Sizzling Summer Camping Tips: Stay Cool, Comfy and Wildly Prepared

We know, we know – summer isn’t quite here yet. But at UKSN, we like to be one step ahead of the weather (because, well… it’s British). Whether you're already eyeing up a sunny weekend escape or planning your next Charter camp, now’s the perfect time to get your gear sorted, refresh your tent game, and get excited for those long, light evenings outdoors.

So here it is – your early-bird guide to summer camping. Packed with practical camping tips, daft ideas, and the kind of wisdom you only get from forgetting your mallet three times in a row.

Pick the Right Spot (and Not Just Because It’s Pretty)

That shady nook under the tree might look like the dream camping spot – until it rains, and all the water runs downhill straight into your tent. Classic.

• Choose higher ground if possible – and check for dead branches overhead before pitching.

• Bonus points for campsites that allow fires, have toilets nearby, and a good view for your morning cuppa.

• Bushcraft-friendly campsites are a win if you fancy trying your hand at a bit of natural shelter building or cooking over open flame – just make sure they allow it.

Want ideas? Its time to explore new locations shared by fellow UKSNer on the Facebook Group - just ask the question!

Don’t Let Your Tent Be the Trip Hazard of Doom

Pitching your tent well isn’t just about staying dry – it’s about not tripping over it every time you need a midnight wee.

• Peg out your guy lines like a pro, not like a spaghetti monster.

• Use glow-in-the-dark pegs or tie some bright ribbon around them if you’ve got little ones (or clumsy grown-ups) wandering around.

• Consider a tarp or extra groundsheet under your tent to help with insulation and soggy ground.

Tip: Practice setting up your tent before you go. Doing it for the first time in a rainstorm, mid-argument, with a hangry child? No one needs that.

Fire It Up – Safely and Like a Boss

There’s something magic about a campfire, especially when it's surrounded by storytelling, s'mores, and a few terrible jokes.

• Always check if fires are allowed. Some places only allow raised fire pits, others want you to use designated spots.

• Bring your own wood – don’t go yanking branches off trees or upsetting local wildlife.

• Never leave a fire unattended. Ever. Not even to chase after a child who’s run off with the marshmallows.

Want to level up your fire-starting skills? Char cloth, fire steels, and feather sticks are great to practise with. And yes, getting it going on the first spark does make you feel like a legend.

Keep It Cool – In Every Sense

British summer can be a wild card. It’s either blazing sunshine or it’s sideways rain. Sometimes both. In the same hour.

• Dress in layers – a light base layer, a fleece for evenings, and a waterproof just in case the sky decides to throw a tantrum.

• Bring something to create shade. Even if it’s just a tarp between trees or an old sheet strung up over your camp chairs.

• Keep water bottles in the shade and bring extras. Hydration packs are super handy on hikes and for little ones who tend to ignore their thirst until it’s meltdown o’clock.

Hot weather tip: Soak a flannel in cold water, stick it in a zip bag in the coolbox, and slap it on the back of your neck when you start overheating. Game-changer.

Pack Like You’ve Been Camping for Years (Even If You Haven’t)

There’s no need to bring everything including the kitchen sink… but a few smart packing choices will make your trip way more relaxing.

Handy extras:

• A battery or solar-powered fan for the tent (trust us).

• Ziplock bags – for snacks, wet clothes, half-eaten sausage rolls, and general chaos control.

• A decent torch or headlamp – phone torches are fine until you’re lost in the woods or halfway through loo roll in the dark.

• Baby wipes – even if you don’t have a baby. The wipe of the wild.

Try making your own “camp kitchen kit” with a washing-up bowl, sponge, washing liquid, tea towel, and a few reusable plates and mugs. Less waste, more camp-cred.

Food Glorious Food – Keep It Simple, Keep It Tasty

Camp cooking can be anything from pot noodles and s’mores to full-on gourmet bush feasts. It’s all good – just keep it easy.

• Pre-chop veggies and store them in zip bags or tubs.

• Freeze meat before packing it in the cool box – helps keep things chilled and stays safe longer.

• Stick to one-pot wonders. Curries, pasta, beans and rice – anything you can chuck in and forget about while it simmers.

Got picky eaters or kids? Let them help make their own wraps or skewers. Or go full caveman with stick bread dough (wrap it around a clean stick and cook over the fire).

Camp Games, Night-Time Fun & Keeping Kids Off Screens

The whole idea is to get away from devices and enjoy being unplugged. So what can you do instead?

• Create a scavenger hunt or a mini navigation challenge.

• Try wild art – leaf rubbings, stone towers, or “make a mythical creature out of sticks”.

• Night-time activities like torch tag, star spotting, or spooky stories are always a hit.

• Bring a hammock, a slackline, or a few simple toys like a frisbee or water pistols.

Top tip: Pack a small waterproof box or drybag with notebooks, pencils, a deck of cards, and a few surprise treats – perfect for rainy afternoons or quiet mornings.

Wildlife Etiquette & Not Being “That Camper”

No one wants to be the group that left a trail of sweet wrappers and burnt sausages behind.

• Bag it up. All of it. Even your banana peel.

• Don’t feed the animals – it messes with their health and behaviour.

• If nature calls, follow proper outdoor toileting rules (bury waste, at least 30m away from water, and carry your loo roll out in a bag if needed).

Leave your pitch looking better than you found it, and the wild will always welcome you back.

The Joy of Doing Nothing

Sometimes the best thing about camping is doing… absolutely nothing. No screens, no plans, just:

• A brew by the fire.

• Listening to birds or the gentle hum of bugs.

• Watching the sunset with a blanket and a biscuit.

Don’t over-plan. Let things be a bit messy, a bit wild, a bit spontaneous. That’s where the magic happens.

Join the Fun (Or Make Your Own)

UKSN is packed with people who love this stuff – from bushcraft beasts to hammock-dwelling wild campers, to families figuring it out together. Want to get involved this summer? Keep an eye on the website and Facebook Group for meet-ups, tips, and plans. Or start a local UKSN Charter – chances are, there’s someone nearby who’d love to join in.

Summer Camping Tips Final Thoughts

So yes – summer might still be doing that shy, half-hearted “maybe next week” thing. But that’s no reason not to get excited. Sharpen those pegs, prep your fire kit, and dig out the marshmallows.

Your next camp could be your best one yet 🌤️🔥