Tips for an Enjoyable Family Camping Holiday

If you haven’t considered camping for family holidays, you may want to explore this option. Camping has come a long way over the years, and there are plenty of choices for where and how to camp.

While some people still prefer to camp in a small tent in the seclusion of wilderness, there are other options that are more child-friendly. By packing the right supplies and choosing your campsite wisely, your entire family can have an enjoyable camping holiday.

Choosing a Campsite

The most important part of planning your next holiday is to find a campsite that will meet the needs of your family. You can opt to camp in a tent, mobile home, gypsy caravan or a log cabin.  Some parks are adults-only, so make sure you find one that is family-friendly. Some of the larger campsites, such as run by the likes of Eurocamp or Keycamp offer plenty of activities that will keep your children busy throughout the day. Look for sites with hot showers and toilets, as well as a laundry, activities and kids clubs.

There are plenty of options both in the UK and abroad.

Camp in the UK: The Pencelli Castle Caravan and Camping Park offers picturesque scenery and plenty of amenities. The toilet facilities are baby-friendly with changing stations and toddler seats.  There is also a well-equipped laundry and a dish washing room. Both children and adults can have a peaceful holiday, whilst riding horses, cycling, mountain climbing or canoeing.

Travel Abroad: The La Croix du Vieux Pont in France is a wonderful option for families. The site is set on an 84-acre resort surrounded by lovely gardens and a beautiful lake. There are plenty of activities for children, including horse riding, cycling, karting and archery. You can spend the day basking on the beach of the lake, while your children play on the waterslides.

Packing the Right Equipment 

If you travel abroad or you will be renting a caravan, most of the basic supplies will already be furnished for you. If you will be pitching your own tent, you must bring all of the necessary supplies. Always check with your campsite to see what items they offer as part of your package. Here are a few of the most-needed items for an enjoyable camping holiday.

Tent: There are plenty of choices, so make sure to select one that is large enough to accommodate your family. Some have separate rooms for sitting and sleeping, while others are simply one large space.

Sleeping Bags and Mats: Choose your sleeping bags wisely. Pay attention to what the weather will be like at your campsite. If you are camping somewhere warmer during the summer, a lightweight season-one sleeping bag will be fine. If you are headed north or somewhere during the winter, look for a season-four sleeping bag. Make sure to bring either inflatable or insulated mats to sleep on.

Camping Stove: You won’t want to miss out on having a warm mug of coffee or tea every day, so be sure to bring a camping stove. Look for a stove large enough to accommodate a pan for cooking morning breakfast. Don’t forget fuel, lighters, mugs, utensils and pans.

Camping Supplies Checklist (Try not to over pack, but do bring some of the following items to make your camping holiday more comfortable.)

·         Pillows and blankets

·         Mallet

·         Air pump

·         Torch

·         Lamps

·         Wellies

·         Extra clothing (warm and waterproof)

·         Child-sized potty chair and nappies for babies or toddlers

·         Sanitizer and wipes

·         Towels

·         Map and compass

·         First aid kit

·         Insect repellent

·         Sunscreen

·         Food, water bottles and tea bags

·         Toilet roll

·         Swiss army knife

If you do research before you go and choose the right campsite, your camping holiday is sure to be enjoyed by both the adults and children in the family.