wild camping

beltsandbraces

beltsandbraces

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totally new to motor homing and looking forward to some exciting adventures. we plan on using her at least twice a month just for 1 night weekends and don't really want to be tied to going to campsites and have seen people mention "wild camping" now I know our new home is fully self sufficient and this way of doing it really interests me but the wife is a little hesitant. so apart from the obvious, large signs saying NO overnight camping what are the rules and regulations say around the new forest area. And suppose you have found somewhere for the night popped a bottle of Tesco finest red and someone tells you to move on, i am sure drinking and moving a 27ft motor home don't go together.
 
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ABZSteve said:
If you avatar is your van, it's cracking(Y) Seen one just like it last year on the Forfar site. Apologies for the hijack (Y)
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No problem with hijacking the thread, this is how friends are made. :smiley:Yes its our van. It wasn't us at Forfar but I do love that area.
 
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PhilandMena said:
Our best experience of wild camping is with out a doubt the experiences we had in Morocco. Superb locations with hundreds of like minded people form all nationalities together and being serviced from the the local community, who without doubt benefited from the trade received. A win,win situation.
Tagazout and Tafroute

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Interestingly, I read your post and it struck me that, apart from paying campsite fees, the same could easily be said for many campsites both in the UK and abroad, i.e being in beautiful locations, with hundreds of like minded people, being served by the local community, etc...for example I'm thinking of sites we've stayed on in Dorset, Somerset, lake district, New forest...the list is endless. So what's the real difference apart from paying campsite fees (in return for which of course you can use their facilities if you wish)? It doesn't seem there is much real difference?
 
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Twogirls said:
Interestingly, I read your post and it struck me that, apart from paying campsite fees, the same could easily be said for many campsites both in the UK and abroad, i.e being in beautiful locations, with hundreds of like minded people, being served by the local community, etc...for example I'm thinking of sites we've stayed on in Dorset, Somerset, lake district, New forest...the list is endless. So what's the real difference apart from paying campsite fees (in return for which of course you can use their facilities if you wish)? It doesn't seem there is much real difference?
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An interesting question. Campsite fees (Especial in the uk) can be very high. This year I paid almost £170 for 4 night at York for the Mrs, myself and two children. At Tafroute last year me fees for using the designated camping area for 6 weeks was around 80 Euros. I think the main difference apart from the cost is the sense of freedom you have. On a campsite you are bound by loads of rules, peg at left rear of motorhome etc, whilst when wild camping it's more of choosing a place that you like and coming and going when you please. At the end of the day it's personal preference but i think you need to experience both to understand why wild camping is so popular.
 
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JJ said:
Cool motorhomers off-site park to avoid hoards of rowdy folk and all the rules and regulations of sites/aires/camping places.

Stress fuelled, every rule and regulation obeying, tarmac loving, EHU needy, soap watching, hair dryer using motorhomers (who love filling in forms and booking weeks in advance) use campsites...

... only because they haven't "seen the light" yet.

JJ :cool:
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You're only jealous 'cos you have no need of a hairdrier ::bigsmile:
 
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PhilandMena said:
An interesting question. Campsite fees (Especial in the uk) can be very high. This year I paid almost £170 for 4 night at York for the Mrs, myself and two children. At Tafroute last year me fees for using the designated camping area for 6 weeks was around 80 Euros. I think the main difference apart from the cost is the sense of freedom you have. On a campsite you are bound by loads of rules, peg at left rear of motorhome etc, whilst when wild camping it's more of choosing a place that you like and coming and going when you please. At the end of the day it's personal preference but i think you need to experience both to understand why wild camping is so popular.
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Yes I agree that cost is a factor. We've never used any club sites so I don't know about rules and regs, we've only ever used small privately owned sites and can't say we've ever noticed any particular rules apart from the obvious (e.g. keep dog on lead, leave showers tidy etc). We haven't on the other hand experienced wild camping yet, in this past 10 weeks in Spain and Portugal we've been hard pressed to find anywhere off grid that isn't heaving with motorhomes! Apart from the inland mountain areas which have been much quieter. I think it must be wonderful to find a quiet spot to yourselves so I can certainly see that being a fantastic experience. I guess I'm just saying that not all campsites are like prison camps, far from it in fact. I can think of a beautiful site in Suffolk we've used a few times, adults only, peaceful, fab views, lovely walks, plus spotless showers and loos if you want them for £17 a night. So I think there's benefits both sides of the coin. And we never use hairdryer by the way JJ!! That's why we have short hair lol
 
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Having read this thread I have a few observations.

On the few (4?) occasions I have stayed on a campsite I have not used the 'facilities', I prefer my own.

We have often offered an almost empty campsite the chance to take a reduced fee just for 'Parking' - they have refused - their loss.

There are far more choices of wonderful spots wildcamping than there are on sites.

We have been wildcamping for 8 years and have never encountered 'dogging' - must be picking the wrong spots:D

In Poland and Slowakia there are few campsites and only open for a few months /weeks in summer, so wildcamping is easier and more the norm. The law, probably from the Communist era says it is forbidden, but is ignored by MHomers and the Police. However, there are so few MHs here that the problems of conglomerations do not enter the equation. Same in Greece.

I do not want to be parked alongside other motorhomes, thus when we do use Aires I prefer those alongside a river/canal bank where one is nose-to-tail, or even better a few we know where there is never more than 2-3 in a space for 20+. One beautiful one is alongside a nice stream in a quiet village. No, I am not telling you where - it is in tha book - find it yourself.;)

The above are just jottings.


As for 'Frreloading', I do not have to do that:-

So where I wildcamp I always find a stone, lift it, place a £5 note - then empty the cassette over it:eek::LOL:. Carefully replacing the stone.

Enjoy wherever you come to rest.

Geoff

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PhilandMena said:
JJ has it nailed! It's a motorhome Oh Please!, you don't have to be in a campsite to enjoy the benefits of being in one. Too much snobbery, jealously and righteousness from members who refuse to think outside the box IMO.
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Thank you @PhilandMena - most kind! :cool:

I did not realise (until you pointed it out of course) that those who use campsites, which includes my wife and I, are jealous, righteous snobs who never think outside the box - thank you for that, you are just too kind!! :confused:

We are currently camped on the beach at La Garrofa, a small friendly campsite near Almeria in Andalucia :)

Now a question for you as you seem to know all about what sort of people frequent campsites - as we use campsites, Aires and "wildcamp" pray tell me are we only jealous, righteous snobs when using said campsites or having had the temerity to use them are we still jealous, righteous snobs when using Aires or "wilding"? :(

Please do tell :) :)
 
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Teuchter said:
Thank you @PhilandMena - most kind! :cool:

I did not realise (until you pointed it out of course) that those who use campsites, which includes my wife and I, are jealous, righteous snobs who never think outside the box - thank you for that, you are just too kind!! :confused:

We are currently camped on the beach at La Garrofa, a small friendly campsite near Almeria in Andalucia :)

Now a question for you as you seem to know all about what sort of people frequent campsites - as we use campsites, Aires and "wildcamp" pray tell me are we only jealous, righteous snobs when using said campsites or having had the temerity to use them are we still jealous, righteous snobs when using Aires or "wilding"? :(

Please do tell :) :)
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Haha , you will get your hand slapped like I did for having the temerity to go against the establishment.. ....yo Coventry here I come . Lol.

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Teuchter said:
Thank you @PhilandMena - most kind! :cool:

I did not realise (until you pointed it out of course) that those who use campsites, which includes my wife and I, are jealous, righteous snobs who never think outside the box - thank you for that, you are just too kind!! :confused:

We are currently camped on the beach at La Garrofa, a small friendly campsite near Almeria in Andalucia :)

Now a question for you as you seem to know all about what sort of people frequent campsites - as we use campsites, Aires and "wildcamp" pray tell me are we only jealous, righteous snobs when using said campsites or having had the temerity to use them are we still jealous, righteous snobs when using Aires or "wilding"? :(

Please do tell :) :)
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Please point out where I stated in my post I had an issue with people who use campsites.
 
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I pity the OP....(<<totally new to motor homing and looking forward to some exciting adventures>>). The question was about wild camping in the New Forest for one night, not a month in Morocco or Spain, or a week Brittany, nor was it about the wisdom of using wild camp sites vs commercial sites or the insinuation of being a free-loader .
I've camped a lot in the New Forest by bicycle and tent, motorbike and tent and with my m/h, and yes, the rangers will usually move you on if you're not in a designated site.
Have a look at the New Forest Tourist Board site or if you are a member the Caravan Club Certified Locations (aka CL's - usually farms, lakesides or pub's). CL's are normally tranquil and have a max of 5 units and have a tap and CDP as minimum. I believe there are also a couple of websites (Google 'Wild Camping'). In some seaside towns (not Lymington) you can overnight on the prom.
Have a look at these 'No facilities' camp sites. They're about a tenner a night but you'll be tranquil and have peace of mind for your first m/h trips:
https://www.campingintheforest.co.uk/search-by-facilities/nothing-but-nature

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In my experience the New Forest is probably the most problematic area in the U.K. for wild camping - apart from Kensington, Chiswick or Chelsea. ;)
Go for it and enjoy the adventures.
 
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I run a facebook page called Motorhome sleepyspots with well over 11,000 members, of whom some are members on here, majority of people want one or two places to stay overnight whilst travelling to or from their destinations, I always "wildcamp" when I get the chance, nothing worse being on a campsite packed in like sardines, and the chances we pick a spot that is outstanding.
 
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Rayb182 said:
I run a facebook page called Motorhome sleepyspots with well over 11,000 members, of whom some are members on here, majority of people want one or two places to stay overnight whilst travelling to or from their destinations, I always "wildcamp" when I get the chance, nothing worse being on a campsite packed in like sardines, and the chances we pick a spot that is outstanding.
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But Ray unfortunately the internet as ruined true wild camping. Once it is on the net it is like a flock of seagulls
 
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PhilandMena said:
Please point out where I stated in my post I had an issue with people who use campsites.
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@PhilandMena - in an earlier reply to @JJ you said

"JJ has it nailed! It's a motorhome Oh Please!, you don't have to be in a campsite to enjoy the benefits of being in one. Too much snobbery, jealously and righteousness from members who refuse to think outside the box IMO."

If you do not describe the above as "having an issue" then I cannot think of another way to describe it :)

Why some members look down on those of us who use campsites I just do not understand!!

Additionally why some members assume that those of us who wildcamp from time to time should be considered a "freeloader" I am also at a loss to understand!!

I, personally do have an issue with any camper who abuses the "system" by setting up sprawling semi permanent camp on aires or "wildcamp" sites thus probably causing future "bovver" for the 99% of decent campers who use them!! :(

I am of course sure that no member of our august forum would stoop so low :sneaky:

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spitfire said:
But Ray unfortunately the internet as ruined true wild camping. Once it is on the net it is like a flock of seagulls
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I still keep quiet about our favorite places and there are still a few places left, ssshhh I aint telling where, LOL
 
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The Practical Motorhome Magazine have a monthly article called Nightstop in it, which is usually pub car parks or approved stops. Usually the pubs charge a minimal amount or if you have a drink/meal it's free. Haven't tried it myself yet but it sounds ok and will give it a go at some stage. Wild camping is a lot easier in Scotland. Only thing I would be chary of is the security aspect, especially if you were in a particularly remote area...take a big stick!
 
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JJ said:
Cool motorhomers off-site park to avoid hoards of rowdy folk and all the rules and regulations of sites/aires/camping places.

Stress fuelled, every rule and regulation obeying, tarmac loving, EHU needy, soap watching, hair dryer using motorhomers (who love filling in forms and booking weeks in advance) use campsites...

... only because they haven't "seen the light" yet.

JJ :cool:
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Well said !
 
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Teuchter said:
@PhilandMena - in an earlier reply to @JJ you said

"JJ has it nailed! It's a motorhome Oh Please!, you don't have to be in a campsite to enjoy the benefits of being in one. Too much snobbery, jealously and righteousness from members who refuse to think outside the box IMO."

If you do not describe the above as "having an issue" then I cannot think of another way to describe it :)

Why some members look down on those of us who use campsites I just do not understand!!

Additionally why some members assume that those of us who wildcamp from time to time should be considered a "freeloader" I am also at a loss to understand!!

I, personally do have an issue with any camper who abuses the "system" by setting up sprawling semi permanent camp on aires or "wildcamp" sites thus probably causing future "bovver" for the 99% of decent campers who use them!! :(

I am of course sure that no member of our august forum would stoop so low :sneaky:
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You are wrong,wrong, wrong. I never used the words righteous snobs or campsite users. You have taken my post and totally changed the wording and intent behind my post to suit your own incorrect interpretation. Why would anyone on a motorhome forum have an axe to grin against campsite users, like your post, it makes no sense.

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Peter Sansom said:
The Practical Motorhome Magazine have a monthly article called Nightstop in it, which is usually pub car parks or approved stops. Usually the pubs charge a minimal amount or if you have a drink/meal it's free. Haven't tried it myself yet but it sounds ok and will give it a go at some stage. Wild camping is a lot easier in Scotland. Only thing I would be chary of is the security aspect, especially if you were in a particularly remote area...take a big stick!
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as a solo motorhomer security would always be at the forefront ..so well said ..
 
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Cool motorhomers off-site park to avoid hoards of rowdy folk and all the rules and regulations of sites/aires/camping places.

JJ has it nailed! It's a motorhome Oh Please!, you don't have to be in a campsite to enjoy the benefits of being in one. Too much snobbery, jealously and righteousness from members who refuse to think outside the box IMO.

Your words Phil!!
 
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What a heap o shite. Time to shut it down Jim :(

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@PhilandMena I have indeed had another look and can only say I replied in good faith (albeit somewhat "tongue in cheek) to your post as I understood it and even with "fresh eyes" I struggle to interpret it any other way :confused:

JJ posted - Cool motorhomers off-site park to avoid hoards of rowdy folk and all the rules and regulations of sites/aires/camping places.

You replied:-

"JJ has it nailed! It's a motorhome Oh Please!, you don't have to be in a campsite to enjoy the benefits of being in one. Too much snobbery, jealously and righteousness from members who refuse to think outside the box IMO."

Those are your exact words - no omissions, no additions, I merely highlighted in bold where you referred to snobbery, jealousy and righteousness for those of us who refuse to think outside the box

If I have misinterpreted the meaning behind your post then I genuinely do apologise :oops: :(

PS I am camped on the beach at La Garoffa near Almeria Spain at the moment and the internet is CRAP!!!! so if some of my posts appear to break off in mid sentence then that is the cause :cautious:
 
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