How To Avoid the Camping Crowds This August Bank Holiday

• 19th Aug 2016

Camping is becoming more and more popular and it is wonderful that so many of us in the UK are getting out there to enjoy the natural world. The flip side of that, of course, is that certain campsites on certain weekends can be busier than ever and you can end up struggling to even get a site at your favourite destinations. That said, it is still easier than you might imagine to escape the crowds. Here are a few tips to help you avoid the camping crowds this August Bank holiday:

Hike Or Bike In Rather Than Arriving By Road

One way to get off the beaten track is by literally getting off the road. Rather than driving to your destination and scrabbling around to find somewhere to park or pitch, if you are planning a last minute bank holiday getaway, you should consider hiking or biking to more remote destinations. On foot or on two wheels you can access a wide variety of trails and tracks and find camping spots that fewer people will reach.

Reach Your Destination By Sailing Boat, Kayak or Canoe

The lakes, lochs, waterways and coastal waters of the UK also open up an entirely new and far less crowded set of camp site options. Why not consider reaching your destination on the water and either choosing a campsite or wild camping spot on the water's edge? This is another way to leave the worst of the bank holiday crowds behind.

Head For the Hills

The most hilly and mountainous regions of the UK tend to be amongst the least densely populated areas. Why not consider taking a wild camping hill walking or mountaineering expedition. Again, this will take you off the beaten track and while it will take a lot more effort to reach your destination, by making the effort you will escape the crowds and be rewarded by a peaceful and uncrowded environment in which to enjoy the great outdoors.

Consider Smaller Sites and Private Land

Larger and better known campsites tend to fill up quickly on bank holiday weekends but there are plenty of smaller sites throughout the UK that are no less appealing. Do your research and consider visiting somewhere you have never been before. If you cannot find a smaller and less well known site in the area you wish to camp, consider the options available for camping on private land.

Head North, Further North

The South of the UK is far more densely populated than the north and this means busier campsites and more congested roads to get there. The north of England can offer some less crowded options, but to escape the bank holiday crowds, head north of the border into Scotland. There is no bank holiday in Scotland this weekend, and kids have gone back to school already, so campsites will be far less crowded.