Camping is a great way to enjoy a holiday in nature and without extortionate costs. However, there’s no denying more preparation is required. Two burning questions often asked are what the toilet situation is like at campsites and what you need to pack.
Express.co.uk spoke exclusively to two experts to find out the answers and their travel advice.
What are toilets like at campsites?
“This depends on the individual campsite so it is worth checking the facilities before you book,” explained Ed Bassett, UK Country Manager at Camptoo.
“Campsites have increased their cleaning measures, particularly in high contact areas, so customers can be reassured of their safety.”
Bassett continued: “On campsites with toilet blocks facilities, our advice would be to use the facilities (chemical toilet) in your own campervan as much as possible – as this will help to manage demand and minimise queues at toilet blocks.
“Some campsites will also provide toilet tents for customers to use on their allocated pitch.
“Always dispose of waste in the allocated waste disposal point.
“Let’s leave our beautiful countryside as we found it.”
What do I need to pack for a camping holiday?
“The most essential thing to pack for your camping trip is a good sense of humour and a smile. Camping is meant to be fun, don’t take stuff too serious!” enthused Carl Collins from TentLife.
“Camping can be as basic or luxurious as you choose, but the bare minimum you’ll need for some fresh air fun is the following. A suitably sized tent, some gear to sleep in/on (sleeping bag and sleeping mat), some camping chairs and a bit of cooking gear (stove, pans, plates etc).
“Make sure that this stuff is packed in your car as the bare minimum. If you forget anything else, chances are a local shop or supermarket can help.”
Collins continued: “Don’t expect to have everything you need on your first camping trip, everyone is different. Just take the plunge, get out there add other gear to your future trips.
“It becomes a bit of a bug and you always find yourself buying new stuff.”
The camping expert shared TentLife’s recommendations for 2021.
Tent – Check out the Coleman Meadowood 6, poled tent with lots of features and space. Prefer pumping up your tent? The Berghaus Air range with its inflatable beams is a great choice, catering for all family sizes and used by thousands of happy campers.
Sleeping mat – Outwell Dreamboat (double), various thicknesses. Self-inflating, great pack size, will keep you warm and cosy even when placed directly on the ground.
Sleeping bags – Vango Radiate range, heated sleeping bags, perfect for cold sleepers. Also, Vango’s eco-friendly Earth Collection Evolve Superwarm range, made of recycled materials.
Chairs – Very comfy HiGear Vegas XL Deluxe Quilted Chair. Part tub style lounger that keeps your back out of the draught.
Stove – The very versatile Campingaz Party Grill 400 CV. It’s a stove, grill, BBQ and wok – a good allrounder that easily connects to their CV gas canisters.
Kitchen – HiGear Mirage deluxe kitchen unit. Ideal food prep area, good for cooking on and includes a washbasin and storage. Also a hanger for lights and so forth.