Camping when arriving France on a late ferry?

[Andy Zarse]

I have foolishly booked a ferry which arrives in Dieppe after 11pm on a Monday night. Does anyone know a campsite within reasonable distance where we can spend a night? (i.e. which doesn't have gates! Or is it possible to spend the night at the port, say the check-in area. We have a caravan if that makes any difference?

[Andy Zarse]

ColinM50 said:

Yes you can stay in the port area, did it a few years ago, BUT nowadays be very careful about all the clandestines or illegals trying to get to UK. They may target you "for a lift" if they think you're returning to UK rather than just arriving.

Personally I'd drive about an hour to Cambrai, there's a municipal campsite there that I stayed at years ago. Just looked in my 2013 Michelin campsite book and it's still there. Give them a call 0033 32 77 09 164. Again looking in the book, there's a dozen nice sites within an hour's drive of Calais

Cheers Colin, we're heading the other way, to Le Mans.

Might just do the Ibis thing!

[Andy Zarse]

ColinM50 said:

You don't want to go to Le Mans Andy, it's full of noisy cars. You'll not get a wink of sleep

Michelin campsite guide show loads of sites your way or pick a town and look on their website

I know! I've been over twenty times!

[Andy Zarse]

Mutley said:

Andy, as you have a caravan pull into an Aire, there are many apps to find one en route, often attached to rest stops, so you can buy a hot breakfast in the morning

Perhaps mistakenly I thought they were for motorhomes/campervans only?

[Andy Zarse]

Thanks to all for your help!

[Andy Zarse]

Spare tyre said:

Personally I wouldn't stop in any aires nearish to the ports, especially in a caravan (compared to a camper). Too many desperate people about

Why would a camper/MH be preferable over a caravan?

[Andy Zarse]

Rosscow said:

I drove to Amsterdam on Friday, arriving in Calais at 10am (Eurotunnel).

One of the main roundabouts you have to navigate on leaving the tunnel had at least 6 immigrants standing in the actual carriageway on the roundabout - I had to weave around them. An unnerving experience.

I would strongly suggest driving away from the area before stopping for the night.

I am! Dieppe!