What is wild camping? A beginner’s guide
Wild camping is camping in the wild. It means camping away from campsites, and without amenities like water, power, showers, and toilets.Just you and your tent, and whatever you’ve packed in your vehicle – it really is getting away from it all.
What you lose in terms of hot showers (or indeed any showers) you usually make up for in terms of fantastic locations. Camping off the beaten track means you can stay in some truly beautiful places. You’ll be closer to nature – whether it’s forest, desert or beach. Genuinely wild, remote, and peaceful – nothing like your average campsite –wild camping is the real thing.
Be prepared
The key to getting the most out of wild camping is being prepared. These days you can super prepared. You can even bring your own shower for the deluxe wild camping experience. (Although you’ll probably still be striding off into the woods/dunes to go the loo – don’t worry – they’re big enough so you won’t be over looked.)What to take wild camping
It means you need to bring the right food, and cooking equipment. The highlight of many wild camping nights is the group campfire cooking experience. You can stock up during the day on fantastic local meat, fish or vegetables, and cook it over the coals and under the stars.As well as making sure you’ve got the right food for your wild camping, you need to fill up with water. You’ll need it for washing (both you and crockery) as well as drinking, so carry more rather than less than you think you’ll need. And pack a shovel for those visits to the woods/dunes.
Most of the rest of the stuff falls into the category of the things you’d pack for any camping trip. Insect repellent is useful, particularly if you’re camping near rivers in the summer. A good torch and lights for your tent - head torches are very handy. Binoculars – as you’re in the wild you’ll see more birds and other wildlife, and it’s great to be able to take a really good close up look. Wet wipes are good for emergency no-shower clean ups. And don’t forget the bottle opener (and the bottles to open!)
Why I love wild camping
I know for novice 4 x 4 adventurers the wild camping element of the trip can be a little daunting, but in my experience, they’re the most memorable nights of a trip. Watching shooting stars around a campfire in the middle of nowhere feels like a real adventure, and one I’d happily trade for a shower block and a hair dyer!If you’ve got any queries about the wild camping part of OneLife Adventure’s trips, call us on 07776 1406265
By Paul Blackburn