I've just converted my Vauxhall combo to a micro camper plus a tent that attaches to the rear of the van and was looking for campsites in Norfolk/Suffolk area that provide just a basic pitch. Thought I'd found the perfect app (Nearly Wild Camping) but the reviews said otherwise. I'm basically looking for a farmers field where you just turn up and pitch your tent, obviously for a fee but not £25/£30 a night,do these places exist or am I asking too much.from a campsite.
Don't forget to leave a review of the campsites you have visited this year or last!
Can't say they don't exist, but camping has become far more sophisticated, and many people expect more than just the very basics in many cases these days, so sites have moved with demand to a large extent. Haven't camped in a truly 'farmers field' type site since the 70's!
The greatest number of easily found fairly basic camp sites is probably as mentioned, the clubs CS/CL network. Even for those, the prices are leaping up for many, rivalling full sites in many cases, but you can still find them in some numbers below £25/night.
They are generally my preferred type of camp site, I'm self contained in my caravan, just need a water tap, not necessarily even a drain if site happy for grey water going in a hedge etc., and an Elsan point, and if more than a few days, an EHU.
There are independent sites on private land with minimal facilities in Dumfries & Galloway, that aren’t Certificated, but that’s obviously too far for you. (eg the Hensol estate near New Galloway, which I pass regularly - scattered tents & cars in a field with views). Try the site search & tick for tents & don’t tick for EHU; I assume you want a toilet? so tick that too. You can opt for “only” club sites if you want, which will get you the Certificated sites in the UKCS directory (they’re not all in it).
Thanks for replying, think your right about basic campsites are few and far between, I've done quite a search and found nothing, I'll give your suggestion a try 😀👍
Another idea - if one joins the C&CC network - is of Temporary Holiday Sites. I've never used one as prefer to have loos/showers rather than BYO, but I believe they are very reasonable and probably more 'farmer's field' than all-singing and dancing manicured sites. Only open for I think one to 2 months per year.
I hope you find somewhere for your semi-wild adventure in your refeshed camper.
------------- Camping - emotional resilience in action, a triumph of hope over adversity and antidote to virtual reality.
Thank you all for your replies and suggestions,they are very much appreciated and when I have more time on my hands will be trying out the more distant camp sites,😀👍
Quote: Originally posted by bridgeywidge on 12/6/2024
Another idea - if one joins the C&CC network - is of Temporary Holiday Sites. I've never used one as prefer to have loos/showers rather than BYO, but I believe they are very reasonable and probably more 'farmer's field' than all-singing and dancing manicured sites. Only open for I think one to 2 months per year.
That’s an idea! The CCC app for that is called “out & about”, I checked its East Region, and the THSs are at a pub, farm, rugby ground, private estate, small campsite, cricket ground, etc.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.