The majority of people will naturally think 'summer' when considering a camping trip. There are of course many reasons why most people go camping during summer but there are just as many reasons, if not more, to consider a trip outside of high season. Read on for a look at summer camping versus non summer camping – the good and the bad.

Summer Camping – The Bonus Side

The weather

The number one reason why British folk choose to camp in summer. Of course being British means we accept that the skies could open and we could be washed out in July or August as well as in any other month – nothing is guaranteed where our weather is concerned. But temperatures are likely to be at their highest and nights will generally be warmer for sleeping under canvas.

Longer Daylight Hours

For many the long, lingering daylight hours of a summer evening are what camping trips and being outdoors are all about. If you are camping in the extreme north of Scotland in summer the dusk will linger in the sky until after midnight and no sooner is it truly dark then the sun rises again.

More Facilities and/or Activity Choices

If your idea of a great camping trip is on a vibrant camp site with lots happening and where entertainment is organised and laid on for site guests then summer is the only way to go. Kid's clubs, evening entertainment, restaurants, bars and clubs etc all close to hand –  if this is your idea of fun then you will be less likely to find it outside of high season.

Less Equipment Necessary

Planning for a summer camp trip is usually more straightforward than for non-summer camp trips. Quantities of warm weather gear are less likely to be needed and the question of warmth in general is less of an issue. You can get away with lighter weight or lower quality sleeping equipment and cheaper tents will be adequate for your needs. You will also need less gas for cooking and less fuel or batteries for lamps and torches.

Summer Camping – The Downside

Bugs and creepy-crawlies

Warmer weather is when everything comes out to play including wasps, gnats, flies and that tiny bane of the camper's life – the ant.

Crowds

At best you may struggle to find that little quiet corner somewhere and at worst you will be rammed like sardines into a camp field. Camp trips can be ruined by inconsiderate neighbours or fellow campers. Some popular tourist areas and attractions get over-run and getting about on the roads can be a real headache.

Higher prices

You will without doubt pay more for your camp site in the summer months and in some cases very much more. Very popular sites can charge whatever they like knowing that they will fill their pitches thanks to their premium location or other factors which draw the holiday-makers like bees to a honey pot.

Availability

Some sites are so popular that they are fully booked long before the season ever starts. If you haven't thought ahead then finding your perfect camp site is going to be more tricky. If you are opting for something last minute you may really struggle to find any available pitches at all.

The weather

Now this may seem like a cheat because it is also listed under the 'bonus' side but if the British weather does decide to offer up some heat wave type temperatures camping can be extremely uncomfortable. Even the highest quality, best ventilated tents can end up like an oven inside meaning morning lie-ins are impossible and nights uncomfortably sticky.

Off-season & Winter Camping

Now, I warn you in advance that I am an off-season and winter camper so you may notice some bias and rather more entries under the 'bonus' side than were included for summer camping. In the interests of fairness however you will notice that the 'downside' list is also longer. Some of the entries directly correspond and/or are opposite to those listed under summer camping.

The Bonus Side

Quiet and solitude

If you are seeking escape from hustle and bustle you will find it so much more easily in the non-summer months. In many cases you may have a camp site completely to yourself.

More choice of camp sites

Because the crowds have gone you can pretty much take your pick of camp sites knowing there will be space for you.

More choice on pitches

In the chaotic summer months over-run camp sites normally strictly allocate pitches and you have no say in the decision. Outside of the summer months most camp sites will let you decide where you want to pitch your tent so you can choose the premium spot.

No booking required

As pre-booking isn't normally required outside of high season you can just turn up on a whim. It also means that if you are headed into an area you don't know well you can shop around until you find the camp site that looks just right for you rather than relying on a camp site description or a vague picture in a brochure or on the internet.

Cheaper

Prices plummet after certain dates so you can have a far cheaper holiday.

Bug free

The insect world is starting to go to sleep so sharing your sleeping bag with biting insects or the contents of your food store with ants and wasps isn't an issue.

Easier food storage

Keeping food fresh in the summer months while camping is difficult and at best requires careful planning to avoid constant trips to the shops.

Guilt free lie-ins

As it doesn't get light until later you can justify lying in bed longer in the mornings.

Cosy

Keeping warm need not be the huge issue that people assume who have never tried non-summer camping. Appropriate clothing, hot water bottles, a decent sleeping bag and mattress, tent heaters and many other little ways can make non-summer camping not just shiver free but downright cosy.

Camp-fires

Trying to find a camp site which allows camp fires during high season is almost impossible. Rules relax a little once the crowds disperse and fire risks decrease. For me, no camp trip is complete without starlit nights around a camp fire, my hands wrapped around a mug of hot chocolate.

Kudos

Once you have tried non-summer camping you get a special badge which admits you to the hardcore campers club!

Off-season Camping – The Downside

The Cold

As already discussed under the 'bonus' side this isn't always such as an issue as would be expected. However, if you are some-one who feels the cold and you equipment isn't up to the job then you may find off-season camping uncomfortable or even miserable.

The Damp

Condensation inside a tent can be a bit more of a problem in colder weather and without the right tent and equipment you may find yourself faced with damp bedding and clothing. Trying to dry out wet clothes or gear is difficult without hours of sun to help you. You may find yourself needing a bigger tent than in summer in order to store wet gear away from dry gear.

Better Equipment Needed

You will need all your gear to be able to cope with more challenging conditions. You can often get away with cheaper gear in summer but you are more likely to need quality equipment for non-summer camping and quality equipment is usually more expensive.

More Equipment

You will probably need to take more equipment to cover a greater variety of conditions and to help you cope with the challenges that non-summer camping brings and you may need to plan your gear list a little more carefully too. You will need extra batteries or fuel for torches and lanterns for the longer hours of dark, you will need bulkier clothing and bedding including extra blankets and you will find yourself burning more fuel for your cooking stove in cold weather.

Camp site Closures

Some camp sites are only open at certain times of the year. Once upon a time it was difficult to find all year camp sites but this has changed a lot in recent years. Camp sites in extremely popular tourist areas or by beaches are often those that are seasonal but not always so you will need to check before you go.

Limited Facilities

If you are looking for a more family orientated site be aware that not all park facilities are open even if the park or camp site itself is. Swimming pools in particular often have a very limited season as do children's activity programmes and other on-site entertainments.