Camping and the Outdoors

Camping is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors, but it pays to be cautious about fire safety while camping.

With campfires, cooking, heaters, barbecues, lighting, and more, there lots of things when camping that can impact your safety.

Please follow our camping safety advice to make sure you stay safe while using a tent, caravan, or camper van.

Staying Safe on the Campsite

Holidaying in the UK brings great joy seeing all the beautiful sites we call home. However it is important to be aware of some safety tips if you are staying in tents, caravans or motorhomes to ensure your holiday is as safe as can be.

If You Have A Fire While Camping

If you have an accidental fire when at a campsite or outdoors, it’s vital to evacuate as fast as you can. Get out of the tent/vehicle and do not reenter it. Many people are injured when they try to fight fires themselves.

Alert nearby sleepers in other tents or vehicles. Get to a safe distance and do not wait near any gas cylinders.

Get out, stay out, and call us out via 999.

Call us using a mobile phone if you can. If you don’t have signal, as can be the case in rural areas, go quickly to the site office or a nearby building to use a landline. Try to provide as much information as possible about the emergency.

camper vans
people unloading a car at a campsite
bonfire

Using a Tent?

If you’re planning to camp outside in a tent, there are several safety tips we’d recommend.

  • Pitch your tent at least 6 metres away from other tents or caravans/camper vans.

  • Keep a torch handy for seeing after dark – don’t use candles.

  • Make sure you know where the campsite office/shop is in case of emergencies.

  • We do not recommend you light a campfire.

  • If you light one, use only designated fire pits at campsites and never on the moors or elsewhere in the countryside.

  • Don’t use petrol or other accelerants to light a campfire. Use only firelighters and/or kindling.

  • Don’t place the fire pit under trees or near fencing/vehicles.

  • Keep a bucket of water handy in case the fire gets out of control.

  • Do not build the fire too large – keep it small and under control.

  • Do not cook food inside your tent, even if it’s raining outside.

  • Don’t smoke inside the tent.

In a Caravan or Camper Van?

Caravans and camper vans might seem like a safer option, but there are still things to be aware of.

  • Set up your caravan/camper van at least 6 metres away from other vehicles and tents.

  • Keep a torch handy for seeing after dark – don’t use candles.

  • Make sure you know where the campsite office/shop is in case of emergencies.

  • Keep petrol and other fuels outside and away from children.

  • Wait until your gas cylinders are empty before replacing them.

  • Don’t store gas cylinders directly next to your vehicle.

  • Check all connections on your gas system and don’t use it if you suspect a leak.

  • Never smoke around gas cylinders, especially when you change them.

  • Take extra care when driving around campsites. Children and animals may be present.

  • Don’t smoke inside your vehicle. It’s much safer to smoke outside.