“My phone doesn't stop ringing – it's gone absolutely ballistic,” says Greg White, owner of Little Haven Campsite, a wild and beautiful eco-camp just moments in the sea in Pembrokeshire, Wales. Camping has returned – and it's well and truly in fashion.
Within 24 hours from the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announcing that campsites in England could reopen on July 4, the camping website Pitchup recorded its highest quantity of UK bookings right away, and reservations on Cool Camping were 750% greater than the same day last year.
And although Scotland and Wales are yet to spread out their campsites, bookings have skyrocketed across mainland Europe as COVID-19 restrictions relax. Still campers should expect lots of change. From contactless check-ins to wildlife corridors, here's everything you need to know about camping in Europe come july 1st.
Is camping safe?
Camping is viewed as low-risk. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has cited several small-scale reports that demonstrate nearly all COVID-19 transmissions occur indoors, but it's known to spread at outdoor events with large crowds, such as football matches. Campsites also have strict measures in place to minimise multiplication from the disease.
Although rules differ in every country (and per region in places like Germany and also the Netherlands), Ros Pritchard, the Secretary General of EFCO&HPA, that represents the camping and caravan industry in the European level, says the core advice is the same over the continent.
“It is to keep the distance, which is going to be one-meter, use hand sanitizer frequently, but for the business to become cleaning frequently,” she says. Countries such as France and Switzerland have publicly outlined their plans to keep campsites clean – as well as in Italy the guidance runs to in excess of 300 pages – however the onus may ultimately beseige campers to stick to the neighborhood rules.
Consider booking a professional campsite
Not every campsite can fully adhere to government guidance, so many won't reopen this summer. Others is only going to have limited camping options, for example Glottenham Farm, which could only safely offer glamping.
Although those that reopen ought to be sticking with local rules, the biggest camping website in the Netherlands, ANWB, is applying inspectors to make sure its campsites meet regional safety conditions. Each one that does is going to be highlighted by a special sticker. Visit Britain have managed to make the "We're Best to Go" industry standard mark to reassure tourists the campsite they are visiting has adhered to government guidance.
Check you can actually visit
Although borders are open in certain countries, there are still a number of international and regional restrictions in place that could scupper your plans. For instance, Norway only currently allows domestic travelers to go to its campsites and also the Netherlands still isn't welcoming anyone from the UK or Sweden. Only campers from neighboring countries are presently welcome in Hungary.
Acsi, which produces European campsite guidebooks, is keeping an updated list of current campsite restrictions here.
Book before you decide to travel
Previously travelers could simply get to a campsite and pitch up, providing there is space. Now a number of Countries in europe, like the Netherlands and Croatia, require foreign tourists to reserve their accommodations ahead of time. Travelers can also be asked to show proof of their booking at the border, check restrictions for your destination and then any transit countries.
An increased appetite for camping and strict social distancing measures means fewer available pitches, so booking will be all but essential this summer. Some camping websites, like ANWB for the Netherlands, Spain, France, Italy, Denmark and Croatia, are offering flexible cancellation policies should any coronavirus restrictions return.
“We've seen a particular interest in the Coronavirus Booking Guarantee,” says James Warner Smith from Cool Camping about its cancellation policy. “The most-read page on our website remains our Coronavirus Travel Advice for Campers page, showing that individuals are first of all still seeking clarity and information before they book. Our Guarantee helps sure up confidence.”
If you don't wish to book through a third-party, speak directly with campsites regarding their policies.
What to pack
There might be an element of self-sufficiency required this summer as some campsites will keep shops, bars and restaurants shuttered, although the likes of Luxembourg, Germany and Austria will allow many to open.
Inquire ahead and take what you are able need for the entire trip; this might mean packing sufficient food, a camp stove and cooking fuel. If there's no restaurant, pack plates, cups, cutlery and washing-up equipment. You may need a personal toilet tent, confirm in advance.
In some countries, such as Spain and Portugal, masks remain mandatory in enclosed spaces, including camp shops and bars. In other people, such as Italy, it varies between regions. Wherever you travel, it's prudent to consider a face covering. Many campsites are installing hand sanitizer stations on-site, but it is still a good idea to have your own.
Contactless or remote check-ins
To limit on-site interactions, a number of campsites will introduce contactless or remote check-ins, allowing campers to reach on-site, pay and pitch without having to enter into direct contact with staff. One site introducing this really is Belair le Camping within the Dordogne, France. It provides whether contactless check-in or a socially distanced arrival, where a employee will come across campers as always.
“If they choose a contactless check-in, only then do we send them a map just before arrival. I even circle the map to tell them where their tent is,” says owner Laura Pantry. “I also send them a WhatsApp message so they have my direct contact information whenever they need it.”
Payments can be created remotely on the internet and campers will be given everything they'll need for their remain in their pre-arranged tent, together with a welcome guide. Similar digital maps with pitch locations are being used elsewhere too.
Increased pitch sizes and "wildlife corridors"
With greater social distancing measures in position some campsites are using "wildlife corridors" to mark out pitches. These are areas of tall grass and wildflowers that grow freely between pitches, showing campers the edge of their camp and encouraging these to keep their distance using their company tents.
Cowpots Camping in Wales, a 100-acre farm with swathes of traditional agricultural grassland, 50-acres of wetlands along with a bluebell wood, has been marking out pitches such as this for 3 years.
“It's ideal for the wildlife,” says owner Martin Bowman. “We have milkmaids (white flowers) show up early in the year which white just covers the field, it's so nice.” Buttercups, white and red clovers, perennial ryegrass, bentgrasses, Timothy-grass and yarrow also grow between the pitches, all of which are 35-meters apart.
Some facilities is going to be shut or restricted
"In most Countries in europe, policies have been put in place to ensure safe holidays, with extra cleaning, disinfectant stations, distancing rules, and fewer contact whenever we can," says Linda Gedink who runs Camping Auf Kengert in Luxembourg.
The campsite has had to create alterations in its facilities, but many remain open. The pool can only possess a maximum of 25 people utilizing it at the same time and customers must wear masks when entering and leaving the restaurant, or when getting together with staff.
Some adjustments to England are stricter. The Bakewell Camping and Caravanning Club Site in the Lake District will reopen but without toilet and shower blocks. Its reception, play areas and laundry facilities will be closed too. Meanwhile in St Ives, Polmanter Touring Park will have a one-way system in its shop. Research ahead and choose a campsite that fits your needs.
The restroom and shower situation
While in certain countries such as the Netherlands, France and Spain, toilet blocks and showers are reopening on campsites. In other destinations for example England and Slovakia, lines, one-in one-out systems, and bookable shower slots might be in position.
“We are frantically investing in loads of toilets,” says Greg White of Little Haven Campsite in Pembrokeshire, Wales. “Normally we have 20 different pitches, but what we chose to do that year is go down to 12 pitches and have 12 individual toilets, so all of us have one each.”
As along with individual toilets, the site will only offer week-long bookings, with every pitch now spaced a lot more than 10 meters apart. To make room for the individual restrooms, the campsite has had to remove its showers, encouraging campers to bring their own solar showers instead.
This hasn't deterred potential campers though. Little Haven Campsite has bookings lined up throughout the summer, it is simply awaiting the green-light in the Welsh government so it can open.
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