You may think you’re not the kind of selfish soul who’d even dream of annoying other people on holiday, but chances are you’ve probably annoyed someone at some point without knowing you’re doing something wrong! What might seem perfectly acceptable and reasonable to you (midnight campfire songs, Fido ‘just being lively’ with his adorable exuberant barking, your little darlings running about playing first thing in the morning) may have the person next to you rocking in their berth muttering in righteous fury. Follow Pitchup.com’s guide to camping etiquette to make sure you’re always a perfect guest.

Get your foot out of my face!

Everyone has their own idea of personal space, as those of us who’ve been pinned against the wall by a colleague relating their weekend adventures can attest. Camping is just the same, and needs you to keep an eye on other people and where they are.

‘Too close’ will vary according to each camper, so err on the side of caution and pitch as far away from your neighbour as room allows. If space is tight and you’re forced to pitch up closer than you think they’d like, a smile and an acknowledgment goes a long way. Similarly, if you think someone is pitched too close to you, a quick move or a polite chat should sort things out before you’re smouldering as much as your campfire. And remember not to take a short cut through someone’s pitch – it’s their front garden.

Little angels

Sadly not everyone will love your little darlings as much as you do, so if you’re camping with children do your best to make sure they don’t disrupt or annoy other campers. Kids will be loud and excited on holiday, so consider a park aimed at them, where other parents will be less likely to complain and where you can bond over a glass of wine when the kids are finally in bed.

If you do go to a general park, let your kids know about when and when isn’t an OK time to run about or shout, and be very very sure to impress on them that other people’s tents/pitches are private and not for exploring. Finally, try not to take it personally if someone asks you at 8am on a Sunday morning if the volume/screeching could possibly be lowered just a tiny bit. Be aware that tents don’t have walls and so something seemingly innocuous like the beeping and clicking of a games console at night can really annoy someone next to you.

It works the other way too – if you just don’t like children, or want to sleep late in the mornings after visiting the local pub, consider an adults-only park so your blood pressure stays down and so you’re not complaining about what could be reasonable enough noise. If you’re intending to stay up late or play music and you’re in a family park, pitch in an isolated spot if possible.

Pampered pooches

If you’re taking your dog camping with you, search for a dog-friendly campsite – there are hundreds of them on Pitchup.com – and make sure your dog is on the lead when and where he’s meant to be. If your dog’s the type that barks all night, especially when somewhere new, start dealing with that by training well before you leave, or pitch as far away from people who might be annoyed (families with kids, for example, are likely to be up very early). And don’t forget to scoop the poop everywhere you need to, onsite and off.

Smoke, smells and campfire sausages

If you’re staying in one of the many sites where campfires are allowed, only light your fire in the properly designated areas, and bring your own wood unless wood is provided on site – never take wood from standing trees. If you’re a camping newbie anyone on site should be able to tell you where’s best to forage for dead wood to burn.

Don’t burn anything on your campfire, for example plastics or bottle tops, that will give off a bad smell and unpleasant smoke. Generally speaking you can cook whatever you like on your campfire, but you might want to reconsider the kippers at 6am for breakfast if space is tight and it’s a still day.

Finally, the obvious but important ones – always make sure your campfire is fully extinguished when you’re finished, don’t leave your campfire unattended, take care where you put flammables like gas stoves or matches, and make sure all cigarettes are put out properly and the butts taken with you and binned. It’s not just about safety, but all part of camping etiquette.

And the rest...

Etiquette in any area includes things you wouldn’t even think about, and camping is no different:

• Don’t hog the showers in the mornings or use all the hot water, and remember this is not the place to take your newspaper to the toilet for your leisurely morning read.
• You likely can’t help it if you snore, or at least that’s what you tell your long-suffering partner, but a rueful smile and an apology, or better yet an offer to make breakfast the next day, will go a long way to appease any baggy-eyed neighbours.
• You may be very proud of your huge pitches-itself-bells-and-whistles-included BMW of tents, but don’t forget to consider if you’re blocking the sun or light of the poor couple in the tatty two-man tent behind you.
• And finally...we shouldn’t have to tell you to flush the toilet or clean it after yourself if necessary, put your rubbish in the bin, don’t leave food lying about to attract rats, or play soulful guitar loudly at 4am, but apparently we do!

So play nice, and happy camping...why not tell us about your pet peeves and tips for camping etiquette?

Calling all food fanatics! Are you looking for the ultimate camping experience with a gastronomic twist to tease and tempt your taste buds? Well, this summer you're spoilt for choice with an abundance of foodie events happening across the UK. Food festivals are a great way to explore the foodie history of the area and finding inspiration for your camping cooking. Pitchup.com has put together a list of the top ten camping and caravanning sites with nearby food festivals.

1. Winchester Farmers Market - Morn Hill Caravan Club Site – Winchester, Hampshire

Winchester’s farmers' market is officially the largest in the UK, featuring a staggering 95 stalls. Each stall sells the finest local produce, making the market a must-visit destination. Recently voted as the best market in the country by the prestigious Guardian Food Magazine, there is an exceptional range of produce on offer. Nearby is the Morn Hill Caravan Club Site, providing the perfect home from home when visiting Winchester. The site offers a wealth of landscapes to explore and excellent amenities. Winchester Farmers' Market takes place on the second and final Sunday of each month.

2. Ludlow Marches Food and Drink Festival - Orleton Rise Holiday Home Park – Orleton, Ludlow

Since 1995, Ludlow Marches Food Festival has celebrated the high-quality local produce sold in and around Ludlow. The selection is outstanding, from rare meats to fantastic real ales, all produced and sold by people with a passion for food and drink. Special events include the Ludlow Sausage trail, which promises a fun and unique gastronomic experience. The atmosphere is lively and friendly, owing to the festival being operated almost entirely by volunteers. Orleton Rise Holiday Park is located nearby, offering static caravans for hire and space for tourers. There is even a two-acre fishing lake to help visitors relax after a busy day at the food festival. Festival Dates 10-12 September.

3. Organic Food Festival - Baltic Wharf Caravan Club Site- Bristol

This year the Organic Food Festival is attracting one hundred and fifty organic food and drink producers along with some top celebrity chefs who will be on hand to give demos. There’s something for everyone at Bristol Harbourside, with live bands and a kids tasting experience. Just over a mile away is the charming Baltic Wharf Caravan Club Site that offers 55 pitches and great facilities including a zoo and Downs Park. Festival Dates 11-12 September.

4. York Food Festival - Castle Howard Lakeside Holiday Park- York

This year, the York Food Festival is working with Yorkshire's National Parks, the National Trust and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust to promote sustainable producers. There will be several exciting demonstrations including advice from Michelin-starred chefs Andrew Pern and James McKenzie. There is also an interactive celebration of all things made with chocolate. Many restaurants throughout York offer special menus during the festival, so watch out for excellent offers around town at the weekend. Castle Howard Lakeside Park is the perfect place to stay in York. The peaceful site is situated between the village of Conneysthorpe and Castle Howard's Great Lake. Festival Dates 17-26 September.

5. Abergavenny Food Festival  - Wernddu Farm Golf Club – Abergavenny, Monmouthshire

Wernddu Farm Golf Club is situated moments away from the Abergavenny Food Festival. This year’s festival will play host to some the brightest lights of the food world. There’s a lot to offer both foodies and families, with hands on workshops, storytelling and comedy.

This Welsh campsite offers good links to public transport and a range of nearby bars and pubs for a chilled-out atmosphere. It’s situated at the heart of Abergavenny’s woodland meaning there’s plenty of hiking and country walks close by. Festival Dates 18-19 September.

6. Cornish Food and Drink festival - Rose Hill Touring Park – Truro, Cornwall, England

Now in its sixth year, the Cornish Food and Drink festival is the largest event in the world dedicated to Cornish food and drink. This year’s festival is free, with no charge for any of the professional demonstrations or activities. Cornwall is proud of its unbeatable range of world–class ingredients and welcomes guests to celebrate their gastronomic heritage. Less than a mile from Porthtowan beach, known for its superb water quality and great for surfing, is Rose Hill Touring Park - a great site to camp on, with a food shop, launderette and electric hook-up points available for tourers. Festival Dates 24-26 September.

7. Nantwich Food Festival - Seacote Park - Winsford, Cheshire

Nantwich Food Festival is primarily an impressive showcase for all that is best in Cheshire produce. However, there are many more attractions to enjoy, such as the fantastic beer festival taking place this year. If wine is more your thing, join in with all the fun and games of “Call my quaff”, an opportunity to sample some fine wines in a light-hearted and informal quiz. Just a short drive away is Seacote Park. The park has excellent facilities such as an on site food shop, a restaurant, bar and tennis courts. Festival Dates 24-26 September.

8. Stone Food and Drink Festival - The Lakeside Tavern – Stone, Staffordshire

The Stone Food and Drink Festival 2010 is set to be the best yet. There are many events to keep visitors entertained, such as the real-ale train, late-night shopping and a special two-day farmers' market. The Hairy Bikers will also be on hand to provide their usual mix of entertainment and advice. The Lakeside Tavern is just minutes away, also in the lovely Staffordshire town of Stone. The Tavern has a mixture of tent pitches, space for tourers and plots for motor homes and is close to several excellent local pubs. Festival Dates: 1-3 October.

9. Dartmouth Food Festival - Dartmouth Camping and Caravanning Club Site - Dartmouth, Devon

This year's Dartmouth food festival is set to be better than ever with a real family feel. There’s a children’s festival, a family tea party and crab festival as well as traditional Devon cream tea. There are plenty of games and events to take part in, such as the pasty-making competition, ensuring that there is never a dull moment at Dartmouth.  The Dartmouth Camping and Caravanning Club site is conveniently located just a five minute drive away from Dartmouth and is set on the beautiful South Hams coast. Festival Dates 20–24 October

10. Wimborne Food Festival - Wilksworth Farm Caravan Park – Wimborne, Dorset

This year the annual food festival at Wimborne is sponsored by Waitrose. The festival celebrates eating and drinking in Dorset and is not to be missed. There is a fantastic food market tent, plenty of tasters and a chefs’ showcase. On top of this there’s plenty of entertainment such as live music and story telling. The Wilksworth Farm Caravan Park is the perfect place to stay, steeped in history the main house, was once owned by Henry VIII and is listed in the Doomsday Book. However the site is decked out with every modern convenience providing a comfortable home from home. Festival Dates 23-24 October.

To search all campsites and holiday parks near the festivals above, try our nifty 'sites near festivals' finder. For an epicurean camping experience, try our gastronomic delight campsites.

Martin Dorey, author of The Camper Van Cookbook and presenter of a forthcoming BBC2 series, The Camper Van Cook, on his love of camping but why he’ll always choose a VW camper van over canvas.

It’s been a camper van summer for me. A summer of camper van love. I drove 2,500 miles around the UK for The Camper Van Cook (due for transmission on BBC2 in January 2011) in my 1979 VW Camper Van. Despite long filming days and rain, I’ve never been happier. I am a camper van fan you see.

My parents did their best to put me off camping by taking me on wet trips to Wales when I was little. Then the Sea Scouts had their go. I got that grubby end of weekend feeling down pat during summer camps. But nothing could deter me from seeking out canvas, big skies and flour and water on sticks as I hit my teens. And when I discovered surfing my fate was sealed.

I didn’t live by the coast so the only thing to do was pack up and ship out. Camping was the way to go. I loved every moment. Even the night our tent was flattened in a gale or the day the money ran out and my last meal – a boiled egg – fell in the sand. I remained undeterred. I couldn’t get enough of the freedom and the excitement, the waking up next to the beach, the surfing all day and partying around the camp fire all night. But then the winter came around – and with it the best waves of the year – so I had to seek proper shelter. The front seat of a Ford Fiesta with a leaky sunroof wasn’t good enough. The solution was a camper van – a VW camper van more to the point.

There’s good reason that generations of surfers have chosen the VW as their transport of choice. Not only can you go anywhere but you can pack up and move on at a moment’s notice. No guy ropes to pull, no wet tent to fold up in a gale. So you get all the benefits of the great out doors, but without the hassle.

The camper van will also extend the camping season far beyond the summer and the acceptable comfort levels of normal people. This is because no wind or rain or snow can put you off. When the wind howls and the tents start flapping you can just shut the door, pull out the bed, put on the heating (some campers even have gas powered heating with thermostats) and take a nap until it’s all over. Or you could set up the dining table and have a game of cards. In your vest and undies. With the light on. I know! You show me someone who played strip poker in a tent in a winter thunder storm without showing a few goosebumps and I’ll hike up the Cairngorms in just my smalls. I rest my case.

Then there’s bed time. Ok so you’ll have to do a bit of a dance to get the bed out, but once you’re horizontal you’ll feel the benefits straight away. You are off the ground and the penetrating cold of the earth can’t get to your kidneys in the night. You might even need to open a window to keep cool. And you’ve got six inches of foam between you and the nearest hard object. Come the morning’s early light you’ll still be able to peer outside and stretch and scratch along with the best of them – because you’re right there, sharing the moment - but with the benefit of a good night’s sleep.

When it comes to cooking you can’t beat a camper. You’re basically working with the same gas powered cooker as the well tooled-up canvas camper but with the benefit of seating, worktops, a sink, fridge and, if you’re lucky, running water. Why wouldn’t you want that? When I was writing the Camper Van Cookbook I managed to cook up a chilli for 8 on a slope in a force nine gale at a very wet and muddy festival. It wasn’t easy as the pot kept slipping off the flame, but I did it, whilst everyone else was knee deep in mud queuing up at the falafel stall.

Some people might say that camper vanning isn’t proper camping. So what is it? It’s not glamping. Maybe it should be mobile glamping? I guess you could call it that. It also explains why I’d choose it over glamping any day. My friends at Berridon Farm in North Devon have a fantastic set up with amazing tents, brilliant facilities and lovely, lovely views (I recommend in case you hadn’t noticed) with cute animals and a little shop. If you want glamping, this is it. But you can’t move if the weather turns or you fancy stepping out somewhere different every morning. In a camper van you can.

Then there’s the driving. People stop and wave. People smile when you go past. There’s a sense of community. VW campers wave at each other on the road. You’d never get that in your late saloon with a top box full of wet tent would you? Camper vans make the whole experience fun. And if you break down you don’t have to sit it out in the rain. You can pop the kettle on and enjoy a roadside brew. Even a holiday disaster turns into an adventure in a camper. You get to live the life from the moment you leave until the minute you get home again.

And that’s why I’d risk the breakdowns and the maintenance costs over putting up a tent every time. Ok so you can’t hike in and hike out like you can with a one man tent and you can’t light a wood burner like you can in a glamping situation, but you can do pretty much everything else – but better.

I love my camper. And I’m not alone. This summer I’ve seen more camper vans on the road than ever before. Everyone, it seems, is getting the camper van vibe. More and more camper van hire companies are springing up every week and – from what I can gather – they are all busy busy busy. Long may it remain. So maybe I’m right. Maybe it really is the summer of camper van love.