Where can we camp in our converted van?

lea2012

My husband has just bought a new van, mainly for using for work but has had the bright idea of also using it for the odd night or two camping and sleeping out!
The van is big enough for us two and our young daughter to bunk down for the night and we are looking to buy a small awning attachment or small tent to put our stuff in. We'd only sleep in the van and we'd pack a couple of folding chairs and a bbq or gas stove for cooking on but would want somewhere with toilets and wash facilities.
I've had a look at a few campsites and forums but the consensus seems to be that we would class as a 'home conversion' camper and wouldn't be allowed to stay on a site? Has anyone done this before and can recommend places in the north west, lakes, Yorkshire, Derbyshire, north Wales etc?

Thanks.

Jake0307

Windermere (Lake District) is lovely in a caravan.

Tuesday_Tenor

I saw your plea the other day and have just seen this elsewhere

http://www.britstops.com/britstops-faq.php#two

This is aimed at motor home owners and many hosts DON'T offer the toilet/washing facilities you're after. But some might. It does mention that camper vans and van conversions are allowed but caravans aren't.

You have to pay to be a member £27 but then stay overnight for free at vineyards, farms, etc. The site I first saw it on said you have to buy a drink or meal, but I'm not sure that's the case. Worth investigating ...?

Unfortunately your conversion might fall between two stools, but I suspect in this group of hosts you might find SOME with the facilities you need, whereas you'll always be excluded from the standard campsites . Good luck!

matbe

Don't mention the van just tell them a tent and three people.

Just buy a small 3 man tent and put that up no one will care whether you sleep in the van or in the tent.

We have always used my work van when going camping and only one site had a no vans policy.

Crows Nest Scarborough is good.

Fisherground Farm Eskdale not been for a few years (used to be able to have open fires)

Will think of a few more places and post later Wife will remember names.

Tuesday_Tenor

matbe wrote: »

Don't mention the van just tell them a tent and three people.

Just buy a small 3 man tent and put that up no one will care whether you sleep in the van or in the tent.

This occurred to me earlier today.
Good to hear from someone who does it with no problems.

Seems obvious, in retrospect ...!

greenface

you've mentioned a vast area . your young daughter is key to a good weekend . if shes happy etc etc . Derbyshire Callow top . wales glan y mor or dinas beach. good sites for all ages as above mention 2 adults one kid and a tent .

fred246

We had this with a relative of ours. He had been a caravan club member for years and liked their sites. He had a trailer tent which they allow on club sites. He wasn't using it much and bought a van conversion which wasn't allowed. So then he just had to tow the trailer tent with him even though he wasn't using it if he wanted to use a club site.