Be a happy glamper
some great deals on campsites as the demand is lower.
Review your options
It’s easy to find reviews of campsites online, many with helpful insights and photos of the facilities.
A wise idea is to check the cleanliness ratings of the shower blocks, toilets and pot-washing facilities prior to booking, as well as ratings on amenities, location, staff service and beyond.
It is easy to be focused on price, but smaller touches can play a big part in how successful your holiday is.
Yearn for a yurt
If you’re longing for something with a touch more luxury than camping in a tent, there are campsites that offer bell tents, yurts, shepherd’s huts and caravans which can completely change the experience.
Bell tents and yurts generally afford campers much more room to walk around, cook in and sleep, as well as playing cards if the weather isn’t so good.
Sleeping in a shepherd’s hut may not be considered camping by purists, but they are good ways to get out into the great outdoors while retaining a little comfort.
Eats and treats
Unless you’ve gone for an ultra high-end glamping experience, then opting to camp will save you money. So it may make sense to spend some of the extra cash you’ve saved on better food. With so many different cooking equipment options available, from barbecues to portable wood burners, you can make some amazing meals at your pitch – such as loaded campfire nachos, smoky barbecue ribs, grilled halloumi with honey and also breakfast skillets. If you don’t have the means to keep your food items cold, then try checking out some of the higher-end canned food brands. And don’t forget, there’s always a place for good old baked beans on toast!
Light fantastic
Elevate the ambience of your camping set up with beautiful twinkling fairy lights. Opt for battery or solar powered lights to illuminate your nighttime family campfire, making it extra cosy as you tuck into your toasted marshmallows,
Bathing the campsite in a warm glow is also likely to make any pictures you take look particularly pleasant.
Comfort is key
Make sure you bring camping furniture to put your feet up after a full day of adventures.
Swap out your standard camping chair and opt for a more luxurious option such as a deck chair or inflatable sofa, and be sure to bring some cushions and cosy blankets with you for when the cool of the evening draws in.
It may seem like a bit of an ordeal to pack it all up before heading to the campsite, but you certainly won’t regret it once you’re reclining around the fireside.
To all in tents and purposes
Choosing the right tent to protect you from the weather conditions, whether that’s blazing sunshine in the morning or heavy rain throughout the night, is important to this end. As well as this, make sure the space in your tent is convenient for you in terms of privacy, storage and ventilation.
You will need something comfortable and supportive to sleep on during your camping trip, such as an air mattress or a thick roll mat – both of which allow for optimum storage space in the car.
If you’re camping in colder climes, a mummy sleeping bag may be the best option, as they are tapered towards the feet to reduce the amount of air circulation, to help keep you warmer.
There are also down sleeping bags that are insulated to ensure that you stay toasty warm.
Or, if you don’t like to feel too constricted, try a square sleeping bag or a sleeping pod that offers more width. Nothing beats home comforts, so bringing your pillows with you is a convenient option to get a good night’s sleep.
If you’re struggling for room in your vehicle, you can also bring an inflatable camping pillow that you can deflate after use, making for a space optimised option.
Camp clean
Keep your pitch clean and tidy by tying bin bags to your tent for easy access. This makes it easy to take all your rubbish away with you, leaving the space pleasant for the next campers. Make sure you remember to bring bug repellent with you including oils, sprays or incense candles to avoid being nibbled at as you soak up the natural world.
‘‘ One in five adults have been camping since the start of the pandemic