Is camping worth it anymore?

[Itchy]

Sure you get the flexibility of going wild camping and slightly cheaper accommodation which is less tied to location.

But checking prices the price gap between gites, guest houses etc isn't actually as big as it once was.

2007/2008/2009 it was a cheap flexible way to sleep and travel.

Looking at it now, having the lug equipment around and the price gap seems to have shrunken a bit. Is camping still worth it?

I'm thinking a just go out there with a fist full of cash + bike seems an attractive proposition.
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[Spudly]

Wild camping all the way. Small gas cooker, tent and find a quiet out of the way place to set up. Have a wee in the woods and dig a hole for number twos and away you go.

Paying for a site, you are just paying for the chance to wear flip flops in a lukewarm shower and buy overpriced sweets from the kiosk.
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The Old Apprentice

[FrankGill]

Some great camping municapals at good prices to be had in France and as you've already said gives you greater flexabilty.

[G]

I prefer wild camping for the peace and quiet as well as saving money.

Never been a fan of campsites and only used for a town location if I do at all, really.

I'd prefer to spend the money spent on a campsite on some nice local food.

[EazyDuz]

If you have the luggage space for the camping gear you may as well take it just incase, IMO.
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[CaNsA]

[stinkwheel]

What is the difference between 2009 and now?

You are older and (probably) have a higher disposable income.

Your goldwing slippers are in the post.
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[The Shaggy D.A.]

£5 for the night, field to myself, clean showers and loo. You're getting soft and whiny.
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[c-m]

Camping usually costs about €10 or so. A single bed in a cheap hotel or guesthouse is usually at least double that.

[Peirre oBollox]

[map]

Couple I know like to take the bike camping. However, she would always insist on a night or two in a hotel/motel to break up the trip.
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[tactical_pancake]

It is if all the hotels are full. Or more to the point, all the cheap hotels. Hearing 'oh no we are all full, monsieur, didn't you know it was the holiday festival of BLAHBLAH' is not that rare.

Personally if I was going on a short trip and hotels were booked in advance, no problem. But if I was winging it or a longer trip I'd prefer to have a tent even if just as 'an option'.

Mind you if you do have internet on your phone and can book hotels a night or 2 in advance, then there is less potential for being stuck without anywhere to stay.

[Marmalade]

i've only ever had a problem once in france getting a room, if i'd been prepared to pay over £40 i'd have had no issues.

I've all but given up on camping. for an extra £5/10 a night you can get a warm comfortable bed, have a shower, charge your stuff and dry your gear and during the day, your bike isn't piled with stuff that could be stolen if you leave it parked while having a wander round places.
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[EazyDuz]

[nelmo]

It's definitely MUCH cheaper - less than £10 a night as compared to at least £25 (if you're very lucky) - that's 150% cheaper!

And you only get that £25 rate if you book 3 months in advance - try walk into somewhere on the night and you'll be fleeced for much more than that. I just did a quick search for a room tomorrow night in Cardiff, for example - cheapest room is £49.

Those motels are also mostly in some god-awful industrial estate, often near a noisy main road.

Nope, camping is the best. Unless you arrive wet - then it's crap

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-4GeK4NIfYv0/U7vTbs2oAtI/AAAAAAAAAlk/hLEkL4QL0zg/w844-h633-no/20130802_201746.jpg
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[Itchy]

[Peirre oBollox]

[nelmo]

[Peirre oBollox]

[Monkeypony]