Categories: Camping

The rise of ‘staycation’ camping: What to look for in a local campsite

More and more people are rejecting long journeys and expensive exotic holidays in favour of staycation camping trips. And, for some people, the closer it is to home, the better. Whether it’s because you’re a nervous first-time camper, are concerned about the environment or simply want a quick camping fix, a campsite near home is a great find.

Finding nearby campsites isn’t too hard, particularly if you live in the countryside, but knowing exactly what you need when you’re not travelling far from home can sometimes be a surprising challenge. If you’re wondering where to start, check out our suggestions of exactly what to look for in a local campsite.

A change of scenery

What’s the view from your window at home? It might be the house opposite – or you might be lucky enough to have a countryside or sea view. Whatever it is, a local camping trip gives you the chance to see your area from a new perspective. Most of us don’t need to go far to reach places which offer a change of scenery. Treat yourself to the view you’ve always wanted, even if it is only for a weekend. The sea or a lake, hills or mountains, fields and farmland… you can immerse yourself in the scenery rather than staring at the same four walls and, perhaps even better, swap your ceiling for a starry night sky.

Sites with campfires allowed

With campsite life, the fireplace, the radiator and even the TV can all be replaced by the campfire. If you don’t have a fireplace, live in a flat or can’t have a fire at home, the thought of a crackling campfire alone can be enough to make you want to hit the campsite. If that sounds like you, get to know the campsites near you that allow campfires. Whenever that primeval fire-lighting urge takes hold, you can grab your kit and head out to camp. Before you know it, you’ll be toasting marshmallows over the flames and wondering why you don’t do it more often.

A walk on the wild side

When home is within easy reach and you’re only camping for a night or two we reckon it’s fun not facilities you should concentrate on. You can certainly live without a washing machine, you probably won’t need an electric hook up and you may choose to forego the shower. And, if you really need any of the above you can always pop home anyway. So, when you’re camping close to home why not look for campsites that are a little wilder? Enjoy the outdoors in all its glory without the distractions of modern life and the change will make your weekend as refreshing as a rest.

Or… fantastic facilities

On the other hand, however, perhaps the change you need is in the other direction; less wild and more wow. There’s no need to head off to an expensive spa hotel for the weekend to be pampered these days. Camping or, perhaps more accurately, glamping can provide. There are plenty of upscale glamping sites that provide life in the outdoors along with luxury. Choose a shepherd’s hut with a hot tub, a yurt with a morning yoga class or a site with a sauna. They’re all out there and if there’s one near you, you might just find a great-value way to use fantastic facilities for a fraction of the price of the indoor alternatives.

Good-value camping

Unless you’re going all out for luxury glamping, you’re unlikely to want to pay a lot to stay on a local campsite. After all, you can see the sights of the area anytime. Whether it’s glamping or camping, you’ll be after good value. Find a site that’s reasonably priced in your local area and you can probably visit more often. Better still, when last-minute deals and offers come up you’re more likely to be able to take advantage of them. Quick fix, one-night camping trips (even on a school night) are entirely possible when you’ve found somewhere within easy reach of home.

Still not sold on the idea of taking your holiday so close to home? Take a look at our 5 Reasons To Go Camping Near to Home or search to see what kind of campsites are near you, with our ‘camping near me‘ function.

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