Camping Checklist – Are You Ready After Lockdown?

Decided to go out and venture into the great outdoors? Here’s our camping checklist!

At Sumners Ponds, we have many different ways to enjoy nature, from camping to glamping to caravanning!

Here’s a list of our caravanning and camping sites:

Bluebell Park

Suitable for families especially those with young children as there is a play area in the middle of the camping area and it is adjacent to the Bluebell Woods. There is a mixture of hardstanding gravel and grass pitches so all unit types can be accommodated.

Ribbon Park

Situated in between Farm Pond and Ribbon Lake, and is ideal for anglers and campers of all ages. This camping area is a mixture of grass and hardstanding gravel pitches. There are also two premium lakeside pitches in Ribbon Park which sit on the Farm Pond; pitches 66a and 67a which are both hardstanding gravel.

Sumners Park

The original camping area positioned around Sumners Lake and Farm Pond. This is the most tranquil area of the campsite and is most suited to those wanting to fish as the majority of the premium lakeside pitches are in this area.

The Rally Field

Large camping field for tents and small campers only. This area is perfect for a summer weekend away enjoying back-to-basics camping with beautiful views across Ribbon Lake. This field is Now available to book online via our website.

Click to visit our camping page for more information on each site.

We also have camping and glamping accommodation:

Lakeside Lodges

Sumners Ponds is home to four lakeside lodges, each with its own character and charm, enjoying an enviable setting with its own private fishing veranda. These superb lodges boast fantastic views over the beautiful Sumners lake and offer a paradise to fishermen and nature lovers alike.

B&B Shepherd’s Huts

These quirky and beautifully handcrafted huts are ideal for a quick stop-over or a romantic weekend away in the beautiful West Sussex countryside.

Safari Tents

Our Safari Tent, Swallow’s Hide, is the ultimate in luxury camping and would tempt even the most reluctant campers. Situated on the bank of Sumners Lake the outlook and atmosphere are unrivalled.

Camping Pods

Experience camping in a pod, the best way to camp! The concept is to bring all your own equipment less the tent – so you need to bring your own bedding including a mattress or camp bed, cooking equipment, and anything else you think you might need for a camping trip. Best of all you will be cosy and warm with no wet tent to pack away at the end of your stay.

Family Field

The Family Field is ideally suited to group bookings or for those wishing for a more private camping experience in our beautiful corner of West Sussex.

Visit our “Staying at Sumners” page to choose your get-away holiday today and book with confidence.

Camping Checklist

We can all agree it’s been a while since we went camping/caravanning, and maybe you’ve forgotten what essentials you need to bring. Well, don’t worry! We have created a great camping checklist below to help you out.

Shelter & Comfort

  • Tent
  • Spare tent pegs
  • Mallet
  • Sleeping bag 
  • Pillow
  • Sleeping mat/camp bed
  • Earplugs
  • Spare batteries & portable charger
  • Torch/head torch
  • Duct tape
  • Tent repair kit

Clothing

Hiking boots and jacket on a wooden background. The concept of hiking, tourism, camp, mountains, forest. Banner. Flat lay, top view
  • Waterproof coat, trousers & umbrella
  • Clean, dry clothes
  • PJ’s
  • Depending on weather – woolly hat & gloves or sun hat/cap & sunglasses
  • Walking boots & flipflops
  • Spare underwear & socks

Campsite & Kitchen

Outdoor kitchen equipment and wooden table set with field tents group in camping area at natural parkland
  • Table & camping chairs
  • Windbreak
  • Binbags
  • Water container
  • Stove/BBQ
  • Fuel
  • Lighter/matches
  • Cool box
  • Pots & pans
  • Chopping board
  • Plastic plates, bowls & mugs
  • Cooking and eating utensils
  • Cleaning sponge, washing up liquid, bowl
  • Tea towels
  • Wet wipes
  • Tin & bottle opener

Health & Safety

Top view of first-aid kit with patch, scissors, thermometer and elastic bandage
  • First aid kit
  • Shampoo & conditioner
  • Body wash
  • Towels
  • Toothbrush & toothpaste
  • Toilet roll
  • Insect repellent
  • Insect ease
  • Pocket knife
  • Hand sanitiser

Sumners Ponds

Sumners Ponds Fishery and Campsite in West Sussex is a unique and beautiful spot set in the tranquil countryside amongst 100 acres of lakes, woodland, and pasture.

The campsite itself boasts high quality campsite facilities, acres of woodland, a working farm, and fishing lakes. All this in a beautiful and secluded setting which is perfect for just relaxing, or for the more active, exploring the many footpaths and safe cycleways within and around the site.

We also have The Cafe by the Lake, which is our restaurant and bar that is open to both those staying on site and the general public. We aim to provide the highest standard of food and service.

Book your stay on our camping page.

Quick Enquiry

Disabled Friendly

Sumners Ponds is a accessible fishery for those with a disability. The best lakes to fish are either Farm Pond or Betty’s Lake.

Farm Pond has a purpose built accessible platform with a ramp from the ajoining car park. This spaceous decked area has three large swims which are all disabled priority. The car park for this lake is directly next to the closest fishing swims so there is not far to travel with your equipment.

Betty’s Lake has two disabled parking areas which are very close to the nearest wood-chipped swims.