Never did practice as a scout? Learn how to live off the land, and turn what looks like nothing, into something practical, and often fun. As always at Camping Things, we’re about combining great quality and value, and we only choose books we love. Great for yourself, and perfect as gifts.

Essential Bushcraft by Ray Mears

‘Practical bushcraft tips, condensed.’

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Woodland tracker of 2010 gunman Raoul Moat, and arch nemesis of fellow TV wildman Bear Grylls, Ray Mears is known as on the UK’s most outspoken bushcraft fanatics. Essential Bushcraft is a condensed edition of Bushcraft, in which Mears presents survival tips and tricks for some of the most tricky environments, as well as practical hints for how to live off the land, when your beef jerky runs out and your tent blows away.

One of the best bushcraft books we’ve read.

This pocket-sized guide will teach you how to start a fire responsibly, how to cook in the wild, and which wild-foraged foods are safe to eat. Designed to be packed away in your rucksack, or tucked into your pocket, Essential Bushcraft is less detailed than its parent edition, but filled with just as much practical and fun stuff. Great for campers, hikers and families.

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Advanced Bushcraft: An Expert Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival by Dave Canterbury

‘Beyond bushcraft, learn how to thrive in the wild.’

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New York Times bestseller Dave Canterbury is back with Advanced Bushcraft, the follow-up to the wildly success Bushcraft 101. In this edition, Canterbury talks about how to navigate without the use of a map or compass, as well as how to start a fire with minimal resources, and which foods are safe to eat (as well as where to find them.)

Definitely on of our favourite bushcraft books

Learn how to track and hunt wildlife, getting closer than ever before, with Advanced Bushcraft, you’ll be able to go further and deeper into the the wilderness than you’d ever imagined. Even if you don’t end up stranded in the middle of the jungle, it’s still pretty cool to be able to impress your friends and family with all that you’ve learned. Build a fire, build a shelter, forage for food and cook it, all without spending a single penny.

Highly recommended for experienced outdoors-lovers and casual campers. This beautiful book makes a great coffee table conversation piece, too. Agreat contender in our list of best bushcraft books.

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Out On The Land by Ray Mears

‘Surviving and thriving in the frozen north.’

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Ray Mears is at it again, this time using the great northern Boreal forest as his setting. Out On The Land is an entertaining and informative journey into the great outdoors of the arctic circle, where temperatures can make even the most basic tasks next to impossible. Mears walks us through his experiences and joys of spending time in the Boreal forest, covering essentials including food, clothing, injury prevention and treatment, and navigation.

This is one of Mears’s most enjoyable books, a clear labour of love, packed with personal observations and practical tips for staying warm, dry, safe and fed. Check out the section on wild cooking for a fascinating insight into what really is possible, even in the most challenging environments.

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Living Wild: The Ultimate Guide to Scouting and Fieldcraft by Bear Grylls

‘Life lessons from the UK’s toughest boy scout.’

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Is it possible that Grylls calls it fieldcraft because Mears calls it bushcraft? Possibly, but we’re not here to weigh in on that battle. Living Wild is a treasure chest of hardcore survival skills, compiled and tested by Bear Grylls himself — and as the UK’s chief scout master, who are we to question? These tips and tricks are, if at times a little extreme, useful in a more general sense.

Perhaps better suited as an entertainment piece than a practical guide to staying alive on the Norfolk Broads, Living Wild is still a great book for both seasoned adventurers and casual campers.

Former army man Grylls has climbed Everest, and passed the rigorous 21 SAS testing criteria, so while you may find yourself scoffing at a few of his suggestions, he is a legitimate hardman, so this book comes highly recommended.

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The Bushcraft Field Guide to Trapping, Gathering and Cooking in the Wild by Dave Canterbury

‘Cook up a storm, in a storm.’

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Ever been so hungry you’d eat your boots? Well, hunger no longer, because New York Times bestseller and bushcraft expert Dave Canterbury is back, with the ultimate guide to wild trapping, gathering and cooking.

In this hefty volume, Canterbury covers options for carnivores and vegetarians alike, explaining in entertaining detail, how to build and set up traps, and which plants, fruits and mushrooms are safe to eat. He also details how to prepare them, so that you not only stay safe and illness-free, but so that you can actually enjoy the food you’ve foraged.

One of the most challenging things when it comes to wild cooking is trapping and preparing food. It’s not something we ever have to do, and Canterbury explains in easy-to-understand language, exactly what’s involved. One of our favourite books in this collection, Canterbury’s guide makes for great reading, whether you’re experienced or not. Buy this one for yourself, or for someone you love; it’s a great read.

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Best Bushcraft Books

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Fortunately, we’ve done a lot of the leg work for you, so all you’ve got to do is choose where you’d like to set up camp, and what you’d like to bring along for dinner.

A word on wild camping

Wild camping is the funner, more real alternative to traditional, regulated campsite camping. It involves pitching your tent in the actual great outdoors (up a mountainside or in a valley), with none of the amenities usually afforded to those camping out of the back of the car.

Here are a few of our favourite wild camping spots, mixed in with a few we’ve gathered from some very reliable sources and friends of Camping Things.

Dartmoor

This is one of our favourite UK wild camping sites and one of the only places in Great Britain to legally recognise wild camping. In many other places, wild camping isn’t strictly illegal, but it can be frowned upon for safety reasons, or for trespassing reasons etc.

The stunning natural scenery around Dartmoor make it the perfect place to explore, pitch and relax. The open, natural space around Dartmoor does come with a certain risk, however, in the form of the army firing test grounds. If you are going to be hiking around the area, heed the warning signs, and stay away from anywhere you’re not supposed to be.

The Lake District

A popular destination for walkers, cyclists and nature lovers from all around the country, if you can find the right spot, the Lake District is a beautiful place for wild camping. You’ll need to be careful about where you set up, so as not to upset your fellow adventurers, and make sure you’re not on anyone’s property.

Forest walks are particularly lovely, and if you’re willing to take it off the beaten track, then pitching your tent up one of the Lake District’s fine mountains is a great way to experience the area and wild camping.

The Hebrides

Head up Scotland and take in the fresh air north of the border. The Hebrides, along with the Eastern shores of Loch Lomond are stunning places to set up camp. If you are going to venture all the way out to the Hebrides, then be careful, because there’s not much there in the way of comforts and safety. Best left for experienced hikers and wild campers, that one, but if you’re up for it, the rewards can be outstanding in terms of view and how small the place makes you feel.

Other places in Scotland worth a look include any of the country’s fine glens, and the Falls of Falloch.

For Wales, check out the Clun Gwyn waterfalls near Ystradfellte.

UK Wild Camping Sites

Turner Hall Farm, Seathwaite, Duddon Valley, Cumbria

There’s a pub close by, but don’t think for a minute that this part of the Lake District is a tourist trap. There are no official pitching points here, but you can set up camp as long as you’re responsible, and then you’re free to enjoy the scenery.

Blackberry Wood, South Downs, Sussex

Sufficiently wild and out of the way, Blackberry Wood is a haven for wild campers. It remains as one of the few places in Britain that still give you a feeling of the good old days. Highly recommended for a peaceful wild camping trip. One of a few family UK wild camping sites we’d recommend.

Back of Beyond Touring Park, Dorset

While not technically wild camping, Back of Beyond is sufficiently open and tranquil enough to give you the feeling of being out in the wild. It’s a regulated site with a difference. Owner operated, only 80 pitches are allowed over the entire area, and there’s plenty of room for everyone.

Horgabost, Isle of Harris, Outer Hebrides, Scotland

With enough space to guarantee privacy even when there are other people around, you’ll be pinching yourself once you set foot in this, one of Scotland’s most unbelievably beautiful areas. White sands and clear blue water meet, to give the impression of a hidden beach right out of your favourite book.

Torridon Camp Site, north-west Scotland

Flanked on either side by the slopes of Liathach, Torridon is a campsite, but it’s so remote and so responsibly camped on, that you get the sense of being isolated in the best possible way. All that, plus you get the luxury of being able to use the nearby toilets and showers. A great option for those of you in search of a semi-wild camping trip experience.

Gwern Gof Uchaf, Snowdonia, North Wales

With breathtaking views and enough terrain to keep you busy for far longer than you could walk, this lovely area of North Wales cries out for wild campers. Plus, if you feel like tackling Snowdonia, it’s close enough to pack up your stuff and head out for the hike of a lifetime.

Wild Camping Lizard, Helston, Cornwall

It may be a campsite and not technically wild camping in the sense that we’ve been talking about it, but with access to the most southerly point on the British mainland, who are you to complain?

Welsummer Camping, Harrietsham, Kent

Another one which feels sufficiently remote, while still retaining one or two things which might come in handy, like the nearby shop selling locally produced organic goods. Welsummer Camping’s offering is sympathetic to both the wild camper, and the almost-wild camper on the lookout for something in between.

Why is so hard to find good remote camping sites? The truth is, it’s not. They’re everywhere. Part of the fun is finding them yourself. We’ve laid out a few where you can go to try out wild camping, and they are great choices, places where you’ll be left in peace and quiet, but where you probably won’t end up needing a rescue party unless something does go drastically wrong.

Our best advice for wild campers to be, is to get out there and find the spots yourself. They’re there for the taking, just remember to be responsible about it, ok?

Please share your UK wild camping sites on our message board.

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We’re sure you’ll find something to inspire you amongst our selection of funny, heartwarming and useful selection of camping, hiking and survival books. Alright, maybe the survival guide is a little heavy for a weekend camping trip, but it’s good to know, right? Become Bear Grylls for the weekend, or get inspired to strap on your walking boots, pack a sleeping bag and camp out in the woods.

In the Camping Things books section, you’ll find publications on bushcraft, survival tactics, microadventures and secret campsites, where you camp out under the stars without the distant drone of a nearby motorway spoiling your fantasy.

What you learn from these books might not be profound enough to save your life, but they sure are a lot of fun, and when it comes to bushcraft, for most of us, that’s what it’s all about.

Summary

At Camping Things, we love an adventure, we also enjoy a bit of bushcraft, and it never hurts to know to make a hat from the skin of a freshwater trout. Our camping books are carefully selected to bring you a combination of fun and interesting reading, while also being informative, practical guides to life in the outdoors.

Buy a survival guide and bushcraft book to stash in your camping kit, and always have the information you need to hand, on how to make the most of the world around you. We’ve included books from adventurers and adventure writers, too, to help you get inspired to take the leap and enjoy yourself in the great outdoors.

As always at Camping Things, we try and find a balance between quality and value, so whichever camping books you choose here, you’re assured top-notch information, and a fun and interesting read.

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It’s the time you have to do whatever you like, to go on holiday, spend time with the kids, or do nothing at all. And with the price of flights to Europe and further afield dropping to laughable lows, getting away for a few days or a week, can be done with putting hardly a dent in your savings.

Why, then, do some of us choose to say ‘No, thank you’ to the airport and the hotels, the beaches and blazing sunshine? Why do we choose to strap on a heavy rucksack and hike fifteen, twenty miles up the side of a slippery mountain, to set up camp on a windy hillside, or to take our chances roughing it out in a cave for the weekend?

In this day and age, what drives modern families to go camping, why do we go camping when there are so many, much more comfortable, often equally cheap options at home and abroad? At Camping Things, we think it might have something to do with what lives way, deep down inside of our primitive brains. Way down deep in that part of ourselves that’s searching for simplicity, away from work and money and phones and Instagram.

We go camping wearing the latest in sweat-wicking, windproof, waterproof, breathable gear, our stuff packed neatly into ergonomically designed backpacks, the best walking boots on our feet and a tent with an electric light so that we can read at night. But if that’s what we need in order to peel ourselves away from the sofa and Netflix, and to get outside in the great outdoors, then so be it. But why? Why, why, why? Why do we go camping, that’s what we’re trying to understand in this article, is whether we choose to go camping because it’s a sure fire way of giving the finger to modern life, or because we’re so damned afraid of what the world of today is doing to our bodies and our minds?

Were we happier as cave dwellers? No, probably not, not when you consider how the daily struggle to survive back then was actually real, and how living outside, or in a draughty cave without all of the North Face gear was likely pretty miserable. But have we lost, or at least buried something of what we used to have? Buried it under central heating, online shopping, supermarkets, Instagram feeds, cheap holidays and an under-appreciation for how incredible it is that you and billions of other people can tap on a screen and have information beam back and forth between your hand and space in seconds? Have we lost touch with what some of the basics? We think so. But have we eradicated them completely? We don’t think so. Because if we had, then we wouldn’t have this urge to find happiness in something other than the technology we now take for granted.

We’re All Looking For Peace and Happiness

You take whatever job you like and study the kind of person who works in it, and beyond whether they happen to love or hate that job, whether they think it’s important or not, there are a few things which are true about the reasons why we go to work, and why we continue to work.

The first, most obvious reason is money. Without money, you can’t buy food and you can’t pay  bills. If you can’t buy food and you can’t pay bills, then eventually you go hungry, you end up homeless, and you die. Work, is the modern day equivalent of hunting. In our cave man days, if you couldn’t, or didn’t hunt, then you went hungry, you got bullied out of the best spots to sleep in, and you died. Today, unless you have a serious problem which prevents you, most people can find some sort of work, and it’s unlikely that if you don’t find work, that a bunch of people who do have jobs will hunt you down, beat you and kill you. The fear is there, though, isn’t it? We’ve turned the fight for survival into something with structure and responsibility, but it’s still a struggle for survival in its own way.

That’s the foundation of all of this, of why we go camping. We go to work every day to earn money so that we can buy food and not end up on the scrap heap, and when we’ve earned enough money, and when the feeling of security in everyday life is high enough, then we allow the little primitive beast inside to come out for a while. It will stay on a leash, one made from breathable, sweat-wicking Gor-Tex, but the camping trip is a way to reward ourselves for surviving the modern day struggles of survival. Yes, you think, I’ve survived another year, and this camping trip is my reward, my chance to walk naked (figuratively or not) and free, away from everything for just a little bit.

If emails, texts, social media feeds, commuting and sleep problems due to blue light are the problem, if they’re the hunt, then the odd camping trip is the prize.

Camping Is a Way to Recharge

Alright, let’s back off a little bit and make this a little less heavy. If camping isn’t a way of giving a middle finger to the modern world, or of rewarding ourselves for not being trampled to death by it, then maybe it is just us, making a conscious effort to remove ourselves from the planes, cheap flights, mobile phones, TV screens and loud music, in favour of something greener, maybe colder, wetter, just different.

Camping can be a way to let your mind and body breathe, like, really breathe. To fully relax and let your ideas flow, that’s what camping is about for some people. It’s easy to forget sometimes that we’re not so different from the animals we keep. We wear clothes and talk on telephones, but we still need air and food, we need light and water, and if we stay plugged in for too long, it makes us sick, it makes us go crazy — we turn into monsters.

What do we mean by ‘Recharge’?

Think of this as either literally recharging, like a battery, or as an opportunity to let your thoughts come together in a way that’s useful to you. When you think about recharging your batteries on a camping trip as a way to let the juice flow back into your being, then you think of camping as more than just a holiday.

But then we’ve got this question about why the hell would you choose camping — cold, wet, hard work, as it sometimes is — over a holiday in the sun?

There are probably a million different reasons why people choose camping over other sorts of holidays, but what we’re interested in right now, is this idea of camping as a way to get back in touch with your primitive side. Recharging your internal battery by getting back to basics? Is the getting back to basics part essential for success? If you’ve chosen a camping holiday over all else, then sure, for you it is.

What if that part of ourselves that screams somewhere deep down inside, that the world is still a dangerous place, what if that’s the battery? What if we need that awareness, let’s just call it a fear, for the sake of argument, to keep us going? If we’re not on our toes, then we’ll slip, and camping is a way to feed the thing inside which keeps us aware of what it means to be alive and functioning.

This all sounds pretty fraught with negativity, doesn’t it? And while some of it may be true, not all of it, or any of it, we’re just blogging after all, what if the reason why we go camping in the first place is because we enjoy it? Can’t that be a legitimate enough reason to strap on the gear and head out into the wilderness?

We Camp Because We Enjoy the Challenge

The world we live in is designed to be as comfortable as possible. You have to work hard to get the things you want to make your life as comfortable as you want it to be, but exposure to the elements is usually limited to a cycle commute, or getting caught in the wind and rain for some other reason. Beyond doing something in the garden when the weather is nasty out, rarely do we ever need to be exposed to the elements and anything too tough in terms of terrain, on a daily or even occasional basis. And maybe it’s that which we miss. Maybe we miss being challenged by our surroundings, and maybe we miss testing our bodies.

Which brings us to a pretty good point, which is that your body is way more capable of doing incredible things than you might believe it is. The fact that you made it to adulthood at all is some testament to how capable your body is at surviving. Why do we go camping, well one of the reasons we go camping could be that if we didn’t, the itch would never get scratched. Do you feel an uneasiness if you don’t go camping every once in awhile? Do you feel like the job you do and the places you go don’t do anything to challenge the impressive machine that is your body? We mean that, too, about your body; it is an impressive machine. Put one foot in front of the other and start climbing a mountain, and you’re doing something that requires coordination, energy, strength and motivation. You’re not going to break, you’re not made of glass, and camping, trekking, hiking, climbing, they’re all ways of reminding yourself that your body is a capable, remarkable piece of equipment.

Why do we go camping ? Well there needn’t be any other reason than because you enjoy the hell out of it, for you to go camping. If you just love the feeling of being outdoors, of climbing and hiking and taking in stunning views from the top of cliffs or the bottom of sweeping valleys, then that’s the reason you go.

What About Reconnecting With People?

Ever tried having a conversation with someone who will not stop checking their phone? Even if you’re talking to someone and they’re just holding their phone and playing with it, it sends a message that whatever you’re saying, really isn’t getting 100% of their attention. It feels bad, doesn’t it? You almost feel like there’s no point saying anything at all if it’s just going to be wasted between them half-listening, half-wondering what’s happening on Facebook.

Why do we go camping, well camping is a great way of actively removing the distractions of everything but the people you’re spending time with. When you’re camping, it’s really just you, the people you’re camping with, and the outdoors. You can hike in silence, which is fine, too, or you can talk to each other, with scrolling up and down your news feed.

There’s an irony here, in that we spend so much time on our phones and our digital selves, because we’re searching for some sort of validation or entertainment, or a connection, that we reject or neglect the people who are right in front of us. You know, the ones you can actually touch. Not to be a downer once again, but one day, those people will be gone, either because they’re dead, or because they left your ass because you didn’t care enough to give the attention necessary to keep them around. All the funny videos and fake news stories in the world will not fill the hole left by a real person, who leaves you on your own when you stop taking part in life.

Why do we go camping, camping is a way to show yourself, and the people you camp and hike with, that your relationship is important. It isn’t difficult, either, to have a good time when you’re camping. All you need to do, is not break a leg. The fact that you’re there, with someone else, doing something real on a mountain, in a tent, in the rain, is enough to form a bond with that person which will make you feel magnitudes more satisfied, more happy than any meme about Donald Trump ever could. The internet is a great place for a lot of things, but it is not a substitute for the relationships you form in the real world.

So, we have to ask ourselves the question again: Were we happier when we lived in caves? Still, probably not, but that doesn’t mean that we were miserable back in the day. Now, we have perspective, we’ve seen and will continue to see, what the world of today and tomorrow will look like. We see it, and the fact that we still go camping means that we’re still in touch with some of what it means to be a real human animal. Technology isn’t bad, neither are fake news website. Social media is good entertainment, and we can bond over work and the struggles of daily life, but every now and then, we still yearn to sit around a campfire, to smell real smoke, feel heat from flames, not central heating units, and to feel content with nothing but a sleeping bag and a thin layer of nylon between us and the open sky.

You’re small, in the big picture, when you stand and look up at the stars, you’re looking into infinity. You’re very, very small, but what you do for yourself and for other people matters. It matters because it’s a miracle you’re here at all, and if you choose to spend all of your precious time toiling away in an office block over a fear that if you don’t, then the world will come crashing down around you, then you’re missing something.

We weren’t happier in caveman days, no way, not when today there’s great food and music and travel all within easy reach. You can watch a live feed of the Earth from space, for crying out loud. What we have, as we’ve said, is perspective. Perspective allows us to see where we are, where we’re heading, and what we might be losing or missing out on, and going camping is a good way of staying in touch with what matters.

If it seems like we’ve made camping out to be something like a release, then in some ways, it is, but in another way, what we really need to make clear is that camping is enjoyable. Even though it can sometimes be cold, wet and tiring, the opportunity to get outside and to breathe, to see things and experience life with people who matter to you enough that you’ll spend days with them and only them, makes camping a pretty special experience in today’s world.

Why do we go camping, a final thought, then, something to compare camping to, and to sum up why we go camping in the first place when there are so many other options around. Camping, to us, is like a hot bath. It’s a remedy for the stresses and toil of everyday life, and while a holiday to somewhere where the hotel bed is soft and the food is catered is a bath filled with bubbles, if that’s not your thing, then camping is a hot bath filled with mineral salts, which will soothe and nourish you all the way from your skin, deep, way down deep to your tired insides.

There’s nothing quite like a camping trip to put you back in touch with who you really are, with the good, focused and relaxed person you know that you can be, and if you have the time (which you should), then we highly recommend putting on all of your best gear, and at least going out for a walk, without your phone.

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What is wild camping?

Most campsites are regulated to allow certain numbers of people to pitch their tents, use the amenities and so on. Somewhere along the way, though, the beauty of camping got lost in so many toilet blocks and reception desks. Wild camping takes adventure seekers back to the great outdoors, by inviting them to pitch their tents away from roads, people and reception desks.

Wild camping isn’t, as the name implies, all about roughing it out in the most extreme conditions, it’s simply an exercise in taking your most basic provisions and sleeping outside, off the beaten track (or at least, off-site.)

That being said, there are still rules to follow when it comes to wild camping, most of them related to not damaging the surrounding area, and to respecting other people and other people’s property. We’re going to run through a few of the most important guidelines for wild camping, so that you can stay safe and out of trouble, while enjoying yourself, and remaining undisturbed.

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Where is wild camping allowed?

In a previous post, we mentioned that wild camping might not be strictly legal, and while it’s true that in some places it’s harder to do than others, what we mean, really, is that unless you do all you can to gain the permission of the landowner on whose land you wish to camp, you could find yourself in a bit of a grey area.

If you know that you’re going to be hiking through a piece of owned land, then you should seek permission from the landowner, to make sure that it’s ok for you to stay there.

If the land is not owned by anyone, then there are some very simple guidelines you should follow, to make sure that you’re safe, and that you’re not going to have adverse affect on the surrounding area or on the enjoyment of other campers and hikers.

Arrive late, leave early

This is the simplest bit of advice there is. The best way to avoid drawing attention to yourself, and to being the most considerate camper possible, is to arrive when it’s dark (or just before), and leave at sunrise. Be safe and make sure you bring a torch and something to be seen with if things get out of hand. A high vis vest and some glow sticks are a good idea.

No open fires

The traditional camp fire seems like a lovely idea, but you can’t go setting fire to the ground on which you’re camping. It’s not safe, and it’s just bad manners. If you’re going to be cooking or heating your campsite, then we suggest investing in a biomass burner, something like the BioLite burners featured on Camping Things is a great shout. You’ll be able to burn natural fuels cleanly and the BioLite comes attached to an energy cell, for turning wood and other bio fuels into electricity for charging lights and phones.

Read our review and guide on the ideal camping stove

Leave no trace

Not burning the ground you’re staying on brings us nicely to our next guideline — Leave no trace. The Leave No Trace initiative is common knowledge and practice among experienced hikers and campers, and it’s pretty self-explanatory. Leave no trace of you having been there. Don’t burn anything you can’t burn completely or take with with you. Don’t damage the surrounding ground and area, and take all rubbish and equipment with you.

In short, leave the place as you find it (better if someone else has left something behind.)

Toilet facilities

It should go without saying that toileting duties should be handled away from the tent. There’s unlikely to be a plumbed-in toilet nearby if you’re really wild camping, so the only option is to dig a hole to do your business.

Your hole should be as discreet as possible, and dug to around 8 inches. Cover with earth once you’re done, and make sure nobody’s going to walk onto it.

Food and drink

As long as you’re not killing and eating protected animals or animals owned by the people whose land you’re on, you’re pretty much good to go. You’ll probably be bringing your own food anyway, and if you’re cooking, make sure that you’re doing so safely, and that you’re not going to start a wildfire.

Boil in the bag meals are a great idea, because they’re hot, and you can use the water to make a hot drink afterwards.

Camp high

This isn’t always possible, but what this bit of advice really means, is camp out of the way. If you’re hiking and know that at some point you’ll be stopping to set up camp, then make sure you’re off the main route, so that you’re not blocking the way for any hikers and campers coming along behind you.

You’ll also need to make sure that you’re at least 100m from any roads or property borders. Check out our guide on adventure tents

Be considerate of others

This is the most important piece of wild camping advice we have. Wild camping is supposed to be enjoyable, just like hiking and getting outside is supposed to be enjoyable. If you’re in other people’s way, or if you’re leaving the place in a mess, it’s terrible for everyone and kind of counter to the whole wild camping thing.

If you’re on the lookout for a more detailed introduction to wild camping, then check out our introduction to wild camping for a quick 101 guide to everything you need to know.

Look out for new posts on wild camping coming soon, where we’ll be discussing the best kit to buy to make your wild camping trip the best possible. We’ll be covering food, as well as equipment, burners and tents, so check back regularly, or follow us on social media.

Until then, stay safe, be considerate and above all, enjoy yourselves. Get out in the wilds of Scotland, and you might even see the Northern Lights. If you do let us know, contribute, share secret camping spots and upload pictures to our message board?

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Essential Camping Gear

At Camping Things we’re all about finding the right camping gear for the job, at a price that’s affordable. We love wild camping, and we believe that we’ve built up a solid knowledge of what’s good for accompanying you on your jaunts into the wilderness of the UK, USA and beyond.

Here are our picks for the right camping gear to help make your wild camping and trekking trips more enjoyable, more safe and more memorable.

Burners and stoves for wild camping

The Leave No Trace initiative means that you should do all you can to minimise the impact your stay has on the surrounding environment. That means absolutely not burning the ground you’re staying on by lighting fires there, and taking all rubbish with you when you leave.

When it comes to cooking and heating, there’s no better option in our opinion, than a quality biomass burner. We love the BioLite range of burners, because they burn natural fuel cleanly, and come with an energy cell on the side, which turns wood energy into electricity for charging phones and lights.

Check out our full review of the Top 5 BioLite Camping Stoves and Burners.

The Original BioLite CampStove

Weighing in at just under a kilo, the BioLite CampStove is the most portable, powerful bio-burner around, and it comes with an attached energy cell for turning wood energy into electricity.

Simply drop wood leaves and other biofuels into the stove and use the heat to cook with, while the energy produced charges the USB-connected cell on the side. Great for charging phones and lights. Definitely recommended for wild camping.

Lixada Mini Ultra-Light Portable Spirit Burner Stove

If you’re in the market for a portable alcohol burning stove, the Lixada isn’t only one of the best, most affordable options, it’s also one of the most attractive. The elegant stacking design keeps everything sturdy and compact. This stove runs on alcohol fuel, and if you don’t use it all at once, simply cover with the included screw-top sealing cover. Durable, attractive, super packable and available in four different colours, for the fashion-forward camping chef.

Top rated camping gear: Extreme tents for wild camping

It should also go without saying that a decent tent is essential when it comes to wild camping. We’ve reviewed some of our favourite extreme tents here, but let’s just recap what you’re looking for an extreme tent for wild camping:

• Windproof — Wild camping doesn’t offer the same protection as a regulated campsite when it comes to the elements, so make sure your tent is windproof.
• Ground sheet — You might be pitching on wet or uneven ground, so make sure your tent comes with a groundsheet. An attached one is better because it seals out the elements better.
• Low-slung — Most extreme tents are low and pointed, this helps them to cut through the wind better and avoids them and you being blown away atop a mountain.
• Discreet — Safety is one thing, and if you’re way up high in the mountains or somewhere dangerous, then a brightly coloured tent is a good idea. If you’re just roughing it on a known trail, however, something less distracting is probably your best bet.

Camping Things recommends: Altus 41500DI036 Light Series Tent

Thermo-sealed seams and double mosquito net interior to help keep pesky critters out. High-grade ventilation and extremely wind and waterproof.  We’re pretty sure this baby has been wind tunnel tested, and it’s no joke. Probably not the best for way up Everest, but for wild camping, the Altus is perfect.

Check out our full article on choosing the right tent: Camping Things Tent Guide

Lights and lanterns for wild camping

You don’t need a lot of space to carry around a decent lantern. Most of our picks at Camping Things are LED lights, and many are solar powered, making them perfect for carrying with you during the day, for lighting the campsite at night.

Our favourite tent and solar-powered lights: Lumena N9 1200 Lumen Outdoor Camping LED Lantern

The Lumena really is the real deal when it comes to hanging tent lights. Tried and tested for use in extreme conditions, the LG LED lights are up to 10 times more efficient and up to 100 times more long-lasting than standard LEDs. Made from a lightweight and strong zinc alloy, the Lumena is also screwless, making it less prone to coming apart on long journeys (shock and vibration-proof.)

A moveable handle on the Lumena allows it to be positioned at any angle, and the light it gives off is crisp and even. Supplied with a hanging hook, and features a built-in rechargeable lithium ion battery.

BioLite Nanogrid Lighting and Charger

For wild camping, there’s nothing better than the BioLite Nanogrid. Connect multiple devices, charge and power phones and other lights, all from solar energy. Burns no fuel, and is safe and light enough to carry around all day long.

The BioLite’s SiteLight system has a 20 ft cable reach, so it’s perfect for arranging and lighting a small campsite.

Pathfinder Headlamp: The Pathfinder is a great and simple piece of kit, with three different modes (full power, power saver or strobe) which makes it perfect for navigation, and for attracting attention if you get into trouble.

It’s cheap, reliable (bright until 15% battery) and we highly recommend it. Read our complete guide on choosing the right Hiking and Trekking lights

One more thing…

If you’re heading out on a wild camping trip, you don’t want to be without the ultimate multi-tool, for fishing, preparing food and fixing stuff. We think we’ve found the best there is, and here it is.

If you’re in the market for a solid multi-tool that won’t let you down (and you should be if you’re wild camping) then the Leatherman CS is the only way forward.

Leatherman CS Multi-Tool: The Leatherman comes with a 25 year guarantee. How much more do you really need to know? What is it? It’s a multi-tool, including:

• Flat/Phillips Screwdriver
• 420HC Knife
• Tweezers
• Carabiner/Bottle Opener
• Nail File
• Spring-action scissors

Read our review on the best multi tools and knives for hiking and trekking

There’s plenty more you could take on your first trip in the real outdoors, but that’s a good start. Don’t forget to check out our reviews of the best rucksacks and tents to find the camping gear that’s right for you. And have fun out there.

The post Pack your stuff and get out – Essential Camping Gear appeared first on Camping Things.

In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best camping locations, legal aspects of camping, and even essential gear to make your camping experience unforgettable.

1. Lake District, England: Nestled in the northwest of England, the Lake District is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. With its picturesque lakes, rolling hills, and awe-inspiring mountains, it’s no wonder this National Park attracts thousands of campers every year. There are numerous campsites spread across the region, offering different amenities for campers of all types. Whether you prefer wild camping or more organized sites, the Lake District has it all.
   
   
2. Snowdonia National Park, Wales: Wales boasts some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the UK, and Snowdonia National Park stands out as a camper’s paradise. Home to Mount Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales, this park offers a range of camping experiences, from wild camping in the hills to family-friendly campsites in the valleys. Wake up to stunning vistas, explore cascading waterfalls, and hike the numerous trails that weave through the rugged terrain.
   
   
3. Cairngorms National Park, Scotland: For those seeking a true wilderness experience, Cairngorms National Park in Scotland is an ideal destination. As the largest National Park in the UK, it provides ample opportunities for wild camping, allowing you to immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of the Scottish Highlands. However, it’s crucial to adhere to the “Leave No Trace” principles and follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code to protect this fragile ecosystem.
   
   
4. The New Forest, England: Situated in the southern part of England, the New Forest offers a unique camping experience in a protected natural area. This ancient woodland and heathland is home to ponies, deer, and an abundance of wildlife. Campsites here are well-equipped, and the area’s charm lies in its tranquility and diverse landscape, making it a perfect spot for family camping trips.
   
   
5. Isle of Skye, Scotland: The rugged beauty of the Isle of Skye has been captivating travelers for generations. The island is dotted with stunning cliffs, iconic rock formations like the Old Man of Storr, and picturesque landscapes that will leave you in awe. While wild camping is legal in Scotland, remember to camp responsibly and obtain landowner permission when necessary. Several established campsites are available for those seeking more amenities.

Legal Aspects of Camping in the UK: While camping is allowed across most parts of the UK, there are certain regulations to keep in mind. “Wild camping,” which means setting up camp in the open countryside, is permitted in Scotland and some parts of Dartmoor in England. However, in other areas of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, you’ll need to seek permission from the landowner or use designated campsites.

Essential Gear for Camping: Before you embark on your camping adventure, make sure you have the right gear to ensure a comfortable and safe experience. A well-fitted backpack, like the ones featured in CampingThings’ guide on “Choosing the right backpack,” is essential for carrying your camping essentials. Additionally, invest in a high-quality tent, such as those mentioned in the “Choosing the right tent” guide, to shield you from the elements.

Having a reliable camping stove, as suggested in the “Best Camping Stoves” guide, is crucial for cooking delicious meals in the great outdoors. Don’t forget to pack a durable headlamp from the “Top 5 Best Head Lights” guide to illuminate your way during evening adventures. Lastly, stay charged and connected with a reliable portable battery power bank from the “Best Portable Battery Power” guide.

In conclusion, the UK offers a wealth of camping experiences for nature enthusiasts, ranging from breathtaking mountain landscapes to serene coastal regions. With a variety of camping destinations to choose from and an array of outdoor gear available, you’re all set to embark on an unforgettable camping journey in the stunning British countryside.

Essential Equipment

Buy a Windproof Tent

A windproof tent is an absolute must-have, even if you’re taking the RV or camper van. Being protected against the elements is no joke, especially when you’re out in the one of America’s big national parks.

Check out our Camping Things guide to buying the best tent.

Take a Large Rucksack

You’ll be taking a suitcase anyway, probably, so cough up that little bit extra and make sure you’ve got enough room for all of your stuff.

We’ve reviewed plenty of backpacks and rucksacks, and you can check out our choices here.

Get a BioLite Burner

We’re big fans of BioLite burners, which use bio fuel like wood, leaves and twigs to produce both heat and electricity via a built-in charging cell.

With a BioLite burner, all you’re taking is a container — albeit one with a totally cool wood-to-electricity charging cell on the side. No need to worry about carrying fuel, just use what’s around you.

Check out Camping Things reviews of the best BioLite burners here.

Invest in a GPS Guidance Device

Another essential one for making a go of it in the great American wilds. Invest in one that’s up to date, and which won’t let you down.

We’re partial to a high-end navigation device, one that’ll always be up to date, and which can stand up to the often rough and tumble nature of wild camping and Trekking America.

Check out our picks of the best GPS and navigation devices on the Camping Things site.

Where To Go: Our Family Friendly Picks

With regards to where you might like to visit, we’ve kept all of our options kid-friendly. That’s not to say that we’ve left out ones that are for adults only, because to be honest, whether you’re going with kids or not, any of these places is going to make for an incredible experience. We just want to help out those parents who are in need of some inspiration for where to go, but who might be feeling limited by what they can do with the kids.

Yellowstone National Park

Like we said at the start, Yellowstone sits on top of a supervolcano, which is way overdue an eruption. Nobody knows when it’ll go off again, but best guesses don’t put it at any time soon. The some 500 geysers dotted all around Yellowstone attest to the still being active under the surface.

Without a doubt, Yellowstone is one of the most awe-inspiring places on Earth, stretching over an area of almost 9,000 square km. It’s home to some of the oldest, rarest and most precious wildlife in the world, including the great American buffalo, eagles, bison, bears and wolves.

You want waterfalls? Yellowstone has them. You want woods? Yellowstone. Lakes, canyons, rivers and mountains? If you’re looking for a place to see the best of what the planet has to offer, then Yellowstone National Park is one hell of a place to start. Most of the major sites within the park are signposted and have some sort of road leading up to them, so you shouldn’t get too lost following them. Belgrade, Montana; Jackson Hole, Wyoming, or Salt Lake City are your best bets for flying in. If in doubt, contact a park ranger, who will be happy to tell you what’s up and where to go.

Yosemite National Park

Home of the world’s biggest standing of giant sequoia trees, Yosemite is wild California at its greatest. A favourite of photographer Ansel Adams, Yosemite is cut with humongous valleys of rock, which tower on either side with sharp, vertical cliff faces, delving into lush forest.

In terms of wildlife, you’ll find bears, wolves, eagles and all sorts of other American icons. One of the major attractions of Yosemite National Park, is the giant sequoia trees, which can grow up to several hundred feet tall, and be centuries old. One of the largest in the area is named Grizzly Giant, and stands over 200ft.

The best time to visit Yosemite is the spring or fall, when the scenery is at its best. Fly into Sacramento, and you’ll have a lovely three-hour drive into the park.

Smoky Mountains National Park

A great one for the kids, taking the camper van up the Little River Road up by the Sugarlands Visitor Center, you might come across coyotes, wild boar and wild turkeys. And, with over 100 species of trees lining the mountains on your drive, this wonderful national park is one of the most beautiful drives imaginable, and a great place to go hiking and camping.

Grand Canyon National Park

What do we really need to tell you about the Grand Canyon? You’ve seen it plenty of times in photos, documentaries and movies, but have you ever considered how freaking large this place really is? 18 miles wide and over 270 miles long, the Grand Canyon was carved by the Colorado River, and runs through the state of Arizona.

Just back up a second and think about that width — 18 miles. You can stand on one side of the canyon, and not be able to see the other side. When you consider that you’re looking into a valley carved by nothing but water, how can you not be blown away? Trekking in the Grand Canyon is a fantastic way to see the place, but if you’re going to be camping, then you’ll need to seek permission from the authorities.

There are plenty of tour operators who can take you to the Grand Canyon, with regular pick-ups most days throughout the year. Flying into Las Vegas will be your best option for getting there.

Monument Valley, Arizona

Perhaps not one for the kids, but the quintessential American West, as you probably think of it. Quintessential, though, is not the right way to describe this towering valley, set into the red sand desert of Arizona. There isn’t much in the way of cover or tourist information points around the valley, and rightly so, this is straight up Trekking America desert heartland, untamed and massive.

You can access the valley by driving up Route 163, and the hiking options are pretty obvious once you arrive amongst the towering rock formations.

Some General Tips For Trekking and Wild Camping

Some of what you’ve learned while wild camping and trekking closer to home will translate into your trip to the States, but bear in mind that you’re going somewhere much bigger, where help can be much further away, and with that in mind, we’ve got a few pieces of advice to help keep you safe on your travels.

• Never go alone — wild camping and Trekking America in the open is never a good idea. Please take someone with you.
• Always get the contact details of a ranger or local authority.
• Always Check that you have permission to travel through or set up camp on the land you’re on.
• Leave no trace — Don’t burn the ground, don’t litter and try not to disturb anyone or any wildlife.
• Do not interact with the wildlife — If you can help it. Leave them be as much as possible, and never approach wild animals.
• Enjoy yourself.

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We get it, too. Wild Camping is about adventuring, about exploring the great outdoors and pitting your wits against the elements. It’s about having the chance to see the stars for once, and honestly, you don’t always get that at a regulated campsite.

That’s something we ought to mention before we get into this; wild camping isn’t regulated, and if you’re not careful, it’s not strictly legal in a lot of places, either. What it is, though, is a chance to get as close to nature and great outdoors as possible, while keeping a few of the creature comforts you’ll probably want as a modern camper. This is the Camping Things introduction to wild camping.

Wild camping: What makes it wild?

The modern idea of camping is kind of counter to the whole point of pitching a tent and sleeping outside. When you camp, you want to experience the outdoors in all its glory, but, as is the way in the UK, the experience has been regulated, mostly for health and safety reasons.

Standard camping requires that you pitch your tent on a designated camping site, which usually means setting up somewhere that looks more like a festival than a site of natural beauty. As a wild camper, you’ll be setting up your tent away from amenities, away from any sort of reception office, and probably away from other people. At least, that’s the idea.

Wild camping is defined as camping anywhere that’s not a regulated camp site. That doesn’t mean your back garden or the local park, but more likely a glenn, mountainside, or somewhere along the trail you’re hiking. As mentioned, wild camping isn’t strictly legal for a couple of reasons. First of which, is that you could be on someone’s land. You might not realise it, but the trail you’re on could be part of an estate, or, if it isn’t, it’s either protected or belongs to local government. Seek permission for wild camping wherever possible, just to cover yourself.

Another biggie is that you can’t wild camp closer than 100m from any road or settlement. If you do, you might be risking your own safety, or the safety of others, and your new temporary neighbours might not be so keen to have you hanging around.

Where can you wild camp?

Your best bet is to seek out places that are truly wild. By that, we mean mountains, valleys and wide open spaces. If you’re hiking on a trail, set up camp away from where people are walking. Don’t put yourself in danger, but the idea is to be as secluded as possible. Find a place where you can see the stars and where you’re not going to be disturbed by the sound of traffic, and you’re good to go.

Wild camping is a great chance to experience camping for what it’s meant to be — an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. That doesn’t mean you have to give up decent food or a good, warm shelter, on the contrary, you can keep all of those things and not feel cheated by the presence of a help desk fifty meters from your tent. You’ll be more self-reliant, but if what you’re after is a true camping experience, then getting away from the childhood nightmare of a cool box full of bad sandwiches is going to reignite your love of camping.

Shelter for wild camping

Don’t overthink this. All you really need for wild camping is a good strong tent and a warm sleeping bag. Camping Things have review some of the best, most value for money tents around, and for wild camping, the extreme weather ones are really the best.

Any tent that’s low to the ground with a solid windproof design is going to be your best option, and if you can, make sure to pitch away from the direction of the wind, so that it doesn’t blow into your front door. Simple, right?

Try and find a tent with a ground sheet, too, since the floor underneath your wild camping spot is likely to be less forgiving than the ground at your standard camp site.

Check out our tent guide here

Food and drink for wild camping

You’re unlikely to be able to drive up and keep your supplies within reach in the boot if you’re wild camping. We’d suggest stocking up on canned food, boil in the bag meals and protein bars before heading out. Dried fruit is good shout, too, and if you can using boil in the bag meals, use the water to make a hot drink afterwards.

For cooking and heating on a wild camping trip, we recommend a biomass burner. They’re more eco-friendly, and can be used as both a clean and safe cooking and heating source. We love the BioLite burners. Read our full guide to camping stoves here

Rules and etiquette for wild camping

Be considerate when wild camping. There’s nobody there to clean up after you, or to tell you off if you’re a bad camper, so just be mindful of the environment and of other people.

Don’t start fires on the ground, don’t use more energy than you need, and don’t be overly noisy, even if you are in the middle of nowhere (wildlife likes to sleep, too.)

Take all food waste and packaging with you (100% do this, please don’t litter if you’re wild camping) and be respectful of other wild campers. They’re way out there because they want to have their own experience, so be friendly, but respect their privacy, too.

If all you want is to sleep somewhere outside, and you’re not particularly fussed about seeing what the world really has to offer without our fooling around with it, then stick to regulated camping sites. But, if you’d like a taste of what camping is really all about, then check out wild camping.

It may be a little cold at the minute, but then that’s part of the fun. Visit the Camping Things review sections, and buy yourself the right kit, and make your next trip away a wild camping one. We’re certain you won’t regret it.

The post Wild Camping Secrets – What we know in 2026 appeared first on Camping Things.

We go on all the time here at Camping Things about how easy it is to get away for the weekend, somewhere abroad. It’s cheap, the weather is usually better, and with ultra light, portable tents being so affordable, it makes it easy to pick up your stuff, get on a plane and set up camp in Germany, France, Italy, Spain, even Scandinavia.

But what about staying closer to home? Do you really need to get way, way out into the wilderness to have a good time? We don’t think so.

The staycation (stay at home vacation) is one of the easiest, cheapest ways to give you and your loved ones some rest and relaxation, without having to worry about passports, currency exchange, or learning another language. It’s economical, and good for the economy, and if you’re looking for a way to recapture the magic of adventuring as a child, then finding your own way through the woods and backcountry, could put you in touch with the little explorer you used to be. Plus, if you have your own little explorers now, then taking them on their first camping trip, knowing what you know now about how to make the experience fun and interesting for them, can be a fantastic way of introducing them to some of the finer things in life.

Most of us went camping with our parents when we were kids, right? Some of us have fonder memories of it than others do, but it stays with you, and you’re always glad that you can at least say that you’ve tried it. Especially if you have kids, but even if you don’t, getting back out into the natural world is so great for lifting your mood, recharging your batteries, and for getting the creative juices flowing. In this post, we want to talk about not just the appeal of the camping staycation, but also of camping itself. Why go camping? Why choose it over a hotel or AirBnB holiday? We’ll also cover glamping (glamour-camping) for those of you who are up for something, but not quite convinced that a full on, backwoods, sleeping on the ground, building a campfire and eating beans from the can holiday is what you’re really looking for.

What is a Staycation?

Just like any holiday, a staycation is meant to get you away from your daily routine, to give you a chance to recharge, and to enjoy the company of the people you choose to spend your time with. Essentially, a staycation is any trip you take away from home, with the intention of relaxing for a couple of days or more. Stay just a single day and it’s often referred to a daycation — we could go on, too. How about holistay?

What is there to do on a staycation?

The country is your oyster here. The point of a staycation is to treat your local area, or wherever you’re going, as a tourist attraction. Be a stranger close to home, and enjoy the sights and attractions you might never have considered before, just because you live so close to them.

There are loads of great forests and woodland trails all over the country — the Forestry Commission has mapped almost all of them for you, making it easy to pick one near to you, or one a little further afield, if that’s what you’re after. Pack a tent, some food and comfortable walking shoes, and take yourself and the kids off hiking for the day, sleeping out under the stars and returning the next day, refreshed, and with a renewed appreciation for each other.

It’s not all about hiking and climbing, though. All you really need to do, is pick somewhere that seems good to you, go there, then find out what’s good nearby. Local parks and sights, historic monuments and shows, whether you’re in or out of the city (although we hope that you’re out), you’ll find plenty to do on a well-planned staycation.

Are there any risks to staycationing?

The reason we love the staycation is that you can do it on impulse, and it’s cheap. You don’t need to go very far from home to find some beautiful wilderness to set up camp in, but there is a caution to be heeded here, in that if you’re close to home, you might be tempted to pop into work should the need arise. Similarly, if your boss knows that you’re on holiday, but that you’re local, or at least still in the country, they might be tempted to give you a call, because you know, you’re not really on holiday, are you? You didn’t even leave the country.

Likewise with the emails, you’re going to be checking them all the time if you’re on your regular data plan, or worse, if there’s access to free WiFi. So yes, there are risks to staycationing, and it’s going to require a lot more willpower on your part, to stay out of and away from the things you’re on holiday to avoid.

Museums and local festivals should also be top of your list of things to do while on staycation. If you’ve made the effort to drive or take the train to somewhere other than your own town, if you’ve forgone your usual holiday to another country, then it’s essential that you take advantage of everything your chosen spot has to offer.

You can make sure that you stick to your plan of ‘no television and no email’ by turning off your phone during the day while you’re out and out doing your thing. It’s incredible how much less likely you are to be constantly checking your phone, if you have to turn it on and wait for it every single time.

What about the cost of a staycation?

Consider the cost of a five day holiday to France. We’ve broken it down here so that you can compare the average cost of that, with what it might set you back to do the same holiday as a staycation.

Who: You’re two adults with two children, 6 and 9.

When: Let’s assume you’re waiting for the weather to get lovely and warm, so that your staycation doesn’t feel like a dreary acceptance that you have no money. So you’re going in June, let’s say early to mid-June.

Where: South of France is always a great shout, so let’s say you’re going to Nice.

How much does it cost?

Based on two adults and two children, we’ve calculated that your flights are going to cost around £200 for all four of you, if you book several months in advance. Not bad at all, but what about accommodation?

We’re taking the AirBnB approach, and going with a conservative estimate, based on the average price of a place per night, that’ll accommodate two adults with two children, you’re looking at around £250.

Then there’s food, and while there are supermarkets all over Nice, and plenty of outstanding restaurants, the city is not really known for its cheap street food. Add on another £200-250 for the five days you’re there, and add on £100 for the baggage you’re taking with you on the plane. Altogether, that five-day holiday to Nice in the south of France with your two kids, has cost you around £800. And, ok, for a family of four to visit one of Europe’s finest, most beautiful areas, really isn’t too bad, but what about if money is tight? You still work hard, and you still deserve a holiday, so how much can you do a staycation for?

Let’s take that same setup and place your family of four in Cambridge. You’ve got a few options of where you can go on your staycation, including out East to the Norfolk or Essex coast, or down south past London and into the South Downs. Alternatively, you could head north into the Lake District, or go all the way and head up into the Scottish Highlands. Let’s take a look at the cost.

At just over 230 miles, the journey from Cambridge to the Lake District would cost approximately £30 in petrol (one way). For your accommodation, you can get a lovely bed and breakfast room for around £35-40 night, which brings the total so far to around £230. Bring plenty of food with you, and eat out a couple of nights at some of the local restaurants, and you’ll spend under £100. There are no baggage charges to add on, and no flights.

Altogether, this trip is going to cost you around £360. Not bad at all, and if you’re considering going further afield into Scotland, then the only difference is going to be a little higher cost on the petrol.

Take the trip up to any of these places and camp there instead of renting a room, and you’ll slash the overall cost down to next to nothing.

What other options to I have? What about Glamping?

Yes, glamping, it was only a matter of time before someone had that bright idea, and while the idea might make you wince or roll your eyes, glamping probably isn’t what you think. In some way it is, it’s getting outdoors without having to slum it on the ground in a leaky tent, but in another way, it’s a different type of experience altogether.

The many options available for glamping make it an attractive option for those who might not want to spend money on flights and hotels, or who just feel like staying closer to home. A glamping vacation is exciting, and because you’re going somewhere where a certain level of luxury is expected, then the surrounding area is pretty much guaranteed to be worth looking at and exploring.

Some of the best glamping experiences can be had in cabins and treehouses, and trust us, staying in a purpose-built treehouse for the weekend is so much fun, once you’ve done it, you’ll be itching to go back and try it again. There are also yurts (we’ll explain) to stay in, which offer an entirely different experience in themselves.

Let’s start with treehouse glamping, since that’s where we’re most often drawn, and with good reason. Built into the heart of some of the country’s most stunning woodland, these wonderful treehouses can be as basic as they can be luxurious. Some are fitted with hot tubs for the ultimate luxury outdoor experience, but very few have WiFi access (and rightly so, we think.)

Canopy Stars has a great range of treehouses to choose from, but book way in advance, because there are scarce few treehouses, and a lot of people wanting to stay in them.

Where can you find these treehouses?

You’ll find something in almost every major forest area of the UK. Best to go with a registered, reputable company, though, and not some creeper who says it’s fine if you use his treehouse for the weekend, as long as you don’t mind him and his buddies dropping by.

Sherwood Forest is great for treehouse glamping, as are area of the Peak District, Lakes and Wales. Naturally, you’ll want to stick to the spring and summer months, when the light pouring through the forest is inviting enough to draw you out of the hot tub for a little bit of exploration.

Our best kept secret is the living-room treehouse experience in deepest Wales there really is no competition, you’ll need to book a year in advance

What on Earth is a Yurt?

A traditional Mongolian Yurt is essential a large tent, usually covered with animal skins, but commonly covered with some sort of synthetic fabric if you’re in the UK. They’re popular with the glamping crowd because of their size, and how they offer a combination of light, airy tent, and the comforts of a regular hotel room.

Inside a standard yurt, you’re likely to find a bed, some sort of fireplace, maybe a few rugs, some chairs, a sofa, and so on. Really fancy yurts will have some sort of plumbing system built into them, too, so that you can wash and do your business without having to risk the on-site toilet facilities, or the nettles in the nearby woods.

It’s not permitted to start a fire inside your yurt, but most will be fitted with a stove, woodburner or some other kind of indoor cooking grill.

Staycationing and glamping are good for the economy

Aside from the cost of petrol, if you’re visiting your local area, or somewhere further afield, and you’re eating out at local restaurants and supporting bed and breakfast establishments, then you can staycation safe in the knowledge that you’re also contributing to the UK economy by investing in the people and businesses who provide comfortable access to our most beautiful areas of natural significance.

Even if you choose to go glamping, in either a treehouse retreat or a yurt, most of the companies running these things are privately owned, most by UK residents. Support them, and have the time of your life, living out the childhood dream of staying in a treehouse for the weekend, and it really is an everybody wins kind of deal.

We’re partial to the treehouse holidays, because they put you right in the thick of it, literally, and sleeping with the windows open in the middle of the forest is an experience you’ll never forget. If you struggle to sleep well while you’re on holiday, then a treehouse retreat is highly recommended. You’ll be drifting off in no time, surrounded by the sounds of swaying trees and passing wildlife.

Wherever you choose to go, whether it’s up north to the wild highlands of Scotland, or east to the windy coast, or maybe down south to the Olde English woods for a taste of what life was like back in the day, we’re sure you’ll find something to love on a staycation.

The key things to take away from this, are that you really don’t need to go stray too far from home to have a truly memorable experience with the people you love. You could be doing this as early as next weekend if you get on it right now, and think about how you’re going to feel during, when you’re sinking into that hot tub, surrounded by friends and family. It’s within your reach, and it really doesn’t need to cost the earth.

If you’re travelling with kids especially toddlers read this great article on essential travel tips

For more on what to take with you on your camping, wild camping or glamping staycation, take a look at our reviews sections: Camping Things picks: The best tents and get the dinner on with our review of the The best cooking sets

You may be close to home, but it’s still a smart idea to take a GPS navigation device with you, especially if you’re heading out to somewhere with little phone service.

Whatever you do get out more and please do share your tales and trails on our message board

The post Stay at home this year, try a 2026 Staycation appeared first on Camping Things.

As always at Camping Things, we only choose the best, so you’re assured a great read, whatever you choose.

Wild Nights: Camping Britain’s Extremes by Phoebe Smith

‘Thrilling insight into the wildest places in the UK.’

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Author of Extreme Sleeps, Phoebe Smith is back with a collection of the wildest, most remote places in Great Britain to set up camp. As one of the UK’s most celebrated extreme campers, Smith has been to the ragged edges of our little island and back again.

Wild Nights is a thrilling look at the most fun, most challenging places in the UK to hike, climb and camp. Journey with Smith as she battles whiteouts in Wales, monster waves along the Suffolk coast, and the treacherous summits of some the highest, most unforgiving peaks the British Isles has to offer.

Highly recommended by us, for both casual campers and extreme adventurers, Wild Nights is fun, personal and surprisingly informative. One of the best wild camping books on our list.

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Bikepacking: Mountain Bike Camping Adventures on the Wild Trails of Britain by Laurence McJannet

‘One of the most satisfying guides to mountain bike adventure camping we’ve ever read.’

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If you’ve never heard of bikepacking, the idea is pretty simple: pack your stuff into a giant rucksack, and set off on the adventure of a lifetime on your bike. It’s an awesome way to stay fit, and the sight and feel of the wild flying past as you gun it down some mountainside, are, we think you’ll agree once you try it, the experiences we all really live for in life.

McJannet details 30 of the best multi-day rides across the UK, covering both city escapes and extreme wilderness rides. There are trails for the whole family to enjoy, plus a few of the more wild rides up mountains and deep into the woods. All of the routes come with map guides, so you’re good to go with just the one book, and most of the routes are easily accessible at their starts by train or car.

Technical rides, long and short family-friendly routes, coastal adventures and winter rides are all featured in Bikepacking, and are written in McJannet’s engaging, knowledge style.

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Wild Camping: Exploring and Sleeping in the Wilds of the UK and Ireland by Stephen Neale

‘More than meets the eye in Neale’s expertly curated adventure book.’

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It may not look like much on the front cover, but inside, Neale’s Wild Camping is one of the most engaging and comprehensive guides to wild camping in the UK and Ireland, that we’ve seen in a long time.

Neale covers each corner of the British Isles, plus everywhere in between, highlighting where to stay, what to do, and what you ought to know about local laws and law of the land. Combined with charming personal insights into Neale’s own life as an adventurer, this book makes great reading for the evening, and for whenever you get a little bit of downtime.

From the Scottish Highlands to the living waves of Britain’s wildest coasts, and what Neale refers to as ‘Middle Earth’, whatever sort of adventure you’re looking for — even if it’s just in your head — you’ll find it in Wild Camping.

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Microadventures: Local Discoveries for Great Escapes by Alastair Humphreys

‘Discover something new about the world and yourself.’

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Microadventures have becoming increasingly popular over the past few years, as a way for busy people, and those who just don’t want to go for a full-on expedition, to experience a little bit of the outdoors, without investing too much time, money, sweat or tears.

We’re making these microadventures sound like adventures for the non-committal, but they’re far from that. What they are, is an opportunity to explore in miniature, to discover something new about the world and about yourself. They’re close to home, cheap, and usually don’t require a whole of investment in terms of kit.

In his book Microadventures, Humphreys details dozens of microadventure ideas, with accompanying photos to get you inspired and fired up to get out and do something. An entertaining read in its own right, Microadventures is a great little guide to getting the most out of life, one bite at a time.

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SAS Survival Guide: How to Survive in the Wild, on Land or Sea by John ‘Lofty’ Wiseman

‘The definitive guide to not dying when you’re outside.’

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Would you know what to do in the event of a fast-spreading flash fire? How about a flood? What would you do if you were stranded with nothing to eat? It’s time to face reality, you’re unprepared, unsafe to be walking around in the wild. You need this book.

Written by survival expert John ‘Lofty’ Wiseman, who is most definitely not anything like either Bear Grylls or Ray Mears, the SAS Survival Guide is a real-world, practical guide to staying alive when things get hairy. It might seem like overkill for your everyday person to be learning these sorts of skills, but hey, the zombie apocalypse has got to come some time.

A solid addition to any outdoor-lover’s book collection, keep a copy in the car, and one in your rucksack.

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Best wild camping books

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