Tips For Camping Without A Campervan

Tips For Camping Without A Campervan

If you love the idea of camping but do not have a campervan, there are other options. Camping is a fun and adventurous way to holiday. It gives you freedom and is a fun trip for anyone of any age. Whether you are looking to go camping with children, friends, or family, it is possible if you do not have a caravan or motorhome. In his blog we look at how to enjoy tent camping in 2021. 

Tents are just as good

Although campervans offer more creature comforts and practicality, you can easily pitch up a tent and camp just the same. In some ways, it is a little more fun and adventurous. Most of us will have a memory of a camping trip with their parents or family members. I certainly remember my Dad taking us away in a tent in the 1980’s. I have never been so embarrassed in my life. The tent looked like something he had borrowed from the circus. It was a huge orange canvas tent, I was mortified. We were dropped off at the campsite with no transport for the week. I am sure I enjoyed it but all I remember is the tent and having to cycle miles on our bikes. If you are in a position where you you don’t have transport then you could always lease a car. That way, you will have a ride to get you from A to B, go out and do other activities, and have a safe haven when you want to warm up and store your belongings. Always pitch up your tent as soon as you arrive at the site, preferably in daylight, so it is ready for your first evening on site. Bad weather can quickly arrive so pitch your tent on dry ground if you can. Ensure to secure it with pegs so it doesn’t blow away when you have gone out for the day. If you are camping near the coast the wind can pick up very quickly. Tents by there nature will not remain in place unless well pegged down.

There are two main types of tent available to you, poled or air beam tents. Air beamed tents have become increasingly popular over the last few years as they are light weight and easy to put up. Vango are the market leaders in the UK for Air Tents see one here.

Ensure your campsite has facilities

Even the most basic campsite should provide a drinking water tap and a toilet, or a chemical toilet disposal point. You would assume that every campsite has all the basic facilities such as a toilet and a shower. But, not all of them do. Ensure you do lots of research and make sure the campsite you are going to has all of the facilities you will need for your trip. The last thing you want is to be without a shower for a week or without electricity for your phone or portable cooker. Many campsites offer electric hook up pitches for tents due to the demand for them by campers. It is possible to purchase a portable camping toilet. You can purchase a portable ensuite from Colapz. There is 5% off the Colapz website with this link.

Take a BBQ and fuel to cook your food

When you go camping, you will most likely cook your own food on a campfire or BBQ every night, or as often as possible. For that, you will need the right equipment (of course), as well as fuel. Whether you plan to cook on an open campfire or on a gas camp stove, make sure you take extra fuel. You might get through more than you think and not every campsite has a camp shop. Disposable BBQ’s are cheap and convenient but make sure you dispose of them responsibly. If you are on electric hook up you might choose an electric plate for cooking.

Pack the essentials

When you are camping without a secure home, like a caravan, you will need to make sure you have everything you need as you will be outside the entire time. Here are some of the top essentials you will need:

Camp chairs: Sitting on the ground gets boring very quickly – especially if like me you enjoy sitting chatting and putting the world to rights!
Great sleeping bag: It can get cold at night so a good quality sleeping bag can make the difference between a great camping experience or a disaster. It pays to take an extra blanket for the cooler nights.
Good camp bed or mat: Get off the cold ground and get comfortable. They are self inflating and if they do go down you still have a layer of foam left to cushion you from the ground and the cold.

Lighting: Headlamps, lamps and torches and spare batteries. Sounds obvious but the number of people who rock up to campsites with one torch and flat batteries is incredible. A wind up lantern is also a good idea, as they ensure the flat battery situation will not occur – and they are eco!
These are basic tips that will help you enjoy your tent camping holiday this
year. All we need now is some great weather and we can look forward to
our summer.