How to choose a campsite

It's really easy to say that choosing a campsite is a matter of personal preference ... and about as useful as a chocolate teapot. A brief consideration of possible factors in selection could have any camper reeling in confusion. Facilities? Perhaps only a cold-water standpipe on a remote farm site or pizzeria, pool, tennis court and bar on a more commercial site. Mountain, coast or moorland? Walking, cycling, bird watching or dozing on a lounger? The variables are legion. Happily, each of us knows what and where we like, more or less, so many of the considerations in picking a campsite fall into place without much thought.

It does help to make a checklist of what you are looking for before embarking on a search. Unless, of course, you favour an approach based on serendipity; to be hopping around with an open mind before trying somewhere new. It is an essential element in the freedom that camping offers.

Top of my list in making a choice is personal recommendation. Not only from friends and family but also and, in particular, from within the pages of this very magazine. Campsite guides – printed or web – can deliver loads of info to readers but Camping delivers info plus inspiration with a healthy dose of personal opinion on those key factors of charm and conviviality.

Moving on from ‘He would say that, wouldn't he?’ we can make a shortlist of key considerations before diving off in all directions. Looking abroad, I tend to reach for guides from Alan Rogers and the Cool Camping team’s recommendations for sites in the UK and France have become recent firm favourites.

The latter guides offer the core of what I am after. As the website notes "it's the location, the view, the ambience, the surrounding area and even the philosophy and attitude of a campsite's owners – that perfect combination of factors that transforms a mere campsite into a very special place to camp". 'Nuff said.

Tourist board websites are a good starting point for basic information, but give little detail beyond the basics that may not answer all your questions. Where to go, site facilities preferred, cost and that essential ingredient of character will bring the list of potential sites down from hundreds to dozens. I have chosen sites I was sure I would not enjoy much because I wanted to be in the vicinity of an event and the site was far less important that being at that event - folk, beer and walking festivals, York Cycle Rally, Tall Ships Race and so on. On the other hand, I have booked a site for a weekend because I enjoyed the setting of the site and more or less hung out around enjoying the company.

Having young children may exert a big influence on the style of site and as they grow the type of site that offers a decent holiday for all the family will probably change.

Touring often throws all the usual planning out of the window. If the itinerary is laid out to the last mile then booking a succession of sites is possible. If the aim is to float around where impulse takes you then it might be a case of finding any site with a vacancy, especially in school holidays. Travelling light and camping wild is feasible, say, in Scotland but not so practical in Cornwall in August. Alternatively, you could book a week in a tipi in idyllic peaceful surroundings, cooking over open fires and enjoying a true back to nature experience.
On the facility front, new factors have come into play in recent years. Possibly the biggest change has been the need for plenty of safe play areas for children. Not only to kick a ball but also to play hide and seek in the woods and enjoy cycling without an adult in tow. Family-friendly sites allow parents to relax and kids to play in a way that is inhibited by our post-modern sub/urban lifestyles.

Then there is t'interweb. Before too long, the majority of larger sites will be offering wireless broadband (WiFi). Competition, no doubt, will see that facility becoming free in due course rather than an extra to pay for.

Principles too are coming to the fore with much more interest in the green credentials and active role in nature conservation of campsites. The British Home and Holiday Park Association operates the David Bellamy Conservation Awards scheme. The scheme focuses on all aspects of site management including the efficient use of energy, water and waste; plant and animal habitats and visitor interpretation and events. It is worthwhile searching around to find smaller independent sites that are also striving to minimise their impact on the environment. I have learned loads about greener living, the environment and healthier eating by meeting enthusiastic committed site owners. No preaching or do-gooding – just sound teaching by example.

Happily, there is no foolproof way to pick a campsite. When visiting a new area, take a look at campsites for future reference, making a note of the interesting ones rather than rely on memory. When you have enjoyed a particularly good campsite, pick up a handful of brochures and pass them on to family and friends. Do the decent thing and let us know as well.
 
Smaller but perfectly formed

Many Camping readers love the smaller, low-cost campsite. And a good place to find these is through the two leading clubs. Known as Certificated Sites (CS) and Certified Locations (CL)depending on which club has approved them, these are small sites run purely for club members and they are limited to a maximum of five caravans and motorhomes. While CLs are restricted to trailer tents and folding campers, the Camping and Caravanning Club’s CSs can also take as many tents as deemed safe.

The beauty of these campsites is that they are often in locations poorly serviced by bigger sites. They can also be set in unusual places. Working farms, beer gardens, museums, country homes are just some of the places you could end up camping.

Facilities also vary. Some will only have a standpipe for drinking water and a disposal point for the chemical toilet waste. Others may have showers. You could find yourself using a pub’s toilets or a public lavatory block. Seldom are these unpleasant – just basic. However, take your own facilities and you could open up a completely new dimension to your camping experience.
 
Going wild

‘Wild’ does not have to mean camping in the back of beyond far from any amenities. Rather, it means pitching your tent on ground that does not form part of a recognised campsite. That might be out in the remote hills but could be on the outskirts of a village. It is more tempting than ever to save a few quid by avoiding commercial sites but that does not mean you can do what you like.

As somebody owns all land in England and Wales you should ask the owners' permission to camp on their land. Use your own judgement as to how practical that might be but follow basic guidelines and remember that the Forestry Commission and National Trust do not allow wild camping anywhere on their land. North of the border, the Scottish Outdoor Access Code allows you to pitch lightweight in the countryside in small numbers, staying only a couple of days in one place, away from buildings and roads and not in farmed fields. Key considerations are behaving responsibly with respect for others and their property and, of course, the environment.

Some farm sites can be pretty basic and remote with a definite sense of being wild. The Farm Site Directory from the Backpackers' Club is available to members only and includes sites you not find out about otherwise.
 
Wild camping guidelines

Bear these principles in mind – they are not optional and you should not be picking and choosing from the list.

• Do not camp near or in sight of houses or anywhere near livestock
• Keep a low profile – pitch your tent late in the day and leave early
• Wherever you can, ask permission. If it is refused, do not argue or ignore the refusal
• Avoid lighting a fire and never do so without permission
• Do not pollute water sources by using the nearby ground as a toilet
• Dig a hole to bury your faeces. Take away all other rubbish including tampons and sanitary towels
• Do not use soap, shampoo or detergent in streams.

Find your perfect campsite with our online campsite finder, and read more handy camping guides here.

Back to "Practical Advice" Category