Hi lovely ladies, just wondering if any of you know of any camping grounds/resort parks etc (to camp in a tent at), that you'd 100% recommend for first time campers.
Ideally I'd like somewhere in NSW between Newcastle and Port Maquarie area, but will definitely go further north/south if needed, and as far west as Tamworth (so anywhere from Newcastle/singleton/scone/Tamworth etc).
I've never been camping before, so any tips?
Kids are 5/6 and 3. (Again, they've never been camping either).
What was your experience camping for the first time with a toddler/ 5/6 year olds, and what would you do differently if you could do it again.
We're thinking of investing in a camper trailer if this is successful (we're sick of spending thousands on accomodation every year! )
thanks everyone ❤️
6 Replies
South West Rocks!! About an hour from Port Macquarie. We have a camper trailer and stay at ingenia. Great park we loved it! Also the big 4 is good. Such a nice little town with plenty to see and do but over all a great place to chill out. Happy camping!
also to add on from above we have a almost 4 year old and powered ensuite sites are so easy with kids no walking far to the toilets! We love our camper trailer but it is a bit of work to get up especially watching a toddler
Depends what sort of camping you're looking at doing. Caravan parks are fun for the kids but expensive even when camping and if you go during the school holidays they pack you in like sardines.
Myall Lakes area has some lovely camping areas that are natural. Also around Forster.
If you want caravan parks we love Seal Rocks.
With the camper trailer buy a second hand one. The market is so saturated. We're trying to sell one but there are so many out there you pretty much have to give it away.
Camping in a tent vs camper trailer is very different. Perhaps hire a camper trailer. I suggest a jayco... Super easy setup if you're not familiar with it. That way you can test your families suitability for camping with a setup and degree of comfort you're considering.
I live too far away to suggest somewhere good sorry, but I do have some potentially good advice... *Note, we have special needs kids.
Our first camping trip in a camper trailer was in our back yard over two nights. The first night was a shambles as two of the four minions got ill and we gave up at about 1am. The second night was quite successful but the kids needed the reassurance that they were safe, and learnt the correct protocol for getting up in the middle of the night (take a parent to go to the look, etc.) We were also able to come up with a very comprehensive list of things we needed for a successful camping trip before we left. Every time we needed something, it was a short easy trip through the back door to grab it and write it on our checklist for the next trip. The ages of our kids on this 'trip' were 3 months, 2 years, 4 years and 6 years old.
We did our best to do everything outside for a whole day to get the kids used to a different routine. We even cooked and ate outside.
We had a mat for each child to sit on while we set everything up or pack down, and a small bag of games/activities/books for each child to keep them out of our hair. Now they are older, they help out a little or play/fight together...
We also keep a pack of cards, Uno, chess, and other travel sized games in one of the compartments of our car for rest time or rainy days. *They now stay in the car after we had a number of traffic delays (of a few hours due to accidents) to be able to pass time without the kids losing the plot.
My kids tend to eat more when we are camping too. So pack some extra tinned food/muesli bars/dried fruit/whatever that can then sit in the pantry at home if they don't get used while camping. Let's face it, kids get whingie when they are hungry and nobody likes whingie kids.
Last but not least, pack an extra dose of grace, patience and humour. It'll get you through when you momentarily lose your sanity.
Much love, hugs, and encouragement from a mother of a 4 year old, 6 year old, 8 year old and 10 year old.
Great advice, thank you. ❤️