Pre Booking Campsites

[mcallaghan]

Do people pre-book campsites?

I'm solidifying my dates for everything right now, so I have a pretty good idea of when I'll be in various locations (baring some sort of major setback). I had it in my mind to just show up at campsites as I might go longer or shorter during the day for whatever reason, so it gives me greater flexibility in regards to where I will spend the night (or if I want to take an extra day somewhere). I am also from the US, so won't be able to 'call ahead' to book things.

Thoughts/Ideas?

[Chezzer02]

In my experience campsites usually let cyclists and backpackers on even when supposedly full. I have never been turned away even in the busiest part of the tourist season. If you don't have a car and only a small tent, they usually squeeze you in somewhere.

[BeeKeeper]

Unless you are going somewhere at the the hight of their season, such as Monaco during the Grand Prix, I would just turn up.

[mcallaghan]

I don't imagine the month of September is considered a busy time for camp grounds? Seems to be towards the end of the season for them. All my camping will be done in September (Wales/Ireland).

[bikepacker]

I never book ahead either here in UK or the rest of Europe. I like to be flexible when touring and booking ahead ties me to a schedule.

[mcallaghan]

I think one or two places I will email if possible just to make sure that they have a place for me upon arrival (smaller campgrounds) most don't seem to make you pay ahead of time they just like knowing if you won't show up.

[phil parker]

I normally phone each campsite at the planning stage to make sure there are no potential hitches. There have been...like "we no longer take tents" "we've closed" etc. some have told me they are likely to be very busy so I've made a provisional booking, but I've always explained that due to it being a long bike tour I could encounter problems with weather or mechanical and not make it. That has always been accepted so that I don't have to make a confirmed booking, but they will save a place for me and have asked that I phone on the day if I can't make it, which I always have.

That gives me the peace of mind of security, but the freedom to change my mind or change my plans etc. I wouldn't be too bothered about just turning up, but some campsites' receptions aren't always open when I arrive and if I have spoken to them first they might have pre-warned me and already told me where I can pitch and how to get to the wash rooms of there's a code or key required. I like to arrive and have a shower within 30 minutes!

[Slowroad]

A topical question - I've spent ages this week emailing and phoning campsites for a tour next week, only to be told "we're full" but then when I asked "we wouldn't have turned you away if you'd just turned up". So by planning ahead to get some security re where I'll be staying I've somewhat messed (let's be polite) up my holiday!

[salsafargo]

if you dont book campsites its more of a adventure,i havent been turned away from a full site as they all ways find room for a one man tent and bike.

i have even been offerd a place to camp in a cyclist back garden who i met while out on tour

[Tigerbiten]

Just back from a 120 day tour around the Uk this summer.
All the campsites I got to where open and not turned away once this year.

I did a 117 day tour last year.
Only got turned away once due to a full site. But that worked out better as the next campsite 7 miles down the A66, That worked out better as I did the 7 miles down the A66 in the dry that afternoon and not in the drizzle of the next morning.
1 campsite I got to did not take tents and 1 was shut.

Only did around a 90 day tour the year before.
Only 1 campsite was shut and no turnaways on that tour.

Luck ..........

[phil parker]

Just back from a 120 day tour around the Uk this summer...

I did a 117 day tour last year...

Only did around a 90 day tour the year before...

I am impressed

I am envious as well!!

[psmiffy]

Ive camped in Europe on tour over the years for around 600 nights - 99% of which were single nights - Ive never booked a campsite in advance and have never been turned away because a campsite was full

[pedalsheep]

Ive camped in Europe on tour over the years for around 600 nights

Now I'm even more impressed and envious!

I've arrived at 4 French campsites in the last 2 years that were closed for refurbishment. In 3 cases there were other campsites close by and on the 4th we just stayed there anyway as there were good public toilets nearby. We were soon joined by several camper vans, no one seemed to mind.