How to go camping
How to find a campsite
Booking questions
Campervanning
Camping gadgets

Camping offers a cheap way to immerse yourself in the great outdoors and get back to basics.  Whether it's a weekend trip an hour from home or a longer summer holiday there are lots of benefits other than cost that make camping a really appealing experience.  We know that some people have been traumatised by a cold and soggy camping trip but with the right planning it can be great fun come rain or shine.

Our reasons to love camping:

• There are campsites everywhere - you can find campsites for city breaks, beach holidays and in the middle of some of the most beautiful natural landscapes on the planet.
• Nothing beats a sitting around a campfire with a glass of wine/mug of hot chocolate.
• Camping gives you the most wonderful opportunity for a bit of star gazing.
• Children love it and there are always other children for them to hang out with.
• Some campsites are literally a patch of grass with a toilet and a tap others come with swimming pools, entertainment programmes and restaurants so it is possible to find a campsite for all types of adventure.
• Lots of campsites now offer glamping options so you don't even need a tent.  There are some amazingly cool options offering tree-houses, teepees and yurts.

So as avid campers here are our top tips for successful camping: 

• 'It's not the wrong weather it's the wrong clothes' one of my lovely friends frequently reminds me!  When it comes to camping though she is absolutely right. Pack warm layers, a hat and big socks and be prepared to sleep in them!  Wellies and a waterproof coat are also good to have to hand.  Remember even if the days are sunny and warm, evenings and nights can still get really chilly.
• Good sleep makes all the difference to a successful camping trip so plan where everyone is sleeping, what they are sleeping on and what sleeping bags/blankets/duvets etc.. you're going to bring.  Cold rising up from beneath you is agonising at four in the morning so what's underneath you is as important as what is on top. Remember airbeds are not insulated so can feel really cold.
• Remember in the height of summer it's only dark for a few hours each night so consider tents with a dark/black-out lining or throw a dark coloured bedspread/tarp over the top of the tent to try and stop the children waking up at the crack of dawn!
• Make a food plan.  What are you going to cook or when are you going to eat out? Take some easy breakfast options to keep everyone happy until you rise leisurely and cook up a lovely big brunch!  If there is a local fish and chip shop/pizza place this makes an easy supper especially on the first evening.  If you are allowed an open fire don't forget the marshmallows. For the wannabe camp chefs among you have a look at camping recipes or the Campfire Magazine for some inspiration.
• Sitting in a cold wet tent while it rains is miserable so if the weather forecast looks dodgy have a wet weather plan.  Either embrace the rain, wrap up and go for a walk or find a local pub/museum/castle to explore.  Just do it - don't sit around being cold, damp and miserable!
• Let your standards drop!  A bit of mud or sand never killed anyone and, while of course it is nice to be comfortable, you are temporary living in a tent in the middle of nature so relax.   You will never fully realise how much you love your washing machine until you have been camping!

Camping in Germany

In the woods in Kent

On the beach in Greece

Camping art

Camp Bestival, Dorset