Grass is greener this summer: Club shares expert tips for camping without an electric hook up 

 Tuesday 5th August 2025

The Camping and Caravanning Club has released an expert guide to help campers embrace a more off-grid experience using alternative power sources this summer.  

The guide has been developed for campers staying on non-electric and grass only pitches and offers practical advice on how to be a self-sufficient camper - saving money and enjoying a greater connection with nature in the process.  

As electric hook ups are often charged as an extra on top of a standard pitch fee, non-electric and grass only pitches can present excellent value. Campers equipped with their own alternative sources of power can book these pitch types and benefit from more flexibility, availability and freedom to explore more remote or scenic locations.  

The Club’s guide highlights a variety of alternative power options for campers, ranging from solar panels to LPG gas, suitable for both lightweight campers and those travelling with caravans, campervans, or motorhomes. 

For lightweight campers

• Portable solar panels: compact and increasingly affordable, these are ideal for powering small camping accessories like lanterns, chargers, and torches.
• Built-in solar devices: many camping products now come with integrated solar panels, including solar kettles and lanterns.
• Foldable/flexible solar panels: these can easily be attached to backpacks or tents to recharge gear throughout the day.
• Power banks: ideal to charge smart devices. Wind-up equipment is also readily available.
• Compact gas stoves with small portable cannisters: these remain the best option for cooking.

For campervanners, motorhomers and caravanners

• LPG gas: efficient for heating, cooking and use in boiling water. 
• Expanded capacity: larger setups offer greater power storage and flexibility, making alternative energy options especially useful for extended or off-grid trips.

Benefits of drawing power from your own setup

• No requirement for a 230V hook-up on grass pitches, giving campers more freedom to camp on a broad range of pitch types, opening up more green field locations.
• Long-term savings on supplements for electric hook ups can offset initial equipment purchase cost.
• A more satisfying self-sufficient and independent camping experience.

Ian Hewlett, the Club’s Technical Manager, said: “Lots of campers yearn for an off-grid camping experience to reconnect with nature and the natural world. With so many alternative power options now available, it’s easier than ever to build a setup that meets most people’s needs, without relying on electric hook ups.

“Over time, investing in your own energy kit can lead to significant savings and much greater flexibility. While hook ups are still important for many, going off-grid opens the door to more availability, better value, and a stronger connection with the outdoors.”

The Club has launched an offer for 40% off grass only pitches this summer, valid on stays at more than 60 Club Sites across the UK until 21.09.2025. For more information and to view terms and conditions visit www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/campsites/offers/grass-pitches/. Visit www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/advice/equipment/solar-power-free-energy-sources to read the Club’s guide on alternative power when camping.

-Ends-

For more information contact us.

Notes for Editors

1. The Camping and Caravanning Club is 124 years old and is the UK’s oldest and largest Club for all forms of camping.
2. The Club operates a nationwide network of quality assured Club Sites, with 95% of these 5-star rated by Club members.
3. Club members receive up to 30% off every Club Site stay and get exclusive access to privately run, smaller sites.
4. The Club has delivered a high NPS score this year of 81% across its Club Site network and 90% for its Service Centre.
5. Get involved: for the latest news, information and inspiration from The Camping and Caravanning Club, and to engage with those who’ve enjoyed holidays with the Club, visit www.facebook.com/campandcaravanning, www.instagram.com/campandcaravan and www.youtube.com/@campandcaravanning.