Planning a family camping holiday can feel overwhelming, especially if you are juggling different ages, interests, and comfort levels. This guide breaks the process into clear, practical steps that help you choose the right campsite, organise your kit, plan meals, and prepare activities that keep everyone happy. Whether you are new to camping or returning for another season at Mendip Basecamp, these tips will help you create a smooth, enjoyable trip from start to finish.

A family sits around a campfire, looking at the view and taking a photo as the sun sets.

Summary

This guide helps families plan a smooth, enjoyable camping holiday by choosing the right destination, preparing equipment, organising activities, and packing efficiently. It covers practical steps that reduce stress, save time, and make the most of your stay at Mendip Basecamp or any family‑friendly campsite.

1. Choose a Destination for Your Family Camping Holiday

Start by deciding how far you want to travel. For first‑time campers, staying closer to home can make the experience easier if plans change. Look for campsites with family‑friendly facilities such as toilets, showers, play areas, free activities, and easy access to nature. Booking early helps secure the dates you want and keeps costs predictable.

Basecamp Bonus

Mendip Basecamp, located in Churchill, Somerset, offers toilets and hot showers, free campsite activities, bookable adventure sessions, live music and storytelling, a giant sandpit, a camp shop and cafe, local walks, flexible checkout, campfires, and dog‑friendly areas. Availability is limited, so early booking is recommended.

  • Only 30 minutes from South Bristol, easy access from the M5
  • Toilets and showers
  • Free campsite activities
  • Bookable adventure activities
  • Free music and storytelling on weekends
  • Giant sandpit
  • Camp shop and cafe
  • Local walks and nature watching
  • Check out whenever you like
  • Campfires encouraged
  • Well-behaved dogs welcome

Availability is limited so make sure you book in advance for the perfect family camping holiday!

Book Your Basecamp Family Holiday Today
A girl and boy sit together on boulders next to the giant sandpit, cheers-ing their blue ice lollies and smiling.

2. Plan Activities for Everyone

Choose a mix of activities that suit all ages. Combine instructor‑led sessions with self‑led options, and pack games, books, and cards for quieter moments.

‘Great few days with lots of fun activities for the family. Lovely staff. Great set up for the camp site. We will be back for sure. Really helpful team enabling us to do activities for a variety of ages. Thank you to everyone at Mendip, we highly recommend it as a place to bring the family to escape and have fun.’

Basecamp Bonus

Guests can enjoy free weekend entertainment at the campsite, such as Circus Skills, live music, and storytelling. Five minutes’ walk through the woods will take you to Mendip Activity Centre, which offers Archery, Air Rifle, Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Snow Sports, and more. Self‑led options include Tobogganing, Frisbee Golf, Orienteering, and bat detecting.

If you have specific adventure activities in mind, we suggest booking in advance because they fill up quickly! For free campsite activities, talk to the staff when you check in to find out when and where they are running.

What’s On at Basecamp
Adventures at Mendip Activity Centre
An adult and child stand next to each other, facing towards a range of axe throwing targets. They are each holding an axe above their heads, ready to swing and release them into the targets.

3. Pack Smart for Your Family Camping Holiday

Create a checklist and divide it into categories such as Food, Sleeping, Activities, Toiletries, and Miscellaneous. This reduces last‑minute purchases and keeps packing manageable.

Check the weather and pack suitable clothing, including extras to keep in the car just in case. Keep medication and toiletries accessible, and consider the packing order – no one wants to rummage through the evening stuff first thing in the morning, hunting for a pair of socks!

Essential Basics:

  • Warm clothes
  • Waterproofs
  • Torch and batteries or charging cable
  • First aid kit
  • Sleeping bags, pillows, mattresses, spare blankets
  • Tent, tent pegs, mallet
  • Camp stove and gas
  • Matches or lighter

Basecamp Bonus

Basecamp offers pre-pitched accommodations such as Bell Tents, Safari Tents and Bunk Tents so there is less for you to bring (though you need to remember your bedding and cooking equipment), and there is a camp shop on site in case you leave the tent pegs behind or fancy a cheeky drink after setting up camp.

‘I knew I was going to have a great stay when they offered me free cider at check in! We loved it at the camp site, so much space, options for food, friendly staff, and lovely relaxed atmosphere. And great to have the option of activities as well. We will definitely be returning and would recommend the site to anyone looking for a fun time with their children.’

Find Out About Basecamp’s Facilities

4. Meal Planning for a Family Camping Holiday

Decide how much cooking you want to do. Choose simple meals that can be made in one pot or prepared ahead of time. Bring plenty of snacks and include options children can assemble themselves.

Convenient ingredients include jarred sauces, stews, curries, and soup sachets. Many families freeze pre‑portioned meals and store them in a cool box with ice packs.

Easy Meal Ideas

Breakfast
Bacon or sausage baps
Porridge
Crumpets
Weetabix

Lunch
Tinned soup or stew
Sandwiches
Ploughman’s picnic

Supper
Burgers or hot dogs
Bangers and mash
Spaghetti bolognese

Ultimately, you and your family are on holiday, so give yourself a break and indulge in easy, convenient meals that allow you to focus on each other and the adventures in front of you. Just don’t forget the red or brown sauce!

Basecamp Bonus

The Pavilion at Basecamp is open from 8 am to 9 pm every day and offers barista coffee, breakfast rolls, cold drinks, fries and pizza to fuel you up for the next adventure.

Food and Drink at Basecamp
A fresh-made pepperoni pizza with a beautiful crust in a cardboard takeaway box.

5. Test Camping Equipment in Advance

Set up your tent before the trip to check pegs, poles, and lines. Test your stove, torches, sleeping bags, and air beds. This helps avoid surprises and highlights anything that needs replacing.

Try to get in the habit of checking the equipment again when you pack up and take note of any issues so you can spread the cost of repairs or replacements for the next trip.

Basecamp Bonus

Even if you are prepared for every eventuality, sometimes you still need a tent peg, a spare sleeping bag, or an extra gas canister for the cooker. You can find anything you need at the Pavilion camp shop, plus some refreshing extras like cold soft drinks, cider and beer!

6. Safety First

Familiarise yourself with the campsite rules and review them with your family, especially the children. Everyone should understand the Countryside Code and correct campfire safety.

The Countryside Code

  • Respect everyone
  • Protect the environment
  • Enjoy the outdoors
  • Follow advice and local signs

Campfire Safety

  • Fire pits must be raised above the ground
  • You must have a fire bucket filled with water nearby when your fire is lit
  • Please do not forage wood from our woodland; it is a protected site and firewood and kindling are available to purchase in the Pavilion
  • Make sure the fire is out before you go to bed
  • Do not leave a fire unattended
Find Out More About Basecamp’s Rules Here
Two adults and an adolescent child sit in a field lit by the setting sun on a family camping holiday. They are sitting in a circle in camp chairs, and toasting marshmallows around a campfire.

7. Stay Organised

Designate specific containers for food, cooking equipment, sleeping gear, entertainment, and outdoor clothing. Bring a collapsible laundry basket or mesh bag for dirty clothes, and a washing‑up bowl for dishes.

Top Tip

Store your camping kit in clear stackable bins during the off‑season and use the same bins during your trip. Keep items that need repair separate, so they are easy to fix before the next holiday. Old suitcases also work well for organising camping accessories and cooking equipment.

‘An absolutely perfect site for families. Stayed for four nights with our 9yo and 5yo and they had the best time. We camped not too far from the sandpit and the main hub which was perfect as we could let the kids roam and play with all the other kids without a worry. Food and drinks from the pavillion were both lovely and reasonably priced (and they have amazing cocktails in the fridge!!) Already made our repeat visit booking…..can’t wait!!!’

8. Plan for Comfort

Choose a tent that suits your family’s size and preferences. Older children may prefer their own tent, or you may want internal partitions for separate rooms. Bring comfort items such as camp chairs, blankets, mats, awnings, and windbreaks to make downtime relaxing.

9. Be Flexible

Have a few backup activities ready in case plans change. Embrace the chance to spend time together in nature, and step away from busy routines.

Have a few alternative entertainment and activity options in your back pocket, and a backup plan in case circumstances change. Be prepared to go with the flow, and embrace the family bonding opportunity!

Now You’re Ready For a Family Camping Holiday

A successful family camping holiday comes down to preparation, organisation, and a willingness to adapt. When you choose a suitable campsite, plan simple meals, test your equipment, and keep your kit organised, you remove the stress that can overshadow a trip. Mendip Basecamp offers a wide range of facilities, activities, and flexible options that make it easy for families to relax, explore, and enjoy time outdoors. With thoughtful planning and a flexible mindset, your next camping holiday will be one of your most memorable and rewarding family adventures.

Book Your Basecamp Family Camping Holiday Today!

Key Takeaways

  • Book early to secure dates and manage your holiday budget
  • Mix self‑led and instructor‑guided activities for all ages
  • Use organised packing categories to avoid forgotten essentials
  • Prepare simple meals that travel well and require minimal equipment
  • Test tents, stoves, lights, and bedding before the trip
  • Follow campsite rules, the Countryside Code, and campfire safety
  • Keep your kit organised throughout the trip
  • Bring comfort items to make downtime relaxing
  • Stay flexible and ready to adapt plans

Family Camping Trip Planning FAQ

What should families pack for a camping holiday?


Bring warm layers, waterproofs, sleeping bags, a torch, first aid kit, and simple cooking equipment. Keep essentials in clearly labelled containers so they are easy to find.

How early should I book a family campsite?


Book as early as possible, especially for school holidays and popular weekends. Family‑friendly sites often fill quickly.

What meals are easiest to cook while camping?


Choose simple, one‑pot meals such as pasta, stews, burgers, or breakfast baps. Pre‑prepare or freeze meals at home to save time on site.

How do I keep children entertained at a campsite?


Mix planned activities with self‑led options. Pack games, books, and outdoor toys, and check what free or bookable activities the campsite offers.

How can I keep my family safe while camping?


Follow campsite rules, teach children the Countryside Code, and use raised fire pits with a bucket of water nearby. Keep torches handy and store food securely.

What should I test before leaving for a camping trip?


Set up your tent, check pegs and poles, test your stove, lights, and air beds, and make sure you have all required parts and tools.