Review of Yamp Camp, Alpaca Campsite in Sussex
I thought I’d write up our review of Yamp Camp, Alpaca Camp where we visited for our 12 Family Adventures. A few months ago, before the rain started hammering down and before we had the crazy, tropical style rainstorms hit us – we went camping. It was a bit of a spontaneous decision and one thing we learnt is that you need to book campsites a little longer than the night before, particularly if it’s right before a bank holiday! But despite struggling to find somewhere we ended up at a lovely little campsite in East Sussex called Alpaca camp, aptly named because yes, you’ve guessed it, it is actually surrounded by Alpacas. It’s part of a campsite called Yamp Camp which has a few campsites all in the beautiful Sussex campsite – here is our review of Yamp Camp.
It turned out to be exactly the kind of relaxing break we needed. Camping is the best because it forces us to switch off, life cannot continue as normal when you’re camping. I love the fact that there’s no distractions of TV or phones or electronic games and spending all day long outdoors was an antidote to the busy few weeks that we’d had. The kids spent the days playing with balls, hula hoops and the campsite had a rope swing that they loved swinging on.
The campsite wasn’t at all crowded, despite it being busy for a bank holiday weekend. You had plenty of space around your tent and could park right by where you camped which makes things easier for setting up camp. The tents sit round the edge of the field and overlooked a long grass section which made for the most stunning sunsets in the evening.
The compost toilet and wooden block showers are basic and there are only two showers but the toilets were clean and we found them fine for a weekend although perhaps it wouldn’t have been so comfortable for a week stay. That said, it’s always good to have a back to basic experience – especially for kids – they’ll be more grateful for their bath and shower luxuries at home! If wild camping or back to basics camping is your thing – then here’s a fab list of places to Wild Camp in the UK (and a generally great site for looking up other places for your next camping trip!)
Review of Yamp Camp, Alpaca Camp
There’s a small washing up station and drinking water facilities – the kids loved the independence of being sent to wash up or collect water as it was around a 5-10 minute walk from the tent into a neighbouring field- but you could watch them all the way which made them feel all grown up! They could also stop by the alpacas on the way back to camp!
Our favourite thing about yamp camp was every evening, the owner comes round with a fire pit and there’s an option to buy firewood (£7 a bag) and have your own fire outside your tent. Toasting marshmallows became our favourite activity and the kids completely loved helping Mr M to light the fire every evening and it was great to keep you warm as the nights were still quite chilly for May.
The kids were pretty happy with chilled out days and grilling their sausages for breakfast in the morning! On one day we ventured to Southwater Country Park in Horsham and had a picnic overlooking the lake. We should have brought their swimming costumes as there’s a mini man made beach on the lake with a section that kids can swim in. We spent the rest of the afternoon playing in the Dinosaur Park which is perfect for our family as it has climbing and swinging equipment good for 0-12 years old. The longer drive (Dinosaur Park is about 30 minutes from the camp) meant the kids had a nap en route which was needed after waking up so early – the only downside to camping! I’d love a blackout tent one day!!
What’s your favourite family campsite in south east? We’re looking to plan our next camping trip (although an windy, stormy accident with our current tent means we need a new tent first!) and would love to know which is your favourite – pop it in the comments!?
If you’re looking for a back to basics (but clean) family friendly campsite with plenty of space for a relaxing escape from town life- Yamp Camp is perfect! Here’s a video peek into our weekend at Alpaca Camp………
