Camping is a great way of getting away from it all. Once you’ve shelled out for the kit, it can also be a cost-effective way of having a break, especially during the current cost of living crisis we are all facing. How you want to camp is completely up to you. You could opt for an all-singing and dancing campsite with on-site shops, pubs and electric hookups to every pitch. These sites are particularly popular with families with children and people who still like a few home comforts even when camping. If you fancy a more back-to-nature experience, there are plenty of campsites available with basic amenities usually meaning no electric hookups. If you are an experienced camper you will know that preparing for such a trip takes a little more thought, if you are not, here are a few things you need to remember when camping without electricity.
Be Prepared
The key to success is to plan in advance and be prepared. When it comes to camping without electricity, this is particularly true. Getting off the grid and getting back to nature can easily be romanticised, especially by an inexperienced camper. It sounds easy, right? All you have to do is sling your stuff in a bag and pack your tent and you’re good to go. This may be true for experienced campers and people who have an affinity with Mother Nature.
However, if you are a city dweller like us, with a couple of kids in tow research and preparation are essential. Researching your chosen campsite is a must. Yes, you know it doesn’t have electricity but does it have a source of water, showers, flushing toilets etc? Also, where’s the nearest place you can ask for help in case of emergencies if the battery in your phone has died and you cannot make calls? etc.
Consider Power Banks
If you think camping without electricity is something you simply cannot do fully, you should consider power banks. Amazon is my go-to for anything like this. With a range of sizes on sale for various prices, you are bound to find ones to suit your needs and budget. You simply need to charge it/them fully before taking your camping trip. Then when your phone/tablet runs out of power simply connect your device via your charging cable to the power bank. Depending on the size of your power bank, you may even be able to get two or more full charges out of it.
Even if you like the idea of getting back to nature without modern-day technology, it’s always a good idea to pack a spare power bank. This is just in case you find yourself in any trouble and need to charge your mobile phone.
Plan Your Meals Out
If you do not have an electric hook up you may need to plan your meals out a bit more carefully than if you did. This is because you will be relying on other power sources to cook your food. Also, you will have no electricity to power a travel fridge or electric cooler. Therefore, you will need to cook perishables first leaving dried food and items that do not need cooking until last. This way you will not be left with food that has gone off and needs to be thrown away.
If possible try to prepare as many of your meals at home as possible. This may reduce the cooking time needed while camping. Or another option is to choose simple-to-make recipes or single items i.e. burgers or sausages. However, if you plan to cook your food ensure you have everything you need i.e. campfire materials, gas canisters etc.
Bring a source of light
Don’t forget to pack a source of light or two. You may think that if you are camping without electricity during the summer months you can get away without one. However, if you need to move around the campsite at night, it is vital that you have something to light up your way. After all, you don’t want to fall over, injure yourself and have to cut your camping trip short. You will also need a light source for inside your tent, for when you are getting changed, reading a book etc.
There are a number of sources of light you could opt for. You could rely solely on a campfire. However, this will need constant attention and potentially a lot of materials if you want to keep it burning throughout the night. Therefore other options like torches, camping lanterns and candles (definitely LED ones not live flame ones) are great solutions. Just remember to pack spare batteries for whatever you decide to use.
Pack Back-Up Entertainment
You may come armed with smartphones and tablets to play games or watch shows on but what about when the battery runs out? What if you have not packed backup power banks? Camping especially with kids can become boring quickly if you do not have backup entertainment options.
Therefore, why not pack some travel games or a pack of cards? These can keep the family occupied for hours. Failing that you could always stick with the old faithful ‘eye-spy’ game.
Camping without electricity can be a big adjustment if you have never attempted it before. But if you plan in advance and pack accordingly, it can be very easy, especially the more you do it.
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