Will your VW holiday happen in the UK or Europe?
Dreaming about an overseas escape but aren’t all that keen on the idea of airports and packed planes right now? If so, you might consider reining it back and taking things on the road in your VW Transporter. After all, it is what it’s made for – isn’t it? Vans offer the perfect recipe for adventure and spontaneity. The trouble is, you also have to contend with the rising prices in campsite prices both at home and abroad . . . Mo’ freedom, mo’ problems – so which is it? The UK or Europe?
Better yet, why not skip paying altogether and take on a spot of wild camping?
Hold up— wild camping?
Wild camping is camping in remote places with no facilities, rather than on campsites. Exploration and escape are the fundamental attractions of wild camping. Avoid camp-site fees by going wild camping in the countryside.
Put simply, wild camping is free camping. If you own a VW transporter or campervan of some description (heck, even a tent!) what’s stopping you from dabbling in unauthorised camping?
The cons of wild camping in a VW
Despite the wilderness of Europe, camping ‘off-grid’ deep in nature with no neighbours is – well – difficult to find, let alone execute. See, camping in or nearby nature reserves is prohibited unless on a designated campsite. Laws like these help prevent activities like accidental fires or littering. Yet, that’s not to say it isn’t done anyway – but this is somewhat in the same guise as saying people don’t forget to pay for parking at their local supermarket (they do).
Basically, wild camping is not all that legal.
Unless you want the benefit of not paying for a campsite and slumming it up in a layby for the night, we wouldn’t recommend it either. What’s wrong with a small scale campsite anyway? Sure, you don’t have the thrill of being mugged in a car park. Okay, and some sites come complete with concrete promenades and entertainment centres . . . but others offer plain old grassy fields. Despite this, some spectators do it simply to wake up to wonderful views (with the lack of payment being a bonus). Although these same folk admitted the lack of shower facilities was a big downside to wild camping.
The pros of wild camping in a VW
Strictly speaking, camping has evolved, and there are thousands of ‘permitted’ sleeping areas. Some are for free, others for a small fee. For example, depending on the attitude of the local pub landlord or lady, you might park up in their car park for the night – having just enjoyed a hearty meal, of course. Others might drive to wilder places for an early morning hike or run. Yet, this isn’t to say they won’t be asked to leave or face hostility from the public. Although, it does mean they can avoid paying to pitch for a night. Not only that but . . .
The main issue with campsites is you’re almost never alone.
Some of us like our peace and quiet. Unfortunately, we’re expected to congregate in commercially overrun campsites. Yes, they're not all like that, but if you consider yourself more introverted or introspective – well – wild camping equals freedom. Depending on the space you pick, you are far more unlikely to happen upon someone else. With that said, if your only choice is a layby – c’mon, you're better than that. There are literally THOUSANDS of better places to hitch up! Some campers only rely on campsites for a good shower and spend the rest of their trip searching out some truly awe-inspiring sights. Follow their lead. By staying in one place for however many nights, you miss out on the opportunity to tour around and see the surrounding landscape.
In conclusion . . .
Illegal or not, wild camping offers an air of thrilling tranquillity. For those who have sensitively developed a knack for finding sneaky spots out in the wild, it’s proven quite beneficial. However, we simply ask that you respect your surroundings and – most importantly – if you have a family, avoid the temptation of wild camping. For the sake of their safety and yours, settle in a designated campsite with less dubious security. Also, if you happen to get caught . . . and you happen to have adorned the interior of your van in some beautifully bespoke seat covers . . . we’ll keep our mouths shut, if you do – promise!
“Just had my new Jackyards seat covers fitted today too. sooo pleased with them. Deliberated over whether to spend the extra but so glad I have. The sailcloth type material and sail stitching are of excellent quality and the bright colours complement the ‘happy holiday feel’ which to my mind is the point of a California. Great enhancement to my happy van and thanks to Jackyards.”