The Custom Shop Rules for an Awesome Camping Experience.

The many advantages of heading out for a break in the van or tent include pitching up in a quiet spot, connecting with like-minded campers, and being pretty close to self-sufficient for the duration of your trip. At The Custom Shop we like to live (and camp) by our own rules, but sometimes it pays to understand, appreciate and anticipate a few simple tips to keep everybody happy next time you head out. Avoid mud-related mayhem and more with these hot tips!

Rule One: Noise

Heading out with friends and family to enjoy a break in the great outdoors is all about the excitement and passion of new adventures. Alongside constantly talking over each other, we love to bring speakers or a guitar away with us to keep the good times flowing as we connect with loved ones. There is absolutely nothing wrong with having a vibrant and noisy pitch, but it is really important to respect the space of your neighbours and be considerate of your impact on them. It’s always best to check with the campsite owner and those around you to see if there are any specific times when music must be switched off, and try to avoid being asked to keep it down (which is just as uncomfortable and awkward for them as it is for you!)

 Rule Two: Space

We often wonder what an aerial view of our favourite campsite would look like; vans and tents spread awkwardly around the bumpy field, groups of friends in mini villages, some people close to the wash block, others preferring a spot out on their own defended by windbreaks and trees. One thing is for certain: many campsites allow you to choose your pitch. It is important to park or pitch up somewhere that works for you, but also isn’t disrupting other campers (especially if they were there first!) As a general rule, leave at least two metres of space between your neighbours to avoid treading on each other’s toes, and make sure you aren’t blocking access to water or electricity points. As with all our advice in this post, it never hurts to double-check with people that you aren’t getting in the way, and if you’re lucky you might even be offered a helping hand to get set up!

 Rule Three: Mess

Most members of the camping community are committed to sustainability and protecting the environment, chances are that most people at the campsite are on a climbing/walking/surfing trip! Nonetheless, you will inevitably create rubbish during your trip, and it is really important to remain vigilant when it comes to mess management and keeping your gear clean. In the van, make sure you have plenty of bin bags (preferably biodegradable) and space for your rubbish, and take any opportunity to take your waste to the campsite bins. In the tent, it’s a good idea to limit waste as much as possible, and take your food waste and other rubbish to the campsite bins when you go to wash up. Never ‘store’ rubbish outside the tent, and never underestimate the initiative of ants and other critters to get amongst your waste!

 Rule Four: Community

This isn’t so much a rule as a mental state to aim for when you are out and about in the camper or with a tent. Camping is often far from a stress-free holiday (which is one of the reasons why it is such a popular choice for people who like a challenge!), and a problem shared on the road is always a problem halved. From helping out campers that get stuck in the mud, offering the use of a spare water carrier when somebody forgets, or simply giving a friendly wave when you spot familiar faces at the beach or on the trail (which inevitably happens!), the sense of community while out camping is truly unique.  

 Rule Five: Respect

Our final piece of advice builds on the ideas of community, sustainability and a positive attitude hinted at earlier in this post. In order to get the most out of your camping experience, we always recommend keeping a respectful attitude towards your destination, fellow travellers and locals. This means driving carefully, making use of local pubs and shops where necessary, and always leaving your destinations as clean and calm as you found them. It is really easy to learn about your destination in advance, and learning about the local beauty spots, communities and environments you are headed into will make the adventure even more enriching. Stay safe out there, and proudly represent the vanlife community wherever you wander!