How to Pitch a Tent

At Ladram Bay we love camping and have done so for 80 years and counting, but you’re still going to need to set up your own tent!

If you’re new to the world of pegs, poles and guy ropes then we’re here to offer a helping hand in setting up your portable second home and put some pride into pitching.

The Tent…

Failure to prepare is preparing to fail, if you’ve never pitched a tent or have bought a new design, try pitching at home before you go on holiday. It may sound obvious but being able to put everything back in the original bag will make that journey home all the more enjoyable, spacious and give you camping kudos amongst your temporary neighbours.

What type of Tent?

If you’ve about to buy a tent watch an online demo or ask for a demo in store, then work out how easily your family will fit in. The tent you’re about to buy might be in a great colour and can be pitched halfway up K2, but if your struggle to piece it together and your dog is sleeping on your feet you’re in for a long holiday.

Flat Ground

Few campsites are likely to be offering pitches at 45* angles, but if your pitch isn’t totally flat ensure you pitch your tent with your feet facing downwards and the door facing downhill, this way your companions won’t roll into each other, blood won’t rush to your head while you sleep and rain won’t come in via the entrance. Lastly, the tent’s main door should be facing away from the wind (particularly if using a tunnel tent) to avoid buffering.

The Pitch

Keen campers always take care to find the perfect spot, book in advance to secure the a pitch that fulfils your family’s requirements be it the view, distance to amenities or private beach.

Setting Up Camping

You’ve been shown to your pitch, now it time to check for any object that may damage your tent, such as tent pegs or mislaid cooking utensils left by previous campers. Most modern tents have sewn in groundsheets, try pegging out the corners of this first to establish a basic layout – just be sure not to peg it out too tight. Pegs should be knocked in at a 45 degree angle, with the tip pointing towards the tent. Drive in with a rubber mallet for a smooth pitching experience – unless your are using screw in pegs. Guylines are a great way to give your tent added rigidity, especially in exposed positions.

Near the loos or far away?

Being near the loos or amenities are a big no no for some people, but for others (especially those with young children) it can mean far shorter midnight trips across the campsite. Ask yourself what campsite facility am I likely to be using most and would it help being nearby to it?

Where the children play?

For families, being nearby or able to watch your children play from your own tent is prerequisite, look at where your kids are likely to be playing and book a pitch with this in mind.

Gimme Shelter

Windbreaks are a campers way of giving yourself a little bit of privacy, but its worth remembering that hedgerows can provide great wind protection, especially from an exposed coastal position like Ladram’s.

Trees: Friend or Foe?

To the novice camper tree offer shade, a rain buffer, a point of orientation and a subtle nod to embracing the great outdoors, however as seasoned campers will testify the grass beneath will get less rain (patchy grass), when it does rain water will drip from trees long after the rain has stopped, trees will drip sap on your tent and birds roosting above may (unintentionally) defecate on your second home.