Top 5 Unusual Campsites in Britain

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Many campers now demand more than just a miserly pitch on a plain grass field, and there are plenty of outstanding campsites out there if you seek them out - whether you prefer to pitch a traditional tent somewhere a bit different, or fancy a luxurious 'glamping' trip under the stars. To avoid over-crowded, mediocre campsites, check out our pick of five great places to camp in Britain:

1. Cloud Farm - Oare, Lynton, Devon Nestled in a very picturesque hamlet, Cloud Farm lets you pitch your tent on a strip alongside the river or, for a quieter spot and more space, in a larger field on the hill. You can go pony trekking from the site, enjoy countless walks over Exmoor right from your tent door, and enjoy a cosy camp fire in the evening.

Tel: 01598 741278

2. La Rosa Campsite Extraordinaire - Murk Esk Cottage, Goathland, Whitby Stay in one of nine cosy, themed gypsy caravans in North Yorkshire and you're treated to an overdose of kitsch and old-fashioned fun. Lanterns take the place of electricity, wood burning stoves keep guests warm, and the surrounding countryside offers beautiful views and a whole host of tourist attractions such as the Hogwarts railway station featured in the Harry Potter films.

Tel: 01947 606981

3. Riversidelakes - Slough Lane, Horton, Wimborne, Dorset As its name suggests, this campsite is an idyllic place to kick back and relax by the lake - of which there are three on site. Pitches are separated by tall, wild grasses, giving campers a good deal of privacy, and the place is popular with groups who can book out a whole cluster of pitches and enjoy swimming in the lake, fishing, or exploring the woodlands.

Tel: 01202 821212

4. Cosy Under Canvas - Dolbedwyn, Newchurch, Kington, Powys Over in Wales, animal-loving glampers can enjoy luxury tipi accommodation at Cosy Under Canvas, feed their vegetable leftovers to the resident pigs, and collect eggs laid by the ducks and chickens. This woodland retreat is no ordinary campsite, and its Scandinavian Sami-design tipis come at quite a price - but at least you'll be secure in the knowledge that you'll be warm and dry whatever the Welsh weather brings.

Tel: 01497 851603

5. Mandinam Shepherd's Hut - Llangadog, Carmarthenshire Stay in a shepherd's hut or a gypsy caravan nestled in 450 acres of remote Welsh farmland and you can enjoy bags of seclusion, wonderful views and charming, if compact, accommodation.

The two options are quite a distance from one another, and both are beautifully furnished and offer plenty of privacy - but if you choose the gypsy caravan you can also enjoy an outdoor hot tub under the stars...

Tel: 01550 777368

This post was posted on behalf of InsureandGo, offering great-value travel insurance for a whole host of different types of holiday.

Written by British travel writer Rebecca Burns.

Overland Lifestyle: 4x4 Camping and Touring Obsessed

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You know that you are obsessed with 4x4 camping and touring when you are constantly on the lookout for that new trail to drive down. Every trail on the side of the highway is a new starting point for your next adventure. The magazines and the trip guides begin to stack up and you can't seem to stay away from your favorite gear websites. You dream of your next trip when you should be doing something else and those around you begin to notice you aren't quite with it anymore. While everyone else drops their jaw at the new Ferrari going down the street you do the same with a nicely equipped 80 Series Landcruiser. There is nothing wrong with you but there are some simple steps for overcoming the chaos in your head.

1. Write down your plans. Write them all down. This will help you to not forget that trail you wanted to explore. The best laid plan can always come unraveled due to the lack of planning. Organize your plans on paper can help calm a chaotic mind and get you ready for the next big adventure.

2. Check your equipment. Keep your vehicle and all of your other 4x4 camping gear in tip-top shape to make it easier and quicker to hit the next trail. This will help avoid surprises and help give you something to do in between camping trips. Besides, it's fun.

3. Get new gear. Nothing like learning how to use and install a new awning or air compressor.

4. Last of all, talk about it constantly with everyone around you, even if they don't care. That way people will want you to take the trip just so you can stop talking about it. They may even chip in money for gas.

If you find yourself obsessed with 4x4 camping, touring, and overland travel there is hope. Follow these simple steps and you will find relief in the pain you experience by knowing there is so much out there to see. The best advise is to take that trip and overcome this anxiety. Just think of how relaxed you will fill as you set up camp and sit down without another soul around for miles (except for those that came with you) and just you connecting with nature, your 4x4 and those who you actually want to be with. Leave it all behind and find peace within your obsession. So until next time Get Out, Explore.

Kyle Fowers is Co-Owner and Operations Manager for Get Out, Explore LLC, a place for the Best Gear, Friends, Guides and Plans for your next 4x4 camping, overland, and 4x4 touring adventure. Prepare for the road less traveled. Additional info and articles can be found at the Overland Lifestyle section of our site. So if you have a sense of adventure and want to get out and see this beautiful world of ours come on by and see what we have to offer. Visit us today at Get Out, Explore.

Properly Planning Your Next RV Trip Will Save Time And Money

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Have you ever just hopped into your recreational vehicle and hit the road? Planning and preparation is essential to any camping trip. Top 6 RV travel time and money-saving tips.

1. Where are you going?

Before you decide on a destination, find and research the destination details through the city or the city's chamber of commerce. Most city's have their own web-page. The city's web-site pages are typically very useful for researching events happening in the city, contact and directions to the nearest medical and veterinary services, museums, shopping and more.

2. What's the weather forecast going to be during your travels?

Check the weather forecast for your entire travels. Utilize weather internet links and tools for an extended weather forecast as well. The utilization of weather forecast tools prior to departure will save you time, money and frustration. By checking these resources often, you can easily change your travel destination.

3. What will be the best route to take?

My recommendation is to first, map out the trip. There are several tools on the internet to map out the shortest route. Second, purchase a GPS electronic device. (GPS is a portable electronic device that you mount in the motor home or car that tracks your travel, keeps you going in the right direction, alerts you to an upcoming road closure or construction). Third, as a backup, always have an ATLAS US Map Guide on hand. We use all three of these tools on all of our trips.

4. Where are you going to RV Camp everyday?

Don't go camping and hope you find a spot. You need to locate a campground and have a reservation in place before you go. My favorite campground resource guide on the road is the trailer life directory by Good Sam. The trailer life directory guide has all of the details of campsites by state and city, cost of the site, applied discounts, contact information and includes a list of all of the campground amenities such as internet service, laundry facilities, pool, playgrounds, pet restrictions and more. This guide is also especially useful on the road when you are running into time constraints and need to change your original plans.

5. What are you planning to do while you are there?

If your plans include going to a major sports event, play or concert, shop around before you go for deep discounts on major event tickets and entrance fees.

6. What will you need to pack in your RV?

Start with writing a list. We load our recreational vehicle from our list!

List of suggestions could include:

Food, food menu by day, recipes
Clothing
Personal Care essentials
Extra towels, wash clothes, linens
Paper and cleaning products
BBQ - Propane Tank
Medication
First Aid Kit
Pet essentials, pet food, pet shot records, pet meds
Computer, computer accessories
Cell Phone, cell phone accessories
Books, DVD movies, games, cards
Satellite box, remote

Whether your dream camping trip is boon-docking (also known as dry camping), bird-watching, going to a favorite sports game, amusement park, or concert, mapping out and preparing all of the details of your trip before you go will save you time, money and frustration.

Theresa Warner
Web-Site Content Author and Owner
Terry@rving-on-a-budget.com

Please visit my site for additional RV Travel resources and tools: http://rving-on-a-budget.com/