SATURDAY INDEPENDENT - CAMPING

The C-word crops up in every family at some point. No, not that C word, but a far more controversial one, dividing families and conjuring up memories of damp clothes, flapping canvas and midges: Camping. Ugh .

Well, not 'ugh', actually, because camping has come along way since you were dragged off to the Dales to survive on nothing but cold cans of beans and sleep on a wet groundsheet at a 45 degree angle. Camping is the new 'hip' holiday option, and the whole event can be far more comfortable, and enjoyable than you might fear. You just need to think outside the box, or rather, tent.

If you are determined not to abandon the tent-ish nature of camping then finding a beautiful campsite will make the transition from sofa to soggy ground a good deal more pleasant. One such haven is Blackberry Wood in Streat, (01273 890035) where each site is set in its own clearing in the woods, making it more like a Famous Five scene than a campsite. Campers are given a local map with suggested walks, and barbeques and campfires are encouraged. I say, Peter, bring on the marshmallows and lashings of ginger ale! Definitely one for those wanting some quiet, as there is strict policy of no music or radios, and no noise after 11pm, which is great if your kids are light sleepers like ours are. If you all need a good meal after a day or two of cans and pans, then The Jolly Sportsman in East Chiltington (thejollysportsman.com) is one of the best gastro pubs in the south of England and happens to be very close. Last one there's a ninny.

For anyone looking for something a little less traditional, then Cornish Tipi Holidays (01208 880781; www.cornish-tipi-holidays.co.uk ) are a great example of camping with a difference: accommodation consists of medium (sleeps 2-3) and larger (sleeps 6) tipis - see, no tents involved here - which, for the real pros among you, are constructed along authentic North American lines. That told you. For those who prefer a little 'wow' factor there are coloured as well as the unbleached ones, and they all come on a framework of locally sourced lodge poles- so the environmental impact really is minimal. Reaching heights of up to 18 feet, tipis are unexpectedly roomy, and should enable the lankiest of teenage boys to get dressed without bending double. If living in a make-shift Indian village, sharing smelly foot odours and frequent 'who has hidden the torch?' quibbles with the family next door isn't the quiet break you were after, then instead of renting one in the community space of the village field, there are tipis available in their own spacious private clearings. For many people, this best thing about this holiday is the peace and tranquillity offered by sleeping so close to nature, and the use of the freshwater lake nearby. Prices start at £365 per week, with half term breaks from £275, which includes everything except for bedding and food.

If you are after something sturdier than a tipi, even one built along North American lines, then a Shieling on the Isle of Mull might be for you (01680 812496; www.shielingholidays.co.uk). Described as "unique carpeted cottage tents", e ach Shieling has real beds and pillows for up to 6, a table, chairs, a cooker, worktops, carpets and curtains, and electric lighting and gas heater are standard. I'm there! Bedding, cutlery etc can be hired or you can bring your own and pretend like you're actually camping - which you are not, by the way: ten of them are even serviced with kitchens, bathrooms and constant hot water, so wipe that smug, 'outdoorsy' expression off your face and remember this is almost home from home. S et in 3 acres by the sea, and each with a view of Ben Nevis , this is canvas-free 'camping' at its best.

And finally, for the ultimate 'it's-camping-but-not-as-we-know-it' cop-out, why not try something with four hard walls? A campervan?? Well, let's call it a luxury mobile home (eeugh) and see if that helps. Bashley Park in Hampshire (01425 612775; www.caravanholiday.co.uk) offers 2 and 3 bedroom static mobile homes - this refers to the fact they don't move, not to any nasty, nylon bedding - which having everything from a shower and microwave to a colour TV and use of the Bashley Park Club. So while your kids go off to play golf, tennis, snooker, or 10-pin bowling, or play in the adventure playground and splash in the outdoor or indoor pools, you can kick back in front of the telly, and take all their grubby clothes to the launderette when they get back. Campervan indeed - this is luxury off wheels. Perhaps not the most peaceful, secluded option, but if you have kids who want to try lots of activities, while meeting like-minded, over-energetic, noisy oafs, then you could do a lot worse.

So there you have it. The C-word should be openly discussed at dinner time, with no need for disagreements, stress or raised eyebrows. Which of the above options you plump for, on the other hand, should keep you arguing for hours. Now that's what a family holiday should sound more like.