using my work van on a campsite

[jimmylad]

Anyone use their work van for camping at campsites etc.... or do campsites frown upon it ?

I have a mk8 in black (not sign written) & want about to buy a Vango Galli drive away awning & attach it to my van which obviously isn't a motor home although I will make a bed up in it & sleep on my own mattress in the van.

Will I run into any bother or does anyone have any advice ? Never done camping before but i have heard that some sites don't like commercial vehicles.


Thanks,

Jim

[Dodge20]

Most sites tend to frown upon sign written vehicles. Some sites I've been to allow commercial vehicles by prior arrangement, but from what I can tell this is only for sign written stuff. I've personally had no bother in my van, like yours no sign writing. I would say it's probably best to phone the site and ask rather than just turn up and be told you can't bring that in here.

[dumper]

Put some camper van strips on it on it and tell them someone broke in to yor van thro the window so you fitted a door without a window to stop it happening again

[Punto443]

Always phone first, I've had my sign written van on a few campsites, it's 50/50 whether they let you or not. But you've 100% better chance if you phone first.

[Noctule]

you've no chance within 50 miles of London, and many do say on their websites that they won't accept commercials. I've heard there are by-laws around London that effectively ban it. Away from London it's easier, just ring or email first to explain. We've camped in the New Forest with no problem, turned up in the 190 and put up a 15ft marquee (the work tent) to sleep in. Site owner was fine with it as we called in advance.

Mat

[bambi mk 1]

Always phone first, I've had my sign written van on a few campsites, it's 50/50 whether they let you or not. But you've 100% better chance if you phone first.

Must take pity on you for getting lost so many times Only joking

[jimmylad]

is it the fact that you might sleep in the van or that it is a commercial vehicle that they have a problem with or both ?

At the end of the day I suppose I will be camping (officially) & getting all my camping equipment there by means of a van which must be something that lots of people would do if they had a van & camped surely?

[Beaker]

This is the first time this has ever occured to me as a potential issue, so a good question to post up.

I've been camping for many years and have seen commercial vehicles on some camp sites though it is by no means common. My guess is that some sites just don't want the risk of any "undesirables", or they think that comercial vehicles somehow detract from the image they are trying to project, and that the bigger, busier or swankier the site, the sniffier they might be about it.

However, you have no writing on your van, and you are using a drive-away awning to stay in so that's plus points for you.

As others have said, if in doubt, ask - you could always say your car is out of action.

[GuyT]

Jimmylad,

I booked onto a campsite this weekend in Watlington, oxford/Buckinghamshire border and called and said i have a white transit van camper witout windows but the inside was basically fitted out and they were fine. I've also booked near Wolverhampton and again no problem. I think if you're just upfront they can make a choice. I also said "I'd rather tell you than turn up and be turned away" I'm booking on basic campsites but it's been fine upto now

Cheers

[ceurieusneus]

Why don't you make your van "self supporting"?
My previous van, I made a kitchen block of old caravan stuff that could easily put in and out.
Together with a porta potti, I traveled the UK...
No extra charge for a caravan on the ferry, I never was turned down on a campsite.
However sometimes I heard a remarque on my "lovely" camper.
I never phoned in advance

Now with my "ambulance" conversion I only visit campsites to shower.

With "BRIT Stops" you stay overnight on the parking of a lot of pubs.
Here I do phone in advance to book a table for the evening meal.
The money I safe on camping fares goes to my evening meal in the pub.

[CamperVanBeethoven]

Why don't you make your van "self supporting"?
My previous van, I made a kitchen block of old caravan stuff that could easily put in and out.
Together with a porta potti, I traveled the UK...
No extra charge for a caravan on the ferry, I never was turned down on a campsite.
However sometimes I heard a remarque on my "lovely" camper.
I never phoned in advance

Now with my "ambulance" conversion I only visit campsites to shower.

With "BRIT Stops" you stay overnight on the parking of a lot of pubs.
Here I do phone in advance to book a table for the evening meal.
The money I safe on camping fares goes to my evening meal in the pub.

Yeah, you have to pay for that BRIT Stops... Is it worth it then, you'd say? I've considered it