Ottakee Posted June 11, 2017 Share Posted June 11, 2017 My Brother and his family and my mom are planning a vacation to a touristy place in July. My kids REALLY want to go too BUT rooms are over $200/night as it is high season. It looks like I could get a tent spot at a local campground (nice and clean and safe as we have been there before) for $25/night. That difference would make the trip possible for us. It would be me, and my 3 young adult children. Could we do it with the 2 2 people tents we own? We would not have to eat at the campsite at all and they have a nice bathhouse. Basically we just need a place to sleep......and pray for no rain :-) Sleeping in the van would possibly be an option if it did really rain. Am I crazy to consider this? We do have a 28 ft older camping trailer but it needs some work, our tow vehicle gets very poor gas mileage and is 20 years old, and I have never driven it 6 hours away before (OK I have never pulled that trailer myself). 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frances Posted June 11, 2017 Share Posted June 11, 2017 It sounds like a great plan to me. Not having to cook really minimizes what you need to take and a nice bathhouse is a great bonus. Go for it! 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady Marmalade Posted June 11, 2017 Share Posted June 11, 2017 Well, in two weeks I am taking my kids to our nationals for dance in Virginia Beach. Basic hotel rooms were $200+ per night, and that was at the sketchy places! So we're camping instead! $20 per night plus fees, our entire week there costs the same as ONE night in a hotel. So you're definitely not crazy. I'm not sure about the 2 2-person tents though. 2 person tents are really small. We are tenting it and will take our tent (says it sleeps 10, our family of four sleeps and lives in it comfortably), three air mattresses, camp lantern, flashlights, bedding, clothes, dance gear and a camp stove so I can make coffee. Oh, and a cooler with some basics. Since we're camping on the beach I should probably also add a rug to gather sand. Do you have any camping friends who could let you borrow a bigger tent for the week? That would be my only hesitation- 2 person tents you're really having to get super close and snuggly and I would not want to spend a week sleeping like that. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soror Posted June 11, 2017 Share Posted June 11, 2017 If you do not have to worry about food and they have a bathhouse I would think it would be a cinch. Whether or not 2- 2 people tent would work for 4 adults depends on the size of the adults and tents as even though they are rated by number of people they still vary. My bare minimum would be tents and sleeping gear. If you don't have to worry about it getting cold then you don't have to even worry about sleeping bags, just bring old covers and pillows. Some people like a pad under them to sleep and some do cots, we just have foam pads, but we've done without before just fine (especially so for the young people). my barebone list- tents sleeping bag/covers- pillows ?foam sleeping pads? toiletries towels shower shoes camp chairs- nice to have campfire supplies are nice if you are going to be there at night- sticks for smores and such snacks- at least some cold breakfast supplies unless you are leaving right away bug spray/sunscreen 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rachel Posted June 11, 2017 Share Posted June 11, 2017 We've done it that way. But if you know people who camp, ask around and see if anyone has a tent you can borrow. It is nice to spread out especially in hot weather. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ottakee Posted June 11, 2017 Author Share Posted June 11, 2017 The tents might be tight. My son is only 5'4 and the girls are 5' and 4"10 so smaller..........me, not quite so small. We would take along some snacks and a cooler, etc. It would be for 2-3 nights. If worse came to very worse, we likely could bunk in with the family at the hotel as my brother's family of 5 has a room legal for 6 and my mom (alone) has a room that is legal for 4....but she is in a power wheelchair and needs her quiet time alone due to health/age issues. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ausmumof3 Posted June 11, 2017 Share Posted June 11, 2017 My Brother and his family and my mom are planning a vacation to a touristy place in July. My kids REALLY want to go too BUT rooms are over $200/night as it is high season. It looks like I could get a tent spot at a local campground (nice and clean and safe as we have been there before) for $25/night. That difference would make the trip possible for us. It would be me, and my 3 young adult children. Could we do it with the 2 2 people tents we own? We would not have to eat at the campsite at all and they have a nice bathhouse. Basically we just need a place to sleep......and pray for no rain :-) Sleeping in the van would possibly be an option if it did really rain. Am I crazy to consider this? We do have a 28 ft older camping trailer but it needs some work, our tow vehicle gets very poor gas mileage and is 20 years old, and I have never driven it 6 hours away before (OK I have never pulled that trailer myself). Not crazy at all. I will say two man tents are generally more two kid tents so you might be more comfy with two three or four man tents if you can make the difference. If you don't need to cook that is definitely a bonus. What kind of mattress will you use? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EMS83 Posted June 11, 2017 Share Posted June 11, 2017 Nah, not crazy at all!! Sound fun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ausmumof3 Posted June 11, 2017 Share Posted June 11, 2017 Just to add to the list a decent torch each. Or flashlight or whatever you call them. Here most of the parks have coin operated laundries so if you want to wash clothes it's handy to have a bag of coins with you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joyofsixreboot Posted June 11, 2017 Share Posted June 11, 2017 We do it. I'm off to WV 3 of us (16yods &18 yo dd) with 2 tents, 3 sleeping bags and some snacks. Just take it for what it is, a place to sleep. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arcadia Posted June 11, 2017 Share Posted June 11, 2017 I would try to borrow two 4-men tent. The Coleman 4-men tent we had a few years ago could sleep my husband 5'11" and my two boys who were less than 4 feet at that time barely. They had to sleep sideways or be banging shoulders. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mergath Posted June 11, 2017 Share Posted June 11, 2017 Sure. We go camping like that all the time. The minimum we bring to be reasonably comfortable is a tent (obviously) sleeping bags and pillows, a cooler w/ ice for drinks, snacks, etc., bug spray, a couple of flashlights, and one of those cheapie folding chairs with cupholders for each person. And of course stuff like clothes and toiletries and all that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenmom5 Posted June 11, 2017 Share Posted June 11, 2017 two man tents are short - so if you don't mind crawling around . . . If you can buy or borrow a 4-man tent - you can at least stand up. do you have foam or air mattresses to sleep on? sleeping bags, camp stools. a mat or something at the entrance to the tent to cut down on dirt in the tent. we're doing tent camping this summer at yosemite. . . .I'm getting too old for tents. . . . actually - it's the dirt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pippen Posted June 11, 2017 Share Posted June 11, 2017 Set up the tents you own in your yard and see how you fit. Our two man tents would work for me and a child, but wouldn't work for my husband and grown sons. Also, make sure you can still get reservations. Places like you've described book up early. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bettyandbob Posted June 11, 2017 Share Posted June 11, 2017 I'd go ahead and do it. Plan to take your tents and sleeping bags, but between now and then ask around and watch freecycle for bigger tents and mattress pads. If you get them, great! (make sure you know how to use them). If you don't, just go with what you have. Continue to plan on the van for rain. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alessandra Posted June 11, 2017 Share Posted June 11, 2017 I'd take along a tarp, the inexpensive blue kind with grommets, if you have one of those. Then if there is space, you can put up the tarp so that you have a place to sit, rather than the tents, in light rain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seasider Posted June 11, 2017 Share Posted June 11, 2017 (edited) I'd take along a tarp, the inexpensive blue kind with grommets, if you have one of those. Then if there is space, you can put up the tarp so that you have a place to sit, rather than the tents, in light rain.I also suggest a tarp, but for underneath the tents. If you want to make a rain fly, you're going to also have to bring some rope. I agree with others that two-man tents are a stretch for two adults, especially if you have anything but bedding in the tent. You can plan to keep everything in the car. The test run at home to check roominess is a good idea. I like to bring a small plastic tub to put shoes in. It keeps them from getting the tent dirty, but also makes a place for them inside so nothing crawls in the shoes at night because you didn't leave them outside the tent. I think it's very doable and you will have fun! It will certainly be memorable.. Edited June 11, 2017 by Seasider Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wheres Toto Posted June 11, 2017 Share Posted June 11, 2017 I'd do it. And if its not possible to borrow larger tents, I'd have son sleep in one tent, you take the other tent and have the girls bunk down in the van. That should give everyone enough room to be comfortable. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seasider Posted June 12, 2017 Share Posted June 12, 2017 If someone's going to sleep in the van, and the windows need to be open, mosquito netting is really nice to have! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
regentrude Posted June 12, 2017 Share Posted June 12, 2017 (edited) Two 2-person tents are meant to sleep four people. I am not sure what is crazy about this. That's how we usually camp. Bare bones list: tents sleeping pads sleeping bags clothes head lamp for nightly trecks to bathroom Being at a developed campground with a bath house and a toilet is already way beyond bare bones. Edited June 12, 2017 by regentrude 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foxbridgeacademy Posted June 12, 2017 Share Posted June 12, 2017 (edited) Most campsites allow 2 tents per site, will you be keeping all your luggage and gear in the car, if you were hoping to keep it on the site then I would get a bigger tent. For rain a good option is to have a big-ish tarp you can tie above the tent. Angle one end higher so the rain runs off the other side. When we camped with the kids we usually used a 10+ person tent and a small 2 man (for stuff) but we would camp for 2 weeks and eat on site. Here's one for $100 Edited June 12, 2017 by foxbridgeacademy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blondeviolin Posted June 12, 2017 Share Posted June 12, 2017 I'd see if you could upgrade the tents. Especially if none of them have a rain fly. We like to put a tarp under the tent so it keeps the bottom clean. Besides a tent, sleeping bag, pillows, clothes, air mattress (not necessary but so nice). And a plug for your phones/devices that is car compatible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ottakee Posted June 12, 2017 Author Share Posted June 12, 2017 Thanks for the advice. We are still looking at options but tenting just might be the way for us to be able to go. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wintermom Posted June 12, 2017 Share Posted June 12, 2017 I would do it for my dc and myself. You would have a better idea whether the special needs of your dc require access to things not available in a tent, though. Do you need easy access to toilets/bathrooms that you can go in to help your dc of both genders? There may well be a lot more things to consider. The campground might be able to offer special services and facilities for your family, though. You could contact them directly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Granny_Weatherwax Posted June 12, 2017 Share Posted June 12, 2017 It could work. Use the tents for sleeping only. Use the car to store any extras (duffle bags, extra clothes, extra gear, small cooler with beverages, snacks, etc) to keep the tents clutter free. If you're going to be visiting with family, you'll probably only be at the campsite to sleep, shower and (maybe) eat a light breakfast. Unless you have restless sleepers who toss and turn a lot, it will be cozy but doable for a few nights. I like Wintermom's advice about checking out the campground for any necessary facility needs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katy Posted June 12, 2017 Share Posted June 12, 2017 Yet another vote for making sure you get a larger tent. If you're sure you don't need to, pitch the tents in your yard and make sure you want to snuggle that closely. And have it in the budget for an emergency night in the hotel in case there's a severe thunderstorm - lightening and falling trees have chased us away from camping more than once. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiewindmomma Posted June 12, 2017 Share Posted June 12, 2017 As an alternate idea, if you think the odds are good that the weather will not be rainy--4 ENU style hammocks (generics abound!) would be cheaper than buying tents and sleeping bags (if you don't already have gear). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skimomma Posted June 12, 2017 Share Posted June 12, 2017 I would set the tents up in the yard and see how you all fit. Our two-man tents are plenty big enough for two adults as long as we leave the bags and stuff in the car. While they are set up, take the hose to them to see if they are waterproof. If not, seek new tents or a tarp plan and if so, no worries about rain. Another option would be to look into renting tents from REI. If you would be traveling through an area with a store, this would be one way to get a big tent without buying. We find umbrellas really handy for getting in and out of small tents in heavy rain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seasider Posted June 12, 2017 Share Posted June 12, 2017 As an alternate idea, if you think the odds are good that the weather will not be rainy--4 ENU style hammocks (generics abound!) would be cheaper than buying tents and sleeping bags (if you don't already have gear). Brilliant! These are almost all my kids use these days. Oldest only brings a tent if the weather might be less than stellar. (They're old enough to camp on their own, so I almost forgot about this option.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ottakee Posted June 12, 2017 Author Share Posted June 12, 2017 My kids all have cognitive impairments but they are independent in the bathroom/shower, etc. We will need meds, etc but not equipment. One is hoping to stay in grandmas room. We do have money for a hotel but it has other places it could.be much better used. Once it gets closer we can decide based on weather, etc. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shawthorne44 Posted June 12, 2017 Share Posted June 12, 2017 Can you park very near the tents? If it is reserved, then that is likely. That simplifies things a lot. You can take whatever you feel like for comfort without it being a problem. For example, I take many pillows. You can also leave a majority of your stuff in the car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ottakee Posted June 12, 2017 Author Share Posted June 12, 2017 We can park right at the campsite. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soror Posted June 13, 2017 Share Posted June 13, 2017 Fwiw dh just bought a 4 person tent from Wal-Mart for $35 or so. Not a great one obviously but if you don't camp much it would be fine. I'd test out the ones you have to see how they work. My dh and I have slept in our 2 person tent no problem, he has slept in it w/ ds they sleep head to tail, we sleep face to face. I slept in a 2 person tent w/ my 3 young daughters and we survived just fine. If you have room there for your car and put your supplies in there I don't see it as a big deal. It is a bit of a pain to change when it is cramped like that but you can easily go to the bathroom to change. Also, your kids don't sound like they are very big so that makes a big difference. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xahm Posted June 13, 2017 Share Posted June 13, 2017 How chilly is it at night where you are? I wouldn't be able to sleep in a two man Trent with another person because the body heat and closeness would make it stifling. If it does get really chilly, don't upgrade to too large a tent. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PinkTulip Posted June 13, 2017 Share Posted June 13, 2017 If you have an REI near you, they rent tents of all sizes quite inexpensively. It might be worth looking into if you decide you want something bigger. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ottakee Posted June 13, 2017 Author Share Posted June 13, 2017 How chilly is it at night where you are? I wouldn't be able to sleep in a two man Trent with another person because the body heat and closeness would make it stifling. If it does get really chilly, don't upgrade to too large a tent. Temps would likely be mid 50s to mid 60s overnight. Hard to say as we will be camping on Lake Huron. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted June 13, 2017 Share Posted June 13, 2017 Agree with getting a larger tent. I've had a few cheap walmart ones and they all worked fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soror Posted June 13, 2017 Share Posted June 13, 2017 Temps would likely be mid 50s to mid 60s overnight. Hard to say as we will be camping on Lake Huron. I love sleeping in those temps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frogger Posted June 13, 2017 Share Posted June 13, 2017 (edited) If you are at a developed campground check if it is ok to tie up a tarp. The may not want people damaging trees etc. If you put a tarp under your tent for a ground cloth make sure it is slightly smaller than the tent or the water will catch and run under your tent. I would think two man tents are fine but if your family has any special needs I don't know. My entire family once had to sleep in a four man tent (won't derail your thread with why. :) ) and we survived. My husband is 6'2" and 240 lbs and I'm 5'9" 155lbs and my oldest son 6'4" oh and there are 6 of us. Now that I wouldn't advise that but the standard number is fine unless you buy giant inflatable mattresses. If you are bringing lots of stuff I would arrange it in the trunk or back of vehicle. Clothes can be put on in the bath house so that shouldn't be difficult with a smaller tent. If you have some kind of disability like back problems or knee injuries then you may struggle with a two man tent because you must climb in. I like to keep a mat in front of the door when taking shoes off, especially for children. When packing light that would be the trash bag that doubles as a bag to keep stuff dry in my pack. When car camping it can be the rubber mat that I keep in the back of SUV to protect carpet when hauling stuff. Edited June 13, 2017 by frogger Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shawthorne44 Posted June 13, 2017 Share Posted June 13, 2017 Temps would likely be mid 50s to mid 60s overnight. Hard to say as we will be camping on Lake Huron. At that temp, you will appreciate having smaller tents for sleeping. The body heat warms up the tent. Two people in a two person tent can be pleasantly warm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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