A good campsite can make all the difference to a successful DofE expedition. After a long day on the trail, participants need somewhere safe, practical and welcoming to pitch their tents, cook their evening meal and get some well-earned rest before the next day.
But what actually makes a campsite a good choice for a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expedition?
1. A safe place to camp
First and foremost, a DofE campsite needs to provide a safe and suitable environment for young people to stay overnight.
Groups should have clearly defined camping areas, appropriate facilities and enough space to pitch tents without feeling cramped. For leaders, knowing that the campsite is well managed and suitable for youth groups provides valuable peace of mind.
At Blackland Farm, our campsite is set within 127 acres of Sussex countryside, providing plenty of space for groups to enjoy the outdoors while having access to the facilities they need.
2. Proper toilet and shower facilities
After several hours of walking with a heavy rucksack, nobody wants to discover that the campsite has nowhere to wash!
Good toilet and washing facilities are particularly important for DofE groups. At Blackland Farm, our camping facilities include toilets, showers, wash basins, fresh water taps and washing-up areas, giving groups the essentials they need during their expedition.
It’s still camping, but you don’t have to sacrifice good hygeine.
3. Space to cook, eat and organise your kit
DofE expeditions are about independence, so participants should be able to put their expedition skills into practice.
That means having enough space to:
- Pitch tents
- Prepare and cook food
- Wash cooking equipment
- Organise kit
- Sit together as a team
- Prepare for the following day’s route
The campsite should feel like part of the expedition rather than simply somewhere to sleep.
4. A good location for your expedition
Location is hugely important when choosing a DofE campsite.
Ideally, it should form part of a sensible route rather than requiring participants to spend unnecessary time travelling to and from the expedition area. A good campsite can provide a practical overnight stopping point while allowing teams to experience the countryside they’re exploring.
Blackland Farm is based near East Grinstead in West Sussex, with a popular Public Right of Way heading straight through the site.
5. Somewhere young people actually enjoy staying
DofE is about challenge and personal development, but it’s also supposed to be an adventure.
After a demanding day, having somewhere pleasant to camp makes a difference. There’s something pretty satisfying about finally getting your tent up, cooking dinner with your team and relaxing around camp after completing a day’s expedition at a nice place immersed in nature.
That’s all part of the experience.
DofE camping at Blackland Farm
At Blackland Farm Outdoor Centre, we welcome DofE groups looking for a practical base for their expeditions. Our camping options range from traditional grass-field camping to dedicated group camping areas and tented villages. Blackland Farm Outdoor Centre
We also deliver DofE expeditions ourselves, including Bronze, Silver and Gold walking and canoe expeditions, so we understand what groups need from a campsite before, during and after an expedition. Blackland Farm Outdoor Centre
Whether you’re an experienced DofE group looking for a new campsite or planning your first expedition, we’re happy to help you work out what will work best for your group.
