What is a camping stag do?
A back to basics camping stag do is the one where you swap the bar crawl for a field, a fire and a sky full of stars. It’s your chance to go full Bear Grylls: pitch the tents, get a fire going and cook everything rare on a naked flame, because that’s what men do.
As the sun goes down, the group sits round the fire, the hip flask goes round and the old stories come out. It’s cheap, it’s properly sociable, and nobody needs to worry about having a wash all weekend. The groom gets real time with his mates, not just a blur of bars.
Why it works on a stag
It’s cheap. No hotel, no club entry and no taxis. Even after the food and booze, it’s one of the easiest ways to keep the cost down.
Everyone gets to know each other. If half the group have never met, a night round the fire does more than any icebreaker. By the morning, the uni mates and the work mates will be ganging up on the stag together.
It suits mixed groups. Fit lads can hike or climb in the day, everyone else can man the barbecue and the cool box.
Tents, glamping or something in between?
- Proper camping. Dig out the old festival tents and roll out the sleeping bags. Cheapest option, best stories.
- Glamping. Pods, bell tents or yurts with real beds. Good if the group includes a few lads who like their creature comforts, or their backs.
- Somewhere unique. A cottage, a treehouse or a bunkhouse gives you the same bonding with a roof over your head. Handy if the British weather has other ideas.
Things I’d check first
- The site’s rules on groups. Some campsites won’t take big groups of lads, so tell them it’s a stag when you book rather than getting turned away at the gate.
- Fires. Check whether open fires are allowed, or whether you need to bring a raised fire pit.
- Noise. Most sites have quiet hours. Pick a spot away from the families, or book somewhere that’s happy to have you.
- Getting there and back. Somebody has to drive, and they can’t drink the night before the drive home. Sort that out before you set off.
- A wet weather plan. Pack a gazebo and assume it will rain, because it will.
Pair it with
Camping works best with a big day out to earn the evening. Try hiking, gorge walking, coasteering or fishing by day. For a stag who’d rather stay off the hills, clay pigeon shooting makes a great country day before the fire.
If the group is near the coast, pitch up near Newquay and you can surf in the day and still head into town if the lads get restless.
Kit for a camping stag do
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Portable fire pit
For when the site won’t let you light one on the grass.
Find it on AmazonCamping chairs
Because standing round a fire all night gets old fast.
Find it on AmazonEngraved hip flask
A keepsake for the stag, and something to pass round the fire.
Find it on AmazonCool box
Keeps the beers cold and the burgers safe.
Find it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
Is camping a good idea for a stag do?
For the right group, yes. It’s cheap, it gets everyone talking round the fire and the groom gets real time with his mates. It suits groups who would rather tell stories than queue for clubs.
Camping or glamping for a stag do?
Proper tents are cheapest and give you the best stories. Glamping pods, bell tents or yurts give you real beds, which is handy if a few lads like their creature comforts. A cottage or bunkhouse works if the weather looks grim.
What should you check before booking a campsite for a stag do?
Tell the site it’s a stag, as some won’t take big groups of lads. Check whether open fires are allowed, what the quiet hours are, and who is driving home. Then pack a gazebo, because it will rain.
