In the years before the internet and the ease of the Google search finding a good campsite was usually done by travelling around whilst touring or by word of mouth from friends and fellow campers.
Searching for a pitch is now a simple process which provides you with all the information you need to know before deciding on your campsite.
A Google search can easily bring you a list of campsites to research in a given area by clicking through to a campsite’s web page and determining if it is suitable for you. However, in recent years a number of campsite directories have been created on the internet providing an excellent means to search for a campsite that meets your needs and is suitable for your campervan or motorhome.
These directories include a search facility that lets you select the location, type of pitch required and any other criteria to help you on your way to a perfect getaway. The two most popular UK directories are:
Ukcampsite.com is the UK’s largest campsite directory and also includes European sites. You can search by town, county or postcode enabling you to browse all the sites in a select or larger area. When you have entered your area location a summarised list of all the sites appears for you to browse and see which is suitable.
Ukcampsite also includes reviews so that you can see how other people have (or haven’t) enjoyed their time at a particular campsite which is invaluable information to help us decide and cater for the family.
What we like about this site is that you can browse campsites in a particular area under a number of popular campsite headings such as beach sites, campfires, boat launching and lots more. We have used this facility many times to find campsites that suit our particular wants for the holiday. Campfires always being a very popular holiday treat.
Pitchup.com although not as large as Ukcampsite is gaining in popularity with users and increasing its campsite database.
This directory is similar to Ukcampsite but has a much more modern feel and is a little easier to use. You can also select multiple criteria unlike Ukcampsite. Just tick the relevant boxes and you can bring up a list of suitable sites tailored to your requirements.
Pitchup also has a facility that lets you search availability and even lets you book your holiday online, however this isn’t available on all listings.
We have used both of these sites and find both very useful. There are also many more directories and other sites giving you loads of choice to find your perfect campervan campsite.
We used to like the mystery of finding a site whilst touring and discovering what it had to offer on arrival. However, we much now prefer arriving at a site we know that will be suitable and has all the facilities to cater for our perfect campervan adventure.
Written by John Alexander, Camping with Rusty the Red LDV Convoy
