Surprising Things Some Campsites Don’t Allow – Good To Know When Camping in the UK
Surprising Things Some Campsites Don’t Allow
All campsites have their own set of rules. Many are the same for most campsites, such as keeping noise down overnight, leaving the washing up area clean for the next person, leaving toilets and showers in a nice state for the other guests to use, using the recycling bins correctly, and so on. They all make perfect sense. Then there are some surprising things that some campsites don’t allow which we’ll explore in this article.
Because rules are different for each site, it’s important to read the rules of a campsite before booking if possible and at least always before visiting. Sometimes you are given a paper with the rules printed on it on arrival at the campsite as well.
Campsite Rules That Might Surprise You
The below are some campsite rules that we have come across on our camping trips that have surprised us at the time. They have not been rules at all the UK campsites that we’ve visited but we have come across them a few times when camping and also online when researching campsites.
No Car Access
On our very first family camping trip (in rainy thunderstorm conditions), the campsite we visited, Newfold Farm Campsite in Edale, did not allow parking next to the pitch. The car had to be left at the car park and then we had to carry everything over to our pitch in the heavy downpour which wasn’t ideal. We left what we could do without in the car because of this. When camping as a family, it’s so convenient to be able to have your car next to your tent pitch or your camping pod so we generally look for sites that allow this where possible.
No Gazebos Allowed
This is a rule that annoys our family since we are very careful with sun exposure. Many campsites don’t allow gazebos or other types of sun shelters which is a shame. I can completely understand that there isn’t always room for these but some of the campsites that we have visited that don’t allow small camping gazebos have had plenty of space. If you are lucky, you might have a picnic table available for your pitch and then you might be able to use a compact parasol for that to protect your family from the sun. Do check with the campsite’s list of rules first (or give them a ring to check) as they might not allow parasols either.
No Campfires
Gathering around a campfire is a big part of camping for many. Just hanging out around the fire at night to spend time together and warm up before bed, or to use the campfire for roasting marshmallows or grilling hot dogs. If a campfire is a must for you, definitely check out the campsite rules before booking as many UK campsites do not allow campfires (or BBQs) at all. This is usually for safety reasons and to protect the grass from damage. Campsites that do allow fires usually have fire pits ready for guests to use. Sometimes portable fire pits are allowed. To avoid disappointment, always check before you book.
No Guests Without Signing In
This final rule on this list surprised me at first but it does make sense. If you have a guest visiting you at the campsite even just in the daytime, some campsites require them to check in. Many campsites that do require check-in, also only allow up to 2 guests per pitch. This all makes sense from a safety point of view so that the campsite knows who’s there but for sites that are really open where people can just walk in anyway it’s a bit strange.
More Surprising Campsite Rules
Have you come across any other surprising things some campsites don’t allow? Please share your experiences in the comments below.
