How to Find the Best Camping Sites in England

If you fancy a trip to the great outdoors, sleeping with nothing but a sheet between you and the stars, then a visit to one of the UK’s thousands of campsites would be a good place to start. Campsites offer wildly varying standards of quality and facilities so shop around to find what’s most suitable for you.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Decide what kind of campsite you are looking for; do you want to stay in a plot that’s equipped with all the home comforts or would you rather face the elements and get back to nature?
2. Consult the AA’s Guide to Caravanning and Camping or join the Camping and Caravanning Club to receive their bi-yearly Big Sites book that lists over 4,000 campsites across the country.
3. Scour the Internet for camper’s recommendations on campsites with decent facilities. It’s particularly important that the toilet and shower area (if there is one) is kept clean and in good condition.
4. Find out the campsites policy on dogs and pets if you’re planning to take yours. Some campsites have areas where dogs can run around without a leash.
5. Choose a campsite where a good deal of action is going on if you’re taking your children. Try and choose sites near to woods and forests where children can bike ride or look at the wildlife, or near to water where they can fish or swim.
6. Look for a campsite that allows camp fires for the real camping experience. Many do not, but permanent barbecues are often supplied as an alternative where you can cook your food.
7. Avoid the noise and bustle of children running around if you’re after more chilled out surroundings in one of the UK’s many ‘adults only’ campsites.
8. Stay hooked up to the Internet if you can’t face leaving the outside world behind by choosing one of the many camp sites that now offer WiFi access.

Tips & Warnings

• Although it’s not always legal, you can usually camp almost anywhere that you find a space. Always try to ask permission first.
• If you have a very large tent and require more space, some campsites will require you to pay for the equivalent of two pitches.