It’s a huge misconception that you can only go camping during the summer months. While there is no denying that staying in a caravan, motorhome or tent can be lots of fun when the sun is shining, it can be just as enjoyable in the colder months. In fact, there are several benefits associated with booking campsites during the off-peak season and you can have a brilliant holiday in the spring, autumn and winter too.
If you’re usually a fair-weather camper and you tend to book campsites for June, July, August and September, below we have explored some of the many reasons why campsites aren’t just for the summer months.
Reasons to go Camping All Year Round
There are lots of reasons why you should consider booking caravan, motorhome or tent pitches at different times of the year, such as;
- Experience Nature at its Best – The countryside looks beautiful in summer, however, many agree nature is at its best in the spring and autumn months. Seeing the flowers in bloom during spring or the auburn leaves on the trees in autumn can make your stay at a campsite even more enjoyable. If you like going for walks in open spaces or cycling down country lanes, you can guarantee you will have an amazing holiday at all times of the year.
- Enjoy the Peace and Quiet – Campsites tend to be at their busiest during the summer months and when booking family-friendly holidays, many will stay at a campsite in July or August. If you choose to go on holiday during the off-peak season, campsites will probably be quieter. You might not have to book as far in advance to get a pitch on the campsite you’re interested in when you go on holiday outside of the summer months too.
- Avoid the Crowds of Tourists – Tourist attractions can get really busy during the summer months and whether you’re visiting a sandy beach or a national trust park, it will likely be overcrowded. One of the biggest benefits of going camping at other times of the year is that fewer people will be out and about, so you can experience local attractions without the crowds. You may find that some attractions are cheaper to visit during the off-peak season as well.
- Beat the Heat – Going on holiday when it’s warm and sunny isn’t always ideal, and it can be beneficial to book campsites for the cooler months. You will then be able to wander around local towns or go for long country walks without having to worry about the midday sun. You can still have lunch in a pub garden or fish and chips on the beach in spring or autumn, and you won’t be missing out when you don’t go on holiday in summer.
- Unique Seasonal Activities – No matter where you choose to go on holiday, there will be lots of activities and events in the local area all year round. In fact, some of the best events might be during the off-peak holiday season and when you book a campsite at this time of the year, you can experience everything going on nearby. Ultimately, if you only go on holiday in the summer months, you will miss out on so many amazing experiences.
How to Make the Most of Your Caravan
If you’ve recently purchased a caravan and you’re keen to make the most of this investment, there are so many opportunities for camping holidays throughout the year. Below are some useful tips for any new caravan owners;
- Book a Seasonal Pitch – If you’d like to spend every spare weekend in your caravan and you want to simply turn up to a campsite and start enjoying yourself straight away, it’s worth looking into seasonal pitches. When you book this type of pitch, you can leave your caravan on-site from March to January, enabling you to stay here as frequently as you’d like during this time. This is a really cost-effective and convenient solution to consider.
- Find All Year Round Campsites – Not all campsites are open all year round, but when you find somewhere that welcomes guests 365 days a year, you can make the most of the off-peak season. The winter months, in particular, tend to be quieter than other times of the year and booking to stay on a campsite in the winter will allow you to get some peace and quiet in the tranquil countryside.
- Look for Hardstanding Pitches – Finding campsites that offer both grass and hardstanding touring pitches is beneficial when you want to use your caravan all year round. Even when grass pitches are meticulously maintained, if the weather is miserable and a lot of rain is predicted, a hardstanding pitch can be best to book. Setting up your caravan on concrete or gravel, for example, can prevent any problems with mud if you’re camping in adverse weather conditions.
- Get Electric Hook Up – You may find that during the spring and summer months, you don’t necessarily need electric hook up, especially if you have a solar panel on your caravan. However, having electricity is useful at other times of the year. If you want to make the most of your caravan, look for pitches with electric hook up. This will enable you to use things like your caravan lights and heating as much as you want without worrying about getting a flat battery.
Booking Campsites in Suffolk, Essex, Kent and Sussex
It’s fair to say that camping isn’t just for the summer months and there are so many reasons why you should consider booking a campsite during the spring, autumn and winter too. Hopefully, the tips above will help you to make the most of your caravan whatever the weather. If you’re searching for campsites that are open all year round, be sure to check out the Sellers Leisure website. We have a wide range of prestigious campsites to choose from.
Whether you’re interested in camping in Suffolk, Essex, Kent or Sussex, you can book a pitch at one of our award-winning leisure parks in confidence. We offer all types of touring and camping pitches, and you will be immersed in the stunning countryside when staying with us. All of our campsites are ideally located too, only minutes away from towns and villages, and with excellent facilities on-site, you will have everything you need for an unforgettable stay. To learn more about our campsites in Suffolk, Essex, Kent and Sussex, feel free to contact our team today.