West Country campsites

[John Kennett]

Next week we're hiring a motorhome. Apart from being in Dorset this weekend we don't have any real plans, but vaguely thought we would probably head west to Devon. Or maybe even venture as far from civilisation as Cornwall because I hear that they make good pastries.

Can we live the the dream of roaming free and finding somewhere to stop each night? Or would this be the route to madness and desperation as we get endlessly turned away or moved on?

Any thoughts from people who know about these things?

[Mollers]

Originally Posted by John Kennett

Can we live the the dream of roaming free and finding somewhere to stop each night?

For sure, it's quite doable. I'd say plan some sort of route, perhaps South coast heading West and North on your return. If you make it this far, between Kernow and myself, i'm sure that we could come up with some decent recommends.

[Downhilldai]

Originally Posted by John Kennett

Can we live the the dream of roaming free and finding somewhere to stop each night?

Yes, provided you're not looking to stay somewhere with lots of facilities or near popular tourist hotspots. The British touring holidaymaker is notorious for booking in advance, particularly during the school holidays, which results in popular sites being fully booked for virtually all of July & August.
Off the beaten track may be the way to go.

There are some websites on 'wild camping', if that appeals to you.

[Mollers]

Originally Posted by Downhilldai

There are some websites on 'wild camping', if that appeals to you.

Don't mention " wild" (free) to Kernow. Plenty around here, Marazion beach wall is very popular.

[willk]

Originally Posted by John Kennett

Can we live the the dream of roaming free and finding somewhere to stop each night? Or would this be the route to madness and desperation as we get endlessly turned away or moved on?

Any thoughts from people who know about these things?

Look no furder me foine lad! Over de years Oi've done a wurld of campin' in de strangest of places wid mighty times had, doan worry yerself.

Loike all tings, de preparation is essential. Pack/pinch de tings ye'll need in advance 'cos boltcutters doan grow on trees. Technique is important too - Oi foinde pullin' up at 1745 is best, just after de townies have clocked off but before de Security lads is takin' work too serious. 'Tis best to get de childer out playin' wid shoppin' trollies den, jus before ye get de camp fire o' tyres burnin'... Once yis are in the party mood wid de cans, de locules will lave yis alone until de court order arrives in de mornin'

Hope dis helps.

PS I'd avoid Cornwall, der is a rough crowd down der...

[wiLlfish]

Originally Posted by John Kennett

Any thoughts from people who know about these things?

wot hee meens iz iz ther eny frea campin sytes i cann blagg

ifn i woz a camppsyte owener an hee tirnid upp de furst fing i wud doo iz borrer sum stepp laders, clime upp dem an luk im strait inn de iye an saiy......



stik a wokk onn yer hed an gow to goon hily dowens

yool fitt inn jus nisely

[Cookee]

There are quite a few in our area - Bolberry near Salcombe has a few ........ not sure about "wild" camping around here though

[John Kennett]

Well we bottled out of free camping, as everywhere seemed to have big signs saying "No overnight parking" and I couldn't be doing with the hassle.

But we did spend a couple of nights at Carlyon Bay where we found a most excellent family campsite. Thanks kernow