Five camping myths debunked

26 September, 2022

You might think that camping involves a cramped tent and the need to get up in the middle of the night, armed with a toilet roll, to walk over to a grotty toilet block in the cold. There are no end of myths and old-fashioned ideas about camping. Let’s debunk five common camping myths!

Five camping myths

• Camping is uncomfortable
• Camping is primitive
• Camping equipment is expensive
• Camping isn’t fun if the weather isn’t great
• Camping doesn’t require any preparation

Myth 1: camping is uncomfortable

Camping may not always have been comfortable in the past, but it is now! You can make it as luxurious and comfortable as you want. Start by deciding what you want to go camping in: a tent, caravan, trailer tent, camper van or perhaps even rented accommodation like a static caravan or lodge tent. A tent is the most obvious and cheapest option for first-time campers.

If you opt for a tent, you’ll need to make sure it’s big enough to comfortably spend time in if the weather is bad. A trailer tent is the ideal combination of caravan and tent. It gives you more of an ‘outside’ feel than a caravan would but is more luxurious than a tent. Caravans and camper vans are comfortable camping options; they’re like homes on wheels.

Bonus tip: would you like to try your hand at camping but don’t want to slum it? Go glamping! Glamping is all about comfort. It allows you to enjoy the sense of being outside in nature but with the benefit of luxury facilities and your own toilet.

Myth 2: camping is primitive

Forget the night-time trek to the toilet block with a toilet roll under your arm; most campsites provide toilet roll now. There are very few French squat toilets left and the toilets at some campsites are sometimes even more luxurious than your own toilet at home.

You have a number of options If you would like to have a tent and your own toilet. You could bring your own toilet facilities, like a toilet bucket, portable toilet or toilet tent. Alternatively, you could choose for a campsite that provides private toilet facilities. This is the perfect solution if you value privacy and comfort. Besides a toilet, you will often have your own shower or bath too.

Campsites with private toilet facilities

Myth 3: camping equipment is expensive

Camping equipment doesn’t have to be expensive because you decide how much you’re willing to spend on it. If it’s your first time camping, there’s no guarantee you’re going to like it or ever want to do it again.

So, it’s wise not to buy everything new straight away. Instead, you could rent a tent, caravan or camper van or borrow one from someone you know. It’s also possible to buy camping equipment second-hand, rent things like fridges and fridge lockers at websites and use communal fridges.

If you would like to buy brand-new camping equipment because you’re completely sold on the idea, you’ll find yourself facing a big investment in the first year. But if you go camping every year and use your equipment over and over again, it’ll be cheaper than going to a hotel every year in the long term. That makes camping a relatively cheap way of going on holiday.

Myth 4: camping isn’t fun if the weather isn’t great

Although we all hope the weather gods will be on our side when we’re camping, don’t let a bad weather forecast hold you back. It can actually be really cosy when there’s a rain shower and the perfect opportunity to spend some quality time together in your tent or playing games in your caravan. Also, experienced campers will tell you that rain showers usually don’t last long and you can head off outside again quite quickly afterwards.

There’s definitely no need to get bored when rainy spells are longer either. Many campsites have indoor facilities like a recreation area where you can play games. Others have indoor playgrounds and/or indoor swimming pools.

Be prepared for all kinds of weather. Make sure you pack appropriate clothing, like a warm jacket and long trousers, even when you are travelling to countries in Southern Europe. Also remember to bring along an extra blanket just in case the temperature drops a lot at night.

Did you know that camping is popular in the early and late seasons and even in the winter months? Many campsites are open all year round, even in the low season. The ACSI CampingCard makes the cost of your camping holiday even cheaper still in the low season.

Campsites with indoor swimming pools

Myth 5: camping doesn’t require any preparation

Well, that’s not true – good preparation make all the difference! When you’re planning to go camping for the first time, it will be important for you to prepare really well. Start by thinking about the kind of campsite you’d like to go to.

Do you love nature and is it important for you that the campsite is really quiet? Or would you enjoy a lively campsite that organises a lot of activities and has a swimming paradise? Would a small campsite be ideal for you? What kind of destination would you like? Don’t forget the surrounding area either.

It’s also a good idea to have an overview of everything involved and what you will need. We’ve put together a handy holiday checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything.
If you’re a camping newbie, you’ll want to avoid the embarrassment of struggling to put up your tent when you arrive at your campsite. So, try to practise at home at least once before you leave for your holiday.

What was your biggest camping myth? Let us know in a response.