Camping has become more popular than ever, and for many families, it's a tradition passed down through generations. But one of the best things about camping is that there’s no single "right" way to do it.
We all have our own reasons for heading outdoors. Some people love the convenience of driving right up to a campsite, having restrooms and other facilities nearby, and bringing along the gear that makes camping even more enjoyable.
Think comfortable camp chairs, a propane stove and griddle,and simply enjoying some quality time outdoors with family and friends. It's a great way to unwind, recharge, and take a break from the busy pace of everyday life.
Others prefer heading somewhere with no facilities at all. Just you, nature, and everything you've packed in. Getting away from the crowds and the distractions of modern life can create a completely different kind of experience.
When it's just you and the outdoors, there's something special about experiencing a deeper connection with nature, a sense of freedom, and a reminder of what it feels like to slow down and simply be present. It's a feeling that can't be replaced, something that cities can never truly provide.
No matter which style you enjoy, camping is about finding the experience that feels right for you. Let's talk about our camping styles and experiences, it should be fun!
What's your camping style? What do you bring along when you head outdoors, and what kind of experience are you looking for?
Sorry Wolfbox, this sounds like one of the many “surveys” that we get every year from college students. We know 4 other couples who are campers (tents originally, now MHs). Each of us has completely different reasons to be away from home. We don’t even agree about what makes the perfect site. Multiply by the number of UKCS members & you’d need to use AI to analyse all the information.
So - your question is too non specific for me, but hopefully others find the time to answer.
I just love being outdoors, and look for camping experiences that make the most of that.
I never sit inside my tent unless it is pouring with rain. I like sites that are ‘wild style’ , amongst trees, no built up sights or sounds evident.
I never camp on sites which have fixed pitches in rows, but go to places either loads of space and pick your own spot. Where all amplified or electronic sound is banned and quiet periods observed.
I have a campfire when conditions allow and often cook in the fire, with grill or Dutch pot. Never have EHU, and avoid sites that offer it.
I do have quite a lot of stuff. I love my canvas tent and Icey Tek coolbox.
I grew up with big canvas tents and wood fires.
I now choose 2 man nylon tents for hike and cycle camping and 3 man nylon tents if I'm going by car.
I choose between lightweight camping stoves and heavier Calor propane stoves depending on transport.
I like technology and gadgets but there is a limit, if I needed to use a powerful Li ion air pump shaped like a gun to light fires I'd give up camping!
A field just for tents, no more than about 50 pitches, a toilet block with shower and a pub nearby. Max 2 hours from home and no more than £15 per person per night!
Nice and clean facilities: hot showers, flushing toilets, washing up sinks with hot water; dogs allowed, good mobile phone signal coverage or site Wi-Fi (don't mind having to pay for it).
Adult only site for trips in late July and August.
I like the drive, and do not like to move the van once I am on site as I do not like having to pack everything up for the move.
Ice creams on site or nearby would be great. Nice walks around the campsite for the dog. Not too bothered about the views.
A pub or restaurant within a short walk from the site would be nice too.
DK
------------- Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest & Play!
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I grew up camping with an old canvas ridge tent, paraffin primus stove and plastic airbeds that went down. Spending a penny meant just that in those days
Now I'm old and fragile, I still like to camp. Not for too long and not too far from home just in case.
I prefer quiet sites so choose to go when kids are in school, it's usually cheaper. Just lately I've favored Parkdene sites during low season where prices are reasonable however they do charge extra per dog per night.
I like Good facilities, a decent takeaway close by and a pitch that is not too well lit at night and a pleasant view not too far to walk to with the dogs. I'm not bothered about phones or wifi...any contact usually means trouble.
------------- Knowledge is recognising that a tomato is a fruit: experience is not putting it in a fruit salad.
As long as a site is quiet at night, has toilets, showers and EHU it is fine by me. I also prefer large pitches where I can put my caravan any way round I like. I don't much like sites where the pitches are all in neat rows.
I am very price-concious and never go to fancy sites with all facilities for that reason and the fact that they tend to be much noisier. One of my favourite Club sites was Graffham C&CC site on the south downs, which was basically random pitches in a woodland set among the trees. I also like Sandringham C&CC site on the random pitches at the botttom of the site.
Bank holidays and school holidays in general are times to be spent at home. Everywhere is too crowded and too expensive. Fortunately I live in a very quiet rural area close to good facilities and even "quiet" sites are often noisier than home.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets