Switch off and reconnect: Campers are pitching up for longer this summer

Tuesday 21st February 2023

Campers are planning longer holidays this summer, spending more nights under the stars for breaks booked between June and September.

Since 2019 The Camping and Caravanning Club has reported an increase in the average length of stay for summer stays on its nearly 100 Club Sites across the UK, as campers look to switch off and reconnect – and the trend is set to continue in 2023.

Camping is officially the home to happier holidays. According to The Outjoyment Report, commissioned by the Club and carried out by Liverpool John Moores University and Sheffield Hallam University, campers are 23% less anxious than non-campers, with 97% saying happiness is their top motivator for going camping, caravanning or motorhoming. Pitching up on a campsite this summer has measurably positive effects on our health and well-being.

Nicola Simpson, the Club’s Director of Communications, Marketing and People, said: “Even though we are seeing booking patterns normalising more compared to the last three years, our membership levels are still holding up really well and we have some 750,000 members of the Club. We are seeing strong levels of new recruits join the Club, and we’re retaining existing members at really high levels too, which is always a good way to gauge just how popular tent camping, caravanning and motorhoming is.”

Here are some tips from the Club to make the most of your camping trips this spring and summer – and help you save money at the same time:

1. Back to basics: Borrow a tent and equipment from friends and family and pitch up on a Club Site from as little as £16 per person per night for a service pitch in high season.

2. Get money off at attractions: Club members get exclusive discounts at top visitor attractions across the UK. Membership starts from £45 a year: www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/membership 

3. Enjoy affordable easy camping: Club members save £49 when they book a three-night stay this June for themselves and a loved one at our Ready Camp tents at Windermere Club Site in the Lake District, saving 20% with their member discount.

4. Save on high season camping: Campers get 35% off stays in July and August at 15 scenic Club Sites when using promo code SUMUK35.

5. Pick a campsite close to home: You don’t have to travel far to experience something completely different – and the less mileage you clock-up, the less you’ll spend on fuel. Visit www.siteseeker.co.uk to search campsites just a mile from home. -Ends- For more information or images contact us.

Notes for Editors

1. The Camping and Caravanning Club is 122 years old and is the UK’s oldest and largest Club for all forms of camping.

2. The Club has a campsite network of nearly 100 Club Sites around the UK, together with more than 1,200 Certificated Sites that can accommodate up to five caravans or motorhomes a night together with up to ten tents.

3. Join the Club from £45 a year. Club members get up to 30% off pitch fees with further discounts for over 60s. What’s more, members get discounts in retail stores, on days out and attractions www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/membership.

4. Get involved: for the latest news, information and inspiration from The Camping and Caravanning Club, and to engage with those who’ve enjoyed holidays with the Club, visit www.facebook.com/thefriendlyclub or check out our Instagram page www.instagram.com/campandcaravan.

5. To view the Club’s comprehensive video directory, visit www.youtube.com/thefriendlyclub.