Your First Family Camping Holiday in Devon: A Practical Planning Guide

Your first family camping holiday in Devon does not need an elaborate itinerary or a car full of new equipment. It needs a tent you can pitch, a comfortable sleeping arrangement and a plan that leaves everyone time to settle in.

If you are considering camping at Parkers Farm, use this guide to organise the practical side of the trip. The aim is to make daily routines easy enough that you can enjoy being away together.

Test the setup before you leave

Pitch your tent at home or somewhere suitable before the holiday. Check the poles, pegs, groundsheet and instructions, then pack everything together.

This practice run also helps you decide who will do which jobs. One adult can focus on the tent while another supervises younger children. Older children can help with appropriate tasks, but an arrival-day setup should not depend on them managing unfamiliar equipment.

Try the sleeping layout too. Check whether your mats, beds and bags fit without obstructing entrances or using all the living space. A tent’s advertised capacity does not necessarily describe the arrangement your family will find comfortable.

Choose a pitch around your needs

Before booking, provide your tent dimensions and include the space required by guy ropes. Explain any additional shelter you hope to bring and confirm the park’s conditions.

Decide whether you need electricity. If you do, check the suitable pitch category and connection requirements. If you choose a non-electric stay, plan lighting, charging and food storage accordingly.

Avoid buying appliances before you know they suit the pitch and electrical supply. A simple setup is often easier to manage on a first trip.

Make arrival day deliberately easy

Allow enough time to arrive, find your pitch and set up without rushing. Keep waterproofs, footwear, drinks and your first meal accessible rather than underneath the whole load.

Once the tent is ready, walk to the facilities with the children. Show them the agreed routes and explain where you will meet if you become separated. Establish boundaries around vehicles, other guests’ pitches and any areas that need supervision.

For the first evening, choose a meal that needs little preparation. Save ambitious cooking and longer excursions for when you have settled into your routine.

Put sleeping comfort first

Comfortable bedding and insulation beneath you deserve attention. Choose equipment appropriate for the expected conditions, and bring spare dry clothing for bedtime.

Young children may settle more easily with familiar items from home. A favourite book, a recognisable bedtime routine and a light they can use help make the tent feel less unfamiliar.

Plan for an early start the next morning. Keep breakfast essentials where you can reach them easily and allow time to see what worked before deciding on the day’s activity.

Keep meals manageable

Build your food plan around a few reliable meals. Consider how you will store chilled items, access drinking water and wash up afterwards.

Separate meal preparation from the sleeping area and keep children away from hot equipment. Follow equipment instructions and campsite rules. Cooking or fuel-burning equipment must not be used inside an enclosed tent.

A mix of self-catering and other meal options can reduce the workload. Check the opening times of any on-site dining you hope to use rather than relying on it every evening.

Give the holiday room to change

Plan one main outing at a time. A family camping break can include quiet periods at the pitch, reading, games and time to recover after a busy day.

Keep a wet-weather option that does not require a complicated journey. Check attraction opening times before setting out and take spare dry clothes on days away from the park.

Parkers Farm publishes facilities information including shower and toilet blocks, family shower rooms, washing-up and laundry facilities. Check seasonal opening arrangements for leisure and dining facilities when planning your stay.

Use the first trip to learn

At the end of each day, note what would make the next one easier. You may find you need fewer activities, a simpler breakfast or a better place to store wet footwear.

These small changes are more useful than trying to perfect everything before your first night. After the trip, record what you used and what stayed untouched. That becomes your family’s own camping checklist.

Frequently asked questions

How long should our first camping holiday be?

Choose a length that feels manageable and check the park’s availability and minimum-stay requirements. A shorter trial can help you learn your setup.

Do we need an electric pitch?

That depends on your equipment. Decide what needs power, then confirm a suitable pitch and connection requirements.

What should we practise before travelling?

Pitching the tent, packing it away and arranging the sleeping space are useful starting points.

What if the weather changes?

Bring suitable clothing, protect dry bedding and keep your activity plan flexible. Review forecasts before travelling and during the stay.

Is a static caravan an alternative if we are unsure about tents?

Yes. Compare static caravan accommodation if a ready-prepared indoor base would suit your family better.

Start planning your camping break

Explore camping in Devon at Parkers Farm and check the booking details for your household. A straightforward plan gives your first camping holiday the best chance of becoming a family favourite.