# Family Camping Club

> Family Camping Club is a free membership club that helps UK families camp for less: discount codes of 5% to 20% at family campsites and holiday parks, a members-only campsite map and search, camping guides and family rallies. Book direct with the campsite.

Family Camping Club (FCC) charges no commission or booking fees and does not handle payments. Members find a campsite, reveal its discount code, then book directly with the campsite, using its online booking form on FCC where it has one, and quote the code. Membership is free. Campsites list for free.

## What this site helps with
Families searching for cheap family camping in the UK, family-friendly campsites and holiday parks, campsite discount codes, ways to save money camping with kids, off season camping, tent, caravan, motorhome and campervan sites, and family camping meet-ups (rallies). Campsite owners searching for free advertising, direct bookings with no commission, and ways to fill pitches.

## Key pages
- [Home]( https://familycampingclub.co.uk/): what FCC is and how it works, with frequently asked questions
- [Join free]( https://familycampingclub.co.uk/join): free membership sign-up
- [Add your campsite]( https://familycampingclub.co.uk/for-campsites/join): free listing for campsite owners, with a free featured day
- [Rallies]( https://familycampingclub.co.uk/rallies): Family Camping Club rallies hosted by campsites, grouped by county. Book directly with the campsite
- [Festivals]( https://familycampingclub.co.uk/festivals)
- [Camping guides]( https://familycampingclub.co.uk/guides): titles and summaries of every family camping guide
- [How it works for campsites]( https://familycampingclub.co.uk/for-campsites/join): includes a short video explaining how campsites join free

## Camping guides (members only: free to join; titles and summaries are public at /guides)
- [The Ultimate UK Family Camping Checklist]( https://familycampingclub.co.uk/guides/family-camping-checklist): A tick-off checklist for family camping in the UK: shelter, sleeping, kitchen, clothes, babies, kids, safety and paperwork.
- [Your First Family Camping Trip: A Step-by-Step Guide]( https://familycampingclub.co.uk/guides/first-family-camping-trip): How to plan, pack and pitch for your first family camping trip, with simple tips to make it fun rather than stressful.
- [Family-Friendly Campsites in the UK: How to Choose]( https://familycampingclub.co.uk/guides/family-friendly-campsites): What makes a campsite great for families, the questions to ask before you book, and the campsites offering Family Camping Club members a discount.
- [Best Camping Gear Under £100]( https://familycampingclub.co.uk/guides/camping-gear-under-100): Where to spend your first £100 on camping gear, typical UK prices, what to look for, and how to save more on second-hand and sale kit.
- [Premium Camping Gear Worth Paying More For]( https://familycampingclub.co.uk/guides/premium-camping-gear): The top-brand family camping kit that is worth the extra money, and why it lasts.
- [Family Camping Meal Planner]( https://familycampingclub.co.uk/guides/family-camping-meal-planner): A simple weekend meal plan, shopping list and food safety tips for camping with children, plus a free printable planner.
- [Camping Activities for Kids: Games, Challenges and Rainy-Day Ideas]( https://familycampingclub.co.uk/guides/camping-activities-for-kids): Easy outdoor games, nature challenges, evening activities and rainy-day ideas to keep children happy on a camping trip.
- [Camping With Babies and Toddlers]( https://familycampingclub.co.uk/guides/camping-with-babies-and-toddlers): What to pack, how to help little ones sleep, and how to stay safe when camping with a baby or toddler.
- [Camping Safety for Families: Fire, Carbon Monoxide, Water and More]( https://familycampingclub.co.uk/guides/camping-safety-for-families): Essential camping safety advice for families: carbon monoxide, fire spacing, barbecues, water, pets and what to do in an emergency.
- [Camping With Dogs: Rules, Tips and What to Pack]( https://familycampingclub.co.uk/guides/camping-with-dogs): How to take your dog camping: campsite rules, keeping dogs under control, what to pack and how to keep them safe and happy.
- [Wild Camping in the UK: What the Law Says (and Why Families Choose Campsites)]( https://familycampingclub.co.uk/guides/wild-camping-rules-uk): A plain-English guide to wild camping rules in England, Wales and Scotland, including the 2025 Dartmoor Supreme Court ruling.
- [How to Save Money on Family Camping]( https://familycampingclub.co.uk/guides/save-money-family-camping): Practical ways to cut the cost of family camping, from off-peak dates and longer stays to member discount codes and cheaper kit.
- [Camping in the UK Through the Seasons]( https://familycampingclub.co.uk/guides/uk-camping-weather-and-seasons): What to expect and how to prepare for camping in the UK in spring, summer, autumn and winter, and how to handle rain, wind and condensation.
- [Camping Etiquette and the Countryside Code]( https://familycampingclub.co.uk/guides/camping-etiquette-and-countryside-code): How to be a good neighbour and leave the countryside as you found it, with the key points of the Countryside Code.
- [Camping Trip Countdown: What to Do Before, During and After]( https://familycampingclub.co.uk/guides/camping-trip-countdown): A week-by-week planner for your camping trip, from booking to packing up, with a free printable version.
- [From Tent To Caravan: Upgrading To A Caravan]( https://familycampingclub.co.uk/guides/tent-to-tourer): Thinking of swapping the tent for a caravan? Cooking indoors, comfort, your options, and how to avoid buying someone else's problems.
- [From Tent To Camper: Buying A Second-Hand Motorhome Or Campervan]( https://familycampingclub.co.uk/guides/tent-to-camper): The types, why older vans are cheaper but can cost more to fix, the faults to look for, the paperwork, the test drive and the running costs.
- [Tent To Self-Build Camper: How To Convert A Van Yourself]( https://familycampingclub.co.uk/guides/tent-to-self-build-camper): Build your own campervan: budget, choosing the van, the ten build steps from empty shell to first trip, getting experts in, DVLA reclassification and the best self-build help.
- [Off Season Camping: Why Off-Season Camping Is The Ultimate Adventure]( https://familycampingclub.co.uk/guides/off-season-camping): Autumn, winter and early spring camping means quiet campsites, lower prices and dramatic landscapes. Here is how to stay warm, safe and inspired in a tent, campervan or glamping pod.

## Campsites offering FCC member discounts
- [Adgestone Campsite and Touring Park]( https://familycampingclub.co.uk/campsites/adgestone-campsite-and-touring-park): Brading Sandown, Isle of Wight. Members save up to 10%.
- [Billing Aquadrome Holiday Park]( https://familycampingclub.co.uk/campsites/billing-aquadrome-holiday-park): Great Billing, Northampton. Members save up to 5%.
- [Boscoppa Farm]( https://familycampingclub.co.uk/campsites/boscoppa-farm): Cornwall, South West. Members save up to 15%.
- [Braunton Sands Campsite]( https://familycampingclub.co.uk/campsites/braunton-sands-campsite): Braunton, Devon. Members save up to 10%.
- [Cherry Tree Lodges & Stables]( https://familycampingclub.co.uk/campsites/cherry-tree-lodges-and-stables): Llandegley, Powys. Members save up to 5%.
- [Corvedale Camping]( https://familycampingclub.co.uk/campsites/corvedale-camping): Shropshire, West Midlands. Members save up to 5%.
- [Cotswold Nights Away]( https://familycampingclub.co.uk/campsites/the-pig-barn): Ashton-Under-Hill, Worcestershire. Members save up to 10%.
- [Coverack Camping]( https://familycampingclub.co.uk/campsites/coverack-camping): Coverack, Cornwall. Members save up to 10%.
- [Fourways Country Park]( https://familycampingclub.co.uk/campsites/fourways-country-park): Owston Ferry, North Lincolnshire. Members save up to 5%.
- [Harton Caravans (Tents fine too)]( https://familycampingclub.co.uk/campsites/harton-caravans): Harton, North Yorkshire. Members save up to 10%.
- [Haywood Farm Caravan and Camping Park]( https://familycampingclub.co.uk/campsites/haywood-farm-caravan-and-camping-park): Nr Ross on Wye,, Herefordshire, West Midlands. Members save up to 10%.
- [Henfold Lakes]( https://familycampingclub.co.uk/campsites/henfold-lakes): Dorking, Surrey. Members save up to 5%.
- [House Martins Camping]( https://familycampingclub.co.uk/campsites/house-martins-camping): Shiptonthorpe, East Yorkshire. Members save up to 10%.
- [Low Greenside Farm Campsite]( https://familycampingclub.co.uk/campsites/low-greenside-farm-campsite): Eden Valley, Cumbria. Members save up to 10%.
- [Moor Top Farm Campsite]( https://familycampingclub.co.uk/campsites/moor-top-farm-campsite): Dronfield, North East Derbyshire. Members save up to 10%.
- [Ninham Country Holidays]( https://familycampingclub.co.uk/campsites/ninham-country-holidays): Shanklin, Isle of Wight. Members save up to 10%.
- [Noahs Retreat Laceby]( https://familycampingclub.co.uk/campsites/noahs-retreat-laceby): GRIMSBY, Lincolnshire. Members save up to 5%.
- [Oakhill Camping and Caravanning]( https://familycampingclub.co.uk/campsites/oakhill-camping-and-caravanning): Oakhill, Somerset. Members save up to 10%.
- [Pattacott Farm Shepherd Hut Holidays and Camping in North Cornwall]( https://familycampingclub.co.uk/campsites/pattacott-farm): Cornwall, South West. Members save up to 5%.
- [Peacock Farm Wild Camping]( https://familycampingclub.co.uk/campsites/peacock-farm-wild-camping): Staveley, Cumbria. Members save up to 5%.
- [Poplar Grove Farm Caravan Park]( https://familycampingclub.co.uk/campsites/poplar-grove-farm-caravan-park): Wyre, Lancashire. Members save up to 5%.
- [Primrose Bank]( https://familycampingclub.co.uk/campsites/primrose-bank): Holme Lacy, Herefordshire. Members save up to 15%.
- [Summit Camping]( https://familycampingclub.co.uk/campsites/summit-camping): Callington, Cornwall. Members save up to 15%.
- [Tencreek Holiday Park]( https://familycampingclub.co.uk/campsites/tencreek-holiday-park): Looe, Cornwall. Members save up to 10%.
- [Whitehouse Farm Campsite]( https://familycampingclub.co.uk/campsites/whitehouse-farm-campsite): Wardlow, Derbyshire. Members save up to 5%.
- [Willow Brook Campsite]( https://familycampingclub.co.uk/campsites/willow-brook-family-camping): Shanklin, Isle of Wight. Members save up to 10%.

## Frequently asked questions
### How can my family go camping for less in the UK?
The biggest savings come from camping outside school holidays and peak summer weekends, staying midweek, booking directly with the campsite instead of through a booking site that charges fees, choosing a campsite with the facilities you will actually use, and using discount codes. Family Camping Club is a free membership that gives you discount codes of 5% to 20% at family campsites across the UK.

### Where can I find cheap family campsites in the UK?
Compare family campsites by county, facilities and the type of stay you need, then look for ones that offer a discount. Family Camping Club members get a free, members-only map and search of UK family campsites that offer discount codes of 5% to 20%, so you can see the offers and contact each campsite direct.

### Is there a free membership or discount club for UK campsites?
Yes. Family Camping Club is a free discount club for camping families in the UK. There is no fee to join, now or later, and members reveal discount codes of 5% to 20% at campsites and holiday parks that offer them.

### How much can a family save on a week of camping?
It depends on the pitch price and the discount. For example, a week at £40 a night costs £280. A 5% discount saves £14 and a 20% discount saves £56 on that one stay, and the saving repeats on every trip you take. Family Camping Club members get discounts of 5% to 20% depending on the campsite.

### Is it cheaper to book a campsite directly?
Often, yes. Booking directly with the campsite avoids the commission and booking fees that some booking websites charge, and many campsites will honour a discount code for direct bookings. Family Camping Club charges campsites no commission and takes no booking fees, so members book directly and the saving stays with the family.

### When is the cheapest time to go family camping in the UK?
Camping is usually cheapest outside school holidays and peak summer weekends: in spring and autumn, and midweek. Off season camping is also quieter. Family Camping Club members get an Off Season Camping guide and can combine the quieter months with a campsite discount code.

### What should I look for in a family-friendly campsite?
Check for a play area, clean toilets and showers, pitch sizes that suit your tent, caravan, motorhome or campervan, electric hook up if you need it, whether dogs are welcome, and what is nearby. Family Camping Club members can search UK family campsites by county and facilities and see which stay types each campsite accepts.

### Can I find campsites for tents, caravans, motorhomes and campervans?
Yes. Each campsite page on Family Camping Club lists the types of stay it accepts, such as tents, caravans, motorhomes and campervans, so you can pick a campsite that suits the way your family travels.

### How do I find family campsites near me?
Search by county or browse the map to see family campsites in your area. Family Camping Club members get a free map and search of campsites across the UK, each with its own page, facilities and a discount code.

### How can I save money camping with kids?
Plan meals and cook at the pitch, keep kit simple, borrow or buy second-hand gear, camp off peak and use discount codes. Family Camping Club members get free guides on saving money family camping, camping gear under £100, a family camping meal planner and a camping checklist.

### Are there family camping meet-ups or rallies in the UK?
Yes. Family Camping Club rallies are weekend or longer meet-ups at UK campsites where camping families get together, hosted by the campsite, which sets the dates and capacity and takes bookings directly. Upcoming rallies are listed on the Rallies page.

### What is Family Camping Club?
Family Camping Club (FCC) is a free membership club that helps UK families camp for less. Members get discount codes of 5% to 20% at family campsites and holiday parks, a members-only campsite map and search, camping guides and family rallies.

### How does Family Camping Club work?
Join free, log in, pick a campsite on the map or in the search results, and reveal its discount code and contact details. Then book directly with the campsite, through its own website, by phone or email, or through its Family Camping Club booking form, and quote your code.

### Why is Family Camping Club free?
Campsites list on Family Camping Club free, with no commission and no booking fees. In return they pass that saving on to members as a discount, so the money goes to camping families instead of a booking middleman.

### Does Family Camping Club take bookings or payments?
No. Family Camping Club charges no commission or booking fees and does not handle your payment. Campsites can offer an online booking form on their Family Camping Club page, and any deposit or balance is paid directly to the campsite. Your booking is a contract with the campsite.

### Do I have to join to see the campsites?
No. Every campsite has a public page on Family Camping Club. Joining free unlocks each campsite's discount code and contact details, plus the members-only map, search and camping guides.

### How can my campsite or holiday park join Family Camping Club?
Campsites and holiday parks can list free, with 0% commission and free exposure to camping families. You choose a member discount, get a login to manage your page and can set up a free online booking form. Start on the Add Your Campsite page.

### How do I delete my Family Camping Club account?
Log in, open My Account and choose Delete My Account. Your membership and the personal data held with it are permanently erased.

### How can I get more bookings for my campsite or holiday park?
Be visible to the families who are searching for somewhere to camp. Listing free on Family Camping Club puts your campsite in front of camping families looking for cheaper stays, with your own page, photos, a member discount that you choose and a link for direct bookings. Rallies and the featured list give extra exposure. No listing can guarantee bookings, but it costs nothing to try.

### Is there free advertising for campsites and holiday parks in the UK?
Yes. Family Camping Club lists campsites and holiday parks free, with no commission and no booking fees, and gives you free exposure to a target market of camping families. Every new campsite also gets a free featured day on the home page, given in order of joining.

### How can a campsite take direct bookings without paying commission?
Set up a free online booking form on your Family Camping Club page. Members book directly with you, you take payment yourself, including by bank transfer, and you keep every penny because Family Camping Club charges 0% commission. If you prefer, members can contact you through your own website, phone or email.

### How much does it cost for a campsite to join Family Camping Club?
Nothing. Listing is free and we never take commission. The only optional extra is a place in the featured list, which is your choice. In return you offer members a discount, and you can offer bigger discounts for longer stays.

### Who decides the member discount?
You do. Family Camping Club campsites choose a member discount from 5% up to 20%, and you can offer bigger discounts for longer stays.

### How can a campsite fill pitches outside peak season?
Offer a discount to families who are flexible on dates, list longer-stay discounts and host a rally on a quieter weekend. Family Camping Club members actively look for off season camping, and rallies are free to host and appear on a public Rallies page.

### What does my free Family Camping Club campsite login include?
You get your own control panel where you update your campsite details, add photos, see how many members have viewed your page, host rallies and set up a free online booking form.

### What is a Family Camping Club rally?
A Family Camping Club rally is a meet-up weekend, or longer, at your campsite for camping families. You choose the dates, capacity and what is on. Listing and hosting are free. Rallies appear on the public Rallies page and you manage them from your own My Rallies page.

### Is my campsite listing checked before it goes live?
Yes. Family Camping Club looks at every new listing before it goes live, usually within a couple of days.

### How long does it take to list a campsite on Family Camping Club?
Signing up takes about five minutes. Add your details, choose your discount and create your login, and your listing is then checked and published.

### Which businesses can list on Family Camping Club?
Campsites and holiday parks in the UK that welcome camping families can list on Family Camping Club.

### Is there a free way to get discounts on UK campsites?
Yes. Joining Family Camping Club is free and gives you discount codes of 5% to 20% at family campsites and holiday parks across the UK, with nothing to pay now or later.

### How can my family get cheaper campsite stays?
Join Family Camping Club free, find a family campsite on the members-only map or search, reveal its discount code and quote it when you book directly with the campsite. Camping off peak and booking direct saves even more.

### How do I join Family Camping Club?
Enter your first name, email address and a password on this page. Membership is free, and your campsite discount codes are unlocked as soon as you are in.

### Do I need to pay or give card details to join?
No. Family Camping Club membership is 100% free, so you are never asked for card details to join.

### What do I get when I join Family Camping Club?
Members get discount codes of 5% to 20% at campsites across the UK, the members-only discount map and campsite search, free camping guides and printables, family rallies, and off season camping ideas.

### How do I use a Family Camping Club discount code?
Reveal the code on the campsite page, then quote it when you book directly with the campsite by phone, email, its website or its Family Camping Club booking form. The campsite applies your discount.

### Can I leave Family Camping Club whenever I like?
Yes. Log in, open My Account and choose Delete My Account. Your membership and the personal data held with it are permanently erased.

### Are there family camping meet-ups in the UK?
Yes. Family Camping Club rallies are weekend or longer meet-ups at UK campsites where camping families get together, with space for tents, caravans, motorhomes and campervans. Each rally is hosted by the campsite.

### How can my family meet other camping families?
Join a rally. Family Camping Club rallies bring camping families together at a campsite for a relaxed weekend or longer. Join free, choose a rally and book directly with the hosting campsite.

### How do I book a Family Camping Club rally?
Join Family Camping Club free, open the rally you like and press Book This Rally. You book directly with the hosting campsite, which takes payment, so Family Camping Club charges no commission or booking fee.

### How much does a camping rally cost?
Each hosting campsite sets its own price, which is shown on the rally page. Family Camping Club adds no fees on top.

### Who can come to a Family Camping Club rally?
Rallies are for camping families. Each rally page says which stay types are accepted, such as tents, caravans, motorhomes and campervans, and whether dogs are welcome.

### How can my campsite host a Family Camping Club rally?
Listing and hosting are free. Add your campsite to Family Camping Club, then create a rally from your My Rallies page, choosing the dates, capacity and what is on.

### Where should a first family camping trip be?
For a first family camping trip, choose a family-friendly campsite not far from home and stay for one or two nights. If something is forgotten or the weather turns, you are never far from help.

### What facilities should I look for on a first family camping trip?
Look for clean toilets and showers, a play area, a shop and level pitches close to the facilities. These make camping with children much easier.

### How big a tent do I need for a family camping trip?
Choose a tent for space and practicality, not just the number of beds. A common rule of thumb is a tent rated for one or two more people than will actually sleep in it, ideally with a porch to keep muddy boots out of the bedroom.

### Should I practise pitching my tent before the first trip?
Yes. Pitch the tent once in the garden or a park before you go, so you can find missing pegs and learn the order of the poles while it is still easy.

### How far apart should tents be on a campsite?
Pitch at least 6 metres from the next tent or caravan. This is the standard spacing used to stop fire spreading between units.

### How do I pack up a tent after a family camping trip?
Pack the tent as dry as you can. If it goes home damp, put it up in the garden or hang it in a garage to dry fully before storing it, or it will mould.

### What should I pack for a family camping trip?
Pack shelter and pitch items (tent, groundsheet, pegs and a mallet), sleeping gear, camp kitchen items, clothes in layers, washing and first aid items, and kit for children. The Family Camping Club checklist lists them all and you can tick items off as you pack.

### Can I tick items off the family camping checklist?
Yes. The Family Camping Club checklist is interactive, and your ticks are saved on your own device so you can come back to it later.

### What kind of sleeping bag do I need for UK family camping?
A 3-season sleeping bag is right for most UK trips. Check the comfort rating, not just the extreme rating, and add a mat or air bed for everyone.

### What do people most often forget when camping?
Pegs, spare guy lines, the kettle, torches and comfort toys are common forgotten items. Pitching your tent at home first and using a written checklist avoids most of them.

### Does the checklist include items for babies and toddlers?
Yes. The Family Camping Club checklist includes a baby and toddler section covering nappies, bottles, a travel cot and comfort items.

### What is an easy meal plan for a family camping weekend?
An easy two-night family camping plan uses one stove, one pan and a cool box: a home-cooked chilli or pasta sauce on the first night, sausages or burgers with foil-baked potatoes on the second, and pancakes for the last breakfast. The Family Camping Club meal planner sets out the whole plan.

### How can I make camp cooking easier?
Cook ahead at home, pre-chop vegetables, pre-mix pancake batter in a bottle and choose one-pot dinners. This means fewer pans and less washing-up.

### How do I keep a cool box cold while camping?
Freeze water bottles and a home-cooked meal such as chilli before you leave. They act as ice packs and become drinking water or a ready dinner as they thaw.

### Is there a shopping list for a family camping trip?
Yes. The Family Camping Club meal planner includes a shopping list for two adults and two children, and a free printable version for members.

### Can I swap meals for allergies or fussy eaters?
Yes. Swap any meal your family dislikes, and adjust for allergies and dietary needs. Letting children pick a meal helps them feel part of the trip.

### How can I save money on family camping?
Use a member discount code, travel midweek and outside school holidays, choose a non-electric grass pitch, cook at camp, take snacks from home and buy kit second-hand. Together these can make camping one of the cheapest family holidays.

### How much can Family Camping Club members save on campsites?
Family Camping Club members get discount codes of between 5% and 20% at member campsites, and some campsites offer bigger discounts for longer stays. Always quote your code when you book.

### When is camping cheapest?
Midweek and outside school holidays are usually cheaper than weekends and the summer break. Late spring and early autumn are quieter and often better value.

### Is a non-electric pitch cheaper?
Yes. A non-electric grass pitch is usually cheaper than a hardstanding or electric pitch. Also check whether children, dogs, extra cars or an awning are charged separately.

### What free activities can families enjoy while camping?
Walks, beaches, rivers, nature trails and stargazing cost nothing, and the Family Camping Club kids' activities guide has plenty of free ideas.

### What camping gear should I buy first on a budget?
Spend on sleep first: sleeping bags, sleeping mats and a decent groundsheet, then a reliable stove and torches. Tired, cold children make for a short trip.

### Can I buy a family tent for under £100?
Family tents under £100 exist and can be fine for fair-weather trips close to home, but they tend to have thinner fabric and shorter poles. Check prices before you buy, as they change with the season and sales.

### What waterproof rating should a tent have for the UK?
A flysheet of at least 1,500mm hydrostatic head and a groundsheet of 3,000mm or more is commonly recommended for UK weather. Always pitch the tent at home first.

### How can I spend less on camping kit?
Buy second-hand, borrow or hire, shop out of season, watch for seasonal ranges at supermarkets and buy a little at a time. A Family Camping Club member code can also take up to 20% off a pitch fee.

### What does a sleeping mat cost?
Typical UK prices are around £10 to £30 each. Foam mats are cheap and tough, while self-inflating mats are warmer and more comfortable.

### Is it safe to use a barbecue in a tent?
No. Never take a barbecue into a tent, awning, caravan or motorhome, and never cook inside your tent or awning. Carbon monoxide has no smell and can kill.

### What should I do if someone feels unwell from carbon monoxide?
Get everyone into fresh air and call 999. A carbon monoxide alarm tested to BS EN 50291-2 and Kitemarked is recommended.

### How far apart should tents and caravans be pitched?
Pitch at least 6 metres apart to stop the spread of fire. Keep a fire bucket of water outside and a fire blanket near the stove.

### How can I keep young children safe near water while camping?
Young children can drown in less than 5cm (2 inches) of water, so watch them closely around lakes, rivers, streams and paddling pools, and check the site for ponds and ditches when you arrive.

### What should I do in an emergency on a campsite?
Call 999 and give the name and address of the campsite and your pitch number or nearest landmark. Save these in your phone before you arrive and check your phone signal on arrival.

### Should I check for ticks when camping?
Yes. Check for ticks after walking in long grass and remove any carefully with a tick remover.

### Can you go camping with a baby?
Yes. Camping with a baby or toddler is very doable and many families find it easier than expected, with a little extra planning.

### What do I need to pack for camping with a baby or toddler?
Pack nappies, wipes, a changing mat, formula and bottles or sterilising kit, a travel cot, extra blankets and spare clothes, a baby monitor, a portable high chair, sun protection and comfort toys.

### How do I help a baby sleep while camping?
Follow the safe-sleep advice you use at home, keep a familiar routine and comfort toy, use layers to adjust for cooler nights and choose a pitch away from toilets, lights and busy paths.

### What should I look for in a campsite with a baby?
Look for level pitches close to facilities, clean toilets and showers with baby-changing or a family bathroom, electric hook-up if you need it and a shop on site.

### How do I keep toddlers safe at camp?
Supervise closely near water, keep toddlers well away from stoves, kettles, barbecues and campfires, set up a clear kitchen zone and use bright covers on guy ropes, which are a trip hazard.

### Can I take my dog camping?
Yes, if the campsite allows dogs. Check for limits or charges and ask about dog-walking areas and rules for shower blocks, play areas and shops before you book.

### Do dogs have to be on a lead at campsites?
Keep your dog on a lead of two metres or less and under control whenever you are outside your pitch, and under close control near farm animals and ground-nesting birds.

### Can I leave my dog alone in a tent?
No. Do not leave your dog alone in a tent, especially in warm weather, and respect quiet hours, because a barking dog at night is the quickest way to upset neighbours.

### What should I pack for camping with a dog?
Pack a strong lead, harness and a spare, an ID tag and microchip, a bed, water bowl and food, poo bags, a towel and any medication, and keep vaccinations and flea and tick treatment up to date.

### How do I find dog-friendly campsites?
Use the Family Camping Club dog-friendly campsite search to find member campsites that welcome dogs.

### What makes a campsite family-friendly?
A family-friendly campsite typically has a play area or open space, clean toilets and showers, an on-site shop or café, level pitches near facilities and activities nearby such as a beach, river or woods.

### What questions should I ask before booking a campsite?
Ask arrival and leaving times, how far the pitch is from toilets and water, quiet hours, rules on dogs, campfires and barbecues, minimum stays, the cancellation policy and whether there is a member discount.

### What is the difference between grass pitches and hardstanding?
Grass pitches are the classic tent pitch and usually the cheapest. Hardstanding is a firm surface, good for caravans, motorhomes and wet weather.

### Do campsites let you have campfires?
Some sites have fire pits or sell firewood, but many do not allow open fires at all, so always ask before you book.

### Do Family Camping Club members get discounts at campsites?
Yes. Family Camping Club members can save up to 20% at member campsites, but should always quote their code when they book.

### What can children do on a camping trip?
Children enjoy nature bingo, scavenger and bug hunts, den building where allowed, bikes and scooters, kites and football, leaf rubbings, stargazing and toasting marshmallows with an adult in charge.

### What can we do on a camping trip when it rains?
Play board and card games, read, colour, listen to audiobooks, visit a local museum, swimming pool or café, or put on waterproofs and wellies for puddle jumping.

### What are good camping activities for teenagers?
Teenagers often need something of their own, such as bikes or scooters to explore, a camera challenge, a power bank and headphones, or being in charge of a meal.

### Is there a free printable camping activity for kids?
Yes. Family Camping Club offers a free printable nature bingo card to members as an A4 PDF.

### How do I keep children safe at camp?
Keep children away from stoves, barbecues and campfires, set a clear boundary for where they may go without an adult, and supervise closely near water.

### What are quiet hours on a campsite?
Quiet hours are usually late evening to early morning, but always check your campsite's own rules.

### What is the Countryside Code?
The Countryside Code asks everyone to respect other people, protect the natural environment and enjoy the outdoors. That means leaving gates as you find them, following paths, taking litter home and keeping dogs under control.

### Can I light a campfire while camping?
Only where the campsite allows it. Do not light fires in the countryside, and use barbecues only where they are permitted.

### How should I behave in campsite shower and toilet blocks?
Use shared facilities politely, wash up and shower quickly, and leave them clean.

### How far from the next tent should I pitch?
Pitch at least 6 metres from the next unit, keep your pitch tidy and respect other people's space.

### When should I start preparing for a camping trip?
Start two to four weeks before you go: book the campsite, check your tent by pitching it at home, make a meal plan and shopping list and check sleeping gear and torches.

### What should I do the week before a camping trip?
Check the forecast, wash and dry sleeping bags and clothes, buy non-perishable food and missing kit, charge power banks and download films and maps.

### What should I do on the day before camping?
Pack the car with the tent last, prepare the first dinner, freeze ice packs and water bottles, fill the car with fuel and write down the campsite address and phone number.

### What should I do when I arrive at a campsite?
Walk the site to find toilets, taps, bins and exits, pitch on level ground with the door away from the wind, set up the kitchen and check you are 6 metres from other units.

### Is the camping countdown checklist saved?
Yes. Your ticks are saved on your own device, and a printable version is available free to members.

### When is the best time to go camping in the UK?
Late spring and early autumn are quieter and often better value, while summer (June to August) is warmest, busiest and most expensive. Winter is cold and wet, and most sites are closed or quiet.

### Can you camp in the UK in winter?
Winter camping is only for experienced campers with winter-rated kit. Many families switch to a pod or cabin.

### How do I stay dry while camping?
Pitch with the door away from the wind on ground that will not collect water, use the porch for wet shoes and coats, avoid camping under dead branches and take a tarp for an outdoor dry area.

### How do I stay warm in a tent?
Choose a sleeping bag with a comfort rating suited to the coldest night, use a good mat because most heat is lost to the ground, dress in layers with a hat and dry socks and consider a hot-water bottle in a cover.

### How do I stop condensation in a tent?
Condensation is normal. Keep vents open, avoid drying wet clothes inside and wipe the walls in the morning, then let the tent dry fully before packing it away.

### Is wild camping legal in the UK?
It depends where. Scotland has a statutory right of responsible access that includes camping on most unenclosed land, while in England and Wales wild camping is generally not allowed without the landowner's permission. Always check current guidance.

### Can you wild camp on Dartmoor?
On 21 May 2025 the UK Supreme Court (Darwall v Dartmoor National Park Authority [2025] UKSC 20) unanimously held that the Dartmoor Commons Act 1985 gives the public a right to pitch tents and camp on the Dartmoor Commons. There are still rules about where and how, so check the Dartmoor National Park Authority's current guidance before you go.

### What are the rules if I wild camp with permission?
Camp for one night only and leave no trace, camp away from buildings, roads and farm animals, take all rubbish home, do not light fires and tell someone where you are going.

### Why do many families choose a campsite instead of wild camping?
Campsites offer toilets, running water, safe fires, emergency help and play space. Small, simple sites such as farm fields can give a wild feel with the basics covered.

### Should I buy a new or second-hand caravan?
A second-hand caravan costs far less and suits a first caravan, provided you check for damp, the floor and the paperwork. A new one brings a warranty but loses value quickly. From Tent To Caravan explains what to look for.

### What damp checks should I make before buying a caravan?
Damp is the quiet, expensive fault. Press the floor and walls for soft spots, look for stains and smells, and use a damp meter or ask for a damp test. A bargain with damp is not a bargain.

### When is the best time to buy a second-hand caravan?
Winter is usually the best time to buy, because dealers and sellers are keener and prices are lower. It also lets you see damp more easily.

### What should I check when towing a caravan?
Check towing weights: make sure your car is allowed to pull the caravan, and check the paperwork, the towbar and the legal limits.

### Can I buy a caravan from a dealer or privately?
Yes. A dealer may offer a warranty and checks, while a private sale can be cheaper but carries more risk, so check the paperwork and the history either way.

### Where can I read about buying a motorhome or building a campervan?
Read our companion guides, From Tent To Camper for buying a second-hand motorhome or campervan, and Tent To Self-Build Camper for converting a van yourself.

### What should I check when buying a second-hand motorhome or campervan?
Check for rust on the chassis and wheel arches, signs of filler, damp, engine and tyre condition, the water, gas and electrical systems, the paperwork and service history, then take a proper test drive.

### How do I check a campervan for rust and body filler?
Check the chassis, wheel arches, inside the arches and under the seals, watch for fresh underseal that may hide rust, and take a magnet: a magnet will not stick to filler but will stick to metal bodywork.

### Are older motorhomes cheaper to own?
Older motorhomes are cheaper to buy but can cost more to own if they need repairs. Unless you are handy with DIY, a newer vehicle with fewer defects can work out cheaper.

### What is the difference between a coachbuilt motorhome and a campervan conversion?
A coachbuilt motorhome has a living cabin built on a van chassis, while a conversion starts as a panel van fitted out inside as a camper.

### When is the best time to buy a motorhome?
Buying in the off-season, in winter, is usually best, as sellers are keener and you can check damp more easily.

### Can I build my own campervan instead?
Yes. Our guide Tent To Self-Build Camper explains how to convert a van yourself, step by step.

### How do I build my own campervan?
To build your own campervan, set a budget, choose a base van, plan the layout, then work in ten stages: the empty shell, insulation and lining, the base, electrics, water, kitchen, seating and sleeping, finishing touches, a systems check and your first trip.

### How long does it take to convert a van into a campervan?
Allow double or even triple your first estimate. Builds nearly always take longer than expected, and unplanned trips to the DIY shop are normal.

### Can I convert a campervan on my own?
Yes. Most people who build their own van have never done it before. You will need patience and a few tools, and you should use a Gas Safe engineer for gas and a qualified electrician for mains electrics.

### How much does a self-build campervan cost?
It depends on the van and how much you do yourself, so set your budget first and keep around 20% in reserve for unexpected costs such as fixings, insurance, tax and maintenance.

### Which vans are best for a self-build conversion?
Popular large vans include the Peugeot Boxer, Citroen Relay, Ford Transit, Vauxhall Movano, Renault Master, VW Crafter and Mercedes Sprinter, while smaller options include the Mercedes Vito, VW Transporter, Vauxhall Vivaro and Transit Connect.

### Do I need a Gas Safe engineer for a campervan conversion?
Yes, for any gas installation. A Gas Safe registered engineer can advise before you start and issue a certificate when the work is done.

### How do I register a self-build campervan as a motor caravan?
The DVLA requires an eligible V5C body type, a completed conversion checklist, photographs of each required feature and the vehicle identification number. Check the current guidance on GOV.UK before applying.

### Where can I find help building a campervan?
YouTube has a wide variety of self-build channels, from beginners to experienced converters. Watch several builds of the same stage before you start, and use professionals for gas and mains electricity.

### What is off-season camping?
Off-season camping is camping in autumn, winter and early spring, when campsites are quiet. It means fewer crowds, crisp mornings, misty views and often lower prices.

### Why go camping in the off-season?
Off-season camping offers serenity with far fewer people, lower nightly rates at many commercial campsites and seasonal sights such as frosty mornings and dramatic skies.

### What tent do I need for off-season camping?
Choose a sturdy 4-season tent or a breathable canvas bell tent, which handle wind and heavy rain better than a summer tent. Use an insulated sleeping pad with an R-value of 4.0 or higher and a suitable sleeping bag.

### How do I stay warm when camping in winter?
Dress in layers: a merino or synthetic base layer (never cotton), a fleece or down mid layer and a windproof, waterproof outer. Eat hot, high-energy meals and use an insulated sleeping pad.

### How do I camp in a campervan or motorhome in winter?
Use insulated thermal screens on the windscreen and windows, make sure gas bottles are full or you have a hook-up, because cold drains leisure batteries, and manage condensation and damp.

### When should I arrive at a campsite in autumn or winter?
Arrive and pitch at least an hour before sunset, because daylight disappears quickly in autumn and winter and pitching in the dark and cold is difficult.

### Is expensive camping gear worth it?
For the items that protect sleep and shelter, usually yes. A strong tent, a warm sleeping bag, a good mat and a well-insulated cool box keep a family warm, dry and fed, and branded kit tends to last for years and hold its value second-hand.

### What camping gear should I spend the most on?
The tent, sleeping bags and sleeping mats first, then the cool box. Plates, cutlery, washing-up bowls, pegs and mallets can be budget items.

### What does the comfort rating on a sleeping bag mean?
The comfort rating is the temperature at which most people sleep comfortably. The extreme rating is only the temperature you could survive, so always choose a bag by its comfort rating.

### Are airbeds or self-inflating mats better for camping?
Self-inflating mats and thick foam mats are warmer and cannot go flat in the night. Airbeds feel comfortable but can lose air or split, and they let cold up from the ground, so pack a repair kit if you take one.

### How do I make camping gear last longer?
Dry your tent fully before storing it, keep sleeping bags loose rather than squashed, store self-inflating mats unrolled with the valve open, and register warranties so you can get spare parts.

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