The venerable Alan Rogers Guides have been published since 1968, started by camping enthusiast Alan Rogers, the guides distinguished themselves by taking no payment for listings. Some sites from the first edition in 1968 are still featured and the guides are very much the granddaddies of camping books.

A typical listing

The guide lists 600 campsites with comprehensive descriptions and summaries of their facilities. Whilst sites can’t pay for inclusion the guide is a little advertising heavy and the listings suffer from a lack of photography. The guide looks a little retro when compared to new books like Cool Camping and the Rough Guide to Camping in Britain but they do offer wider listings and feature caravan sites as well as campsites.

The cool camping revolution hasn’t quite touched caravanning yet so the typical caravanner is probably more comfortable with the Alan Rogers guides than the type of guide book that recommends staying in a site with stunning views but cold showers.

More practically the Alan Rogers guides are designed to fit into the glove compartment of your car, you wouldn’t leave one lying on a coffee table! But if you’re are looking for a broad guide that is likely to feature sites in any region of the country the Alan Rogers guides are a safe bet.

The Alan Rogers guides are RRP £11.99.

Win a copy of Alan Rogers The Best Campsites in Britain & Ireland

To win a copy of the Alan Rogers guides simply leave a comment below with the name of your favourite campsite and why you love it.

Closing date July 15th 2010.

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At nearly 400 pages, it’s certainly not one to stuff in your backpack, weighing in at 980g (2lb 2oz). But it is perfect for thumbing through during lazy evenings at home planning your next excursion or slung in the back of the car/camper during a touring holiday.

The Rough Guide to Camping in Britain

It’s divided into 14 geographical areas, with a map at the start of each colour-coded chapter plus a table showing what each chosen campsite in that area offers, such as suitability for families, groups or caravans.

Within each chapter, there is an extensive introduction to the individual campsites and then a list of prices, facilities, etc, and often one or more photographs of the area or site.

Scattered throughout are short chapters on subjects such as wild camping, glamping and festivals. There’s a directory of camping websites (including this one), forums and stockists. And a list of what Rough Guides consider Britain’s best campsites under headings such as ‘bring the kids’, ‘eat and be merry’ and ‘weird and wonderful’.

The apparent thoroughness with which the authors and editors have covered each site means that there may be some equally worthy ones that have been missed – otherwise it would be an even bigger book! But there’s no doubt that if you add this tome to your camping gear, you won’t regret it.

The Rough Guide to Camping in Britain, rrp £16.99, is available on Amazon for £8.49

Gillian Hook is a journalist, camper and occasional tweeter at @vwcamperfun

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My Cool Caravan

The retro feel and individual styling of some of the world’s funkiest caravans is celebrated in My Cool Caravan, which explores how people refurbish and customise their little house on wheels. The beautifully photographed hardback looks at 40 vintage caravans – from British classics to American Airstreams – and how their owners have styled them to make them totally unique.

My Cool Caravan at Amazon £14.99 (rrp)

Anovabooks

Read the rest of this review on caravanr.co.uk

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The Camping Book is the perfect gift for campers who first pitched a tent in 2009  and may be looking for some advice to avoid those ‘mishaps’ of their first few trips.

The Camping Book is well presented with some valuable simple advice. It may verge on common sense but how to stay dry, keep warm and cook well is always worth hearing. The book’s chapters covers where to go, what to take, pitching camp, keeping camp and camping cooking. This is topped off with some great photography, similar to the Cool Camping series.

If you want a refresher on the basics or guide someone considering camping in 2010 The Camping Book is worth a look.

For a preview see the look inside

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Best of British campsites

Camping’s revival isn’t just about the money in people’s pockets; there are few better ways to get some fresh air and few more eco-friendly trips. The British campsites below stretch from Scilly to Orkney, taking in New Forest ponies, basket-weaving courses and ancient trails, and are fine options for a summer that’s due some sunshine.

St Martin’s; Isles of Scilly

Scilly may be only a short hop from the mainland, but its islands feel a world away. St Martin’s has sandy beaches, gorgeous cliffs, Britain’s most westerly vineyard and gourmet food. Even better, this popular British campsite is only a short stroll from the awesome white sands.

Visit stmartinscampsite.co.uk for more information

Find out more about the Isles of Scilly

Roundhill; Hampshire

With access to 220 square miles of thick woodland, not to mention those titular ponies, the New Forest’s best (and most child-friendly) campsite is understandably popular. But its size means it rarely feels crowded, and you can either venture into the woods on your own, or join the rangers’ guided walks and craft sessions.

Visit forestholidays.co.uk for more information

Discover more about the New Forest

Wapsbourne Manor Farm; East Sussex

It only opened in 2007, but this idyllic former strawberry farm has already become a fixture for many campers. Rope swings keep the kids happy, campfires are encouraged and several fine farm shops are within strolling distance of this great British campsite.

Visit wowo.co.uk for more information

Shadow Woods, West Sussex

Five colourful Mongolian yurts sit amongst the trees and sculptures of this charming, eco-friendly “glampsite”, which offers everything from herb picking and basket weaving to holistic massages.

Visit wowo.co.uk for more information

Read up on Sussex

Three Cliffs Bay, Gower Peninsula

If you fancy sleeping in the midst of one of the best panoramas in Britain, this spacious Welsh campsite is your best bet. The pitches overlook a perfect beach, its sheltered sands encircled by a craggy headland, complete with natural arches, triangular peaks and a tranquil green valley.

Visit threecliffsbay.com for more  information

Find out more about Wales

Foxholes Castle Camping; Shropshire

Less than two miles from the Welsh border, Foxholes is a great base for several walks, including the Shropshire Way and Offa’s Dyke, although you don’t have to move from this well-ordered site (based around an eccentric 1930s mansion) to immerse yourself in the area: the views from the hilltop on which it sits stretch for almost 360 degrees.

Visit foxholes-castle.co.uk for more  information

Check out more on Shropshire

Applecross; Ross-shire

Both the drive here – either a winding route along the Highlands’ spectacular west coast or precipitous single-track through a mountain pass – and the lack of mobile phone reception underline Applecross’s isolation. But that doesn’t mean it’s unwelcoming: with a family-run pub, a good restaurant, several festivals and walking and kayaking opportunities, this stunningly wild corner of Scotland is well worth a visit.

Visit applecross.uk.com/campsite for more information

Discover more about the Highland’s west coast

Comrie Croft Eco Camping; Perthshire

Set in rolling hills on the Highlands’ edge, Comrie Croft is defined by community spirit. It’s owned by 50 local residents, allows guests to light campfires and sleep in hammocks amid the birch trees and runs storytelling circles, campcraft sessions and musical workshops.

Visit comriecroft.co.uk for more  information

Discover more about Perthshire

The Barn; Westray: Orkney

You can camp on Shetland, but the scouring wind will scare off all but the most resilient camper, meaning that if you want to get right up north, this friendly British campsite is probably your best bet. Nearby are seastacks, great populations of seabirds, a castle and a chippie selling all manner of unusual, boat-fresh fish.

Visit thebarnwestray.co.uk for more  information

Read up on Westray

This article is by James Smart, an editor for Rough Guides. For more information and to plan your holiday check out The Rough Guide to Britain.

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