I'm not sure if I posted this in the right place so apologies if not.
We like to stay on really tiny sites that have a basic toilet and shower and if they let you have a fire all the better. We know a few in areas we know well but as for somewhere new and as a lot of tiny sites don't have websites how do we find out about them?
Is it worth joining the C&CC to find CSs in new areas?
We're supposed to be going to the new forest in 3 weeks and I'm stumped. There must be loads of sites there that have just a handful of pitches. I know part of the problem is some don't open till may or only for a month in Aug or don't take dogs but I should surely be able to find more than I haven't so far.
How do you guys find tiny independent sites?
Many thanks as ever.
Don't forget to leave a review of the campsites you have visited this year or last!
I am a member of C&CC and have yet to stay at their CSs as I prefer their club sites for their facilities.
Many have commented about CSs being the gems of C&CC.
AFAIK, and I could be wrong, CSs can accept non-C&CC campers, however, they need to reserve a certain number of pitches for C&CC members use.
As for finding independent sites, I found UKCS's Site Search function very useful.
Once I have selected my criteria, such as accept tent, dog friendly, showers and toilets, and a location; a list would come up and I would read the reviews as a guide, cross-check with other sources such C&CC and other review sites etc., before deciding if any of them are suitable.
It is also worth searching the sub-forum for camp site recommendations to look for previous recommendations.
Lastly, there is always the option of posting a thread asking for site recommendations, to include some indication of area/location of interest, how far one is prepared to travel, and the desired facilities.
Good luck with your search.
DK
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DK, CS's cannot accept non members, but some do anyway. I don't blame them, why have empty pitches? I wouldn't be happy though, as a member for 20 years, if I couldn't get a pitch on a CS full of non-members.
Bob, some CS's I have been to have allowed the use of off the ground fire pits when I've explained we won't burn the grass. So ticking "campfires" on the search may exclude some ideal small sites. So to mischiefsmum, try ringing a few and ask the question.
Don't forget to leave a review of the campsites you have visited this year or last!
UKCS's campsite search will bring up all the known campsites in a given area whether big or small. In fact when I was once searching for a campsite around the Bradford on Avon area all I could find were CS's...most annoying
With regards to the New Forest I think you might struggle to find sites there that allow fires.
I often drive passed the brown camp suite signbs and wonder how you find these on line, so understand your frustration. I don't know of any small sites but have stayed in the new forest a few times. For mne a new forest site has too have access for the ponies to come on site. The smallest of those sites was brockenhurst. Its not tiny, but smaller than the others and kits of little alcoves among trees that give the illusion of a small site.
Watching this thread with interest as the OP describes my ideal site too. We haven't stayed in the New Forest, but Farr's Meadow in Dorset is only just outside and would fit the bill. We stayed there last year and had a great time, except for the rain creating a mud bath in the car park on the day we were leaving.
I mainly use this site's search facility to find campsite and cross-ref with other sites like Cool Camping. I always read the reviews thoroughly before booking to check for things like noise (from traffic and teenagers) and campfire rules.
Interesting to hear that some sites that aren't marked as allowing campfires can actually be quite relaxed about it. Will bear that in mind when booking for 2016.
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Don't forget to leave a review of the campsites you have visited this year or last!
Further to my last post if you check out the Camping Unplugged website under their 'about us' link I think they now have 4 sites running. All are basic sites which allow campfires and their latest one is right on the coast at Lepe in Hampshire which is actually in the New Forest area.
Really good thread, as we too prefer smaller, laid back sites with few rules. However, I checked the camping unplugged site, and at £30 per night for 2 adults in a tent, I feel it is a little pricey.
Quote: Originally posted by iwalkedwithazombie on 07/4/2016
Really good thread, as we too prefer smaller, laid back sites with few rules. However, I checked the camping unplugged site, and at £30 per night for 2 adults in a tent, I feel it is a little pricey.
Crikey! I didn't check the price...and they don't even have EHU
Don't forget to leave a review of the campsites you have visited this year or last!
Rhydywernen Farm near Brecon has a Caravan Club CL and next to it a non advertised independant non ehu camp site which allows fires and also has loos and showers.
Thanks for all the great info guys, esp the book recommendation. Will check out the sites suggested. I'm coming to the option that the new forest is soooo popular that little sites are increasing their prices to match the larger ones.
We'll keep looking but as travel time getting nearer will broaden the search and may keep the new forest to weekend trips.
I really appreciate all the replies! Thanks so much.
We only use CS sites now with CC&C.
Ifyou do become a member, they provide you with a directory, but more useful is the members CC&C website which provides up to date details of CS sites, including facilities, and like UKCS campsite search allows you to tick what facilities you are after to narrow your search.
Most CS sites with a loo and maybe a shower, charge about £15 a night including ehu, and lots of peace and quiet!!
Wouldn't go back to general campsites now, too busy and too pricey for us and our frequent weekend camps.
We have stayed on club sites, with lovely shower blocks, safe play areas and friendly and helpful wardens, but their pricing policy is a bit too expensive for us and now we've been on CS sites that have a limit of 5 vans, we are now not keen on the rows and rows of caravans at big sites.
Also thinking about joining the CC so we can access their CL sites!!
Best wishes Sam
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Topic: Finding tiny sites, C&CC or where?
