Taking Your Electric Car Camping

Taking your electric car camping in the UK is entirely practical, but it does ask for a little more upfront planning than a petrol trip. The key shift is thinking about charging as part of your destination, not just a motorway stop. Many campsites now offer EV hook-up points or standard three-pin sockets, and once you know what to expect at each stop, the anxiety fades quickly. A portable EV charger is one of the most useful things you can pack, because it turns any ordinary socket into an overnight charge point.

How do I plan a camping route around EV chargers?

Think in two layers: en-route chargers for the drive itself, and destination chargers for where you are staying. Apps such as Zap-Map, PlugShare, and A Better Routeplanner (ABRP) let you overlay charge points on a map so you can see what is near each campsite before you commit to a booking. Search for charge points within a few miles of your intended site, not just on the motorway corridor. Many market towns and visitor attractions now have charge points in their car parks, which can double as a daytime activity stop.

Do campsites actually have EV charging?

A growing number do, and the number is rising each season. The Caravan and Motorhome Club, the Camping and Caravanning Club, and many independent sites now advertise EV hook-up points alongside traditional electric hook-up (EHU) pitches. Not all sites have gone this far, though, and supply is still patchy in more remote areas. Check the site's own website or call ahead: the phrase to ask about is "EV charging point" or "Type 2 hook-up." Standard electric pitches with a three-pin socket are far more common and are perfectly usable with a portable charger overnight.

What is a portable EV charger and why is it worth packing?

A portable EV charger, sometimes called a granny charger or EVSE cable, plugs into a standard thirteen-amp three-pin socket on one end and connects to your car on the other. It charges more slowly than a wallbox or public charger, but overnight on a campsite pitch is usually enough to restore meaningful range for the next day's driving. They are compact enough to live in your boot permanently, and many come with a selection of adaptor plugs. If you are camping regularly, it is probably the single most useful EV accessory you can own.

Will using the car's interior features drain the battery?

Small USB devices, phone charging, and interior lights draw very little from the 12V auxiliary battery rather than the main traction battery in most EVs, so occasional use is fine. Climate control is different: running heating or air conditioning from the high-voltage pack for extended periods does draw meaningfully from your range, particularly in cold weather. If you want to use the car as a rest area while parked, keep sessions short or connect to a charge point. The car's USB ports are ideal for a small camping light or phone; they are not designed to power a kettle or a cool box. For that, a separate 12V leisure battery system is the better solution.

Does a roof box or heavy kit affect range significantly?

Yes, more than most people expect. A roof box increases aerodynamic drag, which has a proportionally larger effect on electric range than on a petrol car because there is no engine inefficiency to hide the difference. The practical advice is to pack lighter than you would for a petrol trip, load heavier items in the boot rather than on the roof, and remove the roof box when it is not in use. Plan your charging stops assuming a somewhat reduced range if you are fully loaded, and use your route-planning app to enter a conservative range estimate so you are not caught short.

Should I book campsites in advance if I am worried about charging?

In summer, yes: EV pitches at popular sites often sell out before standard pitches. Booking ahead also lets you confirm charging availability directly with the site, rather than relying on a listing that may not be current. For shoulder-season and midweek trips, you generally have more flexibility. A practical safety net is to identify the nearest public rapid charger to each campsite before you leave home, so you have a backup plan if the site's provision is unavailable or already in use.

Frequently asked questions

Can I charge my EV from a campsite electric hook-up point?

Yes, if the pitch has a three-pin socket you can use a portable granny charger. If the site has a dedicated Type 2 charger, you need a Type 2 cable. Both work overnight for a useful top-up. Always ask the campsite whether EV charging is permitted on standard EHU pitches, as some sites ask you to use designated spots to manage demand.

Which apps are best for finding chargers near campsites?

Zap-Map is the most comprehensive UK-specific network. PlugShare covers a wide range of charge point types including private and destination chargers. A Better Routeplanner (ABRP) integrates route planning with charging stops. Using two of these together gives you good confidence in what is available near any campsite you are considering.

Is it safe to charge from a campsite three-pin socket overnight?

Generally yes, provided the socket is in good condition and the campsite's electrical supply is rated for the draw. A portable EV charger includes built-in safety protections including earth fault detection. If you have any concerns about the socket's condition, do not use it, and report it to the site. Never use an extension lead that is not rated for the current your charger draws.

How much range will I actually recover overnight on a slow charger?

This depends on your car's battery size and the charge rate the socket supports. A slow overnight charge on a three-pin socket typically restores enough range for a full day of rural driving. Check your car's manual or the manufacturer's app for the expected charge rate from a standard socket. For precise figures, your vehicle's charging calculator is more reliable than a general estimate.

What if there are no chargers near the campsite I want to visit?

Arrive with enough range to reach the nearest public charger for a top-up, then return to the site. Many rural campsites are within a short drive of a market town with charge points at a supermarket or car park. Alternatively, look for a nearby pub, hotel, or visitor attraction that offers a destination charger, often free or at low cost for customers.

Can I run a cool box or fan from my EV while camping?

The car's USB and twelve-volt sockets are designed for low-draw devices: phones, lights, and small fans. Running a cool box or any high-draw device from the main traction battery while parked is not recommended for extended periods. A separate leisure battery charged by a solar panel is a more sustainable solution for campsite power needs beyond basic device charging.

Whether you are heading to the Lakes, the Highlands, or a coastal site in Cornwall, an EV is a capable camping companion with a bit of forward planning. Use our charging cable finder to make sure you have the right cable for your car, browse our range of portable EV chargers to stay topped up on any pitch, and check the guides section for more practical EV travel advice.