Wildcamping + Baby = ??

jonghong

Guest
Firstly, I've asked a few questions since my recent arrival on this forum and have gotten great help. This is really a fantastic community, long live WCFM!
So maybe you can help me some further..Since myself and the wife are leaving imminently for 5 months in Europe with our 1yr old, as we get closer to departure time she's getting more and more hesitant about the wild camping idea because of the baby. I like many others here loath the idea of spending 5 months on campsites. But I want to make her feel more comfortable about the whole idea. We will try and keep to safer regions and areas, but we need places where the young one can keep herself entertained but safe at the same time. This probably means keeping to areas which are public but a little private at the same time..
Any ideas of areas in Europe that might suit us more or tips and pitfalls we should be avoiding?
thanks in advance folks!
 
Sorry to see that no one has responded to this. We have no experience of motorhoming with small children but maybe I can help a bit.

Look at some of the threads about aires and France Passion. We have used both in France.
I think France Passion would suit you well especially if you are interested in local products. The system work by means of a book which you purchase from vicarious books Vicarious Books publisher of motorhome and camping guides. for £25. Then you can stay on any of the sites, as long as they have space, at no cost. They are based on farms, in vinyards, and other rural businesses and there is usually plenty of space for the wee one to play safely as well as the interest of farm animals etc.
There are varying reports of France Passion locations. Certainly you are not meant to stay more than 1 night on any site. Some will tell you that there is pressure to buy products. Our experience is different, at one site last autumn we actually wanted to buy some wine and there was nobody about and no sign of any shop or sale area.

In Spain we have camped wild and used aires in several places - mainly on the East coast and along the Ebro Valley (Northern Spain). There are many lovely places, and away from towns you should have no problems. In fact in two or three wild places we stayed the local police came round regularly to check that everything was all right.

I do not know anything about other countries in Europe - but maybe someone else will be able to help.

Have a great trip, and do not worry about the baby - I am sure you will find plenty of safe places. As is said so often, use your common sense and if you don't feel comfortable somewhere, move on.
 
We "stellplatzed" in Germany for 4 weeks. Not quite wildcamping but we had an 18 mth old and a 9 mth old. Very enjoyable it was too.
 
excellent thanks, I'll send her on the photos, that will keep her happy hopefully!
Would I be right in saying that spain, france, austria and germany would be the better equipped countries to visit then from my perspective?
 
Hi,

I don't think that it is an good idea of Wild camping with baby.....

Thanks!
 
rita88 said:
Hi,

I don't think that it is an good idea of Wild camping with baby.....

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Hi Rita

Why not? Surely it depends on the unit, the support, the people, the area, the weather, etc.

Richard
 
rita88 said:
Hi,

I don't think that it is an good idea of Wild camping with baby.....

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Why not indeed there is nothing to stop you as long as the babies need are catered for and you park in a sensible place, by which I mean don't park in a known dogging area or a place where it looks shifty you should be fine and have an enjoyable tour
Bambiowner
 
jonghong said:
Would I be right in saying that spain, france, austria and germany would be the better equipped countries to visit then from my perspective?
Click to expand...

I wouldn't rule out any country - some are more motorhome friendly than others but you can find a wild spot almost anywhere - even in Croatia, where it is very difficult to wildcamp by the coast. The ones you list are very good but so are Portugal and Italy and many others. You will soon pick it up - look for places where there are other vans (but not too many) and you will not only have a spot for the night but you can swap information with them and pick up a few more good locations. And ignore the doomsayers who say you shouldn't wildcamp with a baby - there is absolutely no reason why you shouldn't. Have a great trip.

Oh and a good trick if you don't feel like cooking is to ask a restaurant/bar with a car park if you can stay overnight if you eat there. We have used this method all over Europe and never been turned away - not even in England.
 
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