View Full Version : Campsite Fires
we are compiling a list of campsites that allow people to have fires. I know of a few that allow them out of the main season and it is slow work trawling through the phone book!
If anyone knows of anywhere that allows fires let us know via this thread or mail info@bushcraftuk.co.uk
Thanks guys and girls
Tone
What about campsites that allow BBQ's (perhaps a sub-section)? I'm thinking fireboxes, kelly kettles and such.
Yeah, I figured to list those that allow fires and those that allow BBQ's It's amazing how many sites will not even allow you to have a BBQ. I figure the best places are scout campsites, on some of them they give you quite a bit of freedom to do what you want......I have to say though that some of them are really bureaucratic and it's a right pain :AR15firin
My tent is big enough for a fire box which I think is an advantage. When are you due to get your Tepee Martyn?
Tone,
Debden house, Debden Green, Essex always fires and is right on the edge of Epping forest.
I have run courses from there its a good spot
When are you due to get your Tepee Martyn?
Got it mate, arrived in marvelous condition a couple of days ago. Have yet to erect it (aside from opening it out in my living room - it's been raining here quite heavily).
(Cheers Gary ;))
I hope you have a long and successful life together :biggthump
Fisherground campsite in Eskdale, Cumbria lets you have fires all year round. It can get a bit busy in summer, but I was there at Easter and we were the only ones there.
Also Scout campsites can be ok, it depends on the warden :wink: . I use a small wooded scout site locally which is fine and is empty most of the time.
Scoutbase at http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/cgi-bin/camping/db.cgi?db=camping&uid=default
lets you find youre nearest scout camp.
Hi Guys - I have got together about 15 sites so far, I will get them up here when I have checked the details. Then at some stage I will put it up as information in the main site. Gary has already had success with the scout sites.
Anonymous
23-09-2003, 14:13
The Only one I know of is Lower Rocks East, north of Bath near Marshfield.
Its a great venue, woods, grottos ponds etc, heard someone had done courses there? I was there at winter Solstice for friends handfasting, and they didn't seem to mind the burning of a 50 foot wicker man full of fireworks!
I prefer hedge mumping. As my friend calls it. Those quiet country lanes where you can pull off the road and tuck yourself away under the hedge.
A favorate is a Drove near Avebury, favoured by horsedrawn travellers. You can usually find a pile of firewood tucked in the hedge by the previous occupant, so you can get a brew on within minutes of arriving.
I travelled with a horsedrawn friend briefly one year, who had a map passed on by an old Gypsy with such places marked on it. It made our travels far easier. So I have now started marking them up (I was taught never to write on maps at School!!!!). Although my girlfiend threw the last one away cos it was falling apart !
Enuf Ramblin
Rich :shock:
giancarlo
05-10-2003, 23:53
... i can tell you somewhere where you won't have one.
Over here in Jersey in the Channel Islands...
It's illegal to wild camp...
you can't have fires anywhere, even on the 4 or so proper camp sites..
Doesn't mean it doesn't happen tho :)
Kinda spoils it a bit, whenever i go out, i'm always expecting the old bill to turn up in the morning ready to take me off down the cop shop :(
What about BBQ type and woodburning stoves in Jersey.... can they be used on the campsites?
Also, what is the score with private land over there..... any chance of getting permission to camp there... maybe have fires, or is the fire thing an Island wide law?
:-D
Ed
giancarlo
06-10-2003, 09:18
Yeah, well bbq's are fine, as long as they are "traditional bbq's",
have to look posh etc... bit like that over here at most camp sites.
I don't think they'll take too kindly to brazier type, hobo stoves if you know what i mean.
Private land, well it's only 9miles x 5miles here, every square inch is owned by someone, and they don't take kindly to it.
but i'm guessing if you knew someone with some land and they were friendly then they may let you.
Just have to find a friendly old Jersey farmer..... hmmmm, easier said than done ;)
What about on the foreshore?
I don't know about the law in Jersey but in Scotland you have the right to make a fire on the land that lies between the high tide mark and the low tide mark. the tide mark determined by usual spring high tides.
That means that unless it is a high spring tide theres always a bit of ground you can get a fire going on.
George
giancarlo
06-10-2003, 12:34
Hi George,
TBH, i think they'd still try and have a few words with you for it.
well at least the "honoury police" we have over here would.
Saying that, during summer, a lot of people have BBQ's on the beach so maybe they turn a blind eye to it.. but then they are "controlled" BBQ's... not the roaring bonfires i'd be making ;)
I think you could be right, it probably is within the law to do that..
have to go and find out really :)
Would be especially useful over here, Jersey has one of the biggest tidal areas in europe / the world (i think), nearly doubles in size when the tide's out..... although saying that, it does come in blinking fast too! :)
Cheers
Carlo
not been here myself but, according tot he website, fire's are allowed. was going to go over the summer, but work got in the way, it always does. not had a holliday this year, unless you call a weeks Boy's Brigade camp a holiday!
opps almost forgot the site!http://www.doonevalleyholidays.co.uk/pages/camping.html
we have the same problems here in guernsey ci as they have in jersey
your even exspected to ask for permission to have a bbq on the beach and as for country side apart from the cliff walks or golf course there isnt
much but on a brighter note the boss owns 20 acres of private land on the
south coast and 20 more inland near the airport
shaggystu
30-11-2003, 18:49
someone was asking about camp fires at the scout camp at beaudesert in cannock, can't remember who it was doing the asking though, sorry! i used to work for the princes trust volunteers and i took teams of students to beaudesert, we had camp fires on a number of occasions there always with the full permission of the camp warden and never with any problems at all. there's a specific campfire area there in a great spot with logs to sit on, trees all round to keep you cosy, and plenty of space to keep the beers far enough from the firs to keep them cool!! there's also a very good sheltered bbq area.
hope this helps whoever was doing the asking!!
stuart
p.s. on a slightly different topic i also happend to be wandering round the woods there on one occasion and i came across half a dozen "debris" shelters, i don't know who built them as i didn't really get chance to ask, but their presence there would seem to indicate that whoever is in charge of the woodland there is pretty sympathetic to bushcraft activities, don't know if that's of any interest to anyone at all but i thought i'd tell you anyway.
Fallow Way
30-11-2003, 20:05
Hi there,
It was I who posted about waiting to hear from the beaudesert manager in Cannock Chase. Thanks for the info, seen photos of the site you mentioned, does look impressive.
shaggystu
30-11-2003, 21:13
it's a pretty nice site altogether actually, secluded enough, right on the edge of a big area of woodland, still close to a local pub and not far from a shop. i've spent some very happy hard working weeks there. hope you enjopy the place if you end up using it at all.
stuart
p.s. and if you happen to see a white beadered bloke walking round smoking cherry tobacco from a meerschaum pipe, his name's graham, tell him i said hi!!
It is possible that wardens of some smaller youth hostels who allow camping might also allow fires, though it would be their choice not YHA policy.
larry the spark
19-12-2003, 12:13
Tullymore Forest Park in Northern Ireland has a youth campsite that allows fires, though they have to be extinguished before 11pm I think. i used it during my years in the Boys Brigade and with my dad who knew the warden so allowed us to use it. The warden may be sympathetic to those who approach him and explain their case.
Fallow Way
30-12-2003, 11:30
Finally got an asnwer of my local Scout owned woodland, they are only for youth groups also.
I`m getting quite disheartened in trying to find places where the simple activites of bushcraft can be enjoyed. I have been in contact with sooo many places in my county (staffordshire) and not one is open to members of the public.
I still go off into Cannock Chase on the quite, but it would be nice to find just one place where poeple with this interest could meet up locally.
Paul
gurushaun
30-12-2003, 12:26
Nomad
I think from my dealings with places that the biggest worry to most landowners is the risk of damage or litigation arising from injury. What we need is some form of third party/damage protection insurance, similar to that offered to airgun shooters, a collegue who is a keen shot has managed to get permission to shoot over land when he has bought the fact that he carries insurance into the conversation. Anyone with underwriting experience out there?
Cheers
Shaun
Great Pebble
10-01-2004, 17:06
George, who was the ranger in Tollymore for as long as I can remember retired during the summer. I had a hate/love relationship with him, having had the odd run in with him as a teenager. Later I came to appreciate his "less than politically correct" sense of humour. He was always very friendly, unless you happened to be an "unaccompanied" teenage fella.
That said I was there towards the end of summer with SWMBO and the guys (there seem to be two) who have taken over couldn't be friendlier.
Nick in Belfast
woulkd it be possible to maker a note of which camp sites are easy o get to by train?
I'm looking forward to this list.. are there a few up North?, sort of Derbyshire/Lakes way :shock:
Dont be supprised if you get the big NO from Scout camp sites or similar its not the association being nasty, but the child protection act comeing in to play.
All people have to be checked by the criminal records bureau before being allowed on to such areas and that can take up to 3 months, and you also have to be a member of the Scout association before you can use them. :biggthump :biggthump
Would that still count if you arranged it at a time when there was noone else using it, or would that be at the Wardens discretion? I'm going to phone up a few places soon and try to find somewhere in this area..... unless theres anyone else in the area that knows of somewhere??? I don't mind travelling but it would be nice to find a site that could be used on a regular basis.
Strictly speaking the warden should say no unless you are a Scout association member as you would not be covered by the insurance.
But haveing said that its always worth a try, or why not join the Scout association.
The Red Squirel campsite in Glen Coe alway use to allow small fires in the pits.
Bowie_Fan
09-02-2004, 19:54
Geez I realy do feel for you guys.
The worst thing I have to worry about (in Canada) is being 50m of the trail to make a fire. Even with a full blown fire ban, I have a little piece of paper in my walet saying I can make I fire. (Trapper license)
The campsite at Pistyll Rhaeadr in North Wales allows fires in fire baskets.
Super spot! :-D The waterfallis pretty impressive too!
http://www.pistyllrhaeadr.co.uk/
SJ 07515 29360
Brecon Beacons (west)
Grid ref:(10 fig off my garmin)map grid SN, eastings-91713 /northings-08451, my gps' are jam packed with bivi/ wild camp locations throughout the uk- it's like a crime file of everywhere i've slepted out.
In the waterfall country of the beacons, by the old gunpowder works and royal engineers pioneers bridge - spent many a day and night here, built shelters, fires even had some eels out of the river with friends and on my own, no bother - no hassle - open use.
Tip - don't leave your motor in the dinas rock car park.
Good walking country through these woods - the famous Sgwd y elra waterfall that you can walk behind.
Enjoy :-D
Maxmountains
Ever made it to the Black Mountain on the wester side of the Brecons?
Another great place!
Hello Adi
Y Mynydd Du
Yeah - another favourite place to wake up in, fantastic bivi at the fairy lake sn80124 - 21911 off the garmin again
I've dropped my motor in brecon got a lift out to llandovery and spent 2 days walking over west to east over fan fawr, pen y fan and back to brecon several times - last time was just before xmas,fantastic route - rained all weekend - love it!
Maxmountains
Loads of crashed planes in that area ... super place to roam!
Hello Adi
Y Mynydd Du
Yeah - another favourite place to wake up in, fantastic bivi at the fairy lake sn80124 - 21911 off the garmin again
I've dropped my motor in brecon got a lift out to llandovery and spent 2 days walking over west to east over fan fawr, pen y fan and back to brecon several times - last time was just before xmas,fantastic route - rained all weekend - love it!
Maxmountains
Yeah - i've never took much interest in them - too busy looking at the scenery, although there is a book on brecon beacon crash sites i seen it in the visitor centre.
Maxmountains
Nyogtha13
03-03-2004, 00:05
For those of us in NI,or want to visit, i know that the Scout campsite at Crawfordsburn allow ground fires in some areas and altar fires on the camp field.
The site is usually ok about non scout members provided there are not too many, especially when not busy. It is also possible to bivvy out. someone asked about trains, it is about 10-15 minute walk from the station.
There is a volunteer wardens team at weekends who look after the site.
there is also the usual scout activites for kids or adults if you want.
Insurance should cover you because you are paying to use the site, i know that it is used by a lot of people who are not Scouts.
And it is in a country park with some nice walks and close to the beach.
All the best
Robin
Would that still count if you arranged it at a time when there was noone else using it, or would that be at the Wardens discretion? I'm going to phone up a few places soon and try to find somewhere in this area..... unless theres anyone else in the area that knows of somewhere??? I don't mind travelling but it would be nice to find a site that could be used on a regular basis.
Fearney Crofts (Hampshire County Scout Camp site) in the new forest has (or had) no problems with open fires the last time I was there - last summer. The trouble is that it's not exactly big (and of course there's the matter of being a Scout Association member). It's not small, but there aren't that many tucked away areas to camp in.
is this List going to be put on a Map similer to the Members Map ??
Maybe with a link from the map icon to either the campsites own web site or a BCUK info page.
Duncan ??
PS this may have been mentioned above :oops: or have been the original plan
Good idea.
How about something like the Met office (http://www.met-office.gov.uk/) has for their forecast map. Members locations and campsites could be used instead of having the tabs for wind, weather and temperature to stop one map getting too cluttered.
bushwackerscott
01-05-2004, 16:23
Scroll to the bottom of this site http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/articles/view.asp?id=4
bushwacker bob
02-05-2004, 00:19
well found! :ekt:
i know this is a very old thread but did this list of campsites ever get put together somewhere?
Is there a link to this?
thanks for the help.
It never got finished, I'll re add it to the list ;)
I run a Scout Association campsite in Nottinghamshire... Its a 9 acre wood, with a few buildings etc, and we don't allow ground fires for the simple reason the site is made up of around 9" of leafmould sat on solid sandstone...
But..... We do have a BIG campfire circle, complete with benches etc, and we do have purpose built altar fires. I also allow the proper use of BBQ's and also have been known to allow the use of dustbin lid altar fires now and again... ;)
SA rules regarding Child Protection are quite restrictive, but if there isn't anyone on site, then there is no real reason that having a chat to the friendly warden might not find you a place to camp and do your thing... Within reason...!!!
Cheers
Pete
It does not cost much to run yourself through the CRB checks, I do it every couple of years because I work in schools a lot.
If we are able to present CRB papers this would presumably simplify matters.
It does not cost much to run yourself through the CRB checks,
Its about 40 quid at the moment I think.
Ed
It does not cost much to run yourself through the CRB checks, I do it every couple of years because I work in schools a lot.
If we are able to present CRB papers this would presumably simplify matters.
Believe it or not....
CRB Checks are not cross transferable...!!! We have a number of teachers and police officers who are CRB checked for thier jobs, but this does not count for the Scout Association...!!! Also, some education authorities insist on checking new teachers joining schools, even if a teacher only had a CRB done a few weeks before in another authority....!
Its a mad world....!!!
Cheers
Peter
tolmer in hertfordshire used to let you have ground fires but it is a scout campsite maybe of season for scouts?
walesby in notts has peat underneath so no ground fires but ok in alters and this site is 250 acres so they do let others on whilst scouts are about but just the other end of the land maybe maybe not?
Its a mad world....!!!
You won't get any argument out of me there
Believe it or not....
CRB Checks are not cross transferable...!!! We have a number of teachers and police officers who are CRB checked for thier jobs, but this does not count for the Scout Association...!!! Also, some education authorities insist on checking new teachers joining schools, even if a teacher only had a CRB done a few weeks before in another authority....!
Its a mad world....!!!
Cheers
Peter
I think it depends on the organisation whether CRB checks are transferable, if you apply for another warrant(for eg scout leader to cub leader) we need to reapply for a CRB check yet I have used my scout CRB certificate to get a job in a college without a problem. I think it comes down to the way rules are read by individual decision makers.
There are also two levels of CRB, enhanced for if you work directly with kids, and standard for if you work in an area that kids have access, for contractors etc working on school premises.
gillmacca
10-05-2005, 15:07
What about on the foreshore?
I don't know about the law in Jersey but in Scotland you have the right to make a fire on the land that lies between the high tide mark and the low tide mark. the tide mark determined by usual spring high tides.
That means that unless it is a high spring tide theres always a bit of ground you can get a fire going on.
George
Hasn't the law changed in Scotland under the Scottish Access Legislation?
You can make a fire as long as it is not on someone's doorstep or on national heritage land
This thread has made me realise that I've been very lucky in getting to stay in the scout owned woods local to me.
I'm gonna make sure I don't do anything to upset them!
It didn't occur to me, but my partner and her mum were suprised that I was allowed to stay without being checked out first. Maybe turning up as a family with the kids the first time I had a look around put them at ease, also mentioning that it was my sons beaver leader that told me about the place may have helped.
Tantalus
10-05-2005, 18:39
Hasn't the law changed in Scotland under the Scottish Access Legislation?
You can make a fire as long as it is not on someone's doorstep or on national heritage land
yes it has changed
generally if it is not a danger or nuisance then it should be ok
of course the rules are not quite that simple and it never hurts to ask first ;)
here are the details http://www.outdooraccess-scotland.com/default.asp
Tant
Nantcol Waterfall Nr Llanbedr www.nantcolwaterfalls.co.uk
Aled the farmer is a lovely bloke You have to take your own firewood or forage up in the hills behind the site :D
Squidders
10-05-2005, 22:59
Scotland:
Access rights extend to wild camping. This type of camping is lightweight, done in small numbers and only for two or three nights in any one place. You can camp in this way wherever access rights apply but help to avoid causing problems for local people and land managers by not camping in enclosed fields of crops or farm animals and by keeping well away from buildings, roads or historic structures. Take extra care to avoid disturbing deer stalking or grouse shooting. If you wish to camp close to a house or building, seek the owner’s permission. Leave no trace by:
-taking away all your litter;
-removing all traces of your tent pitch and of any open fire (follow the guidance for lighting fires);
-not causing any pollution.
Taken From: http://www.outdooraccess-scotland.com/default.asp?nPageID=189&nSubContentID=0
Cheers Tant ;)
I have not read through all the post so I apologise if I am repeating what has already been mentioned.
On Exmoor I know of two sites that allow fires
Lorna Doone Campsite allows fires however fire wood is scarce.
My favourite site is pool bridge camp site located in the Horner valley. Cracking camp site with plenty of fire wood .
I've just phoned up Debden House in Essex to ask about their fire permits. They said that they will issue them to families camping there, but not to people camping on their own. :(
Apparently I'm allowed to have a bbq, providing it doesn't touch the ground..
This is in France, in the Pyrenees. It's a great area for wild camping (I think it's legally permitted a minimum of 2 or 3 kms from public roads, but as long as you're discreet it seems to be accepted all over the place.
For a bit more luxury, this is a great campsite with individual pitches terraced into a steep slope. Small, peaceful (apart from the donkeys) and you can make fires to your heart's content.
(Edited to add the link, doh!)
http://www.pyrenees-gites.com/gites-pyr/pyrenees-gites/mountain-camping.htm
Tantalus
17-05-2005, 18:30
I've just phoned up Debden House in Essex to ask about their fire permits. They said that they will issue them to families camping there, but not to people camping on their own. :(
Apparently I'm allowed to have a bbq, providing it doesn't touch the ground..
ooooh blatant discrimination against single person families
:eek:
this sounds an odd regulation designed to keep numbers of fires to a minimum
is there no way you can convince them that you are a responsible adult and are quite happy to share a small fire with others including families?
Tant
Tantalus
17-05-2005, 18:34
hmmm
this is what their website (http://www.aredu.org.uk/nosites/debden_house.htm) says
We pride ourselves on our flexibility and willingness to provide the customer with their individual requirements.
Tant
There is a camp site just below the caderidris in mid wales at the end of tallyllyn lake called Mr nutting farm. Its a great place and i've never had any probs having small fires there. He's a relaxed old welsh farmer and a good laugh to boot, and it's a beautiful spot!
steven andrews
17-05-2005, 21:46
Apparently I'm allowed to have a bbq, providing it doesn't touch the ground..
I find the Weber Kettle gets quite heavy after a while... :(
Motorbike Man
30-06-2005, 20:50
missed this thread somehow :rolleyes: There's a campsite at South Penquite (http://www.southpenquite.co.uk/camping.html) in Devon that allows small camp fires and they'll even sell you some fire wood as they'd prefer you not to chop down their trees :) you can even hoire a yurt to go camping as a group or family there :D
Just as an idea, why not make this thread a sticky until such time as the list can be made up properly?
wanderinstar
01-07-2005, 22:25
I just made enquiries at the site in Great Harwood in Lancs and was told that you had to be in a Youth Organisation [ Bit difficult for a 52 year old] due to something about Police records for child molestation. Understandable I suppose. Even though I would be going with my 13 year old son.
Back to the drawing board. Hurry up with that list of poss. camp sites.
Ian.
Got the list below from another site I am a member of
http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/
LINKY to list with links (http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/articles/view.asp?id=4)
FOrums are good and the main site has a hudge review section of campsites.
Campsites that allow Campfires
Red Squirrel Campsite in Argyl
Fisherground Farm Campsite in Cumbria
Holme Open Farm in Cumbria
Proctors Steads Caravan and Camping Park in Northumberland
Bay Ness Farm in North Yorkshire
Llyn Gwynant Campsite in Gwynedd
Snowdon Valley Campsite in Gwynedd
Dolgamedd Camping and Caravan Park in Gwynedd
Eisteddfa Caravan And Camping Site in Gwynedd
Cwmrhwyddfor in Gwynedd
Hafod Dywyll Campsite in Gwynedd
Tanaeldroch Farm Campsite in Gwynedd
Tyn-yr-onnen Farm in Gwynedd
Shell Island Campsite in Gwynedd
Snowdon Valley Camping in Gwynedd
Aberafon Campsite in Gwynedd
Trellyn C S in Pembrokeshire
New House Farm CS in Powys
Pistyll Rhaeadr in Powys
Orchard Caravan and Camping Site in Suffolk
Lowbridge Farm Cs in Wiltshire
Westermill Farm Holidays in Somerset
Rocks East Woodland in Somerset
Pool Bridge Camp Site in Somerset
Doone Valley Campsite in N Devon
Doone Valley Holidays in N Devon
Alston Farm in S Devon
Eweleaze Farm in Dorset
Herston Yards Farm in Dorset
Priestway Holiday Park in Dorset
Luckford Wood Farm Caravan And Camping Park in Dorset
Noongallas Campsite in Cornwall
St Ives Farm in East Sussex
Bodiam Caravan & Camping in East Sussex
Park Farm Caravan and Camping Park in East Sussex
Sandown Campsite in East Sussex
Manor Court Farm in Kent
Belchamps Scout Centre in Essex
Excellent resource flibb.
Now if someone would just start to put all these suggestions into a single list! :rolleyes: :)
BorderReiver
04-07-2005, 10:57
Believe it or not....
CRB Checks are not cross transferable...!!! We have a number of teachers and police officers who are CRB checked for thier jobs, but this does not count for the Scout Association...!!! Also, some education authorities insist on checking new teachers joining schools, even if a teacher only had a CRB done a few weeks before in another authority....!
Its a mad world....!!!
Cheers
Peter
Yes silly isn't it :(
I have been CRBd for the scouts,but that does not cover me for the Guides who use the same hall. :rolleyes:
BorderReiver
04-07-2005, 11:02
Got the list below from another site I am a member of
http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/
LINKY to list with links (http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/articles/view.asp?id=4)
FOrums are good and the main site has a hudge review section of campsites.
Campsites that allow Campfires
Not a single one in Norfolk. :(
Luckily there are no rules about fires in our village woods. :cool:
The forum is a good one and quite lively. :)
BorderReiver
04-07-2005, 11:04
hmmm
this is what their website (http://www.aredu.org.uk/nosites/debden_house.htm) says
Tant
Sod em then Tant,there are plenty of woods in the Borders. :)
Tantalus
04-07-2005, 12:08
yup exactly BR
was just playing with the new toy from Google
http://earth.google.com/downloads.html
We Scots really are lucky to have so much open space and freedom
I would reccomend crossing the border to anyone thinking of spending a few days outside
Tant
Labrador
02-12-2005, 08:36
Check out my Shining Cliff Woods thread on resources for a potentially bushcraft friendly location in Derbyshire!
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