This summer, camping is going to be a popular holiday choice for many families in the UK. The credit crunch will force many more families who normally go abroad for the holidays to stay at home. Plus, festivals are becoming more popular for those who love live music and camping is becoming the trend among the young.

So, without any further ado, here’s our Top 10 Camping Tips to make sure your stay under the stars is as smooth as possible.

10 : Toilet Roll
This is as important as taking your passport if your going abroad. No-one likes getting too comfy with nature and quite frankly Doken leaves are a poor substitute for comfy Andrex toiler paper.

9 : Sunblock
Yep, we sometimes get the Sun here in the UK at summertime. Remember, you’ll be outside a lot more than normal when you go on a camping trip and even on cloudy days the Sun can still do damage to the skin. Protect yourself and especially kids from sunburn.

8 : Clothing
Make sure you pack ideal clothing for all the family. Heavy and light clothing is a necessity. Remember you are at risk to the elements and if the weather takes a turn for the worse you want to make sure yourself and family are prepared.

7 : Entertainment
This depends on the individual really. Entertainment might mean a chess board or a good book for some but others might need their DS Lite, portable DVD Player or a radio / ghetto blaster. If your of the modern gadget type then you had better be prepared to have a transportable energy source with you : such as batteries.

6 : Torch
Yep, you will need to see in the dark and even if your going to a campsite, they might switch the lights off at a certain time or they will be less bright than normal street lighting. If your going it alone to your own campsite then a torch is a priority.

5 : Footwear
Similar to clothing, running around in sandals when it is lashing down in a muddy field is not the best experience in the world.

4 : Fold Away Chairs
What you thinking about sitting on the grass all the time your camping? Camping is a great way to get near nature but you can still be comfortable while doing so.

3 : Cooking Stoves & Food
Again this will reflect where you want to go camping. Some of the larger well established camp sites have shops, eating halls etc … but many of the small ones leave it up to yourself. Also, make sure someone knows how to prepare a proper campsite fire if your doing your own cooking.

2 : Disposable Plastic Bags
Please take your rubbish away with you or dispose of it properly. No-one likes to see rubbish strewn all over the countryside or campsite.

1 : Camping Air Bed
Ideal for a comfy, luxurious night’s sleep. Most modern camping airbeds can inflate/deflate in seconds and are comfier than traditional mattresses. I most definitely wouldn’t go camping without my airbed, sleeping on hard, uneven ground is not a nice experience.

Bonus Tip : Tent
Yeah don’t forget this or your camping experience may not last that long. Enjoy the summer and happy camping.