Camping by the sea is exhilarating and fun; however, it requires additional thought and consideration compared with inland camping expeditions. Here are some top tips to get the most from your coastal camping experience.
Choose your location carefully
Stick to a designated camping site; there are now quite a number of UK coastal campsites to choose from in the UK – this ensures that you camp legally and safely.
Know your tide times
You might want to get as close to the sea as possible, but don’t pitch your tent without checking the tide times first; the last thing you want is for your tent to get swept away to sea on an incoming tide.
A sturdy tent
A tent that has been used for camping trips inland might not be able to withstand the windy conditions of the coast, so make sure your tent is up to the job before you head off. It should be waterproof rather than just weatherproof and have a high hydrostatic head (HH) rating to cope with potential sea showers. It is a great idea to invest in a tent that comes with a porch, as this gives you somewhere to store wet gear and sandy shoes without dirtying the inside of the tent.
Bring a dustpan and brush
Sand will inevitably somehow manage to get into your tent, so bring along a dustpan and brush to sweep it away.
Look for shelter
You might want to bag the spot with the best views; however, determine how exposed it is to strong winds. Choose a pitch that has some degree of shelter, or erect a windbreak to lessen any blustery conditions.
Pack extra layers
It can get cold at night when camping by the coast, even if it is hot during the day, so bring along extra layers, a higher tog sleeping bag, or a warm blanket.
