Picture of a father and daughter toasting marshmallows whilst camping

Get ready for camping in 2021

If you’re riding high on the wave of enthusiasm for UK holidays then you may have already booked to go camping in 2021. Whether you’re a pro at pitching at tent or you’re first timers excited to get out in the fresh air, you need to be prepared for your first night under canvas.

Claire Hall is the award-winning blogger behind the family travel websites Tin Box Traveller and Devon with Kids. This summer she’ll be camping in the South West of England with her family and their VW T5 camper van.

Here’s her advice on how to make the most of your outdoor holiday this summer, including tips on camping during the pandemic:

Buy the right camping gear

Do you know that phrase ‘there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes’? Well, the same applies to your camping kit. Buy a cheap tent and you may find yourself sleeping in a puddle when the Great British summer weather kicks in. While investing in a premium tent might seem a bit over the top for what might be one or two trips a year, don’t forget that the second hand market for tents is booming. You’ll have no problem selling your tent next year if you decide to upgrade or try a different type of holiday. Also, if you look after your tent, by packing it away dry and treating it regularly with a resealing spray like Fabsil, it will last forever.

Packing

There’s loads of camping packing lists[ https://tinboxtraveller.co.uk/family-camping- checklist-packing-list/ ] online, but what they rarely mention is how to fit it all in your car. This can take the skills of a Tetris ninja. One way to make sure you don’t overpack is to store your camping equipment in a Really Useful Box or flexi-bucket that you know will fit in your car boot. Also pack your clothes in a flexible hold-all, using packing cubes to keep each family member’s belongings separate. Finally, always pack your tent bag last. It’s the first thing you’ll want to unload when you arrive at your campsite.

Research your days out

My number one tip for everyone, whether you are camping in 2021 or not, is to plan your days out in advance. Many family attractions are taking pre-booked guests only and popular outdoor spaces will be busy. If you’re usually a spur of the moment family - I know we are - try to kick that habit. Hopefully it won’t be for long. Research things to do near your campsite. Book family attractions. Aim to arrive at beaches, country parks and beauty spots early or at the end of the day. Planning ahead will avoid having disappointed kids later.

Check the COVID procedures at your campsite

In April, campsites in England were able to reopen but the rules varied across the other UK nations. Most campsite toilet and shower blocks won’t be available until mid-May. It’s up to each site what facilities they reopen and when. After all, every campsite is different and will be working within the Government guidelines the best they can. You may find facilities are closed longer for cleaning or some may not be available at all. What you can do as helpful campers is make sure you and your family know your site’s rules and procedures before you arrive.

Feeding your family

It’s a good idea to arrive on site with at least a few meals planned so you don’t need to dash out after you’ve set up. Menu-wise, think: chilli, spaghetti bolognese, pasta with pesto, fajitas, omelette, stir fry, paella and frittata. Some of these meals can be prepared and frozen before you leave home. Pop them in your cool box to keep milk and other chilled food cold. Other items for your camping store cupboard include fruit, salad, tinned sweetcorn, breakfast cereals and, of course, marshmallows and digestive biscuits to make s’mores. Always check if your campsite allows fires. Some will supply wood burners. Avoid disposable barbecues - they’re difficult to cook on and terrible for the environment. Instead buy a two ring gas stove. You can cook almost anything on one of these.

If you’d like more tips on to prepare for camping in 2021 or even some ideas for places to

stay and things to do in Devon find Claire on Instagram:

Devon with Kids https://instagram.com/devonwithkids

Tin Box Traveller https://instagram.com/tinboxtraveller