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A guide to UK camping for beginners
Ever fancied ditching the four walls for four tent pegs? Welcome to the wild world of UK camping, where your bedroom has a better view than most five-star hotels and the only room service involves rustling up beans on toast over a camping stove.
Sure, you might swap your Egyptian cotton sheets for a sleeping bag that sounds like a crisp packet when you move, but trust us, there's something magical about falling asleep to the gentle patter of rain on canvas…
Key takeaways
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Best time to camp in the UK – Discover the pros of spring blooms, summer sunshine, autumn colours, and even winter camping for the bold.
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Different types of camping – From classic tent pitching to hassle-free glamping or the comforts of caravans and campervans.
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How to choose the right campsite – Consider facilities, family vs. couple-friendly vibes, onsite activities, and pet-friendly options.
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Top beginner-friendly camping spots – Cornwall, Isle of Wight, Lincolnshire, Scotland, and Hampshire all make great starter destinations.
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What to pack for camping – Essential gear, nice-to-have extras, and food ideas to make life under canvas simple but enjoyable.
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Beginner tips for a smooth trip – Pitch your tent at home first, check the weather, arrive before dark, and respect nature and quiet hours.
When is the best time of year to go camping?
SpringÂ
Spring brings that lovely ‘new beginnings’ vibe with wildflowers popping up everywhere and lambs doing their bouncy thing. Just pack extra layers because the British weather can be unpredictable: sunshine one minute, hailstones the next.
SummerÂ
Summer is peak camping season, and for good reason. Long days, warm evenings perfect for campfire sing-alongs, and the best chance of dry weather. Expect busier campsites and higher prices, but also festivals, ice cream vans, and that blissful golden hour that lasts forever.
Autumn
Autumn offers stunning colours and fewer crowds. Cosy camping with crisp mornings and a satisfying crunch of leaves underfoot. Perfect marshmallow toasting weather.
Winter
Winter camping is usually reserved for brave souls who don't mind their breath misting inside the tent. But hey, Christmas under canvas has its charm. Just bring thicker sleeping bags and maybe a hip flask.
Types of camping (and how to choose the right one)
Traditional tent camping
Traditional tent camping is the OG of outdoor adventures. Armed with just canvas, tent pegs, and questionable knot-tying skills, you'll experience nature in all her glory (including that 3am raindrop symphony). At Away Resorts campsites, you can choose from standard grass pitches, electric pitches, or fully-serviced pitches, making it easy to match your comfort level.
Glamping
A glamping holiday takes all the faff out of camping while keeping the fun bits. Think actual beds, electricity, and toilets that don't require a torch-lit trek across a field. Away Resorts’ luxury pods are perfect for camping newbies or anyone who loves the great outdoors but draws the line at sleeping on tree roots.
Campervans or caravans
Campervan or caravan holidays perfectly combine home comforts with wanderlust. Your bedroom, kitchen, and living room are all on wheels, but unless you fancy cold beans straight from the tin, booking a pitch with an electric hook-up is wise. Away Resorts has several touring vehicle pitches, including standard, electric, and fully-serviced pitches, so you can enjoy convenience alongside adventure.Â
What to consider when choosing a campsite
Facilities
Facilities can make or break your camping experience. Proper shower blocks with hot water (not just lukewarm dribbles), clean loos, and electric hook-ups for charging your phone are the holy trinity of campsite comfort. Some places offer washing-up areas and laundry facilities too, which beats scrubbing pots with cold water and a paper towel.
Family-friendly or couple-focused?
Know your crowd. Family-friendly holiday parks buzz with playground giggles and ice cream van jingles, while romantic UK holidays with couple-focused camping spots offer peaceful mornings and evening chats without someone's toddler using your guy ropes as a climbing frame.
Onsite activities
The right activities keep everyone happy when the weather turns. Swimming pools, adventure playgrounds, evening entertainment, and maybe even an arcade can turn a soggy Tuesday into serious fun.
Pet-friendly?
If you’re camping with your dog, an Away Resorts park is your best bet for a dog-friendly holiday. Some parks may charge a small fee depending on the accommodation or pitch type, so it’s worth checking in advance.Â
Where’s good to go camping for beginners?
Cornwall
Cornwall's the camping equivalent of a warm hug from your nan. Beginners love it because there's something for everyone: stunning beaches when the sun's out, cosy pubs when it's not, and enough pasty shops to fuel a small army.
Find out moreThings to do: The Cornwall coastline stretches for miles, giving you endless exploring opportunities, while places like St Ives and Padstow offer that proper Cornish charm. Plus, if your tent-pitching skills need work, you can always distract everyone with a cream tea debate (jam first, obviously). The Eden Project's a must-see, and the South West Coast Path offers walks for all abilities.
Top campsite pick: St Ives Bay
Experience the allure of Cornwall's most famous seaside town with generously spaced grass pitches, electric hook-ups available, and clean facilities just a short walk away. St Ives Bay is great for beginners who want that authentic Cornish coastal experience.
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Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight is Britain's answer to a tropical island (if tropical islands had proper tea and decent weather warnings). Great for beginners because everything's compact and accessible: you can't get too lost on an island!
Find out moreThings to do: The Isle of Wight beaches are gorgeous, the Needles are Instagram-worthy, and there's enough family fun to keep everyone happy. Osborne House gives you your dose of history, while Blackgang Chine delivers thrills for the kids. The ferry journey adds to the adventure without being too daunting.
Top campsite pick: Whitecliff Bay
The coastal paradise of Whitecliff Bay offers sandy beaches and charming seaside towns, plus heated pools and entertainment venues for when you need a break from all that outdoor adventuring.
Lincolnshire
Don't let anyone tell you camping in Lincolnshire's boring: it's got more outdoor fun than you can shake a tent peg at. Ideal for beginner campers who want classic countryside without the intimidation factor of mountains or dramatic coastlines.
Find out moreThings to do: The Fens offer flat walking (ideal for building confidence), while places like Lincoln Cathedral provide cultural pit stops. Boston's surprisingly charming, and the wildlife reserves are brilliant for spotting everything from seals to red kites.
Top campsite pick: Appletree
For beginner campers, Appletree offers spacious electric grass pitches, modern facilities, family-friendly activities, and a welcoming atmosphere perfect for first-time outdoor adventures.
Scotland
Camping in Scotland might seem daunting for beginners, but it's actually brilliant for gaining camping confidence. The ‘right to roam’ laws mean you've got freedom to explore, while the locals are legendarily helpful when you're struggling with tent instructions.
Find out moreThings to do: The Highlands offer breathtaking scenery, while the Lowlands provide a gentler introduction to Scottish camping. Loch Katrine's perfect for first-timers, and you're never far from a castle, distillery, or cosy pub. Plus, the midges keep you moving, which is basically free personal training.
Top campsite pick: Moffat Manor
Set in the beautiful Scottish Borders, Moffat Manor offers the perfect introduction to Scottish camping with excellent facilities and stunning countryside views, plus easy access to historic towns and walking trails.
Hampshire
Hampshire's the sensible choice that turns out to be brilliant. The New Forest is camping heaven for beginners: ancient woodlands, wild ponies wandering about, and enough family attractions to keep everyone entertained.
Find out moreThings to do: Winchester's got history, while the coast offers seaside fun without the Cornwall or Dorset crowds. The forest's perfect for confidence-building walks, and you can always pop to nearby towns if you need supplies or just fancy a nice meal.
Top campsite pick: Sandy Balls
Nestled in the heart of the New Forest National Park, Sandy Balls is perfect for nature lovers and those seeking peace and quiet. Yes, the name gets a giggle, but the location's seriously good for beginners.
What to pack: Camping essentials for beginners
Packing for your first camping trip feels a bit like preparing for the zombie apocalypse: you're convinced you need everything, but really, less is more (unless we're talking marshmallows).
Must-have kit:
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Tent (with footprint and rainfly)
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Sleeping bag (choose one rated for UK temperatures)
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Sleeping mat or airbed (foam or self-inflating)
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Camping stove or BBQ
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Fuel and cooking utensils (e.g., matches, a lighter, pans, tin opener, cutlery, washing up bowl)
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Food and water supplies (easy-to-cook meals and a 10L+ water container)
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Lighting (headtorch, lantern)
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Warm layers & waterproofs
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First aid kit (with insect repellent and antihistamines)
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Rubbish bags
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Toiletries and toilet roll
Nice-to-haves:
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Camp chairs and a folding table
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Cooler box or bag
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Power bank or portable charger (useful if you’re off-grid)
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Blanket and hot water bottle
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Entertainment (books, cards, games, Bluetooth speaker)
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Tarp or groundsheet (for extra shelter or creating a dry communal area)
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Windbreak or privacy screen (useful for busy sites)
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Extra tent bags and a mallet
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Torch for each person
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Clothesline and pegs (for drying wet towels, swimming costumes, and washing)
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Dish cloths and tea towels
What to eat while camping
Camping food's all about keeping it simple while still eating like a human, because no one wants to survive on stale crisps and regret.
Easy campfire classics include:Â
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Foil packet dinners (with sausages, veg, potatoes, and seasoning)
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Hot dogs and baked beans
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Stuffed wraps (filled with cooked chicken, cheese, or veg)
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Instant noodles and pasta pots
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Chilli or curry in a tin
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Soup and crusty bread
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QuesdillasÂ
For no-cook and quick options, opt for:Â
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Crackers and cheese
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Peanut butter or jam sandwichesÂ
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Fresh fruitÂ
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Cereal bars
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Cold pasta or couscous salads
If you’re glamping (or have a kitchen setup), you might want to make something a touch more extravagant, such as:
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Fry-up breakfasts
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Stir-friesÂ
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Pasta dishesÂ
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Burgers or veggie pattiesÂ
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Pancakes
Whatever you’re rustling up, don't forget to bring a large refillable water container: essential for drinking, cooking, and washing up.Â
And if self-catering isn’t your thing (we don’t blame you), Away Resorts parks have several food and drink options, including on-site restaurants or facilities where you can grab meals instead.
Beginner camping tips for a smooth first trip
Practice pitching your tent at home
There's nothing worse than wrestling with mysterious poles while it's bucketing down rain and getting dark. Your back garden might judge you, but your future self will thank you.
Check the weather before you goÂ
Because British weather has a sense of humour that nobody asked for. Pack accordingly and have backup plans for when the forecast lies (which it will).
Arrive with plenty of daylight for setting up camp
Everything takes twice as long when you can't see what you're doing, and tent instructions make even less sense by torchlight.
Bring extra layersÂ
UK weather treats ‘summer’ as a loose suggestion rather than an actual season. One minute you're roasting, the next you're wondering if you packed enough jumpers.
Respect quiet hours and natureÂ
Because nobody wants to be that camper. Keep noise to a respectable level (especially at night), and pack out what you pack in. Leave only footprints, take only memories (and maybe some decent photos).
Family-specific beginner camping tips
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Make tent assembly a fun family activity.Â
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Let kids pack their own small rucksacks with comfort items and familiar snacks.
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Assign age-appropriate jobs. Even toddlers can ‘help’ by holding tent pegs.
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Pack extra clothes, wet wipes, and batteries for everything.
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Set clear boundaries about where kids can wander at the campsite.
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Have a rainy day box with new activities they haven't seen before.
Why Away Resorts is perfect for beginner campers
Starting your camping journey feels less daunting when you've got backup, and that's where Away Resorts come in. Think of us as your camping safety net: all the outdoor adventure with none of the ‘what if everything goes wrong’ panic.
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Brilliant facilities mean clean, heated shower blocks, electric hook-ups, and spacious pitches that actually fit your tent.Â
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Friendly staff help rather than judge your questionable tent-pitching technique.
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Stunning locations from Cornwall to Scotland, each with entertainment venues and heated pools for rainy days.
Ready to discover your first perfect camping adventure? We've got the ideal spot waiting for you.
FAQs about camping for beginners
Is camping safe for young children?
Absolutely. Family-friendly campsites are designed with safety in mind, offering clean facilities, secure environments, and activities for kids. Just keep an eye on little explorers and stick to well-lit areas at night.
Can I go camping without a car?
Yes! Some campsites are accessible by public transport. At Away Resorts, many locations can be reached with a mix of train and taxi. Just pack light or look into glamping options to avoid carrying gear.
What happens if it rains while I’m camping?
It’s all part of the UK camping experience! Pack waterproofs, extra socks, and tarps. Keep games and books handy for indoor fun. Glamping options offer solid shelter with comfort, perfect for wet-weather days.
Can I bring my dog camping?
Many campsites are dog-friendly. Just check the site’s pet policy, and pack doggy essentials like a bed, lead, and waste bags.
Do I need to book campsites in advance?
Yes, especially during school holidays or summer weekends. Book camping ahead to secure your pitch or glamping pod and ensure you don’t miss out.Â
Is wild camping legal in the UK?
In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, wild camping generally isn’t legal without landowner permission. It’s permitted in most of Scotland under the Outdoor Access Code. Beginners are usually better off starting with an official site.