The Ultimate Family Camping Checklist

The summer break is coming fast, the perfect time for taking your family away on holiday, escaping from the hectic day-to-day stresses of daily life. Forget the busy airport check-ins, long-haul flights and worrying about significant cultural differences and experience the great British countryside, which can offer much beauty. Whilst a holiday in the sun may feel appealing, there is no better way to connect with your family than a camping holiday in the UK.

Britain is home to some of the most incredible views and sceneries which can compete around the world, the Lake District being just one of the beautiful locations the UK has to offer. However, before heading out, you will need to ensure you are fully prepared for the trip and have the correct fuel.

Plan Where You Hope to Stay

The last thing you want on a relaxing break is for authorities to be packing you up in the middle of the night with no available camping site nearby. Throwing a tent in the back of the car and a few other bits sounds idyllic, but with many regulations in place over where you may be able to pitch up in the countryside, researching before your holiday is essential. In addition, many alternative camping options provide more protection than a canvas tent, ideal with the great British weather being so unpredictable.

Glamping pods – These have become a phenomenon for the modern camper. Offering more durability against the elements, these pods come with various features and locations. The most basic of glamping pods are usually wooden structures on a camping site, preventing the need for a tent and having more shelter and protection against heavy wind and rain. You may have to bring your own beds, but some have them built-in. Like camping, you will have to bring your own facilities like portable cooking facilities and fuel, like a Camping gas bottle. A basic glamping pod can offer you the camping experience with a more comfortable night’s sleep.

Camping sites – There are thousands of camping sites across the UK, from the top of Scotland to the beautiful coast of Wales. Finding the right one will depend on the activities you will be looking for on your holiday. If you require something to keep the children entertained on an evening, there are plenty of camping locations with onsite entertainment facilities. Alternatively, suppose nature is what you plan to explore on your adventures. In that case, the country offers some of the most beautiful campsites within national parks, many with basic onsite toiletry necessities.

Wild camping – Unfortunately, if you plan to go entirely off-grid with wild camping, it is illegal within Wales and England but is perfectly fine within Scotland. There are some rules that you must follow;

• Wild camping is allowed on most unenclosed land in Scotland – Except on private residential or public property (such as school grounds or playing fields), golf courses or other visitor attractions, airfields, working sites (such as quarries), military bases, or land with crops.
• Check for ‘no camping’ signs – If a landowner asks you not to camp on their land, you must respect their wishes.
• Leave no trace – This goes without saying in any countryside. Instead of a campfire, use a portable camping stove. We have 4.5KG butane gas bottles, which are ideal for camping stoves and best for the colder climates of the Scottish wilderness.
• Be considerate and never overstay your welcome – Do some research before your visit as there are some by-laws that you may wish to consider. Visitscotland.com is an excellent website for all you need to know.

Camping on the Go With a Motor Home

Another option for a camping holiday is with a motor home. Much like glamping pods, these can provide you with more protection from the weather extremes and offer more flexibility within the UK than wild camping. There is no overloading the car with everything besides the kitchen sink, and you can explore even further, either travelling down the beautiful coast or hopping from touring sites across the UK without the hassle of packing up each night.

It also provides more facilities than camping, with many motor homes offering cooking and toilet facilities for which you will not have to share and wait in line. If purchasing a motor home is not something you wish to do for a one-off holiday, many companies will allow you to hire them for a summer road trip like no other. Don’t forget to ensure you are fully fuelled up. We offer cost-effective Calor gas in Kent and the surrounding areas for all your high-quality bottle gas solutions.

What to Take With You

Of course, when it comes to a camping trip, you will need more than what you would take on a regular holiday. A basic first aid kit is essential to pack on any camping holiday. When visiting nature, especially with children, accidents tend to happen. Making sure you have the basic equipment to treat injuries or wounds until you can reach the nearest emergency treatment centre will help quicker recovery and prevent infection. In your kit, you will need;

• Bandages, gauze and bandage tapes
• Paracetamol and Ibuprofen
• Saline solution
• Antiseptic wipes and cream
• Small scissors and tweezers
• Waterproof plasters

In addition to an emergency kit, we suggest you prepare for cold weather. If you are planning for the likes of Scotland or even more rural areas, you may be surprised how quickly the temperature can change in the evening. Thermal sleeping bags, warm clothing and plenty of layers are a must. Waterproof items are always a bonus, even if the weather predicts glorious sunshine. If you plan on visiting nearby lakes, streams or rivers, waterproof clothing and shoes will make you much more comfortable.

Food is something you must consider carefully. If you plan on staying at a site with nearby shopping facilities, you may be able to get what you need when you arrive, but if you are planning a rustic venture, you will need to consider what you are going to do for meals as you will need at least one meal a day. Portable gas BBQs are perfect for all situations, and there are many meals you can cook with some simple camping cooking equipment. Of course, don’t forget the gas.

We stock various LPG bottles of multiple sizes, ideal for all your BBQ and camping fuel needs from 6kg propane gas bottles to calor 13kg patio gas propane. We offer speedy delivery across Kent and the South of England but can supply nationwide if required, so feel free to contact us for any unique requirements.