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This campsite was unexpectedly enjoyable. We were rather dubious, having read the reviews after having booked. We used the site because it is such a short drive from Dunkirk. We were in a tent this time but we were also checking to see if it was suitable for our caravan. The site is very pleasantly laid out. It is well tended, with lots of flowers and the pitches are lovely. Each individual pitch is surrounded by tall hedges so you get a real feeling of privacy. Each pitch also has its own electricity, water supply and waste drainage and rubbish bin so if you are using a caravan it would be like a fully serviced pitch. Even in a tent this is very handy. The downside is that there are only two showers on the site but since this is a small site this is probably not such a problem. One of the showers is designed for disabled access. There is a washing up area and a laundry room too. The bar is large, very friendly and welcoming to children (and dogs). Bernadette - one of the owners, cooks in the evening and the food is very good indeed and very reasonably priced. There is free wifi in the bar. You can get bread if you order the day before, and also buy eggs, milk and jam. I think that the rather abrupt initial approach of Guy, that has been commented on, s can be misunderstood and is due to a language barrier and a little shyness. He does speak English and proves to be very amiable upon aquaintance- and he is works continuously to keep the site clean and tidy. We met people who loved the site and the owners, and keep coming back year after year. One couple (in a caravan) stay for several weeks every year. On the site there is a nice (and clean) swimming pool and paddling pool, trampoline and playground, a small fishing lake and a small archery range. The village is a very short walk away but has no shop at all, and only two bar/ restaurants ( both closed when we visited) so you would have to drive to get supplies. My feeling is that if you are in a caravan or motor home, with your own facilities, you would be very happy indeed. We enjoyed our stay under canvas. The access to the site is good and it is only a short distance to the ferry. We will be going there again.
Here is my review of camping La Chaumiere - Our first and last French Campsite this summer.
We chose camping La Chaumiere for 2 reasons:
(1) We wanted to find an alternative to Camping Chateau Gandspette which I feel is rather expensive
(2) We needed to take Max our border collie to the vet to complete his Pet Passport on the way home and the vet near Chateau Gandspette was on holiday at the end of August and Bernadette, owner of La Ch works at the vet in St Omer.
We decided to try La Chaumiere based on recommendations on this and other forums.
We booked in advance on the internet and paid using the PayPal facility. We booked stays at beginning and end of our holiday. A one night stay for our first night in France with a view to getting a good rest after our 270 mile drive down to Folkestone and to get away early the next morning. A 3 night stay at the end of holidays to take Max to the vet. We booked the vet at St Omer direct although he can be booked through the campsite. We were charged 21€ per night (including 1€ for the dog) plus a 3€ reservation fee for BOTH stays.
We booked the Chunnel for 16. 50 as we thought that would give us time to get to La Ch early evening. Unfortunately the traffic on the M25 was horrendous although we had tried to allow for this and we had to catch a later train. This meant that, with the extra hour for French Summer Time we did not arrive in France until nearly 20. 00. We phoned La Ch to see if we could still arrive late and Bernadette said no problem. We drove to La Ch via the A16, D11, D928 and then narrow country roads. The last mile or so was along a VERY narrow road with few passing places.
I later discovered that there were quicker routes via Watten or St Omer. Our slower route meant that we did not arrive at La Ch until after 21. 30.
The hedged pitch (No 9) we were shown to was large enough for 'van and car with room to spare. It had its own 6 amp EHU, rubbish bin, water point and drain. Access was good as it was at a junction of 2 site roads. The pitch was mainly grass with an area of 'handstanding' for the caravan. The 'hardstanding' was very rough and uneven - more like building rubble.
The site is set in open countryside about a mile from the very small village of Buysscheure - a few houses, a Church and no shops. The site is quite small with fairly narrow site roads. The pitches are separated by quite high hedges and lots of trees which make most of the site rather dark and shady. There is a tiny outdoor pool which we did not try and a rather small pond for fishing. There is only one toilet block which does not seem much for the size of site. The bar and restaurant are at the entrance to the site and this, also, serves as reception. The restaurant which, also, has an outdoor terrace with picnic tables is open non-residents and seemed very popular although we did not use it. There is, also, free wi-fi only in the bar area, including the terrace.
In addition the site has a children's playground and areas for Boules, badminton and archery. There are 2 CDP but at the one nearest to our pitches I was directed, by another camper, to the motor home dump point where the grating had to be removed with a metal tool. I have since read that there IS a CDP hidden in the bushes nearby but I didn't see it. Using the m/h point was not easy and a previous user had left pooh in the trap when I used it! The nearby TGV trains can be clearly heard but we did not find this a problem.
On our first stay we decided that we would have an extra night to recover from our lengthy journey and we spent this visiting the nearby interesting town of Cassel. This town stands on the hill mentioned in the nursery rhyme 'The grand old Duke of York' and this elevated position gives it outstanding views over surrounding flat countryside. It has some interesting buildings and a historic windmill, which we toured. The guide only spoke French but we were given an English language sheet and a free sample bag of flour! Beware of the extensive cobbled streets a bit hard on car suspension.
On our return journey we were given a different pitch (No22) at the far end of the site. Access to this pitch was very tight and we would have struggled without the motor mover. The facilities were identical to the other pitch and as were staying longer I used the aqua roll pipe attachment on the threaded tap which gave us piped water.
During this stay we spent a day visiting Ypres and the Flanders' battlefield sites and cemeteries. Ypres is a beautiful city with lovely buildings - reconstructions of the historic ones destroyed during the WW1. The Flanders Fields Museum in the restored Cloth Hall is fascinating. We, also, bought the map booklet for the Flanders Fields' car route and drove some of this. We ensured that we ended up at the town's Menin Gate memorial arch to hear the Last Post sounded at 20. 00, as it has been every evening since 1927. This was a very moving ceremony.
On our last full day we took Max to the vet and stayed on in St Omer. We visited the large Saturday market and had a picnic lunch in the nearby impressive town gardens. We, also, stocked up on cheap diesel and French cidre at the Carrefour Supermarket in the town. St Omer is the not the most picturesque of French towns but it has some interesting buildings.
La Chaumiere was not our favourite French campsite and we were a little disappointed as we had hoped to find a site to use every summer. We found the location of the site rather remote from main roads and facilities such as shops, petrol stations, etc. The site itself was reasonably pleasant but rather dark and shady with some narrow access roads and rough hardstanding.
We're sorry to have to say the biggest negative was the attitude of a staff member. Whilst I can understand annoyance at our late arrival on our first visit the staff member's manner was little better on our second visit. The staff member was generally very abrupt in manner and unhelpful. A classic example of this comes from our final visit. Soon after we arrived Cary returned to reception to order some bread for the next day. The staff member, who had taken us to our pitch a few moments earlier, asked for our pitch number. When Cary could not remember it the staff member did not volunteer it but let her walk back to our pitch at the far end of the site to get it - even though the staff member obviously knew it.
The site's advantage of the direct contact with the vet in St Omer, for pet owners, will be greatly lessened by the proposed changes to Pet Passport requirements.
Much the same review as those earlier. The man on reception was a little off hand and condescending and showed us to our pitch. These were very private with high hedges but this made them dank. After he had waved his arms around for a few minutes in obvious frustration at our not understanding his gesticulations I gathered he wanted our van turning around 180 degrees!
Once parked up there was a smell drifting about but I think was muck spreading on the fields so not really their fault. The showers were limited and I did have the door flung open half way through which was a bit embarrassing all round, so watch out for the locks!
Overall really handy for Dunkirk but we would not go there again. Next time we will stop at the site near Arras (La Parille Haute)which was much nicer but a little further to travel to the coast.
What a lovely little gem of a site in a rural location. I was in a small converted motorhome with my two dogs. Even though there is only 2 showers it was all clean and very tidy though beware of the locks (you must lift the handle right up to activate the lock). The pitch I was given was great and I was helped to park. Fresh bread etc was delivered Tues to Sunday if ordered. The restaurant and bar on the site were great. My dogs vet appointment was booked for me which was a big help. Did not use the pool as out of season so can not comment on that. The surrounding area was peaceful and had some great walking paths. The village has a pub and a restaurant but no shop. Everyone was so helpful and I met some lovely new friends so I will definitely visit this site again!
Just back from this site and some gorgeous weather. Stayed for 4 nights.The site is in a very peaceful setting. Be careful as some of the pitches are very dark and uneven. Pitch 17 is too close to the motor home dumping point. Smell ! Guy will lead you to a pitch but I would advise that you take a walk around first and choose your spot. The site has a certain charm but needs some maintaince and has been neglected in areas. Site was half full and only has 2 showers so could be a little busy at peak times. Water from showers is very hot.Very narrow lanes approaching the site so beware if you have a large unit.
Have visited this site on several occasions, facilities are a bit tired but clean. Varied pitch sizes, if you don't like what you are allocated let Guy know with good humour and he will offer an alternative.
Sorry to see that the village shop is no longer operating, a sign of the times.
Always enjoy my conversations with Guy, my French is barely of schoolboy standard but I find him an excellent guy ( you like that ? ) so sorry I can't relate to some comments on previous reviews.
A disappointment. Given the numerous positive comments on here, we had booked our 3-night stay in advance. However, had we not already paid our 60 euros, we would not have stayed beyond the first night. We were swayed largely by the pre-booked appointment with the vet in St. Omer and whilst this was helpful we found at least three other vets in the area which were much closer to the campsite.
On our arrival, we were greeted by a rather surly guy, who directed us to our pitch with stern warnings to keep our wheels off the grass. Given that the hardstanding was only as wide as our van, this proved rather difficult, if not impossible!
Our pitch was very uneven, with overgrown hedges, and very difficult to get in and out of. The 'best' pitches were obviously reserved for caravans.
We noticed, on our second day, that the site is divided into two separate areas: the really cramped 'bit' we were on and a much nicer, open flat area, which had its own facilities block. As there appeared to be fewer units on this 'bit' we asked if we could move pitch but this was met by a firm 'No', and a dismissive wave of the hand. We were offered no explanation.
The facilities were very clean and well-equipped but inadequate for the number of people (we had to queue for over an hour for a shower).
We stayed at La Chaumiere for 2 nights while testing out a vw camper we drove from Den Haag. Great little campsite, a real oasis as you would hardly notice it from the road and you wont notice any roads from the site. Quiet rural spot which would be brilliant for walking and cycling. Took our dog Maggie with us and she had a ball, she spent most of her time knocking about with the kids from other pitches. We stayed at a couple of campsites during the weekend and this was definitely the best. Clean facilities and a pub full of friendly people. Guy sorted us with a pitch in the rain at 9.30pm and was more than hospitable. His wife Bernadette cooks a mean steak and their restaurant is open at weekends. Both pub and restaurant are a bargain. Can't say enough about this place and wish I stayed longer but I'll be back.
We've used this site twice now, last year and this. Both times were returning home with the dog via the vets at St Omer. The site is a good one, the owners have built it up over the past 10 years or so and have obviously poured their hearts into it. You can book online, they have free wifi and are obviously keeping up to date. The prices are reasonable and the local walks are good for the pooch (the St Omer vets are great, and speak good English). My only concern with the site is Guy. He was very abrupt with me, especially when I accidentally drover about 3 feet onto the grass in our pitch. I'd visited about 10 other sites in our 2 week session around France, Germany and Belgium, and no-one else made us stay on gravel, so I was surprised and upset by how abrupt he was, after all I was a paying guest on holiday. The site is a good stopover point for those returning to the UK with dogs, just watch the owner, he bites.
We chose this campsite because it was the first time we'd taken our dog abroad and we wanted to be 'helped through' the process. I read all the positive reviews about the campsite and so we booked. They were not wrong. Bernadette is the most lovely, helpful, KIND woman you (and your dog) could ever meet and the whole vet experience was made easy, thanks to her.
The campsite itself is very pretty and has lots for the kids to do (warm pool, crazy golf, trampoline, swings) and a big indoor area attached to the restaurant where there is table football, ping pong, cards, books and lots of French ball and skittle games that we all had a go at.
However, don't ever try to get on this campsite before 12pm. No matter how early your start, how tired you are and how far you've come, you will be turned away until the CORRECT time to arrive. Which is 12 midday. Guy, a stickler for his rules, is the other half of the team and not quite as lovely as his wife. However, his bark is far worse than his bite and he plays a mean game of table tennis.
The restaurant was busy and we had a very nice meal (fantastic homemade frites) - though if you are vegetarian (in France? are you mad?), the 'soya steak' is to be avoided (basically, a very pedestrian veggie burger). Have Bernadette's melted cheese bread starter as your main instead, delicious.
While we were there, on Guy's recommendation, we took the kids to visit La Coupole; the sinister dome on the side of a hill outside St Omer where the occupying Germans planned to launch their V2 rockets on London. It is a great rainy day out, packed full of well laid out exhibits (and in English too) and plenty of very good film footage - well worth the 19 euro family entrance price.
All in all, a great campsite to spend time at while you get your dog ready to return to the UK.
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Common Questions
Is Camping La Chaumiere child friendly? YES, it accepts children & has a playground View all facilities
Does Camping La Chaumiere have a swimming pool? YES, there is a pool on site View all facilities
Where is the nearest shop to Camping La Chaumiere? There is a shop within 1 mile View all facilities
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
All reviews and comments are the personal opinion of the review author only , and as such do not represent the view of the UK Camp Site.co.uk.
The facilities shown on this website are a guide only, and you should check with the campsite direct before making any booking. The UKCampsite.co.uk will not be held responsible for any errors or omissions
Tent Pitches 
Caravan Pitches 
Motorhome Pitches 
Small Campervans 
No Glamping Units 
No Statics for Hire 
No Statics for Sale 
No Seasonal Pitches 
Electric Hookups 
No Hardstandings 
Fully Serviced Pitches 
Families Welcome 
Not Members Only 
No Rallies 
Not Naturist Site 
Dogs Welcome 
No Dogs Allowed 
Groups Welcome 
Toilet Facilities 
Hot Showers 
No Washing Up Area 
No Bathroom 
No Baby Changing 
Laundry On Site 
Drinking Water 
Disabled Friendly 
Chemical Disposal 
No Battery Charging 
No Gas Exchange 
No Recycling Facilities 
No Kitchen Facilities 
No Freezer / Fridge 
No Motorhome Point 
Wifi Access 
Shop <1 mile 
Bar On Site 
Restaurant or Cafe or Takeaway On Site 
Kids Playground 
No TV Room 
Games Room 
No Evening Ents 
Fishing On Site 
No Wild Swimming 
No Indoor Pool 
Outdoor Pool On Site 
Horse Riding <5 miles 
No Cycle Hire 
No Golf 
Tennis <1 mile 
No Beach 
No Watersports 
No Boat Launch 
No Sea Views 
Not Working Farm 
No Campfires Allowed 
No Waterside Pitches 
Public Transport 
No Dog Walk 
This campsite was unexpectedly enjoyable. We were rather dubious, having read the reviews after having booked. We used the site because it is such a short drive from Dunkirk. We were in a tent this time but we were also checking to see if it was suitable for our caravan. The site is very pleasantly laid out. It is well tended, with lots of flowers and the pitches are lovely. Each individual pitch is surrounded by tall hedges so you get a real feeling of privacy. Each pitch also has its own electricity, water supply and waste drainage and rubbish bin so if you are using a caravan it would be like a fully serviced pitch. Even in a tent this is very handy. The downside is that there are only two showers on the site but since this is a small site this is probably not such a problem. One of the showers is designed for disabled access. There is a washing up area and a laundry room too. The bar is large, very friendly and welcoming to children (and dogs). Bernadette - one of the owners, cooks in the evening and the food is very good indeed and very reasonably priced. There is free wifi in the bar. You can get bread if you order the day before, and also buy eggs, milk and jam. I think that the rather abrupt initial approach of Guy, that has been commented on, s can be misunderstood and is due to a language barrier and a little shyness. He does speak English and proves to be very amiable upon aquaintance- and he is works continuously to keep the site clean and tidy. We met people who loved the site and the owners, and keep coming back year after year. One couple (in a caravan) stay for several weeks every year. On the site there is a nice (and clean) swimming pool and paddling pool, trampoline and playground, a small fishing lake and a small archery range. The village is a very short walk away but has no shop at all, and only two bar/ restaurants ( both closed when we visited) so you would have to drive to get supplies. My feeling is that if you are in a caravan or motor home, with your own facilities, you would be very happy indeed. We enjoyed our stay under canvas. The access to the site is good and it is only a short distance to the ferry. We will be going there again. 
