How did you get set up for free camping??

[Big Boris]

Hi all,

Now i have in the past been a strictly 'have to have a shower block within 20 foot of me' type of woman.......however am now less fussy and would like to have the freedom of using the Aries or France Passion sites this summer and not be restricted to camp sites (and the cost0.

So i wondered how have you got yourselves set up for free camping those of you that do it?? OH and I thought about just getting a big bucket or baby bath type thing for a strip wash each day or just deo wipes said I, but then there is the toilet issue!!!! Are chemical toilets any good......where do you put it i the van as don't fancy tripping over it when I am trying to make a brew!!!

Yes I know really daft questions but hey ho!!! Any advice/guidance much appreciated as always.

[Madwitch]

Some of the Aires have got facilities, albeit limited. Get the book and you will be able to tell which have.

Chemical toilets are fine - in our Autosleeper it has its own special cupboard, but lots of peeps have a bog box with a cushion on top - extra seating!

You can buy a 12v shower from Maplin which is great - just stick the business end in a bucket of hot water and voila - shower! Just need to hide (toilet tent if you are staying in the same place a couple of days.

But - what's wrong with being smelly for a couple of days? Use the Aires most of the time then just book onto a camp site for a night when you need a shower!

Here in the UK the Camping & Caravanning Club have several sites where you can turn up and use all their facilities for a fiver - showers, loos, washing machines etc etc - you don't have to stay there.

[jed the spread]

Aires can be next to campsites. If so do as i do and stay on an Aire while nipping in the campsite for a shower, done it loads.

jed

[Big Boris]

Blooming web page is playing me up tinight as have tried to reply twice!!!

I do remember you saying that beofre jed in another post I am sure.

If not a day of having a strip wash wont kill me!! LOl
Certianly looks a cheaper way of doing France that's for sure.

[jed the spread]

It is, the three of us had a 3 weeks tour of France inc a weekend at hampton court inc food, lots of wine, fuel (lpg) etc for a grand. We had an argument with a few frenchys who get the hump if you empty clean water onto the floor of an Aire. Its ok for the French to pee infront of you and let there dogs sh,it all over the place though

jed

[Ian Hulley]

As Jed and Carolyn have said really (we all went to France together last Summer ) we have a 60 litre fresh water tank underneath, an underslung 20 litre Westfalia leisure gas tank for the fridge and cooker, a Maplins 12v shower, the largest (110aH) leisure battery we could fit in the cupboard, the largest porta-potti and a large food cupboard, this enables the 4 of us (2 adults and 2 kids) to wild camp for 3 days without any problem ..... obviously then it's nice to freshen up properly, empty out the bog and fill up the water tank. The leisure gas tank used £7.22 worth in 2 and 1/2 weeks ... you can't get exchanges for UK styleee gas cylinders in France.

Another key thing is a bike ... if you're parked on an Aire or beach in a popular area and have to drive to the local shop or supermarket for essentials (beer,almond croissants,bread,beer,choc au pins, beer) by the time you get back 'your' place may well be gone. Many Aires also receive a morning delivery of bread etc from the local boulangerie ... listen out for a car horn at about 9 am and buy warm, fresh bread out the back of an old Renault or S hitroen

Have fun, Ian.