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Camping

Our UK Camping forum has all the information you need on finding the right equipment for your tent or caravan.

First EHU and April holiday

9 replies

ThirtysomethingMummy · 12/01/2026 14:15

We go camping every year in the summer. This year we would like to get an electric hook up pitch and camp in Easter holidays. Is this insane?!
for a first time using EHU, what do I need? Any advice?

OP posts:
worrisomeasset · 12/01/2026 14:32

I find that devices up to about 1200W will work on most British EHUs. As Easter is early and it could be very chilly, I'd get a camping kettle (there's plenty on sale at 1000W or less) for the warming hot drinks you're likely to need.

JollyNewt · 12/01/2026 14:36

We camped last Easter (about 2 weeks later than this year's) and swore never again in April as it was freeeeezing! But you might be hardier than us 😁 and not sure if EHU makes it possible to have heating?

Forgottenmyphone · 13/01/2026 14:39

I’d choose a campsite which is refundable right up to the last minute, just in case the forecast looks grim, and also a site with somewhere you can escape to warm up, like an indoor heated pool or a clubhouse style restaurant with games etc…

profpoopsnagle · 13/01/2026 20:37

We have camped at Easter a fair bit. It's a little bit earlier this year than some , although it doesn't always make a difference with the weather chances.

We would always have an EHU with an Easter camp (but we also tend to go for 7-10 days). We have a cheap fan heater with 2 settings which has run fine on most EHU camps. Ours has an automatic cut off if it gets knocked over. It's pretty much instant heat when it's switched on but we don't use it over night. I know some people have an oil style heater which would take longer to get to temp but would be less noisy and perhaps safer at night? Don't forget you might find you need more lighting options too for the evenings- you are less likely to be outside your tent looking at the stars.

I would also make sure you pack good sleeping bags/mats, and layers of clothes with woolly hats/gloves/slippers etc. wrapping the body so that it is warm makes the real difference here. Take a few more bits of quick and easy heat food that warms a tummy- porridge, custard, cup a soups, noodles etc.

I also chose campsites differently for the colder times- perhaps better bathrooms that are heated and like a PP said, a site with facilities. If they're not usually your thing they are normally much quieter at Easter. Also think of what you might do in the day- are there enough wet/cold weather options.

In spite of the challenges, it has been a favourite time of mine to camp. I'd always relished the prospect of getting out in nature again after long winters, and one of my favourite memories is crunching across frosted grass in the morning.

outdooryone · 14/01/2026 13:11

As someone who has camped year round and regularly in sub-zero, crack on.

Yes a few more blankets, hot water bottles, fussy about wet and mud getting in is needed, but it is perfectly doable and enjoyable.

Top tip: put more under sleeping areas as cold from the ground is a surprising 'leak' of heat. Most inflatable mattresses have no insulation as well. So find some cheap foam pads or cardboard for tent floor, folded blankets underneath sleeping bags or sheets etc works well. And hot water bottles for the win.

TheatreTheatre · 14/01/2026 16:15

If I was camping at Easter I would go to a more 'wild style ' site that allows camp fires - can't beat sitting round a campfire to keep warm.

There will be some that have both EHU and campfires.

Also allow for the fact that compared to summer the days will be much shorter / evenings dark earlier - I cook outside the tent so I have to change my timing.

Also the chances of getting a completely dry tent to pack up are lower - the morning air will be damper and colder , so tent will need to be dried / aired off at home.

But plenty of people do it so go for it!

Get a fan heater that is compatible with campsite electricity supply, and pay attention to wattage of all appliance. In general Don't use more than one heating appliance (including stove etc) at once. And get a fan heater that cuts out if it tips over - people have burned holes in their groundsheets or started fires from an accidentally kicked over fan heater. .

Jumbojem · 17/01/2026 11:30

We camped in Belgium one Easter and it was 4 degrees! Although it was warmer in the days the sun came out. We had a small oil fired radiator and frankly left it on all the time we were in the tent, it helped keep everything warmer and drier.
Also, camping electric kettle and lights (or rechargeable lights you can use the EHU to recharge).
Thermals for sleeping, and extra socks. Lots of socks actually as damp grass in the morning/evening means you need more than you think.
A tablet with some movies or TV programmes downloaded is great for the evenings, cuddle up in your sleeping bags with some snacks helps pass the cooler evenings.

EveryDayisFriday · 16/02/2026 21:47

We went for a week at Easter last year on the Welsh Borders. We had nighttime frost on the tent but I also got sunburned during the day. Thank god for EHU, our heater, hot water bottles and 3/4 season sleeping bags which kept us warm.

SleafordSods · 25/02/2026 19:14

We’ve done ot before and it was fine. We did go to a site with a lovely heated toilet and shower block though.

We had a travel kettle, a small heater, lots of layers and picnic blankets under the sims.

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