There are literally thousands of campsites across the UK alone, offering a varying degree of facilities. From a basic grassy field with a view, to a fully developed holiday park with evening entertainment, there really is something for everyone.
But which campsite and what pitch type should you book?
We want you to have the best possible experience whilst adventuring in our motorhomes, so here’s a handy guide to help you understand the difference between the types of camping pitches to help you with selecting the most appropriate site for you.
Pitch Type
As it says on the tin. A grass pitch is traditionally the simplest and cheapest option.
For: Cheap and cheerful.
Against: Can become sodden and perhaps muddy, creating accessibility issues following a downpouring of rain. One to avoid in the spring/autumn months.
A hardstanding pitch is better for motorhomes as it is designed to handle the weight of the vehicle and is ideal in all weather conditions. These pitches are typically covered in gravel but some can be finished with stone, concrete or tarmac.
For: Can book with confidence, knowing that the space is designed for heavier vehicles.
Against: Costs more than grass pitch. Most preferable option amongst caravan/motorhome community so limited spaces at short notice (so book in advance).
This pitch is normally hardstanding and has its own pillar which provides:
- Fresh water
- Electrical supply
- Waste water/drain
This is a popular choice if you are going to be parked for a few days as the services required for the motorhome are immediately accessible without having to move the motorhome.
For: Convenience
Against: Most expensive pitch across the campsite
These can either be hardstanding or grass, with a shared electric hook up and space for an awning. You can book one of these pitches without owning/using an awning if you prefer more space and/or there are no other pitches available.
Note: The definition of an awning is a tent-like structure which would typically be erected beside the motorhome to provide extended internal living space. This is not a reference to the sun awning which is equipped to all of our motorhomes.
For: Provides more space than the average pitch for awnings etc.
Against: More costly than a non-awning pitch.
These can either be hardstanding or grass, with a shared electric hook up.
For: Most reasonably priced option with electric supply.
Against: Very popular resulting in limited availability. Advance booking strongly recommended.
In simple terms, this means parking/camping anywhere but a registered campsite.
Note: Many local authorities enforce strict measures against ‘overnight camping’ in public carparks etc. so please ensure you fully research your intended destination. All land in England is owned therefore permission from the landowner will be required. Scotland is known for its Land Reform Act 2003 (also known as right to roam). Please note that this doesn’t extend to vehicles.
Please click here for further information on the Scottish Outdoor Access Code
For: Free of charge. Can offer exciting vistas and unique experiences.
Against: Extensive research required. Cannot be pre-booked therefore potentially limited/no space available upon arrival. You could be instructed to move along during the night.
Glossary
This informs you that the pitch you are booking has access to the 230v electrical supply. Our motorhomes come with a 25 metre electric cable so you can ‘Hook-Up’ the vehicle to the main supply pillar. This allows you to power the refrigerator, TV, lights and boiler from the main supply without having to worry about depleting the on-board leisure battery.
This informs you that there is no access to an electrical supply from that pitch. You will be solely reliant on the leisure battery and LPG to power the motorhome.
One of the greatest features of a motorhome is that it can be enjoyed ‘off-grid’. The LPG provides a power source to the refrigerator, oven, hob and boiler system (for heating and hot water). Whilst the leisure battery takes care of the lighting and television.
Please note that you will need to be conscious of you energy consumption when not attached to an electrical supply. In addition the onboard 240v plug sockets will be inoperable.
This means to camp without any connection to services or facilities such as fresh water, waste water drainage, electric etc.
This refers to the type of vehicle you intend to camp in (either motorhome or caravan). When placing a booking it may request ‘Unit Dimensions’. Our vehicles are all under 7.5 metres in length. This information is important so that the campsite can assign you an appropriately sized pitch.
A term referencing the connection of the motorhome to the electrical supply.
This refers to the waste water that goes down the sink or shower plug hole (not toilet waste). This waste water is collected in a separate tank underneath the motorhome which can either be deposited into the supplied Wastemaster or an on-site service drain.
Our vehicles are equipped with a Wastemaster – a water tank on wheels.
This can be used to collect grey waste, before walking it across the campsite to the appropriate drainage facility.
Waste contents of the toilette cassette.
This is normally a layby beside a facilities block on a campsite. This space allows the occupant of a motorhome to empty the grey waste into a gully whilst providing a fresh water supply and in some examples, immediate access to a toilet waste point (Elsan).
Booking Sites
There are numerous great websites for booking campsites but here are our recommended sites:
