Family Camping Tips
By Pentewan Sands on the July 20th, 2017 in
7 family camping tips
The fun of snuggling up in a sleeping bag, cooking outdoors and being allowed to stay up late under the stars are just some of the reasons kids fall head-over heels for camping - and grown-up’s too!
Get in on the fun with our family camping tips for pitch-perfect moments when you’ve got little ones in tow…
Get in a sneaky practice
Have a run through in the back garden/nearby field/park before you rock up on site. Getting to grips with guide ropes and which pole goes where will save blushes and tensions when it comes to the real thing. Plus, it will only add to pre-holiday excitement!
Pick the perfect pitch
We like to think that our five-star campsite by the sea strikes the perfect balance for families. It’s over-loaded when it comes to things to do – think entertainment, swimming pool, play park, indoor soft-play zone and tennis courts - yet it’s right on the beach, shrouded in nature and nestled amongst countryside. The best of both worlds - win, win!
Our beautifully kept pitches are also generous in size and offer ample space so you can spread out and enjoy your holiday. And to top it off we offer excellent facilities, including all-important baby changing facilities and a laundrette so you can enjoy family comforts while living the outdoor lifestyle.
Pack wisely
You don’t want to pack the kitchen sink but there a few things that are absolute must-haves when it comes to sleeping under canvas with kids. A big water container, torches and wet wipes come top of the essentials list, while a dustpan and brush comes in handy when the kids are traipsing sand, grass and who know what else across the tarpaulin. We also recommend packing plenty of carrier bags to separate clothes that inevitably get wet and mucky (it’s what camping is all about!). But don’t worry, we’ve got our very own shop at Pentewan Sands Holiday Park where you can pick up all your essential, and not-so-essential, bits and pieces so you’ll never be without.
Throw away the fashion rule book
There’s no risk of bumping into the fashion police at Pentewan, anything goes when it comes to camping style. Kids will love wandering to the toilet blocks in their onesies and we highly recommend bringing both your wellies and flip flops. The only rule when it comes to clothing is dress for comfort and layer, layer, layer. There’s no quicker route to tears and tantrums than being too cold or too hot so being able to layer on, or peal back, is a winning solution.
Be prepared for rainy days
We may call it liquid sunshine but there’s no getting away from it, it does rain in Cornwall. Preparation is key and we don’t just mean bring your wet weather gear; have a few rainy-day activity ideas up your sleeve to keep the family smiling whatever the forecast.
We say when it’s wetter get wetter and learn to sail, water-ski, wakeboard, windsurf or kayak on Pentewan beach or take a dip in our indoor swimming pools at The Seahorse.
Have a digital detox
Camping is all about enjoying simple pleasures, getting back to nature and recharging. Unplug from the busy digital world by leaving tablets at home and stashing smartphones in the car for emergencies. The whole family will benefit from a digital detox and we reckon it will only take a few hours till you’re too caught up creating memories to even notice that you haven’t checked your emails.
Switch off and relax
To truly channel the camping vibe you need to have the right attitude. Drop your standards and chill out about bed and bath times. Tired, sandy and salt-covered children are a sign of a good holiday after all!
And above all, enjoy yourself…if you’re happy the kids will be too!
Visit our touring and camping pages to book your family holiday in Cornwall