How to find campsites-any good websites?

[gallicgirl]

Finally persuaded DH that a tent is a good investment and now have equipment.
Question is, how do you find a good campsite for a given region? We want to visit a couple of places in Buckinghamshire which is slightly too far for a day trip so I had the bright idea of testing the tent on a short trip but I can't find any sites in the region.

[NapQueen]

I find MN is basically the go to place for advice on anything. Ask on this board "any good campsites in Buckinghamshire" and you will get plenty tried and tested suggestions.

[zgaze]

You can search on ukcampsite using lots of criteria including county or proximity to a postcode etc - I always check the reviews elsewhere on this site too

www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/

[Thumbcat]

UK campsites is really good. Also the Cool Camping website.

[gallicgirl]

Thanks. I've had a look at the UK campsites one and found a couple of possibilities. Quite a lot of the sites in the area are camping and caravan club only so might have to join them. I'll check out the other website too.

[NettleTea]

was just about to recommend Cool Camping

[Haint]

Or pitchup. Though if you find one on there it's often cheaper to book with the site directly

[gallicgirl]

Cheers folks.
All suggestions book marked.

Tent went up in the garden for a trial run and fuck me, it's big!!

Obviously there's no chance of getting it back in the bag, gggrrrrr.

[TestTubeTeen]

Personally I hate C&C Club sites. I find them very bossy.

Tent back in bag: make sure all doors / compartments are unzipped.

Push all air out on each fold (you did take note of how it was folded when you unpacked it, didn't you? No? BWAH HA HAAAA! Ah, well, study the creases! It is often 'fold in half, back to front' to start with).

Have an assistant who keeps the edges folded in as you go.

Use the long side of the bag as size reference.

Once you have it as tightly folded / rolled as possible put the bag over the tent and pull down, rather than putting tent in bag from above.

[MrsHathaway]

Nonono

First rule of rent folding is THIRDS. Fold into thirds until you can't any more, then roll.

[MrsHathaway]

Hurley Riverside is only just not in Bucks iirc. We've enjoyed it several times.

Also they do pre erected tents if you wanted to do a very soft trial run (ie do you sleep well in tents).

[zgaze]

Hurley riverside is a really good campsite, insecond that suggestion!

[gallicgirl]

I think the packing may have gone better if it hadn't been almost dark when I did it. Won't be the last time, I'm sure!

I'll check the site mentioned, thank you.

I've also found a couple of websites with French campsites so I'm busy compiling possibilities for the summer.

[TestTubeTeen]

Nononono, in half first, and THEN thirds!

In half first is the only way to not have tent fabric folded against muddy bottom!

[TestTubeTeen]

[MrsHathaway]

Ah we clean it as we fold it - one sacrificial towel.

Thirds keeps the edges on the inside so ends up being neater. It does trap air, though, so you have a stage where you have to lie on it for a couple of minutes like a rubbish bouncy castle.

[SheRaaarghPrincessOfPower]

You're all wrong, it's fifths.

Also came here to recommend Hurley.

[gallicgirl]

Can anyone tell me how many people are included in the price at Hurley? Do I pay extra for the kids and is there a minimum stay? It doesn't say on website.

[TestTubeTeen]

In tne T&C it says booking fee includes 2 occupants and one car. The Tariff table shows costs for extra adults or kids.
T&C also says 2 night minimum booking, 3 on Bank Hol weekends.

[2cats2many]

If you're on facebook join the Tent Talk UK group. Your feed will be filled up with posts from members, but it's brilliant for reviews of campsites, heads up on offers and camping gadgets and general camping stuff.

[gallicgirl]

Thank you. I didn't see the occupancy in Ts&Cs. I'll look for the Facebook group, ta.