Outdoor holidays: best camping routes near London

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Camping is one of the best ways to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy nature. Within a few hours’ drive from London, there are various scenic locations perfect for camping. In this article, we’ll explore the best ones and provide tips on preparing for your trip, organizing your journey, and behaving in nature.

How to Find the Right Camping Spot

Choosing the right camping spot is one of the key steps in preparation. First, you should decide on the type of environment: do you want to set up camp in a forest, by a river, or by a lake? Each type of terrain offers numerous options. For example, New Forest National Park is an ideal place for camping in a forested area. Here, you can enjoy walks through dense woods, observe wildlife, and have cozy evenings by the campfire.

If you’re more attracted to water landscapes, consider South Downs National Park, where there are many camping spots by rivers and lakes. It’s important to note that some campsites may require reservations, especially during peak holiday seasons, so it’s recommended to check availability in advance.

How to Prepare for the Trip

Once the location is chosen, it’s time to think about getting ready for the trip itself. The first thing to do is make a list of essential items. A tent, sleeping bags, mats, camping cookware, flashlights, hygiene products, a portable refrigerator, and windshield wipers are just some of the necessary gear. 

Don’t forget to bring a map of the area or a GPS device to avoid getting lost. Also, plan what you’ll cook over the campfire or on a camping stove. Simple dishes that can be quickly prepared are always preferable. Pasta, packet soups, canned goods, and snacks will help you avoid unnecessary hassle. If you have a small portable refrigerator, you can keep your food fresh throughout the trip.

Also, don’t forget about measures to protect yourself from mosquitoes. Use repellents, wear long-sleeved clothing, and choose overnight spots away from standing water, where mosquitoes are most active.

How to Prepare Your Car for the Trip

Before setting off, your car needs to be thoroughly checked. Check the oil level, coolant, and tire condition. Make sure the spare tire and tool kit are in good working order. If you plan to travel to remote areas, it’s better to bring an extra fuel canister. Autodoc.co.uk states that windshield wipers should be in good condition before any long journey, especially if you plan to spend a lot of time on the road.

It’s also important to ensure that your car has a first-aid kit, fire extinguisher, and towing rope in case of unexpected situations. If you plan to spend several days in nature, consider a mobile device charging system to stay connected. 

How to Behave at the Campsite

Once you’ve arrived at the campsite, it’s important to follow the rules of camping. If you’re setting up camp in a forest, choose a site away from trees to avoid the risk of falling branches. By a river or lake, keep an eye on the water level and don’t set up camp too close to the water.

When lighting a fire, make sure it’s a safe distance from your tent and trees. Always keep a bucket of water or sand nearby in case the fire gets out of control. Remember, noise and loud music can disturb other campers and wildlife, so it’s better to keep things quiet.

If you have children, watch them closely, especially near the water or fire. Explain the rules of outdoor behavior to them and don’t leave them unsupervised. Also, pay attention to mosquito protection, using insect repellents and setting up mosquito nets at the entrance of the tent.

The Importance of Leaving No Trace

One of the main principles of camping is to leave the site as you found it. Collect all trash and take it with you. Food scraps, packaging, and other waste should not be left at the campsite, as they can attract animals or pollute nature. Your portable refrigerator will help preserve food and avoid environmental contamination since you won’t have to leave food waste behind.

Extinguish the fire by pouring water on it and covering it with soil. If you used a portable grill, make sure the coals are completely cooled before disposing of them. Don’t break tree branches for the fire — use dry wood lying on the ground.

When packing up camp, carefully inspect the area for any forgotten items and litter. The goal of every camper is to preserve nature in its original state for future generations.

To better understand camping around London, here is a table with some statistics and research findings.

Conclusion

Camping near London is a great way to spend time in nature and take a break from the city. Choosing the right location, preparing your car, and following the rules of behavior will help you enjoy your holiday without unnecessary worries and create lasting memories. Most importantly, remember that nature needs to be treated with care, and you should leave only footprints on the grass, which will quickly disappear.

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