Camping and touring for beginners - 10 top tips
30/07/2021
Before heading off on your first camping or touring trip, it's a good idea to familiarise yourself with the general campsite rules and etiquette that are common across all campsites and among the camping community. This will set you on a good course for enjoying your holiday to the maximum.
- Noise levels - you should be aware of your noise levels, especially between the hours of 10pm - 8am as this is when the majority of campsites ask for quiet time so as not to disturb other guests who might be sleeping. This applies to talking, playing music, playing games, and using equipment that makes a noise such as radios or TVs.
- Space and privacy - do not set up on top of your neighbours - maintain a respectful distance from them. Pitches are generally marked out and allocated by the campsite - do not try and pitch more than one unit/tent on a single pitch. Also, try to resist taking short cuts by walking across someone else's pitch and be considerate of other campers' space.
- Campfires and barbecues - these may or may not be allowed, you will need to check the individual campsite websites but for those that do allow them, you'll generally need to make sure they are well off the ground to avoid scorching the grass.
- Cleanliness - you should always leave the campsite facilities clean and tidy after using them, including toilets and showers, dishwashing areas and laundrettes.
- Camping with children - if you are camping with children it is important to keep an eye on them and make sure they behave accordingly. You should always know where your children are and what they are doing.
Images above: 2nd from left - Shepherds Views, 2nd from right - Mannix Point, far right - The Old Oaks - Camping with dogs - if the campsite allows dogs they should be kept under control at all times and don't forget to clean up after them. You should never leave your dog alone in your tent, caravan or motorhome.
- Vehicles - there may be rules about how and where you can park your car, usually it is by your pitch but some sites have a deisgnated car park. You should avoid using your vehicle late at night and try to only use your car when going off site. In general it is frowned upon to drive to get around the campsite itself. Always drive very slowly on the site to allow for people who might be walking or cycling and for children playing - there will usually be a clearly signed speed limit for the site.
- Checking in and checking out times - you will normally be required to depart the campsite by a certain time in the morning of the day you want to check out. There might also be set times for arrival.
- Rubbish disposal - there will be designated areas for disposing of different types of rubbish, recycling, waste water and sewerage.
- Guests - some campsites will not allow guests to visit you unless they are signed in first and there may be a charge for having them on site
Images above: 2nd from left - Keal Lodge, far right - Heligan Caravan & Camping
The information above acts as a general guide, but bear in mind that different sites will have different rules that they ask guests to kindly follow and you should always check the site's website before you book with them so you know what to expect when you arrive on site. By staying on a campsite you agree to abide by the rules of that particular site and you may be asked to leave if you break them. You should be willing to respect and adhere to their rules for the enjoyment of everyone while on holiday.
Of course, in the current times we also have to bear in mind a new set of guidance, to keep ourselves and others safe from Cornonavirus. Current advice is to:
- Act with caution
- Be considerate of others and keep your distance
- Wash your hands often
- Continue to wear masks in communal locations, epsecially indoor spaces
For the latest Coronavirus travel advice for campers in the UK and Europe take a look at our sister site OutandAboutLive's dedicated page.
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