Almost all campers already have great respect for the natural world.If you spend enough time in it it’s hard not to be amazed by its wonder and complexity, and therefore to want to preserve it. Wild camping is also one of the most environmentally activities you can engage in,the aim of which is to leave no trace whatsoever behind, however not all of us are looking to go to such extreme lengths to get back to nature. Luckily there are a number of eco camping and caravanning options available for environmentally-conscious traveller, who doesn’t want to scrimp on luxury!
Environmental Camping
With green issues such a large concern for much of the British electorate, it’s no wonder the UK is doing such a fantastic job at offering innovative new eco camping ideas. In Sussex, which currently holds the only Green seat in the UK, you can find the Eco Camp: two stylish ecological campsites set amongst the beautiful bluebell forests of Wild Boar Wood and Beech Estate.
Photo source: Eco Camp UK
The site offers solitude and privacy within the bushes and trees, however can be accessed easily from London, Brighton, Hastings and the South Coast. They offer totally off-grid camping, with an ecologically-friendly wood burning stove and shower system, as well as eco toilets.A truly green and guilt-free experience! Anothernotable campsite is Trellyn Woodland Camping in Pembrokshire. At this campsite they’ve constructedgeo-domes made from rejected timber which are entirely made from recycled materials. The site also uses en-suite compost toilets and allelectricity is powered by solar or renewable-energy. But don’t be thinking this campsite scrimps on luxury: they also provide a wood-fired pizza oven and a wood-fired sauna.
Environmental Caravanning
Although caravanning may be slightly more harmful than camping, it beats airplane travel hands down in terms of your carbon footprint. Designers and manufacturers are also doing their best to make caravans even more eco-friendly. Take a look at a couple of designs and concepts changing the face of caravanning: In 2008, The Caravan Club challenged TV presenter Steve Berry to build the most eco-friendly caravan in the world and the result was the Eco stream every item in the vehicle is made from either reused or recycled materials. It comes with shower unit, a compacting toilet, and a kitchen ‘unit’ made out of an old clothes locker.
Photo source: Cosford Caravans
This VW Westfalia camper has solar panels all over the roof to power its on board accessories. It’s also equipped with a 4-speed automatic turbocharged bio-diesel hybrid drivetrain, which means when you aren’t running on electricity, you can power it with recycled vegetable oil!
Environmental glamping
Yurt-based camping – referred known as ‘glamping’ – involves camping in a little more luxury than your typical peg-up tent, and usually you get to sleep soundly in a proper bedwith duvet. 
Photo source: Long Valley Yurts
Long Valley Yurts in the Lake District and Peak District offer back-to-nature living without compromising on comfort. Each yurt comes with a wood-burning stove, comfy futon beds, solar lighting, plus a central skylight which brings in natural light in the day, whilst providing amazing stargazing opportunities at night!
Tips and Ideas for your Eco Camping Trip
Little things can make a big difference, so here are a few more little tips that take no effort but could make a world of difference:
- Save electricity by using wind up lanterns
- Use designated fire pits and use allocated firewood and kindling
- Buy your tent and camping equipment second hand on Ebay – it still counts as recycling.
- Don’t bring unnecessary gadgets with you Leave it at home
- Camp nearby your place
- Stick to the trails to save any detrimental impact on surrounding fauna!
- Pick the right campsite
- Don’t start a campfire in just any old place; only use designated pits so as not to damage the environment unnecessarily
- Always bring reusable, rather than throwaway, plates and cutlery
- Do your business the right way
- Use eco-friendly toiletries
- Bring your trash with you
- Invest in a solar powered backpack to light up those necessary plug ins!
Read more: 10 ways to green your camping trip
The most important thing however, is to enjoy yourselves: being eco doesn’t have to mean being no fun!