Top tips for late season camping
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The kids might be heading back to school this month, but don’t pack up your tents just yet, says Andrea Oates. Many campsites remain open until after the autumn half-term holidays, and weather-wise you might be lucky and catch some late season sunshine.
1. Night time temperatures are falling, so it’s time to pack your three season sleeping bags, and perhaps even duvets and fleece blankets. The general rule for bedding at this time of year is take more than you think you’ll need and you’ll be fine. If you like hot water bottles, bed socks (and even hats) you take them.2. Pack plenty of warm clothes (particularly extra socks) so you can put on or take off layers.
3. That campfire might not keep you warm for long, so a nearby family-friendly pub, preferably with open fires, is a definite asset come the evening.
4. Pack your wellies and waterproofs. Rainfall is generally higher than through the summer months.
5. With rainfall in mind, check out what indoor activities are on hand for the kids before you head off.
6. Don’t pitch at the bottom of a slope if you can help it and avoid other areas that look as though they might get waterlogged.
7. Remember that the nights are starting to close in so don’t leave it too late to set off or you’ll be putting your tent up in the dark.
8. Check the campsite you are planning to stay at is open! While many stay open until the beginning of November – and some are open all year – a minority operate only in the month of August.
9. Forests are at their most spectacular at this time of year so pick a woodland site or find one close to some arboreal splendour. Check out nationaltrust.org.uk or forestry.gov.uk
10. If you fancy a bit of ‘glamping’ in fully-equipped tipis, yurts, or colonial farmhouse-style ‘tents’, but been put off by the cost, this might be the time to try it, with prices falling from high season – and no struggling to dismantle a sopping wet tent when you leave.
11. If you’ve been meaning to check out a site everyone has been raving about but found it fully booked, now’s your chance. It’s low season and you’re more likely to get a pitch – and probably at off-peak prices.
12. If you’re camping with the family pooch in tow, you can head for your favourite beach site without having to worry about seasonal dog bans.
13. Didn’t make it to Glastonbury this year? You can still catch some of the late season festivals in September.
14. Foodie families might want to pitch up near one of the many food festivals taking part at this time of year – British Food Fortnight runs from late September to the start of October.
15. Go local. If it turns cold and wet, you can always come home and crank up the central heating!
Have you got any more late season camping tips to share? Post them on our forum by clicking here.
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