Camping stoves and general advice

[ibisti]

Hi there Guys and Gals. Just booked up a short 3 night camping trip in the summer holidays and was looking for some advice over what kit I should invest in? We already have an Outwell indian lake tent,decent sleeping bags, raised inflatable mattresses, chairs and a fer other bits and pieces. It will be my wife and 2 children (13 and 9) and myself.
I was looking at camping stoves as a start and a fishing buddy of mine recommended a Ridgemonkey stove, any opinions on these? They look well made and the modular system looks good.
On my shopping list I've got so far.... An extra "event shelter" to put next to the main tent to cook in etc., Cool box, table,

Any extra advice would be greatly appreciated that might make this a successful first trip. I camped when I was young and think its something my kids should experience and hopefully enjoy!

[ibisti]

GlenMH said:

Can you borrow stuff from others? If this is the first trip out, you really don't want to be spending 00's on kit.

Could lead to a lot of time on Fleabay getting rid of it all.

I have thought of that, and we will borrow a few its, but I don't mind spending a bit on kit that could also be used on non camping trips like days out or in the garden. The expenditure on the tent etc is done, so it was on things that might make the trip more enjoyable/comfortable as well as essentials.

[ibisti]

PH5121 said:

We used a two burner Camping Gaz with grille when we camped for cooking duties. If you have the space consider taking a proper bbq.

I messed about with the disposable ones the first few times we camped, but they were never very good so I got a folding charcoal one which was much better, and when I got a caravan I bought a Cadac gas bbq which is very useful (but with the caravan there is more space to take stuff).

If you have an electric hook up then a cheap electric fan heater and electric light can come in handy if camping in the UK.

The place we have booked is a small camping site which is back to basics but with a shower block and toilets and only 16 pitches widely spread out. They all have fire pits and encourage camp fires but you cant take stand up BBQ's. I have a portable low bbq I'll probably take that doesn't take up too much room but it won't be able to do all of our cooking duties. We have numerous battery powered lanterns and torches.
As you say its all about space, so we will have to be aware of what to take.