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Hello
We’ve recently taken the plunge and bought a California as our first foray into camper vans. We absolutely love it and it’s going to also be the main family vehicle - family of 4.
I’m after some suggestions please for nights away. We’re in Surrey and I’d really like to blow the family away with a night or two somewhere really lovely that’s not a ‘proper’ campsite. I’d love to go fully wild but would certainly consider somewhere slightly less holiday home set up within a couple of hours of Surrey to have a great first experience.
Any and all suggestions welcome
We’ve recently taken the plunge and bought a California as our first foray into camper vans. We absolutely love it and it’s going to also be the main family vehicle - family of 4.
I’m after some suggestions please for nights away. We’re in Surrey and I’d really like to blow the family away with a night or two somewhere really lovely that’s not a ‘proper’ campsite. I’d love to go fully wild but would certainly consider somewhere slightly less holiday home set up within a couple of hours of Surrey to have a great first experience.
Any and all suggestions welcome
Firstly, congratulation on your purchase. I'm a former owner of a California T6 Ocean and whilst it turned out not to be for me, I can see the appeal and wish you many happy miles & adventures in yours. I got up to Skye in mine and had a fab (if not slightly damp) time on a solo trip last year.
I'm afraid I can't help you too much since I'm over in N Essex/Cambs and the M25 would take up half your allotted 2hrs from home to get over this way.
That said, I'm not sure that wilding is going to work too well with the Cali with 4 on board. I might get shot down for this, but my view is that when wilding, you should be in a position to get away pretty swiftly if there's a need. It's never happened to me in 100's of nights of doing it, but I am very aware and generally don't do it with the family on board and only did it a handful of times in the Cali whilst solo given the pop-top takes time to pack away if needed and I tended to sleep downstairs when really taking a chance with the location.
Nevertheless, I'm sure there are more cosy & attractive campsites dotted around which aren't the Camping & Caravanning Club style which will suit your needs. Out of interest, have you considered joining one of the major Clubs and then looking at their CS or CL's for the more rustic camping vibe? That might be a good start?
I'm afraid I can't help you too much since I'm over in N Essex/Cambs and the M25 would take up half your allotted 2hrs from home to get over this way.
That said, I'm not sure that wilding is going to work too well with the Cali with 4 on board. I might get shot down for this, but my view is that when wilding, you should be in a position to get away pretty swiftly if there's a need. It's never happened to me in 100's of nights of doing it, but I am very aware and generally don't do it with the family on board and only did it a handful of times in the Cali whilst solo given the pop-top takes time to pack away if needed and I tended to sleep downstairs when really taking a chance with the location.
Nevertheless, I'm sure there are more cosy & attractive campsites dotted around which aren't the Camping & Caravanning Club style which will suit your needs. Out of interest, have you considered joining one of the major Clubs and then looking at their CS or CL's for the more rustic camping vibe? That might be a good start?
Thanks spuffington, appreciate the reply, I really enjoyed your posts some years back about campers and you’re probably in no small part responsible for us eventually getting the cali!
Interesting viewpoint on the wilding and slightly ominous, i assume the implication being that you’re not welcome or some undesirables arrive?
I’ll take a look at some club sites for rustic style and see what I can find. Thanks again.
Interesting viewpoint on the wilding and slightly ominous, i assume the implication being that you’re not welcome or some undesirables arrive?
I’ll take a look at some club sites for rustic style and see what I can find. Thanks again.
Very welcome and pleased to hear I inspired you a bit! Your comment inspired me to look back at my Skye trip and a few others in the Cali. Fun times. I think I'm just a bit too much of a motorhomer at heart, which is why I'm now in the BoxDrive.
In terms of the wilding; yeah, I've always taken the view that you could get a knock during the night - either a friendly one from the cops to move you on or a less friendly one from yobs intent on spoiling your night. I'm happy to take that risk on my own, but less so with the family on board. Mainly because I don't want them to be scared, but also if we were ever in danger, you want to be able to hot-foot it out of there swiftly. When you've got a roof up and three additional bodies to yourself to climb over or make up seats etc., you're not going anywhere quickly!
When I was camping solo, I'd invariably sleep downstairs, with the drivers seat in position and keys on the dash, easily to hand. That way, it was just a case of jumping in and driving off. Maybe I'm a little too cautious, but I'd rather be that than have an issue I'd created for myself.
Enjoy your camping though - would love to hear about how it goes!
In terms of the wilding; yeah, I've always taken the view that you could get a knock during the night - either a friendly one from the cops to move you on or a less friendly one from yobs intent on spoiling your night. I'm happy to take that risk on my own, but less so with the family on board. Mainly because I don't want them to be scared, but also if we were ever in danger, you want to be able to hot-foot it out of there swiftly. When you've got a roof up and three additional bodies to yourself to climb over or make up seats etc., you're not going anywhere quickly!
When I was camping solo, I'd invariably sleep downstairs, with the drivers seat in position and keys on the dash, easily to hand. That way, it was just a case of jumping in and driving off. Maybe I'm a little too cautious, but I'd rather be that than have an issue I'd created for myself.
Enjoy your camping though - would love to hear about how it goes!
Dungeness is probably just about within your 2hr limit. It’s not for everyone, but definitely somewhere worth visiting at least once.
There is a public car park at the end of Taylor Road in Lydd-on-Sea that always has a few wild campers. Alternatively I believe there is private camping on the dungeness estate.
There is a public car park at the end of Taylor Road in Lydd-on-Sea that always has a few wild campers. Alternatively I believe there is private camping on the dungeness estate.
I can't recommend any one particular campsite but the Isle of Purbeck has a wide variety of campsites and I'm sure you'll find one that fits your requirements. There are a couple of campsites around Corfe Castle that might appeal to you, plus the IofP has loads of empty beaches to explore, coastal & hilly walks, dino museums, country pubs etc. if that's your thing.
I could do Surrey to Corfe in a shade over 2hrs if the traffic was not too busy, I'd usually go M3 - A303 - Salisbury - Blanford - IofP.
I could do Surrey to Corfe in a shade over 2hrs if the traffic was not too busy, I'd usually go M3 - A303 - Salisbury - Blanford - IofP.
This may be a proper campsite, but you can seclude yourself away. https://www.campsites.co.uk/search/campsites-in-su...
Also look at the Secret campsite in Cooksbridge. A short cycle to Lewes which is a great historic town to spend a day in.
Welcome to campavanning, its a great way to see the country.
Also look at the Secret campsite in Cooksbridge. A short cycle to Lewes which is a great historic town to spend a day in.
Welcome to campavanning, its a great way to see the country.
Simond S said:
This may be a proper campsite, but you can seclude yourself away. https://www.campsites.co.uk/search/campsites-in-su...
Also look at the Secret campsite in Cooksbridge. A short cycle to Lewes which is a great historic town to spend a day in.
Welcome to campavanning, its a great way to see the country.
That looks perfect, many thanks!Also look at the Secret campsite in Cooksbridge. A short cycle to Lewes which is a great historic town to spend a day in.
Welcome to campavanning, its a great way to see the country.
Problem is you can't go 'fully wild' in England, you need to be on a campsite.
Yes, I know following the recent appeal that Dartmoor still allows 'wild camping' but the original spirit of that is (in my opinion) hikers with backpacks who turn up, camp for the night, then move on in the morning with no trace.
I'm in Reading and we often hit the New Forest as an easy getaway. Hollands Wood sounds ideal for you in so much as you book a spot, then just drive on and camp amongst the trees. There are no marked pitches as such, and no clubhouse. It's about as far from a 'holiday park' style campsite as you can get but still has good toilet/shower facilities. We went on a big trip with a load of primary school age kids and parents last summer, everyone loved it, especially the kids.
https://www.campinginthenewforest.com/campsites/ho...
Denny Wood is a bit more 'wild' but you need your own chemical loo, but they do have an Elsan disposal point. That's a minimum requirement for me as a family - you're a bit stuffed if you can't empty the khazi.
Yes, I know following the recent appeal that Dartmoor still allows 'wild camping' but the original spirit of that is (in my opinion) hikers with backpacks who turn up, camp for the night, then move on in the morning with no trace.
I'm in Reading and we often hit the New Forest as an easy getaway. Hollands Wood sounds ideal for you in so much as you book a spot, then just drive on and camp amongst the trees. There are no marked pitches as such, and no clubhouse. It's about as far from a 'holiday park' style campsite as you can get but still has good toilet/shower facilities. We went on a big trip with a load of primary school age kids and parents last summer, everyone loved it, especially the kids.
https://www.campinginthenewforest.com/campsites/ho...
Denny Wood is a bit more 'wild' but you need your own chemical loo, but they do have an Elsan disposal point. That's a minimum requirement for me as a family - you're a bit stuffed if you can't empty the khazi.
Edited by PurpleTurtle on Thursday 28th March 12:29
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