What do you expect from a campsite (1 Viewer)

ShiftZZ

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Feb 19, 2008
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Having read the thread about the Chicken Run and last year’s Carrefour Car Park venue, it got me wondering what Funsters expect from a campsite.
I know its horses for courses (ooops sorry Tesco) but there must be a list of.
a) Must have.
b) Would like to have
c) The Dogs Bllx


My list would be as follows.

Must have
Level
Secure
Dump the poo poo
Shower
EHU
Easy Access

Like to Have
Free Wifi
On site shop
Scenic views

Dogs Bllx
20Meg Broadband
On site Restaurant / Shop
Free Transport
Hard Standing
Meeting room/Bar


Thoughts?
 

normanandsue

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Dec 31, 2010
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Dunfermline - Scotland
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van conversion
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These are my
[HI]musts:[/HI] level, Dump poo; drinking water.

[HI]Like:[/HI] Free wifi, scenic views

As there is no such thing as a secure site it does not fit in any category.

As my requirements are so few and I can obtain all of them in places other than a camp site I see little point in using them which is why I prefer aires in France and wild spots in UK.

Norman

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Jan 4, 2012
2,240
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somerset
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A few years now
On a dry summer day :ROFLMAO:

we just need a hedged grass area,
pub down the road,
usual loos/showers/washing areas.--for a simple life :thumb:


In reality ,on a wet/cold/dark winter day :Eeek:

We like a hard standing with EHU , a larger commercial site where we can stay inside in the day, a large complex with play areas (kids),
open bar/resturant,indoor pool.--to keep warm :thumb:
 
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ShiftZZ

ShiftZZ

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These are my
[HI]musts:[/HI] level, Dump poo; drinking water.

[HI]Like:[/HI] Free wifi, scenic views

As there is no such thing as a secure site it does not fit in any category.

As my requirements are so few and I can obtain all of them in places other than a camp site I see little point in using them which is why I prefer aires in France and wild spots in UK.

Norman

Norman, the one I used in Lyon was 'secure' there was a large fence all around, gates and password to get in 24hr staff. Yes I know its in a city, but it was sort of secure, I suppose I mean 'secure' as in there are people/owners who are about, nit just a field and a gate.
 
Jan 10, 2013
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ShiftZZ............................perfick list!

Yosser........................... it also makes my blood boil to have to pay £15 per dog for them to travel in car on Eurotunnel. :Angry:

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scotjimland

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Jul 25, 2007
2,083
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Suffolk Coastal District, UK
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15
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Timberland
Transparent pricing ..

too many sites make it difficult to get a 'price per night' .. we've been cuaght out several times by 'hidden' charges..

Simple BASIC sites ...simple BASIC pricing..

If it's a 'basic' site ... eg .. CL .. price per pitch. not a whole load of extra charges for no other reason than to hike the price up ..

I understand charging extra for kids when they provide facilities such as free showers, toilet and wash facilities and or play facilities.. not just because they sleep in the MY van..

ditto Dogs.. ditto .. extra car or trailer.. ditto awning,

Also, more sites with metered electricity... I don't want to pay for those who use 16amps 24/7
 
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Chris

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I like some of the French municipal sites.

A bit run down but clean and friendly with bars/restuarants nearby or an onsite bar serving simple food.

We found a great private site near Cahors last summer that was run by a couple of hippy types.

Completely disorganised but clean and the owners were great fun. The male owner introduced me to several local beers and drank them with me while his wife was scurrying around clearing dishes etc.::bigsmile:
 

JJ

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May 1, 2008
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Burstner Privilege T
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over 50 years
My dream campsite would include the following things...

The freedom to come and go whenever you want at anytime of day or night.

Enough space to enjoy privacy without others being able to look into your home from two yards away and enough space to be able to have your music/Skype chatting as loud as you want without anyone else being disturbed.

Access to water.

Somewhere to go swimming.

Great views and peaceful ambiance.

Not too far from a well stocked supermarket.

Reasonably priced.

No rules.

Access to almost unlimited sunshine.

I enjoy visiting sites that offer these things. I have found quite a few of them...

JJ :Cool:

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teddybard

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Aug 21, 2012
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warwickshire
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Having read the thread about the Chicken Run and last year’s Carrefour Car Park venue, it got me wondering what Funsters expect from a campsite.
I know its horses for courses (ooops sorry Tesco) but there must be a list of.
a) Must have.
b) Would like to have
c) The Dogs Bllx


My list would be as follows.

Must have
[HI]Level
Secure[/HI]
[HI]Dump the poo poo[/HI]
[HI]Shower
EHU
Easy Access[/HI]

Like to Have
Free Wifi
On site shop
Scenic views
Access to nearby small town 20 min walk
Dogs Bllx
20Meg Broadband
On site Restaurant / Shop
Free Transport
Hard Standing
Meeting room/Bar


Thoughts?


a) Must have.
b) Would like to have
c) The Dogs Bllx


My list would be as follows.

Must have
[HI]Level
Secure[/HI]
Dump the poo poo [HI](No Dogs)[/HI]
[HI]Shower
EHU
Easy Access[/HI]

Like to Have
Free Wifi
On site shop
Scenic views
Access to nearby small town 20 min walk
Dogs Bllx
20Meg Broadband
On site Restaurant / Shop
Free Transport
Hard Standing
Meeting room/Bar

So more or less in agreement Dave:Cool:
 

Bailey58

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Jun 23, 2010
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July 2010 (ex tugger)
Similar. :Smile:

Must Have: Level, EHU, Hard Standing in poor weather, Loo Dump, Dog Walk nearby, Rubbish Dump.


Like To Have: Shower block, Washing up facilities, Bus Stop nearby, sheltered, privacy hedging, wooded/beach walk for dog.


Dog’s B**x: Shop on site, free wifi, easy walk to village/town.
 
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2

2657

Deleted User
We more or less full time and having spent some time this winter pitched in a field a hard standing is a must. We had forgotten how unpleasant it can be pitched in mud and long grass.

Bar/restaurants, shops on site are not important to us, we have other transport, but good electricity (min 10 amp) hot showers, washing up area etc, decent size pitches and not too full, good internet all make for a good site for us.

I also expect website information provided by the owners to be accurate, I realise that some licence must be allowed as a website is advertising but the basics should be correct.

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Feb 27, 2011
14,670
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UK
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Since 2005
Essentials:
peaceful secluded
EHU point
Waste dump point
Fresh water.
£10 a night fixed fee (or less).
Adults only.

Nice:
Within 15 minutes walk to a shop that sells bread
within 15 minutes walk to a quiet local pub
Hard standing
No Dogs.

Dogs Bits:
Free Fast Wifi
Super pitch (on pitch waste and water) never experienced it yet but I would love it.

I don't use campsite shower/toilet blocks so I never even look at these.

My favourite site is basically a pitch at the top of a hill. It has absolutely no facilities whatsoever and is miles from anywhere.
You share the field with horses, sheep, a variety of fowl and a young bull. They provide firepits. It is £5 a night. But the view is stunning the peace is unbeatable. Sitting round a campfire with your friends and a few beers watching the sun go down over a great view is unbeatable.:thumb: Sometimes the lack of facilities is more than made up for by the location.
 

Snowbird

LIFE MEMBER
Apr 24, 2009
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Liverpool.
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Fifth wheel.
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Since 11-05-2000
Having read the thread about the Chicken Run and last year’s Carrefour Car Park venue, it got me wondering what Funsters expect from a campsite.
I know its horses for courses (ooops sorry Tesco) but there must be a list of.
a) Must have.
b) Would like to have
c) The Dogs Bllx


My list would be as follows.

Must have
Level
Secure
Dump the poo poo
Shower
EHU
Easy Access

Like to Have
Free Wifi
On site shop
Scenic views

Dogs Bllx
20Meg Broadband
On site Restaurant / Shop
Free Transport
Hard Standing
Meeting room/Bar


Thoughts?

Not bothered about level...I have ramps for that.
Not bothered about secure...I have Yale locks.
Not bothered about poo poo dump...I have a black tank that only needs emptying every fortnight.
Not bothered about showers...I have one fitted.
Not bothered about EHU...I have large battery bank,solar panels and wind charger.
Not bothered about easy excess...Am an X truck driver.
Not bothered about wifi...I have a dongle.
Not bothered about on site shop...I have a fridge freezer.
Scenic views...A MUST.
Not bothered about restaurant...I can cook possibly better than there chef.
Not bothered about free transport...No such thing as free,and I have a buggy.
Not bothered about hard standing...I have rear wheel drive with diff lock.
Not bothered about bar...I have plenty of beer of my own choice.
Below is one of the few campsites that I use, for the reasons above I cannot see the point of owning a motorhome and being tied to campsites. Just my thoughts.
 

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OP
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ShiftZZ

ShiftZZ

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Snowbird, is the names on thise pics right:? Looks like Wales to me, unless Laneside has been there, very green.(grass not Laneside, but that could be open for debate)

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Snowbird

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Snowbird, is the names on thise pics right:? Looks like Wales to me, unless Laneside has been there, very green.(grass not Laneside, but that could be open for debate)

Shell Island Dave, I put things in the wrong folder sometimes :ROFLMAO:

£35 per week with there own harbour. They do have a shop,restaurant,bar,shower block, but I dont use them as having paid the £35 for the weeks camping there is no money left :winky:
 
Jan 27, 2013
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Shell Island £35 per week with there own harbour. They do have a shop,restaurant,bar,shower block, but I dont use them as having paid the £35 for the weeks camping there is no money left

Best add "open all year" to your list then as Shell Island opens when? March, April?
 

Jaws

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Sep 26, 2008
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since 2006 ( I think ! )
Essentials for us are:

Somewhere to put grey water

Elsan point with water supply to clean the cassette

WiFi ( this really is important to me and is the main reason I am where I am right now instead of another site further round the coast )


What would be nice is:

Hook up

Local shop for supplies

Somewhere off main roads to ride bikes

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Oct 2, 2011
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The right attitude from both ourselves and the site owners/managers is a must. If a site is basic EHU and water, fine say that, then if I book it I know what I'm getting.
Nothing worse than all the hidden extra charges. I don't mind paying for what I'm getting. If I stay in a hotel or B&B if it's £20 a night I'm not expecting a turn down service but if I'm paying £120 a night I would expect a few things , wifi, tea/coffee tray etc. It's all relative.
If I choose to wildcamp it's up to me to safely and responsibly dispose of waste/rubbish as I'm not paying to have a convenient skip handy.
:thumb::Smile:
Shift ZZ. Great list.

My ( pardon the pun ) pet hate is sites that charge for dogs and don't have a dog walk onsite. If you have to exercise the dog offsite, feed it etc why should you pay extra. The dog is not getting any services. I have been to many sites that there is a rough bit of ground and they cut a few trails through it, stick a dog waste bin up and call it the dog walking area. Fine. At least you see that you are getting something for the money.
Basically I can put up with being on a site with whatever standards they have as long as they are up front and charge accordingly. It's nice to have absolutely nothing but the stars outside but sometimes it's nice to go to a site with a few luxury's.
 

Sundowners

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Norman, the one I used in Lyon was 'secure' there was a large fence all around, gates and password to get in 24hr staff. Yes I know its in a city, but it was sort of secure, I suppose I mean 'secure' as in there are people/owners who are about, nit just a field and a gate.


No where is secure, doesn't matter how high the fence is, it can be your fellow campers that are not trustworthy - our motto - TRUST NO ONE.

Nigel and Pamala

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Touchwood

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Aug 23, 2011
772
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NE England
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Compass Avantgarde 140
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5 years and learning
Must haves: -

Reasonably level and firm pitch (Don't mind using ramps, but within reason. Hate getting bogged down)
Somewhere to walk the dogs off the lead fairly near
A pub/restaurant within 10 mins walk (we don't mind eating/drinking in the MH, and often do, but we prefer to have the choice)
Quiet, especially after lights out
Scenic - or what's the point if it's raining?

Nice to have: -

EHU
Waste water, rubbish, Elsan disposal
Wi-fi
Clean toilets/showers

Luxuries

Free wi-fi
Good TV signal (Not that we watch much whilst away)
Free Swedish masseuse for me and masseur for Jill (Not come across this yet, I live in hope)
 

Don Quixote

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Jul 29, 2012
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Not long enough, but a little common sense helps..........
What a good list just added our likes:

Must have
Level
Good size pitch
Secure
Dump the poo poo
Shower
EHU
Easy Access
Clean litter free
Point of contact

Like to Have
Free Wifi perfect world
Pay of wifi ( if of good quality )
Good lighting at night
Laundry facilities
Hot water
On site shop
Scenic views
List of local contact numbers ie hospital, police

Dogs Bllx
20Meg Broadband
On site Restaurant / Shop
Free Transport
Hard Standing
Meeting room/Bar
 
Jan 4, 2012
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Best add "open all year" to your list then as Shell Island opens when? March, April?

I never heard of Shell Island--just looked at it on G Earth, looks like a big site :thumb:
Think i will give that one a try later in the year---looks nice :thumb:

Never camped in Wales yet, i have heard stories of sheep and have to pay to cross a bridge ect , and am looking forward to it ::bigsmile:

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C

Chockswahay

Deleted User
At the moment I can only base my experience on camping.

I would prefer:

Natural
Fantastic views
No EHU
No toilets
No pub
No shops
No fee
NO ONE ELSE:Blush:

I want to go away to 'get away' and as for all the other stuff my van will have every other facility I need or want.

Am I anti social ? :Blush:
 
Nov 30, 2009
6,543
148,326
Pickering
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9,521
MH
PVC the PUG
Exp
Since 2009 with motorhomes several caravans then tents before that.
Must have
Quiet level spot.
Elsan
Fresh water
Reduction in fee for not using electric H.U.
Or basic plus electric charge /card.

Would like.
Near a good pub with real ale , good food.
Nice walks , off road .
 

scally

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Aug 15, 2010
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since 1998
most of the above but I hate it when they charge for my trike.:Smile::Smile:
they dont charge caravan owners for their cars

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wasp

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Dec 21, 2008
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Somewhere to empty an fill up, level ,cheap ,about it really:Smile::Smile::Smile:
 

womblevra

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Dec 10, 2012
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5
Clean toilets/showers heated in winter
Clean elsan
bar
level
EHU
I can understand a charge for kids as they use facilities
but hate repeat HATE being charged for a dog when there is no facilities
It costs them nothing so should cost me nothing:winky:

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