The Right Campsite Makes All the Difference
Experienced campers know that a great trip starts before you even leave home. Choosing the right campsite — and the right pitch within it — sets the tone for everything that follows. Get it right and you'll sleep well, stay dry, and wake up to a view that makes the whole trip worthwhile. Get it wrong and even the best gear can't save you. Here's how to choose wisely.
1. Start with Location and Accessibility
Before anything else, think about where you want to be and how you're getting there:
- Distance from home — For your first few trips, stay within 1–2 hours. If something goes wrong or you forget something essential, you can easily sort it out.
- Terrain and access — If you're car camping, check that the site is accessible by your vehicle. Some sites have narrow lanes or weight restrictions that catch people out.
- Proximity to attractions — Think about what you want to do. Hiking trails, lakes, beaches, or simply peace and quiet — choose a site that puts you close to what matters.
- Mobile signal — If you need connectivity for safety or work, check coverage maps before booking. If you want to disconnect, look for sites in signal-free valleys.
2. Check the Facilities
Facilities vary enormously between campsites. Match the site's amenities to your comfort level:
- Toilets and showers — Essential for most campers, especially families. Check reviews for cleanliness.
- Water points — Confirm there's a clean water supply on site, or plan to bring your own.
- Electric hook-up — If you're using electric pumps, lighting, or charging devices, an EHU pitch is worth the extra cost.
- Camp shop or nearby stores — Useful for forgotten items and fresh supplies.
- Fire pits — If campfires are important to you, confirm the site allows them and has designated fire areas.
3. Read Recent Reviews
Campsite listings can be outdated. Recent reviews from fellow campers give you the real picture:
- Look for reviews from the same season you're planning to visit — a site that's perfect in summer may be waterlogged in autumn
- Pay attention to comments about noise, cleanliness, and the attitude of site staff
- Check for photos — they reveal far more than descriptions
- Look for mentions of specific pitches — some are far better than others on the same site
4. Book in Advance
The best pitches on popular sites fill up weeks or months ahead, especially for bank holidays and school holidays. Don't leave it to chance:
- Book as early as possible for peak season trips
- Ask about specific pitch preferences when booking — many sites will accommodate requests for quieter or more sheltered spots
- Check the cancellation policy in case your plans change
5. Choosing Your Pitch on Arrival
If you have a choice of pitch on arrival, take a few minutes to walk the site before committing. Look for:
Ground Conditions
- Level ground — Even a slight slope makes sleeping uncomfortable. Look for a flat pitch or one with a very gentle gradient.
- Good drainage — Avoid low-lying areas and hollows where water pools after rain. Slightly elevated or gently sloping ground drains far better.
- Firm surface — Soft, boggy ground makes pegging difficult and can become a muddy mess in rain. Grass over firm soil is ideal.
Natural Shelter and Shade
- Windbreaks — Hedgerows, walls, and tree lines provide natural wind protection. Position your tent on the leeward side.
- Shade — Morning shade from the east is welcome in summer; afternoon shade from the west keeps your tent cooler during the hottest part of the day.
- Avoid pitching directly under trees — Dripping branches, falling debris, and bird activity make this a poor choice despite the apparent shelter.
Proximity to Facilities
- Close enough to toilets and water points for convenience, but not so close that you're disturbed by foot traffic and noise at night
- Away from the main site entrance and roads to reduce noise and headlight disturbance
Views and Atmosphere
- Don't underestimate the value of a good view. A pitch with an outlook over a lake, valley, or open landscape elevates the entire experience.
- Consider privacy — some pitches feel exposed while others offer natural seclusion
6. Match Your Shelter to the Pitch
Once you've chosen your pitch, your shelter needs to work with it. Key considerations:
- Size — Make sure your tent fits the pitch with room for guy ropes. Measure if you're unsure.
- Orientation — Position the tent door away from the prevailing wind. In the UK and much of Europe, wind typically comes from the south-west.
- Porch and living space — If you're using a canopy shelter as an outdoor living area, factor in the space needed for both structures.
- Setup speed — If you're arriving late or in bad weather, an inflatable tent is invaluable. No poles, no fuss — just inflate and you're done in minutes.
7. Arrive Early
This single tip makes everything easier:
- You have daylight to assess and set up your pitch properly
- You get first choice of available pitches
- You have time to sort any issues before dark
- The whole experience starts on a relaxed, unhurried note
Perfect Campsite Checklist
- ✅ Location suits your activities and travel distance
- ✅ Facilities match your needs (toilets, showers, water, EHU)
- ✅ Recent positive reviews checked
- ✅ Booked in advance for peak periods
- ✅ Level, well-drained pitch selected on arrival
- ✅ Natural windbreak and shade considered
- ✅ Tent oriented away from prevailing wind
- ✅ Space for canopy shelter and guy ropes confirmed
- ✅ Arrived with daylight to spare
Set Up Camp in Style
Once you've found your perfect pitch, the right shelter makes all the difference. At Bestyle Camping Store, our premium inflatable tents and canopy shelters are designed to perform on any pitch — fast to set up, weatherproof, and spacious enough to make any campsite feel like home.
Browse our full range and arrive at your next campsite ready for anything.