soon get over it, it’s more fun than you think! xx
Looks like you had a lovely time, but the words ‘Putting up the tent’ strike fear into my heart 🙂 x
HAHA Melanie, yeah that part isn’t the most fun! xx
The fresh air really does make them tired doesn’t it! My little boy sleeps so well when he’s been out in nature all day x
Yes! It’s amazing!! xx
Gosh you’re so much braver than me! I could maybe stretch to glamping with proper beds for the kids – we used to have a caravan and even that was too much hassle sometimes – though I do agree about the memories – we have some fantastic memories of being in the caravan. Good on you for booking again! And I know what you mean about the tent being a potential reason for divorce – we used to have the same with our awning! #bigpinklink
HAHA I remember my parents almost coming to blows over the caravan awning!! Once the tent was up it was lovely, just putting it up and taking it down aren’t much fun! xx
Ah I was following your fun on Instagram! Camping is such a fun adventure when you’re young xx
Thank you Alice, we had a great time! xx
I haven’t been camping with children before, but now I know what it would be like!
Haha I hope I didn’t put you off!! xx
It has been a while since I have been camping but you are definitely right in saying that people on a camping site love to chat no matter what time it is haha. Glad you had a good time x
Haha they really do! It’s lovely everyone is so friendly though! xx
Haven’t ever camped out in a tent but love camping in a little caravan! So cosy 🙂
Ahh we used to have a caravan when I was younger, I loved it! xx
Your trip sounds like a great experience, unfortunately I love my creature comforts so camping is not my cup of tea but give me glamping and I may consider.
Glamping is a great compromise! I’d love to try it actually! xx
haha, I’m really not sure if this makes me excited or scares me off! we don’t have a car and really wanted to start camping this year but chickened out. are we mad for even considering it?! lol
Haha some parts of it are hard work but the good parts definitely outweigh the bad!! xx
I’ve never gone camping before but reading your post makes want to go buy (an easy set up) tent!! It’s a great experience for children to have in a technology filled world, glad you had so much fun!
Ahh you should! It’s so much fun! xx
Camping is the always fun. i love your trips, seems you had a great time there. Enjoy 🙂
Thank you so much. xx
I guess indeed there is nothing better than seeing your children enjoying the great outdoors. Definitely these are the moments that cannot be exchanged to something material. The happiness and the memories will last forever. You get to bond with the kids and make friends as well.
Totally, I think being shut off from technology is a great bonding experience too! xx
You all had fun for sure! You have pointed out important reminders when camping. It’s always better to be prepared.
Thank you Lauretta, we had a great time. xx
Great tips Laura. I have never been camping before. My husband keeps saying we should try it but we have a small car and I can not imagine getting much in it at all. Looks like fun too 🙂
Ahh it’s so much fun! You could get a roof box or a trailer? xx
I’ve been thinking about planning a camping trip for my daughter… We don’t get to go out very often, so it could be a really fun weekend…
Oh you should!! it’s so much fun! xx
Haha, oh wow, you are brave going camping with children – I’ve only been a few times before the baby came along and that was enough for me. I think I’m more of a glamping….. or a hotel person! 😉 I bet it was fun and an adventure though. xx
It’s good that despite everything you’re going camping again! I can’t imagine how you manage to fit everything into the car, I can barely do it for two people x
We’ve never been camping before but I’d love to! Some of these really cracked me up haha! x
Hopefully you can learn from my lessons! Haha! xx
Your braver than I am – it’s probably the thought more than anything else though, you seem to have had a great time in the end so it’s something we may brave!
I thought I would hate it to be honest but it was great. The kids LOVED it! xx
Ha, I’m glad you added you’ll be camping again as it sounded as if you’d never try camping again xo
Hahah we did enjoy it really!! xx
I went camping as a child and definitely agree with all these points – ha!
I think all campers can relate to it! xx
Memories are made of trips like this one. Camping is always exciting when you see it through young eyes. I’m so glad that you made lots of unforgetable memories on your camping trip. From the look on your children’s faces they had a great time.
We really did have a great time! xx
I’m afraid my fist lesson learned after a camping with children would be “no more camping with children”. But yours looks so sweet and so great! 🙂
Hahah we did have a lot of fun! xx
I really wish I’d taken the boys camping when they were little. It looks like such fun, but I’m not sure my dodgy back would agree 😉
My back wasn’t impressed with the air bed either!! xx
This made me chuckle, we do enjoy camping but always have to take too cars as we cannot fit it all in one
Ahh good idea!! We might need a trailer! xx
Wow! This post is like the Wikipedia for camping, especially with kids. All the tips will definitely come in handy for me when I get to do my first ever camping, someday; I’ll save this post for future. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Hah thank you Aditi! xx
Pleased that you didn’t learn DON’T DO IT. It can be so much fun.
Hahaha me too!!xx
I’m so pleased you had a great time and it was a success! We loved our first camping trip this summer too and I can’t wait to do it again. I agree though it’s all about the weather x
God yeah, I’m not sure I would be as happy in the rain! xx
Absolutely poured with rain one night when we we camping – I had to shout to my husband “Do you think it will wake the children?”, he shouted back “What I can’t hear you because of the rain.” They didn’t blink. #kcacols
Hahah that made me laugh! too funny! xx
Definitely agree with these! Camping is so much fun but there’s definitely a lot of lessons to be learned
There really is! Its great fun though! xx
Haha there is never enough room for everything. We just went camping with our 9 month old and we took so much stuff with us.
Theres just so much of it isn’t there? We need a trailer!! xx
I’ve never been camping with kids but I remember camping as a kid…this did make me giggle as I thought back to all of our camping trips when we were younger! As much as I love camping though, I have to agree, nothing feels as good as your bed or your shower when you get home!
God yeah, that first shower is AMAZING! xx
Wow, this is absolutely a great post and this is so informative I love to read more about this glad that you share this with us
Thanks Angela! xx
I love this so much Laura – so many great things about camping summarised in one (very humorous) post 🙂 x
Thank you Becca. xx
Ahahaha, this made me laugh. “Don’t assume an air bed will have air in it”. We too have found that to be in the case. Ours slowly deflates overnight and then we end rolling into the middle unable to get out, kicking and swearing at each other. All part of the charm though! It does sound like you had an amazing camping holiday. I look forward to reading how the October trip went x
Haha yes! That’s pretty much how it went! Here’s hoping October doesn’t leave us hypothermic! x
We love camping. Like you I did a lot in Europe as a kid, and we’ve got a big tent which Hubs and I used in the UK a few times with our oldest son. Our five year old has only been once (last year) but is dying to go again. I’m wondering if it would be a good or awful idea to give it a go again next summer…with a one year old!
But what are these illusive camping lie-ins people always talk about?! We’re always up with the sun…need to invest in sleep masks for the kids!
#bigpinklink
Haha I think it would be worth camping again just to see if you get a lie-in!! We have black out rooms in our tent, they are a god send!! xx
We love camping and are big fans – we even camped in a yellow weather warning once at Jimmy’s Farm! Layers are really important and staying dry x
Hahah so so true! We’ve just come back from glamping, it’s great fun!
Ahh I really want to try glamping! Might be less stressful! xx
Awwwh haha this was an awesome read!! We have been playing with the idea of camping with the kids this has prepared me haha I quite like being by water though, the noise actually relaxes me!
Haha I thought that too but this was a full on RIVER!! xx
I have done some minor camping in tents up to this point with my daughter, but it wasn’t the full camping that I would like to do with her. I will definitely keep some of these things in mind going out on a full camping trip.
Camping is so much fun, once you get over the tough parts, it’s great! xx
The look on their faces left no doubt the trip was enjoyed. Wonderful memories in the making.
I recognise Beaumaris there (my favourite seaside town). I was really laughing at the river bit! Can not believe you are going camping in October though! You will certainly need all 7 layers!
The days of camping at soggy festivals has put me off for life! I would like to take the kids at some point but I’m not brave enough yet!
hahaha I can relate to all of these points, from being the child in this instance! It looks like you had a wonderful camping trip!
Thanks Nicky, we really did! xx
They look so cute and enjoy the camping . It’s a good idea to bring a kids to do camping , to teach them what’s surrounding us . Stay close together with the nature
Your kids are absolutely adorable and you seem like such a wonderful person from the way you write!
You cracked me up over the fact that a hot shower will never feel so good as I’ve definitely been there.
Wishing you and your family the happiest life!
Ahh thank you so much Lizzie!! I really appreciate that! xx
I must admit I have zero desire to go.camping although the children keep asking!
Oh it’s so much fun – honest! xx
Yay to going camping!! We are attempting it in October too although only for one night. I am sure those seven layers will be required. I’m glad you had fun and I love this post xx
Hahah in October I’m aiming for at least 20! xx
I love camping too just not the packing, setting up or leaving!!
Yes!! Exactly that!!! xx
These are such useful tips. Number 16 really made me laugh ;))
Hehe thank you! x
We’ve just bought a tent ready for next Summer. I’m dreading the errecting part!!! Thanks for linking up to #FridayFrolics
Haha good luck to you that’s all I can say! You can do this! xx
Ahaha, still loving this! Thanks for linking up to #FridayFrolics x
Thanks Emma! xx
I went camping when my son was a toddler, but after my twins we never went back!!! I need a comfy bed now!
Hahah yes, I have to admit that the air bed isn’t the comfiest! xx
7 layers seems like a bad idea at that 3am wee?! Try a onesie, totally butt naked in an open top and bottom toilet tent, bloody freezing and a moth actually managed to go down my onesie whilst I was trying to get back into it!! #kcacols
Oh god!! I can’t cope! A fly got into the tent one night and I almost went insane!!! xx
We camped in the garden 1 night this holiday. It was freezing so 7 layers would be fab 😉 (well actually I think I got hot, sweated and then froze 🙁 ) but I hope we get round to camping next summer for part of our official holiday #bigpinklink
Ooh good luck! So much fun! xx
Made me chuckle a bit! We did Camp Bestival this yer in the rain and it was awful I have to say! We still had fun but the wind and rain ruined it. Kids still loved the camping though and i found my kids went to sleep far better! I took my quilt off my bed this time instead of sleeping bags for us and that was like a true luxury! x
Ooh that’s a good idea, I could use my quilt over my sleeping bag! Double layers! xx
I can’t wait to take my 2 camping… Unfortunately Mr C isn’t quite so keen! #bigpinklink
Ahh I’m sure he will enjoy it, just remember to take alcohol!! xx
I have never been camping before. I did once when I was a child with my class but I have been thinking of going with the kids. Not so much after reading this though lol
Hahah you’d love it really Janine, it’s fab! xx
These are such great tips. I can’t wait for our first camping trip when our boy is a bit older! Right now it would be a disaster I think!
Ahh I’m sure it would be okay, think of the sleep!!! xx
We’ve never been asleep in the great outdoors – but, by golly, your post gives me ideas. It looks like so much fun and brilliant memory making times. I just might have a chat with my Mrs. You may need to wish me luck… TY Laura! #FridayFrolics xoxo
You would love it I’m sure!! So much fun! xx
It takes a lot of courage to go camping with little ones wow you’ve done well.
It really does! Thank you! xx
Hi, I used to love going camping as a child. I’ve been several times as a grown up as wel but my OH is not so keen. Why does that air bed always deflate even though you’ve done a test run? I also confess to finding it hard to be social Lee in the early hours of the morning when you zip out to use the facilities #bigpinklink
Haha yes!! we did a test run in the garden, should have known not to trust it – it was an old one!! xx
I would love to take my kids camping – I am sure they would love it, unfortunately I know I would hate it! I am NOT a camping person!! #KCACOLS
Ahh I thought I would hate it too but actually we had a great time! xx
I love it! We bought a campervan this summer…. camping without the deflating airbed! 🙂 #KCACOLS
Oooh I am soooo jealous! xx
Been glamping in Norfolk in May and it was absolutely freezing – I’ve never been so cold with 4 layers on and sleeping in my coat! But like you, the kids loved it and it was blissful having no wifi for 2 nights. The kids explored the great outdoors again and were having such old skool fun without technology getting in the way. Good luck for October! Beautiful photos x #bigpinklink
Haha – I’m impressed you braved it & had fun. I don’t camp. Let alone with kids. I have no real idea what a six man tent is, but I’m imagining what they have in Harry Potter so it sounds quite exciting! Thanks so much for joining us for #FridayFrolics
Haha I think we are officially insane, but we did love it! xx
You’ve made me feel all nostlagic for camping holidays now. Time to get out the tent! Glad you had such a lovely time!
I’ve always loved camping and this post has made me want to go all the more! Also, you’re totally right – there’s nothing quite like a hot shower after a weekend in the wilderness!
Looks like you had amazing holidays:) I’ve back from Cornwall today and our son was really nice. Maybe I should try camping one day:) Happy faces are worth it 🙂
#KCACOLS
Looks kids enjoyed it a lot! Thanks for sharing such stunning photos!