As summer arrives in Europe, more and more people are looking to explore (and sleep) in the great outdoors.
In fact, camping is so popular among Brits that research shows one in five adults have gone camping or caravanning since COVID-19, with around 1.2 million people going camping regularly.
What are the most popular campsites in the UK?
The British countryside is home to many beautiful campsites, each offering something different for outdoor enthusiasts.
According to the National Trust, some of the most popular campsites in the UK include:
- Lake District
- Gwynedd
- Pembrokeshire
- Cornwall
- Dorset
- Isle of Skye
more.
In fact, the UK has a network of campsites where you can stay overnight with basic facilities for an average price of around £10-30 per night.
However, camping is much more than just a place to pitch a tent, and there are several other things that nature lovers need to consider.
What are the challenges of camping in the UK?
As with most outdoor activities, camping in the UK comes with some common issues, some of which are listed below:
bad weather
Britain has many advantages, but there is one thing it has always lacked: the weather.
With rain falling regularly even in the summer, planning a camping trip in advance can be difficult, and since camping relies on sleeping in tents outdoors, the weather can have a major impact on your enjoyment of a camping holiday.
Weather apps have become increasingly better at predicting incoming storms, but there’s always a margin of error to consider.
I’m confused
Many campsites are located in remote areas of the UK, which is great from a nature perspective but has the downside that mobile phone signals can be spotty and it’s easy to get lost.
Of course, there is the option of relying on traditional paper maps, but given the complex network of rural roads and directions, it’s no wonder that so many people get lost during camping trips.
Have the right equipment
Camping trips are a lot of fun, but they also require a lot of equipment. Campers need a tent, a portable stove, bedding, a table, dishes, and many other things.
Staying organized and having everything you need is extremely important, as finding a camping store can be difficult, especially in remote areas.
Luckily, a number of startups and apps have emerged to help campers better plan their trips. Let’s take a look at a few…
Apps and startups for campers
Pitch Up
Pitchup is a UK campsite booking website where you can book over 16,000 campsites.
The site features reviews from other travelers, making it easy to decide what’s best for your particular trip.
Outdoor Active
Another important part of a fun camping holiday is planning suitable hiking or biking routes in a particular area.
Outdooractive provides route planners and GPS trails to help users explore the great outdoors.
Routes are designed by trained guides and industry experts to be safe and scenic.
Travel Expenses
Vacations, even camping trips, can get expensive. TravelSpend is a great app for people who want to stick to a budget, helping you track your spending while traveling.
The app is free and makes it easier for people to stick to a budget, providing information on where they are spending their money and how much cash they have left.
Search the site
The site’s search is similar to PitchUp but covers a larger area of ​​Europe.
The site allows you to search for campsites, bivouacs and motorhome stops in France, Italy, Germany and more.
Wikicamp
Perfect for campers and caravanners, WikiCamps is a database of toilets, showers and more in campsites, caravan parks and backpacker hostels.
The app features a variety of filters to help users find what they need, and also includes a built-in trip planner, camping checklist, and compass.
AccuWeather
Ah, the weather can be one of the most unpredictable aspects of the camping experience, but luckily, apps like Accuweather provide weather forecasts up to a week ahead, allowing campers to better plan their trip.
Not only that, but the app also features storm tracking and radar maps, allowing users to see which areas are likely to be most affected.