Shelter and Sleeping Equipment

A warm, dry and comfortable place to sleep is the foundation of a happy camping holiday. Get this bit right and everything else becomes considerably easier.

Tent, Caravan, Campervan or Motorhome and Pitch Equipment

First things first: the unit. Be that a tent, tentbox, car, caravan, campervan or motorhome - you'll need somewhere to sleep!

Choose a unit that's appropriate for you and the number of people staying in it, preferably with enough room to store your bags and muddy shoes without having to sleep on top of them.

Before your holiday, we'd always recommend setting up your unit at home at least once. Discovering that you've forgotten how the poles fit together is much more enjoyable in the garden than it is on a windy campsite.

Alongside your unit, pack:

• Tent/awning poles
• Groundsheet
• Tent/awning pegs
• Mallet
• Guy ropes
• Doormat or small outdoor mat

It's particularly important to bring the right pegs for your pitch. If you're pitching an awning or similar equipment on hardstanding, you'll need suitable rock pegs rather than ordinary tent pegs.

Sleeping Bags and Bedding

Even after a beautiful summer's day, temperatures can drop considerably overnight in the Peak District.

Choose sleeping bags or duvets with an appropriate temperature rating rather than relying on very lightweight summer bedding.

Sleeping mats, self-inflating mats or camp beds will provide both comfort and insulation from the ground if you're sleeping in a tent or an awning.

We'd also pack:

• Pillows
• Extra blankets
• Warm pyjamas
• Spare socks
• Slippers!

There is nothing luxurious about waking up at 3am because you're freezing. An extra blanket takes up a little more room in the car but you'll be very pleased you brought it if the temperature drops.

Lighting and Campsite Furniture

A head torch or torch is one of those things you don't appreciate until you need to find the toilet block after dark.

Bring at least one reliable light and spare batteries or a way of recharging it.

A lantern is useful inside your unit, while camping chairs and a small table make evenings outside much more comfortable.

A portable power bank is another useful addition for keeping phones charged while you're out exploring.

Clothing for Peak District Weather

If there's one thing we've learned from living in the Peak District, it's not to place too much faith in the weather forecast.

You can occasionally experience several seasons in one day.

The answer isn't to pack your entire wardrobe. Layers are your friend.

Waterproof Clothing

A proper waterproof jacket should be near the top of your packing list, whatever time of year you're visiting.

Look for something genuinely waterproof rather than simply shower-resistant, particularly if you're planning longer walks.

Waterproof trousers are also worth packing. They might not win any fashion awards, but halfway across a hillside during a downpour you won't care.

For children, waterproof trousers or an all-in-one suit can be particularly useful.

Walking Footwear

Comfortable, supportive footwear is essential if you're planning to explore the Peak District on foot.

Walking boots are a good choice for rougher trails, while walking shoes may be sufficient for easier routes and traffic-free trails.

Whatever you choose, make sure you've worn them before your holiday. A ten-mile Peak District walk isn't the ideal occasion to break in a brand-new pair of boots.

A second pair of shoes is useful around the campsite too, particularly if your walking boots are wet or muddy.

Warm Layers

Even in summer, bring a fleece, jumper or warm jacket.

The Peak District is an upland area and temperatures can feel noticeably cooler in the evening, particularly when the wind picks up.

Several thinner layers are usually more useful than one enormous coat because you can add or remove them as conditions change.

Spare Clothing

Socks. Bring more socks than you think you'll need.

Wet feet can make even the loveliest walk rather miserable.

It's also worth packing spare trousers, underwear and a complete dry outfit that you keep inside your tent.

If you've spent the afternoon walking through horizontal rain, knowing there's an entirely dry set of clothes waiting for you is a wonderful thing.

Cooking, Food and Campsite Essentials

For some people, campsite cooking means carefully prepared meals over a camping stove.

For others, it's sausages on the barbecue followed by marshmallows.

Both are perfectly acceptable.

Cooking Equipment

Depending on how adventurous you want to be, your camping kitchen might include:

• Camping stove or Barbecue
• Fuel
• Kettle
• Saucepan and frying pan
• Plates and bowls
• Mugs
• Cutlery
• Sharp knife
• Chopping board
• Cooking utensils
• Tin opener
• Lighter or matches

Never use barbecues, camping stoves or other fuel-burning equipment inside a tent, awning or enclosed space because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Also never take these items into the wilderness as you can start wildfires. Use them at the campsite only.

At Hartington Hills, raised barbecues are permitted and we also allow fire pits under our site rules. Fire pits are available to hire from Reception, with the appropriate kiln-dried wood available to purchase.

Food Storage

A cool box or camping fridge is useful for keeping milk, meat and other fresh food at a safe temperature. At Hartington Hills we have a communal freezer for you to keep ice packs frozen.

Storage boxes with secure lids are also helpful for keeping dry food organised inside your tent.

Try to plan your first couple of meals before arriving rather than bringing an enormous amount of food "just in case". There are shops in the surrounding villages, so you can stock up during your holiday.

Water Bottles

Bring a reusable water bottle for each person.

They're useful around the campsite but essential when you're out walking, particularly during warmer weather.

For longer walks, take more water than you think you'll need and don't rely on being able to refill from natural streams.

Washing and Cleaning Supplies

A small washing-up kit makes campsite life much easier.

Pack washing-up liquid, a sponge or brush, tea towels and reusable cloths along with bin bags for keeping your pitch tidy.

At Hartington Hills, guests have access to dedicated indoor and outdoor washing-up facilities as well as laundry facilities, so there's no need to attempt the washing-up in your tent!

Walking and Outdoor Equipment

For many people, camping is simply the base for exploring the Peak District.

If you're planning to spend your days walking, cycling or sightseeing, a few additional items are worth bringing.

Maps and Navigation

Mobile phones and walking apps are incredibly useful, but don't rely entirely on having a signal or a fully charged battery.

Download routes before setting off and consider carrying an appropriate Ordnance Survey map for longer or more remote walks. As for apps, we recommend the OS Maps App.

A compass is also useful if you're heading onto higher or more isolated ground.

And always tell someone where you're going if you're planning a more challenging route.

Day Bags

A comfortable backpack is ideal for carrying everything you need during the day.

Inside, we'd recommend keeping:

• Water
• Snacks or lunch
• Waterproof jacket
• Extra layer
• First-aid kit
• Phone
• Portable charger
• Map
• Sun cream

Try not to overpack. You'll appreciate every unnecessary item considerably more after carrying it uphill for three hours.

First-Aid Items

A small first-aid kit is always sensible.

Include plasters, blister plasters, antiseptic wipes, bandages and any personal medication you may need.

Blister plasters are particularly worth remembering if you're planning lots of walking.

Sun and Insect Protection

The Peak District isn't famous for tropical temperatures, but don't let that fool you.

You can still burn surprisingly quickly when spending an entire day outdoors, even when it doesn't feel particularly hot.

Pack sun cream, sunglasses and a hat during warmer months.

Insect repellent can also be useful, particularly around water and during summer evenings. If you've been walking through long grass, woodland or moorland, it's sensible to check yourself and your pets for ticks afterwards.

Additional Items for Your Type of Trip

Your final few items will depend on who—or what—you're bringing with you.

Families

Camping with children generally means a little extra luggage.

Alongside their normal clothes and bedding, consider bringing:

• Waterproofs
• Wellies
• Extra changes of clothes
• Favourite bedtime items
• Torches
• Outdoor games
• Football or frisbee
• Colouring books or cards
• Plenty of snacks

At Hartington Hills, we have a large mown recreation area for children, so bringing a football is definitely worthwhile.

Dogs

If your four-legged family member is coming too, remember:

• Lead and spare lead
• Food and treats
• Food and water bowls
• Plenty of water for walks
• Dog waste bags
• Towels
• Dog bed or blanket
• Tick remover
• Any medication

An old towel kept near the tent entrance can be particularly useful.

Trust us on that one.

Caravans and Motorhomes

If you're touring rather than camping under canvas, your packing list will look slightly different.

Make sure you have the appropriate electrical cables and connectors, levelling equipment, wheel chocks, water and waste equipment, toilet chemicals where required and any awning equipment you're planning to use.

If you're staying on a hardstanding pitch and putting up an awning, don't forget your rock pegs.

Before travelling to Hartington Hills in a larger motorhome or while towing a caravan, we'd also strongly recommend checking our Find Us information rather than simply following your sat nav.

Our rural location means some routes involve narrow country lanes, but there are easier approaches from every direction. We've provided recommended routes to help you arrive without any unnecessary Peak District lane adventures.

You can find more information about our pitches on the Touring page.

What Is Available at Hartington Hills?

The good news is that forgetting something doesn't necessarily mean disaster.

At Hartington Hills, our facilities are designed to make camping and touring that little bit more comfortable. We have modern toilet and shower facilities with unlimited hot water, dedicated washing-up and laundry areas, free Wi-Fi and an accessible wet room.

Our on-site shop also stocks local produce and useful essentials, which is very handy when you realise the one thing you were absolutely certain you'd packed is still sitting on the kitchen table at home.

You can see what's available before you arrive on our Facilities page, and our FAQs answer many of the practical questions guests have before their stay.

Most importantly, don't worry about packing for every possible eventuality.

Bring good waterproofs, comfortable walking shoes, warm bedding and the essentials you need to eat and sleep comfortably. Most other things can be solved once you're here.

And if this is your first camping holiday in the area, have a read of our Complete Guide to Camping in the Peak District before you visit. It covers everything from choosing where to stay and when to come to walking, cycling and exploring the National Park.

Then all that's left to do is pack the car, ignore the inevitable feeling that you've forgotten something, and head for the hills.