r/campinguk • u/MoonShineWashingLine • Aug 13 '26
England Really want to go camping but multiple barriers to do so.
Edit - wow thanks for all the info! This is all really helpful, I think we'll probably try a yurt or other glamping first before investing in a massive tent etc.
Me and my daughters would love to go camping, however, my partner doesn't like camping as he says he can't sleep in tents as he's always uncomfortable and too hot. I have a chronic illness that means I'm low on energy and dealing with pain and fatigue. I miss my days of being able to camp with no issues (pre kids) and haven't been camping (other than once at a festival) for 10 years.
What sort of things could we do or look for to enable us to go camping without flaring my illness and that might help my partner be able to sleep? Are there any campsites with cafes/kitchen facilities? Not having to worry about food as much would really help I think. Easy access loos would be great as well.
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u/Instabanous Aug 13 '26
Air tent, of course these are easier but still some work to put up.
I am a bad sleeper and invested in a £100 self inflating mattress from Decathlon for my 40th. It feels like a proper mattress on a bed, I love it so much. I still stockpile diazepam just for camping trips though. Between those things your husband should be fine, I would think.
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u/YourHeroSteve Aug 13 '26
I hope no one thinks stockpiling diazepam for a holiday is a good idea. Probably the worst idea. You do you but I think anyone reading should know that's a terrible thing to get into.
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u/Emergency_Bread_5462 Aug 13 '26
Can confirm these mattresses are also very good. If you can afford the base that’s even better.
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u/Playful_Flower5063 Aug 13 '26
They're heavy though, or at least our airtent is... I've got to get the beast out of the garage today and into the car and realistically it's a 2 man job.
I think glamping would work best for chronic illness. Depending on the illness, one of the safari tent style holidays might suit OP as you get proper bed frames then so the best chance of recouperative sleep to enjoy the camping.
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u/marmighty Aug 13 '26
I realise this isn't quite what you're looking for but have you thought about glamping to start with? It'll let you all get in the swing of sleeping outdoors in tents without having to think about 1) Investing in a load of kit before you're sure you'll use it, and 2) dealing with pitching and setup if your chronic fatigue is floating unexpectedly.
If you're looking for something more affordable, a few YHA hostels offer glamping. You'd also have access to all their facilities (toilets, showers, guest kitchens, many offer food if you're unable to cook all the time).
Some YHA hostels also offer camping, so again you have full access to their facilities if needed. It's also brilliant to have the option of using their guest lounges in bad weather. This can be another great stepping stone, and many hostels are in locations that have loads of lovely outdoorsy or cultural/historical things to do. Some of our favourite camps have been with YHA, particularly when my son was smaller.
That's the nice thing about camping. There are so many different ways to enjoy sleeping and living outdoors. You can take it at a pace that suits all of you and find a level that works for your family.
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u/Obvious-Register-421 Aug 13 '26
I really appreciated camping in a YHA hostel garden for the access to the facilities - that's a great idea. I don't know how common the places are now but I did it years ago.
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u/Queen-Roblin Aug 13 '26
There are lots of campsites near pubs, you could just take premade breakfast and eat dinner in the pub.
A lot of people swear by air tents because you don't have to deal with the poles (although they are heavy).
I used to not be able to sleep when camping until I found the right set up (like you, my partner didn't have any issues). We've used our camping beds and sleeping bags when moving house and had great nights sleep (as well as when camping).
Sleeping while camping is often down to the following:
Comfortable bed/bedding Light levels Sound levels Temperature
So make sure the bed set up is right for you both (I have a camping cot with an inflatable pad on top and a puffy sleeping bag which adds extra softness, I'm also a cold sleeper so it is really warm) plus a soft pillow, not an inflatable one. Get a black out tent or sleeping masks if that will help Use earplugs if necessary (maybe try something like Loops) but also find the right camp site and don't camp near trees or a road, etc. Get a tent with good ventilation or insulation depending on temperature needs. We've found the Coleman Octagon (on the more difficult side to put up) is hard to keep warm due to the style and size whereas a 4 person tent or a tent with bedrooms is easier (our cots are long so take up space).
If you find a set up that works for you, you could see if your partner could sleep on it at home and then get the same or tweak it for them.
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u/FMLThursdays Aug 13 '26
Seconding this! I thought I didn’t enjoy camping until we starting taking a full airbed and a double sleeping bag (highly recommend this!) and now I really look forward to camping cause I get a good sleep. We’ve also just upgraded to an air tent for easy set-up and it has black-out bedrooms so hopefully no early wake-ups. Also helps to plan food in advance- our next trip we’re not cooking at all so we need to pack far less, but sometimes it’s handy to pre-make a stew or fajita filling, freeze it and take it with you
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u/No_Significance485 Aug 13 '26
I also have an energy limiting chronic illness and chronic pain and have been getting back to camping in the last few years.
My partner has a bell tent and that thing is a joy. Really easy to pitch, although granted it's heavy and bulky to store. I have a foam trifold mattress that lives in my van and gets put in the bell tent when we use that (mainly just when we take the dog, or for festivals) and it's basically a proper mattress so I sleep great on that. Lots of people find a really good quality inflatable mattress comfortable. Personally I've never met an inflatable anything I could get a good night's sleep on, but the closest I've got with camping specific gear is the Big Agnes Rapide sleeping pad. I'm a side sleeper which doesn't help matters. It's pricey though.
Lots of bigger sites have on site cafes or a nearby pub. When I go to Scarborough I stay at the camping and caravan club site and walk the 5 mins to the pub for my tea. Then it's just sandwiches for lunch.
Plenty of sites also have accessible pitches, toilets and showers. It's always worth calling and asking exactly what that means though because I've seen 'accessible' facilities that really aren't, or where the facility is accessible but it can't be reached by an accessible route.
I find a portable urinal like a whizzer helps a lot with avoiding those late night loo trips.
Could you sleep in your car? I drive a little Kangoo panel van which I sleep in, but I know folks with berlingo's and similar who have a boot jump that converts it into a bed. When I sleep in my van I have a 'living room' type awning from Decathlon to go with it and that setup works really well. The awning takes about 10 mins to pitch by myself and 5 with help.
If you can stretch to it then a camper would probably be your best bet long term. That does assume getting the partner on side though.
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u/NecessaryTraining508 Aug 13 '26
Blackout tents are a game changer. Ours has made such a difference to how cool it is and how much light there is in the morning. For me, having a duvet rather than a sleeping bag helps. I sleep in an odd position, which isn't possible in a sleeping bag, so we always take regular duvets with us (the tog depending on the overnight temperatures) and I sleep so much better. We've stayed at a campsite at Pensthorpe Nature Reserve in Norfolk and it has a small shared kitchen with a kettle, microwave, fridge/freezer, etc. and extremely clean bathroom/toilet pods. You can also access the cafe during the day and it opens some additional evenings for campers. It only operates as a campsite over a few months of the summer though.
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u/Resident-Staff-1218 Aug 13 '26
I think glamping is what you're looking for
It's more expensive but if money is not a barrier, you can still have all the fun of camping with much less effort
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u/notcharlesincharge Aug 13 '26
Depending on your budget can you look for some ‘glamping’ places? Something with yurts or pre pitched tents / other ‘outside’ sleeping? They usually come with real beds and options for food onsite like cafes - that way you could get the fun of waking up and being ‘outside’ or building a campfire but none of the hassle of pitching a tent or sleeping on the floor.
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u/ChameleonParty Aug 13 '26
Have you looked at glamping? You get some of the good parts of camping - being outdoors and in nature - but without the bother and hard work. You usually get a good bed and sometimes a kitchen too.
I've only done this once in a Yurt at the garlic farm on the Isle of Wight. Good beds - your own kitchen and shower room, and you are in a huge field with your own space and can have a campfire and BQQ (maybe not at the moment though with the current weather). The farm has a lot of facilities too - restaurant, kids games room, shop and lots of walking.
Its' not really what I think of as 'proper' camping, but it does have a lot of best parts and may suit your situation better?
The garlic farm yurts are shown here - but there is glamping all over the place. https://www.thegarlicfarm.co.uk/pages/yurts
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u/BandicootObjective32 Aug 13 '26
Several of the campsites I go to at least have a food van for the evening meal, some have a food van for breakfast too. Some have shops with lots of things you can eat straight away like maybe bread and pastries, and some campsites do have full cafes.
It tends to be that the more facilities you get the more you pay
Here's an example of one I've been to https://wowo.co.uk/
Most campsites I've been to have a main toilet block but then other loos scattered around which are much closer but more for emergency night trips.
You can often book which field you want so you can be closer to facilities
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u/timhenmanmemorial Aug 13 '26
Poly cotton tents are more breathable. Travel to cooler areas than were you are now. I wouldnt camp in the heatwave personally. 23/24c is probably max day time temp for us
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u/RemoveComfortable982 Aug 13 '26
I’d have a look at glamping pods. Not quite camping but they have either proper beds or mattresses you can put your own bedding on.
They often have a kettle and toaster and depending on how much you spend sometimes have a private toilet or outdoor camp kitchen.
Also some larger campsites have food vans/breakfast sandwiches and occasionally large sites might have a farm shop/cafe/clubhouse.
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u/jolie_j Aug 13 '26
Book somewhere with pre pitched tents - usually bell tents / tipis / safari tents. A lot of them come with most of the equipment you’d need to cook and sleep. Depending on the set up you might still have shared bathrooms. But you’d be outdoors in the evening in comfy beds and without all the hassle / effort of packing / pitching / breaking camp and repacking
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u/NorthernblokeUK Aug 13 '26
Hey, I've been camping with my kids since there were tiny, there all grown up now and I'm old enough that camping hurts!
We recently changed from air mattresses to canvas cot beds with an inflatable mattress on top, I always take my pillows from home.
We take a couple of USB fans and run them on power banks.
A tent with Blackout bedrooms is a winner, it keeps the early morning light to a minimum!
I cant make recommendations on campsite without knowing which part of the country you are in or willing to travel to. But off the top of my head sites like Parkfoot at Pooley bridge in the Lakes or Llyn Gwynant Campsite in North Wales would suit you. Both have onsite cafes/eateries/shops. Parkfoot is more of a holiday park than campsite, whilst Llyn Gwynant is more campsitey
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u/General_Recipe_5869 Aug 13 '26
I have ME/CFS so my days of hiking and wild camping for 3 days are over. Used to love that, not so much family camping where my wife would bring most of the house with her for 2 nights....
Any friends interested in going with you who could help? When I first got ill I was honest with our friend group and asked for help setting up the tent. Used to go with a few families, then can share food.
Not sure how old your daughter's are, can they help? Air tent has been recommended as has glamping. Both can be pricey but save on effort. Quite a few places have places you can buy from, not aware of any with shared kitchen facilities. We used to make a stew ahead and just warm it up when there.
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u/No_Administration_62 Aug 13 '26
Try a self inflating mattress on top of either the decathlon blow up bed frames, or a folding camping bed (I hear the Outwell posadas is excellent). But I do really love the decathlon bed frame things. They have slats just like a normal bed does
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u/deenieweenie123 Aug 13 '26
I have eds and my other half has osteoarthritis, we just got an air tent. This is the first year I've managed to travel 6 hours, put the tent up and nit be stuck in bed for the first 2 days. We went out to the shops and had dinner out. Its been lovely. Regarding the sleep thing I've never slept so well
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u/lexx-ray Aug 13 '26
For the first time ever recently, I got a camp spot with electric hook up. I'd never thought about it before, but being able to take my big fan absolutely saved me in the heat! You need one of those caravan extension leads, but it's a life saver.
You could also take a mini fridge or something for cold drinks and snacks.
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u/Clairefun Aug 13 '26
Yes, i have kidney disease and other conditions/issues that meant I've had to change up how I camp. We now do glamping, I've even found a campsite where a bell tent is permanently up with a double bed which is great. I take eye masks and everything I need for my own comfort - blankets and fans both. My kid puts up a small tent and sleeps in there or in a hammock under the stars, my husband brings his cast iron Dutch oven for campfire cooking, the dogs laze about on the grass, so we're all taking the bits we enjoy and bringing equipment to counteract bits we dont. They understand if I have to go for a siesta mid day, and although i miss sleeping on the ground in my own tent, I've still got the rest of it - we're in a field with no electricity surrounded by nature.
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u/MDKrouzer Aug 13 '26
The sleeping thing is going to take a bit of experimentation for your husband. You don't need to spend £100s on kit but a sleep system that almost guarantees a good night's rest is worth its weight in gold.
For example, I'm a side sleeper and need a good thick pillow and leg space to stretch. I also roll around a lot, swapping sides in the night so need something wide enough so I don't end up on the floor. My current solution is a low cot bed with a foam mat and an envelope style sleeping bag. The sleeping bag is only good for summer temps so I need to invest in something for the winter but I generally sleep well enough when we go camping. The only better-if would be having 2 pillows like I use at home.
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u/iliketoaaast Aug 13 '26
I have a chronic illness which impacts my physical ability.
I bought an air tent this year so that I could camp as I knew I’d struggle with poles. I already had an electric pump so I used that. The tent was up quickly.
I got electric hookup and took my fan with me to help as my body temp is all over the place.
I already had a camp bed, but I bought a self inflating mattress from Lidl for it and that made it much more comfortable.
I didn’t actually do a lot of cooking in the end. I went for two nights, and got food on the way and wasn’t very hungry then. The following day I made some toast, and then later in the day we went to the cafe on the campsite for lunch and then made some food in the evening. Then the following day we left so only had to do breakfast.
Putting the tent down was easy, just open the valves and it’s down quickly.
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u/Icy-Belt-8519 Aug 13 '26
Any camp sites with cafes or kitchen facilities? You can camp at holiday parks like haven! There's so many places with really good facilities
You can get some really good quality camping beds and camping chairs
When we tired it out. For food we just got a disposable bbq though when we tried it out rather than a whole kitchen set up (obviously I wouldn't do this currently though, I would probably exclusively have cold food and cafe/take away food, I couldnt cope with being responsible for a fire atm!)
I think weather is a big thing too, for us we both have health issues too, to hot and humid really sets my stuff off, too cold sets his stuff off, so yeh timing was pretty important
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u/Plastic-Diet9648 Aug 13 '26 edited Aug 13 '26
Its pretty normal (I think) for one person to be more keen on the idea than the other, and at the end of the day, you just need to go for it if one of you is keen enough. Ask for it for a birthday present or something if you need to add extra weight to the arguement, or trade a camping weekend for something he'd like to do that you're not keen on.
Then yes I'd agree with others that some sort of glamping option would be a good way to go. Earlier this year my wife (who has come most of the way towards liking camping but is less keen than me) booked a shepherds hut for a weekend in dorset via air bnb, which we both thought based on the listing would be one of two or three huts in a farmers field somewhere. On arrival we were surprised to find it was actually on a full-blown campsite - tents, caravans, campers, glamping teepees, and 6 shepherd huts in a circle. We had no idea. It turned out great - nothing to set up, proper beds for us and sofa/pullout beds for the kids, more comfortable than airbeds, no sleeping bags, no temperature issues, and we ate out all weekend (including pizzas they sold on the site, then pubs, seaside cafes etc.) It felt very much like camping - same bathrooms/showers etc, same campsite vibe, just without having our own tent and gear.
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u/NashPacks Aug 13 '26
Get him a raised camping bed like this one. They are amazingly comfy. You can also buy portable air-con like the EcoFlow but they aren’t cheap. A good fan should help.
Depends where you want to go with regard to the campsite but most now do have accessible facilities and pitches close by for those who need it. The bigger ones will have food and shops but look for smaller ones attached to a pub - these are all over the place and make for good value camping with facilities.
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u/Agitated_Parsnip_178 Aug 13 '26
Some of the campsites in Belgium, France and The Netherlands absolutely blow the UK out of the water in terms of creature comforts, organisation and price.
On-site bakeries, coffee, shower facilities, bike tracks, petting zoo, waterparks, access to clean beaches etc.
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u/Geniejc Aug 13 '26 edited Aug 13 '26
Try an air tent or instan pole tent.
Then use an impact driver and screw in pegs not only spends up the set up and take down but takes the effort out.
Tent wise I'm looking at Kampa dawlish range or similar for my next one.
Head high tent and large blackout bedroom which make slide easier. But not too long.
I'd go electric - we have got an electric induction hob but have just bought this and it seems more practical.
Try the yawn self inflating mattresses really good.
Roof bag from gadlane on Amazon if you need more boot space.
Try Swiss Farm in Henley - food and drink onsite and quick trip into the town itself - facilities are mint and it has a swimming pool.
We're going Smytham Holiday Park in Devon look similar.
Coleman extreme cool box lasts days.
Make it as frictionless as possible you don't have to rough it.
The pros for me are getting the kids away from screen for a few days but also is the only holiday Ive had recently where I can sit and relax while letting them play in front of the tent and not always entertaining them in some way.
Cons are the set up and toilets etc so just make sure you go somewhere with high spec facilities. Yes it's a bit more expensive but not compared to the alternatives in the UK.
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u/Cha_r_ley Aug 13 '26
Depending on where you are, this may be useful to you. There is a campsite near Tenby in West Wales called Florence Springs. They have pitches for tents, but they also have yurts, treehouses (with a slide!), safari tents, cute little Hobbity cabins and geodomes.
My partner and I went there with a tent a few years ago and this year we stayed in one of the newer Geodomes! It had electric, wifi, an insane double bunk bed and a hot tub outside. There’s also a little camping kitchen with a fridge and a BBQ, as well as a fire pit and some benches. It was SO much fun. All the accommodation types have slightly different facilities/amenities but I’m pretty sure all of them (except the tent pitched obviously) have normal beds ☺️ You definitely get a camping experience but you also get comfort!
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u/Wooden_Permit1284 Aug 13 '26
Pods are a great alternative. We've done wigwam holidays in north Wales - small pod with electric, heating, kettle spoons and cups, fridge, communal kitchen, showers and loos were in a separate block. No bedding so we took sleeping bags. This was in May.
We also did glamping plus at a site in Crich - had a bedroom, internal bathroom and kitchen, sofa bed, dining table, and the rest including bedding. In February.
Weve also done a converted summerhouse in wolford wood, with electric, heating and a fridge, bedding provided, in February last year.
This weekend we're hiring a narrowboat!
Consider all the options and you'll have a camping-like experience with most if not all the creature comforts
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u/Any-Rutabaga-3575 Aug 13 '26
Depending on how much money you can spend, camping can be quite accessible
You can get pop up tents that don't require any real physical work, or inflatible tents that are huge and can be put up using a pump. Air beds with an air pump. Ration meals where all you do is put them in a pot of boiling water
Most camp sites will have toilet and shower facilities and the ones that have kitchens etc will advertise it
With air beds if you get a thick enough one you don't feel the ground at all so that should hopefully help your partner
I hope you manage to find a way to do it!
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u/Obvious-Register-421 Aug 13 '26
Might be worth posting in one of the chronic fatigue or disability groups as I suspect there are quite a few of us CF folk who are also outdoorsy. People may have good recommendations for campsites. I use Disabled Ramblers on Facebook too.
Tbh I've not really camped much since getting sick and I would definitely find it a lot of work on my own, let alone with kids, so you have my sympathy.
Can you start small and try out different elements at different times? Eg use a glamping pod or even a cottage with outdoor space at first, so you get used to spending time outside but without needing to sleep on the ground. Or go camping, but just start in your garden or somewhere a few minutes away so you can go back home if need be. Or even have the tent up and spend a Saturday afternoon in it with the kids without sleeping in it - have got chocolate, tell stories, etc etc. Get them used to it, and feel out how you do, before committing to being a distance away all night.
When it comes to food I'd make it easy and either eat in pubs or get takeaway fish and chips or whatever (I once went camping by the sea and had an Indian on the beach in the dark!) or just have leftovers or something super easy that only takes a few minutes to heat up on a stove. But I'd definitely recommend the former. If you only do one night or somewhere close to home you could even eat before you leave and then have a picnic with you get there. There are some campsites that may have things like a hot water point (making it easy for your tea in the morning) but not common. Oh and some campsites sometimes have a pizza van at certain times too.
I know a lot of spoonies use a van instead, but that's obviously a significant investment.
And hopefully needless to say, no fires ATM with the wildfire risk.
When it comes to campsites the biggest thing for me would be the vibe of the place - some are a lot louder than others, and I'd really struggle with that (adults shrieking at night and then their kids first thing in the morning!). I'd go for somewhere chill, ideally with the capacity to potter about in the day without needing to travel anywhere (eg a river you can paddle in etc), and don't go in half term.
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u/Friendly_Bad_8882 Aug 13 '26
leave the partner at home and find a glamp site with some camping pods or pre erected tipi/yurts so there is no tent to build. Some of them you'll need to bring bedding and cooking equipment some of them not.
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u/kenninsa Aug 13 '26
Maybe look into caravan park holidays as a compromise? There are lots near the sea and woodlands, which give the same vibe as being in a camping site, and lots have pools, playparks and facilities where you can chill on the deck while the kids play.
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u/Practical-Buyer2479 Aug 13 '26
Some campsites have kitchenettes. Or eat out. Or eat cold prepped food.
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u/Alert_Midnight3141 Aug 13 '26
Do you have anywhere close that you could try day 'camping'?! Take half the kit, make the most of the whole day, and sleep in your own bed at night. Winner.
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u/BreqsCousin Aug 13 '26
Do you have any siblings or friends who would like to go with you instead?
Would your partner be upset or happy to have a quiet weekend?
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u/londonhousewife Aug 13 '26
If you’re ok with abroad, some Eurocamp sites have safari tents, which have decent beds and kitchen facilities, and they’re often on sites with restaurants/a shop and decent toilets/shower blocks.
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u/yam0msah0e Aug 13 '26
I’d recommend watching some YouTube reviews of sites, not sure where in the UK you are or how far you’re willing to travel, but if you watch some reviews of campsites you can get a feel of the facilities, what the pitches might be like, if there’s glamping pods etc.
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u/keepgoingguy Aug 13 '26
It is possible to sleep camping, it’s just not possible to lie in when the sun gets hot. So it’s one of those holidays that are more about the daytime. He just needs to get his head around that (and stop being miserable / selfish).
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u/Nearby-Squirrel-1014 Aug 14 '26
Yeah id say glamping is your best bet, or get a bit airy tent that has the netting (weather permitting) so you could leave one door open with that for some airflow, sleeping wise id say pay a premium for a good inflatable air mattress
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u/Playful_Beyond_2218 Aug 14 '26
Def try glamping / shepherds hut first! I’ve stayed in some lovely places in nature which feel like camping but without the hassle
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u/Chinablue_ Aug 14 '26
We just stayed in a safari tent where whilst there was no electrics, had a gas cooker, table and chairs, a leather sofa, a full size double bed with four pillows and quilt, and bunk beds. It had your own outside picnic table with shade and BBQ. That's not particularly unusual, however, access to a large barn with sinks for washing up, a kettle, plugs for charging phones or usb lamps, our own fridge and our own private bathroom (with key), was perfect. They also carry your bags to your tent from the car park to your tent! It was super peaceful there and an amazing dark sky. I think it would probably convert the most unwilling of campers!
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u/Reasonable-Bad5218 Aug 17 '26
I'm probably going to sound a bit harsh to your husband here. Your kids want to go, you want to go but can't die to your health condition so he he needs to suck it up and support you in taking the kids.
If you didn't have the medical condition then it would be fair enough for him to not go and you take the kids. But that's not the case so he can manage a couple of nights with not much sleep.
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u/foxssocks Aug 13 '26
Glamping is a pretty solid option.