Camping Shenanigans: Surviving a Campervan Adventure with Kids

Ah, the great outdoors!

The open road, the wind in your hair, and the pitter-patter of little feet in a cosy campervan. We started camping with Ella when she was 9 months old and have never looked back. She is 11 now and loves camping more than ever. Travelling with kids in a campervan is a wild adventure that promises unforgettable memories and its fair share of hilarious moments. Buckle up, fellow parents, as we embark on a journey filled with laughter, chaos, and the occasional meltdown!

The Campervan Chronicles Begin

The journey starts with packing (the bit I hate the most). As a parent, you don't only have to pack your own things, but the kids' as well, and on top of that, you have unpredictable weather. So where do you start? The first thing is to give everyone an area in the van for clothes, and that's all you have, and packing cubes are a must. The essentials: underwear,

socks, toiletries and a waterproof coat are a must, and lots of jumpers. After that, it's a free-for-all; everyone has their favourite comfy clothes, so pack what you find comfy. The great thing about camping is that you can be yourself. I love a good pair of dungarees, whereas Ella loves a big, baggy t-shirt and shorts. You need to be comfy and warm when camping. The Lambert family motto is if it doesn't fit in your area, it has to stay behind. My issue is shoes; I have been known to bring 7 pairs and only wear one all week. Matt is the last-minute packer and empties his wardrobe in his area; men don't need much, and Ella likes to be prepared for every eventuality, like a favourite dress for dinner at a 5-star restaurant. (We have been known to stumble into a festival while camping; we have not done the 5-star restaurant yet.) If we forget anything, you probably didn't need it anyway.

On-the-Road Shenanigans

So all packed and ready to go, satnav on and playlist picked. We have a family camping song we play on every trip.

Off we go, no wait, I have forgotten my phone. So, back home. Luckily, we are only ten minutes away. Next, what do you have for lunch? Pit stop at a supermarket to get lunch and pack the van with food. Wait, did someone pack the dog food? Yes, we have forgotten dog food before.

We have various games, but the best one is the number plate game, which can be very funny. The journey is part of the adventure.

Campsite Capers

Over the years, we have visited campsites and still visit occasionally. Campsites give you a base, and if you are new to camping in a van, it's a great place to start. Having an awning can help if you need a bit more space.

However, setting up an awning can feel like solving a complex puzzle, with tentacles of ropes and poles extending in all directions. And of course, while we are fighting with the awning, the kids want to explore every nook and cranny of the campsite. Ella's first job is to find the toilets and showers and to see if the campsite has any animals. But the more you set up the awning, the sooner you become seasoned pros, and you can sit back and watch the other campers struggle with awnings or tents, knowing it only took you 5 trips to figure it out.

Mealtime Madness

Mealtimes when camping are great. You can cook in the van or move outside to a BBQ or an open fire. Ella loves helping create meals. One of Ella's favourites is a curry and campfire naan bread. We created some great meals, like chilli nachos, homemade apple crumble, sausage 'n' mash, and the humble cheese toastie. Having a dog is a bonus as you have a hoover to hand if you drop things, and of course, having a campfire wouldn't be complete without toasting marshmallows. However, as foodies, we do like to eat out too and support the local area with a quick Google search to find the best place to eat.

Nature Calls and Night-time Nonsense

Navigating night-time routines with kids in a campervan is a whole other adventure. A top tip is to have a good torch to hand, which is a must for night-time trips to the loo. Let the kids make their own bed and take a teddy bear or two so they feel safe. It's an adventure; trying to stick to the same routine at home won't work and will end in meltdowns and tired adults. The kids will be excited to be away in nature. We had a wind-down routine when Ella was little: hot chocolate and sitting around the campfire for a bedtime story. We would stay up for one drink, then go to bed for the early start in the morning. Now that Ella is older, stargazing is our night-time fun - lying on the grass looking up, trying to spot the Plough and the Orion's Belt, and if we are lucky, seeing a shooting star.

Unforgettable Bonding Moments

Amidst the chaos and laughter, there are moments of pure magic. Snuggling up under the stars, sharing stories that end in giggles, and witnessing the wonder in our kids' eyes as they explored the great outdoors — these are the moments that make the campervan adventure truly unforgettable.

Conclusion: Embrace the Chaos

Travelling with kids in a campervan is a rollercoaster ride of emotions, from frustration to sheer joy. Embrace the chaos, laugh at the mishaps, and cherish the memories created along the way. After all, it's not the destination that matters most, but the journey and the hilariously unforgettable moments that make it all worthwhile.

So, to all the brave parents out there embarking on a campervan adventure with kids, buckle up, stay flexible, and get ready for a wild ride filled with love, laughter, and a dash of mayhem. Happy trails and may your campervan escapade be a hilarious and heart-warming tale to tell for years to come!