The Outwell moon chairs we have were the biggest around the campfire so everyone gravitated to ours! But, when I did eventually get into one of our chairs, sitting toasting marshmallows, with one of the kids snuggled up to me under a blanket on the chair, stars above us, was pretty spectacular. 

In my childhood, my family used to borrow friends motorhomes for holidays and I always loved the campsite experience. The excitement of arriving, setting up the motorhome or tent and exploring was just magical. Back in my Blue Peter days I lived with a family in a yurt in Mongolia for a week. It was one of my highlights of my time on the show and I went a long way to cementing my love of life under canvas. 

What do you look for in a campsite and have you any favourite sites?
It needs to be relaxing and clean. I prefer sites with a minimum on offer when it comes to entertainment. A swimming pool at most but, preferably, not too much because that way it’s a more relaxed experience all around. I don’t go to a campsite to listen to arcade games all day or have that pressure to keep up with the entertainment schedule. For me, it’s all about sitting in a chair and watching my kids basking in the freedom of being outdoors for days on end. 

What is your best family camp/camping experience to date?
Last year we went to Northmoor Paddocks in Oxfordshire with friends and it was awesome − a long weekend of eco camping. I find the whole eco element means you’re surrounded by like minded people who are all there for the positive and relaxed vibe but who are great at respecting each other’s privacy and quiet. 

What is your favourite camping pastime and why?
Sitting around a campfire at night, toasting marshmallows and snuggling my kids under cosy blankets. HEAVEN! We also take our bikes so we can explore the local area. 

What do your children enjoy most about outdoor life and camping?
We always go armed with gymnastic ribbons, hoops and outdoor games, for the full hippy experience. I think they just love the amount of time they get to spend outside. Plus the level of quality time we end up having as a family is like nothing else. Through my blog we’re lucky to get to road test some phenomenal family holidays but the kids always cite our camping trips as among their favourite holidays. 

What advice would you offer other family campers?
Be realistic about where you’re camping. If you’re camping in the UK make sure you have enough space in your tent to live if (and when) the heavens open. If you’ve never been before, I’d suggest starting with a spot of glamping. We go to the Safari Tents at Gullivers sometimes when I’m combining presenting Heart Breakfast with school holidays. Being near the studio is key for me and having a proper bed ahead of a 4am start is quite helpful. My other tips would be if you’re camping at a festival be sure to hoist a flag high above your tent on an aerial to help you find your way ‘home’ in the crowds. Solar lighting always helps you spot your tent while getting admiring looks from passersby. ‘Tent Pimping’, as I call it, seems to be a bit of a thing so make sure you're representing your gang well. And, finally, a toilet to have in your tent for child emergencies is a MUST! Trust me − at midnight you’ll be grateful! 

You can follow Katy’s adventures on her Blog at: katyhillsblog.com, on Twitter at: @KatyHillTV and on Instagram at: @KatyHillTV