Camping is a great way to get back in touch with nature. Camping holidays are favoured for their simple appeal and rustic charm of a little rough living close to Mother Earth. Every year, well over 1.2 million Britons load up their backpacks and head out to campsites spread across unspoiled countryside in the UK and the Continent. Campsites in Kent offer a spot at a nominal fee for you to park your car, pitch your tent and wind down after a hectic day touring local places of interest. While campsites do offer welcome conveniences like electricity, running water and waste disposal, campers are expected to have a fair bit of knowledge about camp etiquette and carry out some basic preparation before arriving. Let’s see what you should know before you arrive at a campsite:
1. Find out about the campsite’s rules and facilities
Campsites in Kent operate under a variety of regulations such as environmental norms, local body laws and operator guidelines which may differ from location to location. So get on the internet to read up about the campsite you wish to select. Ideally, you need to know the site operating hours, whether the site will be open on the day you plan to visit, fees and rates for the conveniences offered by the sites and so on.
2. Remember to call ahead and book your spot
The campsites will be full during the peak season, so it’s a no brainer for you to reserve your spot well in advance. All the research you do might come to naught if you don’t get to use the campsite on the day you arrive. At popular sites, you can try booking between six months to a year in advance.
3. Get a Weather forecast
The weather can be unpredictable during camping season, with quick spells of rain and unexpected chilly weather, especially during the first months of summer. With advances in prediction models, weather sites usually predict a month’s weather with reasonable accuracy, so you can be prepared with appropriate supplies and clothing for your trip.
4. Plan your trip in advance
Being at the right place at the wrong time of year can be a damper. So you need to schedule your trip to know the best season for camping at your chosen vacation spot. Get your car or van’s maintenance done before you set out. While it’s not possible to plan every step, at the very least planning makes sure you stay on course during your trip. Good guidebooks and enthusiast websites are great resources for planning a camping in Kent Coast
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5. Have a list of supplies ready
When planning a camping trip (camping.about.com/od/findacampground/u/plan-a-camping-trip.htm), you need to prepare a comprehensive checklist of the clothes, food supplies, fuel, luggage, vehicle spares and other accessories at least two months before the trip itself. Before you set out on the trip, make sure you have got all the items on the checklist. Be sure to carry first aid.
6. Know the rules of Campground Etiquette
The basics of campsite etiquette are to respect your neighbour and to leave your spot clean for the next occupant. Respect the quiet time of your fellow campers. Keep outside lights on your van switched off after dinner to prevent disturbing sleepers. If you see another resident struggling to set up his tent or get a fire going, do offer your help.
7. Read up on Local Culture
Often tourists just enjoy the natural beauty of the places they visit, however, it helps to know that the local residents often add to the attractiveness. You could read up about their culture, traditions and cuisine to get a deeper understanding about the places you visit.
8. Fires and Barbeques to be lit only at Approved locations
Campsites offer fire pits and grill areas for lighting fires. Wood is often available for free or at a fee. Do not light fires in other areas as they could spread and cause harm.
9. Do not leave food unattended
After you have had your meal, be sure to dispose of your food waste into closed bins. Wild animals often break into the campsites to eat the food left behind by campers.
10. Be Ready to Clean Up
Finally, help out the site managers by cleaning up your litter diligently. Consider carrying litter bags for the purpose and dispose of trash in designated areas only.
