Camping: How big is a 'normal' tent pitch?

nellynerd

Can anyone tell me what the average size of a tent pitch is in the UK and/or in France?

Our trusty tent is getting a bit small for my family so I'm looking to upgrade. I've spotted the tent I want but am concerned that it won't be accepted on a standard pitch. Most of the time this wouldn't be a problem as we either camp on sites where they're not too fussed as they have plenty of space. But we're camping on the way down through France this summer and I don't want to get turned away when we've been travellling all day just because the tent is too big.

The one I'm looking at is the Vango Sungari 600 DLX which has a footprint of 5.9m x 4.5m.

Any advice gratefully received. Thanks

mikey72

I've been on pitches both in france and the uk, some you can stretch out in the sleeping bag and be in the neighbours tent, some pitches you could use as a football pitch.

mjk_2

Hi,

Try asking on the forums on

www.ukcampsite.co.uk

They are really helpful about anything to do with camping.

creased-leach

Seconding what Mikey says. There's a huge difference from site to site.

*manda*

Haven ( As an example) do under 21ft or over 21ft pitches.

Ours is 15ft and we've seen some places that unfortunately start to charge extra at that size.

forgotmyname

A tent used to be small unless you were posh & had a frame tent which could be 12ft square. ( Rich People) They cost ££££.

Now you can get a huge tent to sleep 12 people for £200, I know i bought one even though there is only 3 of us. Loads of space who needs to play football outside when you can play inside.

Some campsites dont like the tents that spring out in all directions from a central pod. Takes up so much room, With H&S imposing space limits between each tent they are charging for oversized units.

nellynerd

Thanks to all of you for that advice. I get the impression that a 'standard size pitch' is about twice the length of a 'standard piece of string'!

Barneysmom

That's a good point. We've just got this new 6 berth and mosty probably will be using it next weekend, so it will be interesting to find out how they charge for it. It's one large pod, not one of those multi-shaped things.

John_3:16

We have never been turned away from a site because the tent is too big. However for over nighters I have always packed a smaller 3 man tent for a quick pitch. I have always tried to plan my stops so I now where we are going. If you have small children this may be a little harder. Looking at your tent, If you are concerned take some tie wraps and take a section out by tieing the poles together as an quick fix if needed.
We use one of these for a quick pitch. them extra space when settled.

http://tente.quechua.com/en/tent/r-9,a-48,sejour-base-seconds-full.html

There are alot used on french sites