Leave no trace on your next holiday with Pitchup’s sustainable camping tips

If you’re looking for a holiday that leaves a lighter footprint on the environment, you’re in the right place. Camping, caravanning and glamping holidays have a lower carbon footprint than most other types of holiday (Oxford University, 2020) – but there are still some extra things you can do to make sure you and your group have as little negative impact as possible on the environment and the communities you visit.

The key to being a sustainable camper is planning ahead and doing your research. The tips below will help you get prepared to be a responsible tourist from the moment you leave your front door.

Plan ahead 

Pick a site with a commitment to sustainability, whether that means supporting biodiversity by protecting wildlife, supplying their sites with solar power, or providing recycling and composting points for guests.

To make it easy, Pitchup has some handy search filters to help you find the perfect sustainable place to stay:

• Leave the car at home - sites that can be easily accessed by public transport and have plenty of activities to enjoy on site

• Remote location - escape the crowds and truly immerse yourself in nature

• Walkers' paradise  - for walking trails that start from the site or nearby

• Wild camping - explore new locations and go completely off-grid

• Wildlife haven - for sites surrounded by wildlife (don't forget your binoculars!)

• Electric car charging point(s) - no need to worry about finding a local charging point, just recharge your car on site

• Recycling available - dispose of your waste efficiently and easily on these sites

• Renewable energy - sites powered by wind, solar and hydropower

• Nearby farmers' market - easy access to locally grown produce

• Public transport nearby - leave your car at home and arrive by bus or train

• Pick-up from public transport - arrange for someone to collect you from the local station

Avoid peak times

If you can, be flexible about when you travel, avoiding peak times such as school holidays and bank holiday weekends. 

By booking in the off-season or the shoulder season (such as spring or autumn), not only will your experience be quieter and more peaceful, but you’ll also be helping to spread tourism spend and footfall throughout the year. This puts less pressure on local ecosystems, campsite facilities and natural beauty spots, and helps to reduce air pollution caused by congestion. It also helps to support year-round employment opportunities for local people rather than short-term or temporary seasonal work.

Packing for your camping trip

Before you book, and before you travel, check the campsite’s information and policies so you can be aware of any items not permitted on site (some campsites, for example, are not able to allow barbecues).

Next, think about only packing what you need, and ways to travel light. Reducing the weight of what you pack will help to reduce transport emissions.

Consider whether you need to buy new camping equipment, or if you can borrow from friends and family or even rent what you don’t have. You could also buy camping gear second hand, and repair your equipment where you can.

Check to see whether you can find any tents or sleeping bags made from recycled materials; if not, buy something that's really designed to last. This will also save you money in the long run, by avoiding the need for replacement after a few uses.

Other things to add to your packing list:

• Reusable cookware, storage pots and utensils (avoid disposable, styrofoam or single-use plastics plates, cups and cutlery)

• Biodegradable rubbish bags, and something to help you separate your waste ready to be recycled or composted

• Eco-friendly products such as soap, sunscreen and bug spray, and cleaning products that don’t have any harmful chemicals or negative impact on the environment

• Eco-friendly or recycled toilet paper (if travelling in a group, buy in bulk to save on costs)

• Solar-powered devices such as lanterns, chargers, fairy lights and rechargeable batteries, which can help keep your energy consumption down

• A stove that does not produce toxic fumes

• A clothes line so you can air-dry any wet clothes, swimwear or laundry instead of using a tumble dryer

Travelling to the site

Think about how you’ll travel to the campsite, glampsite or holiday park. Can you leave your car behind, sit back, relax and enjoy the journey via train or bus? Could you car pool with others in your group to reduce your emissions and costs, and share out the driving?

Some Pitchup sites are conveniently located near public transport stops, while others have team members who can collect you from the local station or stop. Find them by searching with the Pick-up from local transport and Public transport nearby filters.

Consider using a fuel-efficient car or campervan or electric vehicle, as this will help you to reduce your emissions and save money on fuel. Additionally, driving at lower, more consistent speeds will help to lower your emissions and reduce fuel consumption too.

While on site

To get maximum enjoyment from your break while ensuring minimal damage to the environment, remember the mantra: 'Leave no trace'. The tips below will help you to put that into practice.

1. Reduce, reuse and recycle: Only pack what you need, and be prepared to take away anything that cannot be recycled or disposed of safely on site.

2. Reduce your energy consumption and water usage:

• Pack essentials like a reusable water bottle to reduce your plastic use and waste on site

• Save water by using it sparingly – for example, challenge yourself to limit your showers to only a few minutes!

• Bring solar-powered or rechargeable devices – or unplug altogether for your stay!

3. Separate your waste into non-recyclable materials, recyclable and compostables. Recycle what you can on site, and take the rest away with you.

4. Fire safety: Check whether your campsite allows barbecues and campfires and whether these are restricted to certain areas. Don’t burn any rubbish, food packaging or waste food, never leave a fire unattended, and always make sure a fire is fully extinguished before leaving.

5. Respect wildlife and be aware of any wildlife or animals on site that may need special attention (read our guidelines on being a responsible visitor around farm animals and wildlife).

6. Shop and eat local: Rather than driving to a supermarket, support local independent businesses and markets where you can by buying organic, locally grown produce.

7. Don’t go off trails and footpaths: Straying off designated pathways can damage natural foliage and animal habitats. Follow trail signs to help protect biodiversity both on site and while you explore your surroundings.

8. Do your bit: Take part in a local beach clean, or organise your own for your party. Spending even just an hour collecting litter or plastic from local beaches and beauty spots can make a big difference in protecting our natural environment, oceans and rivers as well as local wildlife.

Benefits of sustainable camping

Having a sustainable holiday isn’t about checking off every tip on this list, it’s about doing what you can. By making a commitment to travel more sustainably you are helping to: 

• Keep spaces beautiful for yourselves and future generations to enjoy

• Support local communities, protect their homes and provide sustainable employment and income for local businesses

• Reduce your carbon footprint

• Save money! 

Ready to put this all into practice by booking your next trip? Take a look at Pitchup's full range of campsites and outdoor accommodation, and find the perfect place for your next break. Want to know more about sustainable travel? Learn more about Pitchup’s approach to sustainability.