Wild camping

artyboo
artyboo Forum Participant Posts: 457
edited June 2017 in Caravan & Motorhome Chat #1

Hello everyone.

I am just about to embark on a 'Wild Camping' weekend here in Kent. I have downloaded Camper Van /Motor Home apps and suggestions but I just wondered if any of the members on this Forum do this regularly? 

Given my circumstances I want to get OH out as much as possible and get him experiencing different environments at weekends but my budget is very limited. I think 'Wild Camping' is my option.

Does anyone wild camp in their MH often and if so, any suggestions my neck of the woods?

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Comments

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Trusted Posts: 23,341
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    edited June 2017 #2

    Sorry, Arty, but I'd need to be desperate to do that. 

  • Spriddler
    Spriddler Forum Participant Posts: 646
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    edited June 2017 #3

    Pointless comment.

    The lady is clearly trying to provide some sort of rehab for her OH and is seeking advice.

    I'm based in the West of the S East and know Kent and E. Sussex quite well. I think you'll find it difficult to wild camp and be relaxed that you're not 'trespassing' or liable to be moved on. I do know of a couple of people who park overnight on various sea fronts although it is not often officially permitted and they can be rowdy and brightly illuminated all night by very bright street lighting.

    Perhaps the nearest you'll get to wild camping in the S. East is from the Brit Stops guide which gives pub, vineyards, farm shops etc. where m/homes are welcome to stay on the understanding that they eat in the pub or buy a bottle of wine or a home-made apple pie.

    The next best to 'wild' would be one of the CAMC CLs.

  • Bongonaught
    Bongonaught Forum Participant Posts: 37
    edited June 2017 #4

    It can be a great experience if your geared up for it.  A decent solar panel helps with an inverter but as your on a budget that will have to wait.  Try  a nice quiet spot along a coastal route.  Use food that can be heated on a small fire, stove to save power & gas.  

    If you want to get some good ideas, try looking up Wiltshire Man on Youtube, he camps wild often albeit in a tent or open air, but you will get some great tips from these videos

    camping off grid is a lot of fun for people who  would rather not mix with folk or are just dodging noisy kids or inconsiderate youth.

     

    Enjoy

     

     

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Trusted Posts: 23,341
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    edited June 2017 #5

    Would you rather I had said bluntly that the OP would, in my opinion, be crazy to undertake an unsafe activity such as wild camping with her OH in less than full health?

    Instead, I chose not to cause offence as I would never wish to upset Arty and, far from being pointless, my post was aimed at making her stop and think but perhaps it was too subtle for you, Spriddler.

  • KeithandMargaret
    KeithandMargaret Forum Participant Posts: 660
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    edited June 2017 #6

     artyboo - have a look at - www.wildcamping.co.uk - specifically for Motorhome owners like yourself.

    I joined about a year ago, not everyone wild camps but many do, and there's plenty of helpful advice on the forums.

    For 'proper' wild camping you'll probably need to go abroad - perhaps next time?

     

  • brue
    brue Forum Participant Posts: 21,176
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    edited June 2017 #7

    Will you feel safe Artyboo if your OH isn't completely well yet? I would consider  it might be better to have one or two folk at hand on a small site rather than be totally on your own. Just a thought.

  • Blackdeath
    Blackdeath Forum Participant Posts: 69
    edited June 2017 #8

    Unsafe activity. Wherever do you get that idea. We've been doing it for a long time and have seldom been killed and eaten by irate locals

  • Blackdeath
    Blackdeath Forum Participant Posts: 69
    edited June 2017 #9

    It's a great resource. You can download places to stop onto a Garmin. 

  • JayEss
    JayEss Forum Participant Posts: 1,663
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    edited June 2017 #10

    What about the other clubs THS set up as well?  Economical pitch prices and some handy locations. Not wild camping but a cost effective way of getting out and about 

    edit - this one for example 

  • Pippah45
    Pippah45 Forum Participant Posts: 2,452
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    edited June 2017 #11

    I would highly recommend a dog as a great camping companion.  But ArtyBoo may not like the idea.  They are great companions and healers as well as great eyes and ears.  I almost feel my dream of Camping in New Zealand wouldn't work without a dog. 

    Farm Shops and Pubs sound a great idea.  Artyboo if you venture as far as Lincolnshire you would be very welcome to park up here - my neighbour would park you up if I happened to be travelling.  Depths of the countryside here so don't attempt if you like street lights!  About 2 miles from the Market Rasen Club site. 

  • Unknown
    edited June 2017 #12
    This content has been removed.
  • artyboo
    artyboo Forum Participant Posts: 457
    edited June 2017 #13

    Thank you all.

    i had not considered some of the options so thank you.

    I will certainly research some more; indeed £7/8 a night isn't breaking the bank 😬.

    I HAVE got a couple of solar panels on the roof; I need to go back to dealers and ask them about the inverter. I remember it being mentioned when I collected the MH but I cannot remember what or where the 'switch' might be🙀

    Thanks all will keeep you posted.

  • Pippah45
    Pippah45 Forum Participant Posts: 2,452
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    edited June 2017 #14

     Ha silly me - you already camp with pets! 

    If you don't have an inverter don't go to the dealer for one - a trip to Maplin could see you sorted or Ebay etc - my current one just clipped onto the battery but later at a service I had it done more permanently.  Just remember to switch it off when not in use.  I don't use mine all that much - most things work with 12 v and the correct adaptors. 

  • Pippah45
    Pippah45 Forum Participant Posts: 2,452
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    edited June 2017 #15

     Ha silly me - you already camp with pets! 

    If you don't have an inverter don't go to the dealer for one - a trip to Maplin could see you sorted or Ebay etc - my current one just clipped onto the battery but later at a service I had it done more permanently.  Just remember to switch it off when not in use.  I don't use mine all that much - most things work with 12 v and the correct adaptors. 

  • Pippah45
    Pippah45 Forum Participant Posts: 2,452
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    edited June 2017 #16

     Ha silly me - you already camp with pets! 

    If you don't have an inverter don't go to the dealer for one - a trip to Maplin could see you sorted or Ebay etc - my current one just clipped onto the battery but later at a service I had it done more permanently.  Just remember to switch it off when not in use.  I don't use mine all that much - most things work with 12 v and the correct adaptors. 

  • Pippah45
    Pippah45 Forum Participant Posts: 2,452
    1000 Comments
    edited June 2017 #17

     Ha silly me - you already camp with pets! 

    If you don't have an inverter don't go to the dealer for one - a trip to Maplin could see you sorted or Ebay etc - my current one just clipped onto the battery but later at a service I had it done more permanently.  Just remember to switch it off when not in use.  I don't use mine all that much - most things work with 12 v and the correct adaptors. 

  • Unknown
    edited June 2017 #18
    This content has been removed.
  • triky auto
    triky auto Forum Participant Posts: 8,690
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    edited June 2017 #19

    cool 'Arty' Hi ,,if you fancy camping in a boatyard (not a marina) near Faversham,you're welcome to use my facility anytime.Nearby pub's & shops,good walking area,lots of wildlife,etc etc .Call me 

                                     07716-430.430.  Pete .

  • artyboo
    artyboo Forum Participant Posts: 457
    edited June 2017 #20

    Pete that is incredibly kind and thoughtful; thank you so much. I will certainly be in touch. 🤗

  • artyboo
    artyboo Forum Participant Posts: 457
    edited June 2017 #21

    Thanks BB. I will have a look.

    Mainly to charge my iPad etc which will use very little power. I have tried using a 12v kettle but cannot seem to get it work maybe I am doing something wrong. No big drama really, as you say, we have gas ⛽️ 😬

  • artyboo
    artyboo Forum Participant Posts: 457
    edited June 2017 #22

    BTW, Searchforsites.co.uk looks good if any motorhomers have not seen it 🤗

  • Unknown
    edited June 2017 #23
    This content has been removed.
  • jennyc
    jennyc Forum Participant Posts: 957
    500 Comments
    edited June 2017 #24

    Small devices like iPads etc are best charged by a USB lead plugged into an adaptor which uses your car/ van cigarette lighter socket. Don't buy the cheapest though because they don't always provide enough power for charging bigger items like tablets.

  • Pippah45
    Pippah45 Forum Participant Posts: 2,452
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    edited June 2017 #25

    12v kettles take forever!  Only way I found when I had one was in the car when moving but that isn't very safe!  

    I have been caught out with the cheaper USBs not charging the iPad!  Remember to read the label!  

  • artyboo
    artyboo Forum Participant Posts: 457
    edited June 2017 #26

    Ah ha, found 'the' switch indoors, now charging my phone 😬.

    we have a lovely day down at Dungeness Old Light House. We are now at 'The Pilot' fish restaurant with a glass of wine (in the MH) in the car park. Blinds up one side with a fab view of the sea n the other, right on the beach. 

    The Pilot allow Motorhomers to park for free overnight provided you eat in the restaurant. The restaurant has come highly recommend by a number of my friends and associates so I thought I would give it a go.

  • Tammygirl
    Tammygirl Club Member Posts: 7,960
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    edited June 2017 #27

    Good for you artyboo, have a great time.

  • artyboo
    artyboo Forum Participant Posts: 457
    edited June 2017 #28

    Oh, ok. I will try 😬😬😬😬😬

  • brue
    brue Forum Participant Posts: 21,176
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    edited June 2017 #29

    Sounds good Artyboo, let us know if you discover any more like it! smile

  • Unknown
    edited June 2017 #30
    This content has been removed.
  • Fisherman
    Fisherman Forum Participant Posts: 2,370
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    edited June 2017 #31

    Regularly wild camp particularly in Wales and Scotland. You very often see other vans particularly foreign ones wild camping. I would suggest you don't do it within village locations and you leave as if though you had not been there. Never had a problem