Pop-up camping is normally referred to as a “pop-up campsite” is a temporary campsite that is only open for a limited period of time (normally in the summer) and may or may not open at the same time the following year.

It is increasingly popular for those looking to explore the great outdoors and do something recreational with their family.

Where Are They Normally Located?

Farmers Field

They are generally located in a farmer’s field where savvy landowners look to make some extra money for the summer season. Since they are temporary, the farmer doesn’t need to get any planning permission or ask for permission from their local state or county.

The facilities provided are quite basic from disposable bins to a standpipe that supplies fresh water.

28-day pop-up campsites

Oftentimes these pop-up campsites are called 28-day sites. This is because they are open for 28 days where local legislation grants the landowner permission for this set amount of time in the summer months.

28-day pop-ups are also popular around music event season or carnival where event-goers can attend an event and then camp close by.

Special locations

National parks often have these types of campsites where the landowner or holiday park opens up space for a set period of time.

This is because there is very little damage done to the local area or any long-lasting effects to the local scenery for such a short period of the year.

Three tents on mountain

Whereas a more permanent campsite would need more upkeep and would require more planning permission.

There is also the local wildlife to think about, harming the local wildlife has dire consequences, and permanent campsites wouldn’t be able to survive long if they had any impact on the surrounding environment.

Who Can Use Pop-up Campsites?

There are no restrictions to who can use camp in this way – provided you have some form of transport to get there and back!

You could potentially show up with your car and pitch up right next to it.

Might not always be ideal but it is possible. Other times these pop-up sites are often used by regular visitors or even by people living nearby who like leaving their home for a short period of time for recreational purposes during the summer months.

Campsites that leave no trace

The whole idea of a pop-up campsite is to be erected and taken down without any ecological damage to the area and in effect leave no trace they were ever there.

This is the perfect scenario for the farmer or landowner. No planning permission is needed, they can make a little bit of extra money for themselves over the summer months and the local wildlife is unaffected.

Pop-up Campers

Did you know that you can also hire or buy pop-up campers?

What are pop-up campers?

These are either recreational trailers that are towed and can be cola[sed for easy storage and travel.

Alternatively, you can get an RV-type popup camper where the collapsable pop-up is either erected at the side of the RV once you have pitched at a campsite or on the roof of the RV.

As you can imagine these are increasingly popular because they provide you with extra space to store equipment or even a separate living space.

They are also portable and can be towed on the back of a car, van, or small pick-up truck.

Pop-up campers have been used by the military for many years as a quick way of setting up a field hospital/command center in remote areas.

A pop-up includes at least two queen-size beds that stick out from the front and back (some also include a third bed that sticks out of one side), a tiny kitchen sink and stove, a dining table (that may be converted into a small bed), and built-in storage when set up.

References:

Main Image: Korey99CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

VW camper van next to the sea.
Should You Try Pop-up Camping
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