Can you recommend any websites that specialise in locating campsites in the UK

Asks danmiller103

A. Booking a campsite has never been easier as it is now possible to review them online. The following sites are some of the best:

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The Camping Club is a great resource as it provides real information from real campers, priding itself on its independence. It includes good information on finding a campsite, buying a tent, maps, equipment suppliers, tent repairs, transport and camping in Europe. It has up to date information on where to camp during the foot and mouth epidemic and how to remain environmentally friendly while you're camping. It has great sections on the environment with two great links, the first to the Marine Conservation Guide that lists all of the clean, sewerage free, beaches in the UK and the WDCS site, where you can find the best places to see dolphins around the coast.

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http://www.interhike.com/campsites.uk.html - it is easy to choose a campsite using this resource, you simply click the map on the�region you wish to visit and it provides a list of sites in that area. You can click on each individual campsite for further information - and it provides full details of when the campsite is open, the number of pitches available, general facilities, directions to the site and price.

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http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/index.asp - is a great campsite directory, with details of thousands of sites in the UK. It lists all their facilities with the added extra of a good campsite review section written by other holidaymakers -which is often more truthful than the hype put out by the campsites themselves. It also has a company directory, free classified adverts, discounted books, a message board and a free monthly newsletter. Its tips page is invaluable, especially if you're new to camping as it includes information on what to include in your first aid kit, how to look after your tent, changing a tyre and building a safe camp fire.

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http://www.camp-sites.co.uk/ - this site has an impressive and fast interactive map - you just click on the county in England and it takes you to the listings for that area. It is a bit parochial however, as if you're travelling outside of England you have to click on Scotland, Wales etc - you can't select any particular areas, so you then get a long list of sites in a selected country rather than a county. It does include Jersey, Guernsey and the Isles of Scilly in its coverage, which is unique. And if you've had enough of camping and want a bit of luxury you can check out its hotels section it has listings for England, Scotland and Wales, plus a separate listing for London.

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The McCoy Guide to Campsites and Camping is very comprehensive and easy to navigate and it has the added bonus of including Ireland in its listings. It includes over 1,700 campsites. This site also offers a lot of great extras including a special section on campsites open all year and a camper's forum.

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http://www.where-can-i-find.com/tourist-information-uk.html - provides extensive tourist information for the whole of the UK and has a substantial section on campsites and caravan parks.

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http://www.holidays.org.uk/index.html - this site provides general information on all types of holiday accommodation and has good section on camping.

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http://www.campsites-uk.com - claims to list all the camping and caravan sites in the UK, and offers a free listing for any site not included in its listings.

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Q. Can you provide any tips to novice campers

A. Good equipment is the key to a comfortable and enjoyable stay out of doors - but don't go mad and buy the most expensive gear in the shop, as you may not stick to it. A good tip is to borrow a tent if it's your first ever camping trip, or buy a cheaper tent and work your way up as you get more into camping. It is like a bug and once you catch it you're hooked - being in the great outdoors becomes more important than the weather once you become an official camper, so your equipment will have to match your activity.

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A good site to check out is http://campingresourceuk.tripod.com - it provides extensive information on equipment, food and supplies, location and the weather. Its equipment section takes you through buying your first tent and what to look out for when you're buying it, it has some really useful tips. It also has a great section on setting up camp (making sure you're on level ground, have enough space) and building a substantial campfire.

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You'll no doubt compile your own camping checklist once you've made a few trips, but if you're just starting out, some of the things you should remember will include the following:

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Tent, sleeping bag, pillow, ground mat, torch, hammer (to sink your tent pegs), suntan lotion, toilet paper, wash bag�and towel, Swiss army knife, stove with fuel�and lighter, matches, can opener, cork screw, frying pan, plates, knives & forks, cups, washing up liquid, rubbish bag.

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By Karen Anderson