Tamsin King - The Campers Survival Guide: Food Prepping, Gear, First Aid, Etiquette, and More!

Copyright Summersdale Publishers Ltd, 2018, 2019.

First Published by Summersdale Publishers Ltd, an imprint of Hachette UK, 2018.

First Racehorse Publishing edition, 2019.

Text by Sophie Martin.

All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any manner without the express written consent of the publisher, except in the case of brief excerpts in critical reviews or articles. All inquiries should be addressed to Racehorse Publishing, 307 West 36th Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10018.

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available on file.

ISBN: 978-1-63158-409-1

E-Book ISBN: 978-1-63158-417-6

Printed in China

CONTENTS

BEFORE YOU GO

WHETHER YOURE NEW TO CAMPING OR YOUVE DONE IT BEFORE, EACH TRIP CAN PRODUCE SURPRISES. IN THIS SECTION YOULL FIND TOP TIPS ON HOW TO PLAN FOR YOUR CAMPING TRIP, FROM DECIDING WHERE TO GO TO CHOOSING WHAT EQUIPMENT TO BUY AND WHICH CLOTHES TO TAKE WITH YOU.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF CAMPING

Traditional camping involved the sky above, the grass below, and the trees in front of the intrepid explorer who rocked up at their secluded spot with the bare minimum of equipment to see them through to the morning. But as camping has become more and more popular, thankfully it can cater not just to the intrepid explorer but the cautious vacationerand anyone in between. Whether you want your camping trip to be a glamorous affair or as gritty as the soil beneath your feet, you can tailor your experience to suit your needs. Here are just some of the different types of camping to try out:

CAMPGROUND CAMPING

Campgrounds are the perfect venues for families or couples who are equipped with either a tent or a camper. You can even take your furry friend as a lot of sites are dog-friendly! Many campgrounds may refuse to cater to large groups of friends, and bachelor and bachelorette parties, so always check with the campground before you book. Basic campgrounds comprise a section of land to pitch up on, and usually provide shower and toilet facilities. Swankier campgrounds also provide entertainment areas, restaurants, bars, and childcare.

FESTIVAL CAMPING

Many peoples first experience of camping is at a mainstream festival, where the atmosphere is constantly buzzing and the noise never dies down. This type of camping is very different from others, so dont be put off from camping altogether if you didnt enjoy it. If a big festival seems a bit daunting but you like the idea of attending something similar, there are tons of smaller-scale festivals that provide a lot more privacysome even cater specifically to families.

GLAMPING

If youre a newbie to camping, why not start off with glamping, as its a great way of being at one with nature while being guaranteed a comfortable nights sleep in a proper bed? Glamping accommodation comes in all forms: yurts, tepees, safari tents, and treehouses, to name a few. These are typically popular for groups of bachelors or bachelorettes, but also perfect for families and couples that are looking to escape from it all without having to buy all the camping equipment or worry about where to go to the bathroom.

WILD CAMPING

Essentially, wild camping is camping wherever you please in the countryside. However, every country has its own rules and regulations, so you must check them out before you set off, as you could be penalized otherwise. Here is a list of some countries and their wild camping laws:

United StatesWild, or backcountry, camping is allowed in most United States national parks. However, each park has different rules and regulations for those who want to escape the regulated campground experience. Visit the website for the National Park Service (www.nps.gov) for rules for specific parks around the country, as well as additional camping tips and suggestions.

England, Northern Ireland, and Walesthough most landowners tolerate respectful wild campers, wild camping without permission from the landowner is not allowed in any region apart from the Dartmoor National Park.

Scotlandwild camping is legal but there are guidelines that must be adhered to. Put simply, you must ensure that youre safe and respectful, and that you leave the spot exactly as you found it. Find out more at www.visitscotland.com/accommodation/camper-camping/wild-camping.

Francethe wild camping rules arent hugely clear, although its understood that with the landowners permission it is generally accepted. However, lighting fires isnt allowed and you must set off before 9 a.m. the next day.

Greecewild camping is illegal here.

Norway and Swedenbased on allemannsretten (the right to roam), these countries allow ramblers free rein to open country, and wild camping is encouraged as long as youre approximately 164 yards away from the nearest building and stay no longer than two nights if you dont have permission from the landowner. For more information, visit www.visitnorway.com/plan-your-trip/travel-tips-a-z/right-of-access.