Other Random camping

Discussion in 'General' started by cyrilthefish, 30 May 2009.

  1. cyrilthefish

    cyrilthefish What's a Dremel?

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    odd conversation i just had with a friend:

    Camping has been an on-and-off topic for 10 years now, i think the plans are closer to being solid than they ever have been before...

    Anyway, random camping: if me and my friend decide to go on a random cycling/camping holiday, where are we legally allowed to camp?

    Is it possible to choose random seemingly-empty areas to set up a tent? is it dodgy but okay for very short term, or do you really need permission?

    would anything happen if we went as a group of two, no permission, but moved if asked to bugger off?

    i kind of like the idea of a 'see what happens' trip :)
     
  2. jhanlon303

    jhanlon303 The Keeper of History

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    I don't know about the UK but in the US people will let you overnight on their property if you show some respect and do the "Pack It Out" thing. A good rule is a smiling face and TALK to the people. There are some nice places that nice people have preserved as it was.
    Explain your intent, show some respect for their property, and have fun. I have found hot springs, glorious fishing holes, spelunking opportunities just by being honest and upfront with the land owners.

    I still have a fish fossil I found in my spelunking days.

    I wish you well

    john
     
  3. Techno-Dann

    Techno-Dann Disgruntled kumquat

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    Also, in the 'states at least, if there's no fence and no posted "no trespassing" sign, it's legal to camp. Obviously, camping in someone's front yard isn't cool, but if you're in the middle of nowhere, that makes it a lot easier to find a spot.
     
  4. tranc3

    tranc3 ADHD Modder

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    Man that sounds like so much fun, went a while back with some friend during spring break in the nation forest around here. spelunking sounds fun, since theirs all sorts of caves around here. "home of the skyline caverns.".. Best of luck to you on your camping, you wont regret the trip!
     
  5. ElThomsono

    ElThomsono Multimodder

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    Are you in Scotland? The rules here are a lot more in favour of "random camping".
     
  6. Krikkit

    Krikkit All glory to the hypnotoad! Super Moderator

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    QFT. That's just the way to approach it anywhere in the world imo. Honesty, respect, politeness. The way to get pretty much everything you need.
     
  7. Gooey_GUI

    Gooey_GUI Wanted: Red Shirts

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    I haven't been camping for ages.

    All I can remember, as far as seeing what happens, is that going to official campgrounds without reservations in California or Oregon is a definite no-no. It's more than likely you will be shut out especially during the good weather months or holidays for sure. These facilities have bathrooms with warm showers , picnic tables, fire pit, and animal proof storage cupboard.

    State and national parks are usually open to camping in the backpacking country or more remote designated camping areas. They have no facilities. They rely on what you can bring with you. That is why "backpacking with a string" is popular. People use llamas, horses and mules to haul their gear and food.

    If you ever make it to the northern California, go where you can hike in amongst the redwood trees. They are dozens of yards around in circumfrence and hundreds of feet tall. Some have fire damage that allows 3-5 people to step inside with plenty of room to spare. One of my favorite parks is Big Basin.

    If you want a break from the natural beauty surrounding you then take a 30 minute drive to the beach and go surfing, ocean fishing, or to an amusement park in Santa Cruz.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    :clap:
     
  8. dom_

    dom_ --->

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    Scotland you can camp anywhere out of site of roads or buildings.

    England, you can't camp anywhere unless on a camp site.
    However... i break the english rules all the time in the lake district, i just camp around 4-500m out of the way where no one will see and leave to sign of my camping or any waste.
     
  9. CardJoe

    CardJoe Freelance Journalist

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    Having grown up in the country and seen people try this (and having done it) a few times, I can say it mostly depends on the person. Some people will come and ask you to leave nicely or not care at all. Some people will call the police. Some people will come out with guns or, as I've heard to have been done once before, they'll move their bulls into the field you're in.

    Best advice is to stay close to campsites, use them if possible, ask permission of whosever land it is and then treat the place nice and honour their wishes. If they say no and you camp anyway, hoping to get away with it, then you deserve what you get. Likewise, if you just pitch up and are sure it'll be fine then you've got no leg to stand on.

    That said, if you ask nicely and appear friendly then it's possible that you'll be told of a certain field or whatever that you can stay in, so long as nobody expects you of poaching or flock theft.
     
  10. Burnout21

    Burnout21 Is the daddy!

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    In the past i have just pitched a tent for the evening, and packed up, moved on by day break, literal to sleep the night, and then continue with the hike or ride.
     
  11. boiled_elephant

    boiled_elephant Merom Celeron 4 lyfe

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    The Lake and Peak districts are awesome for random camping adventures, it's how I filled most of my childhood. Lots of isolated elderly farmers who're more than happy to lend you a corner of a field for a few nights. One old guy even brought us a few groceries in the mornings :cooldude:
     

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