Is Camping at RIAT Really the Cheaper Option?

Before you book a campsite because you have spotted a pitch for £20 or £30 a night compared with £150, £200 or even £300+ for a nearby hotel, there are a few things I think you should know first.

Camping can absolutely be one of the most affordable and enjoyable ways to experience RIAT. I have been camping near RAF Fairford for around 12 years now, and personally, I wouldn't want to experience the week any other way.

However, there can be quite a few hidden costs, especially if this is your first camping trip and you currently own little or no camping equipment.

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This page isn't here to put you off camping. Far from it.

I simply want to give you a realistic idea of what is involved before you book your pitch, because I have been in exactly the same position myself.

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My Experience of Camping at RIAT

A good camping setup really can become the backbone of a brilliant RIAT trip.

Over the years, I have slowly changed and improved the way I camp. Some things have worked brilliantly, other things have lasted one year before being replaced, and there have definitely been a few purchases where I have wondered why I ever bought them.

That is part of camping.

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I have camped through very hot weather, cold nights, heavy rain, strong winds and muddy fields. British summer camping can occasionally feel like you've packed for three different seasons in the same weekend.

After every RIAT trip, I normally look at what worked, what didn't and what I could improve for the following year.

You certainly don't need the biggest tent, the most expensive kitchen or every camping gadget available.

What you need is a setup that works for your group, your budget and the amount of time you are staying.

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First Question: Is Camping Actually Cheaper?

This is probably the biggest reason people start looking at camping.

A campsite close to RAF Fairford might start from around £15–£30 per night, while hotels around the RIAT weekend can cost considerably more.

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At first glance, camping looks like the obvious winner.

And if you already own most of the equipment, it probably is.

The difference comes when you're starting from nothing.

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A £30 campsite pitch might also require you to buy:

• A tent

• Sleeping bags

• Camp beds or airbeds

• Camping chairs

• A table

• Cooking equipment

• Plates and utensils

• Lighting

• Power banks or portable power

• A cool box

• Waterproof clothing

• Tent pegs and a mallet

• Windbreaks

• Food and drinks

• Gas or BBQ fuel

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Suddenly your £30-a-night camping trip can become considerably more expensive.

The good news is that most of that equipment can be used again and again, so the first camping trip is normally the expensive one.

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Think About How Long You're Staying

This is where I think camping starts to make much more sense.

If you are staying near Fairford for five, six or seven nights, the difference between camping and staying in a hotel can become considerable.

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However, if you are only coming down for one night, buying hundreds of pounds worth of camping equipment may not make financial sense.

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For someone attending for just one or two nights, I would genuinely compare the full cost of camping against a hotel, B&B or other accommodation before deciding.

If you're planning to attend RIAT regularly, camp at other airshows, go to festivals or use the equipment for family holidays, then investing in camping equipment becomes far easier to justify.

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Set Yourself a Realistic Budget

One mistake that is very easy to make is looking at everything at once.

You start with a tent.

Then you spot a better bed.

Then a bigger table.

Then a camping kitchen.

Then a power station.

Then somehow you're looking at a solar panel at 11pm wondering how your £500 camping budget disappeared.

I've been there. Before buying anything, decide how much you actually want to spend.

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I would split your budget into three areas:

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Essential equipment

The things you genuinely need to camp safely and comfortably.

Comfort equipment

Things such as better beds, larger chairs, tables and windbreaks.

Nice-to-have equipment

Camping kitchens, event shelters, portable power stations and other upgrades.

You can always improve your setup over time.

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You Don't Need to Buy Everything New

If this is your first camping trip, borrowing equipment can save you a huge amount of money.

Ask family or friends whether they have:

• A spare tent

• Camping chairs

• Sleeping bags

• Airbeds

• Tables

• Cool boxes

• Cooking equipment

Second-hand equipment can also be worth looking at.

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Facebook Marketplace, Vinted and local selling groups can sometimes have very good camping equipment available for a fraction of its original price.

For new equipment, shops such as GO Outdoors, Decathlon, Millets and Blacks regularly have offers available.

I would especially look outside the main summer camping season when equipment is often reduced.

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How Many People Are Camping?

The number of people in your group makes a big difference to the type of setup I would recommend.

Throughout this guide, I will cover setups for groups ranging from two people right through to larger groups of around 12.

Don't treat these as strict rules.

Use them as a starting point.

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A couple staying for two nights will have completely different requirements from a family of six camping for an entire week.

Think about:

• How many adults are coming?

• Are children staying?

• How many nights are you camping?

• How much luggage are you bringing?

• Do you have photography equipment?

• Will you cook at the campsite?

• Do you want somewhere sheltered to sit?

• How much space do you have in your car?

These questions will quickly tell you whether you need a simple setup or something closer to a little temporary home.

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Choosing the Right Tent

Your tent is probably the most important purchase you will make.

My advice is not to automatically buy a tent based on the number written on the packaging.

A four-person tent doesn't necessarily mean four adults will comfortably live in it for seven nights with luggage, clothes, camera equipment and everything else.

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For two people staying several days, I would personally look at something around a four-berth tent.

For longer stays, having extra room makes a huge difference.

Remember that your tent isn't just somewhere to sleep.

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When the weather turns, it might also become your changing room, storage area, living space and emergency escape from the rain.

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Don't Forget the Cost of Sleeping Comfortably

​You can have an amazing tent and still have a terrible camping trip if you don't sleep properly.

I've tried different sleeping setups over the years and this is one area where I think comfort is worth spending a little more on.

Your options might include:

• Airbeds

• Raised camping beds

• Fishing-style beds

• Self-inflating mattresses

• Sleeping bags

• Duvets and blankets

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Remember that nights at Fairford can become surprisingly cold, even after a very warm day.

I always recommend bringing something warmer than you think you'll need.

You'll thank yourself at 2am.

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The Weather Can Completely Change Your Trip

Camping at RIAT can be fantastic.

It can also be an adventure.

I've experienced extremely hot weather, cold evenings, heavy rain and strong winds while camping around RAF Fairford.

You really do need to prepare for several different types of weather.

I would always bring:

• Waterproof clothing

• Warm layers

• Spare clothes

• Sun cream

• A hat

• Strong tent pegs

• A decent mallet

• Extra blankets

• Suitable footwear

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Don't look at the weather forecast two weeks before RIAT and assume that's what you're getting.

Keep checking it right up until you travel.

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Choosing Where to Camp

There are several campsites around RAF Fairford and each one offers something slightly different.

Location is important, but I wouldn't choose a campsite based purely on which one looks closest on a map.

Think about what you want from your stay.

Are you looking for:

• A lively campsite?

• Somewhere quieter?

• A family-friendly field?

• Aircraft views?

• Easy walking access to the showground?

• Somewhere good for photography?

• A larger pitch?

• Better facilities?

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Sites around Fairford including Fairford Air show Camping at Townsend Farm, Totterdown and Kempsford can offer very different camping experiences.

Have a look through the campsite section of this guide before choosing.

The cheapest campsite isn't automatically the best campsite for you.

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Pitch Size Matters More Than You Think

This is something first-time campers can easily overlook.

Your tent isn't the only thing taking up space.

You might also have:

• A car

• Windbreaks

• Tables

• Chairs

• An event shelter

• BBQ

• Cooking equipment

• Solar panels

• Storage boxes

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Before travelling, I would actually lay your equipment out mentally, or even physically at home if you have the space.

Think about how much room your complete setup will require.

Some campsites provide allocated pitch sizes while others give you more flexibility.

Check this before booking.

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Cooking at the Campsite

Cooking your own food is one of the biggest ways camping can save you money.

A BBQ is probably one of the simplest options.

It's easy, social and perfect for cooking a basic evening meal after spending the day watching aircraft.

Camping stoves are another good option, especially for breakfast, tea and coffee.

However, remember that cooking equipment adds more items to your packing list.

You may need:

• Stove or BBQ

• Gas or fuel

• Lighter

• Cooking utensils

• Plates

• Cups

• Cutlery

• Washing-up equipment

• Food storage

• Cool box

Always check your campsite's latest rules regarding BBQs, open flames and cooking equipment before travelling.

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Food and Drink

Over the years, our group has tried several different ways of dealing with food.

We've brought everything from home, bought supplies locally and mixed the two together.

Personally, I think a mixture works best.

One thing we often do is buy much of our food after arriving in the Fairford area.

The larger Tesco in Cirencester has been particularly useful for us because it means we don't have to completely fill the car with food before leaving home.

There are also other supermarkets available nearby.

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Save Money by Bringing the Small Things

One of the easiest ways to waste money is buying everything again when you arrive.

Things such as:

• Ketchup

• BBQ sauce

• Salt

• Pepper

• Cooking oil

• Tea

• Coffee

• Sugar

don't sound expensive individually.

Put them all in one basket and suddenly you've spent another £15–£20.

If you already have them at home, bring them.

It's a small thing, but these little savings start to add up.

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Eating Out During RIAT

There are pubs, restaurants, shops and takeaways around Fairford, but you need to consider the traffic situation during the show weekend.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday can become extremely busy around RAF Fairford.

Road closures, one-way systems and heavy traffic can make what would normally be a five-minute drive considerably more difficult.

Fairford itself has convenience stores alongside pubs and places to eat.

Walking may sometimes be easier than driving depending on which campsite you're staying at.

My advice is to plan your food before the main show days.

If you need supermarket supplies, try to get them before Friday.

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Don't Forget Power

Power is another cost that didn't matter nearly as much when I first started camping.

Now we have phones, cameras, tablets, watches and dozens of other things that need charging.

For a short trip, a few decent power banks might be perfectly adequate.

For longer stays, you might consider a portable power station and eventually even a solar panel.

You don't need to buy an expensive portable power setup for your first camping trip.

Start with what you actually need.

If you're only charging two phones for two nights, buying hundreds of pounds worth of equipment probably isn't necessary.

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Camping and Photography

For photographers, camping around Fairford can offer another major advantage.

Some campsites can give you opportunities to photograph aircraft that you simply wouldn't get from inside the showground.

Aircraft arriving, departing and positioning around RAF Fairford can provide some fantastic photographic opportunities.

Health and safety restrictions also mean some of the traditional roadside photography locations around Fairford are no longer practical.

For photographers spending several days around RIAT, choosing the right campsite can therefore become part of the photography experience itself.

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Camping Isn't Just About Saving Money

This is probably the biggest thing I have learnt.

If you only compare the price of a campsite pitch against the price of a hotel room, you miss a huge part of why people camp at RIAT.

For me, camping has become part of RIAT.

You wake up hearing aircraft.

You sit outside with friends and family.

You watch movements from the campsite.

You talk to other aviation enthusiasts.

You cook outside, spend the evenings chatting and generally feel part of the atmosphere for the entire week.

For some people, that experience is worth far more than the money saved.

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Who I Think Camping Works Best For

Personally, I think camping is a fantastic option if:

• You're staying several nights.

• You already own some camping equipment.

• You're attending as a family or group.

• You're planning to attend RIAT regularly.

• You enjoy being outdoors.

• You want to stay close to RAF Fairford.

• You're interested in aircraft photography.

• You want the full RIAT atmosphere.

The longer you stay and the more often you use your equipment, the better value camping becomes.

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When I Would Consider a Hotel Instead

Camping isn't going to suit everyone.

If you're only attending for one day, staying for one or two nights, don't own any equipment and don't particularly enjoy camping, a hotel or B&B may actually make more sense.

Yes, the room might cost more per night.

But your bed is already there.

Your shower is already there.

You don't need to buy a tent, sleeping bags, cooking equipment, chairs, lighting and half of an outdoor shop before you arrive.

That convenience has a value too.

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So, Is Camping at RIAT Worth It?

For me, absolutely.

But I already own the equipment and I have built my setup up over many years.

That's the important difference.

If you're starting completely from scratch, don't look at a £20 or £30 campsite pitch and assume that's the total cost of your trip.

Work out what equipment you actually need first.

Add up the costs.

Compare camping against hotels and other accommodation.

Then decide what works for you.

If you're planning to camp for several nights or return to RIAT year after year, the equipment becomes an investment rather than a one-off expense.

My biggest advice is simple:

Start with the basics.

You don't need to build the ultimate campsite on your first year.

Get a decent tent, somewhere comfortable to sleep, a chair, some basic cooking equipment and the essentials.

Camp once.

See what works.

Then improve it each year.

That's pretty much how my own setup has developed over the past 12 years.

And trust me, you'll very quickly discover what you want to buy next.

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Ready to Start Planning Your Setup?

If you have decided that camping sounds right for you, the next part of my guide takes you through the equipment, tent sizes and suggested setups I would consider for groups ranging from two people through to larger groups of around 12.

I'll show you what I would class as essential, what I would add for a longer stay and which items are more of a luxury than a necessity.

Use it as a starting point and build a camping setup that works for your RIAT trip, rather than somebody else's.