Camping in the Alps

[Yodagoat]

I may be going to the Alps in the summer. I am planning on camping to keep the cost down (I am really poor, any donations are welcome ) Is there plenty campsites dotted about the Alps? Whats the crack with wild camping, is it OK to do so?

Cheers

Mike

 

[Bateman]

Are you planning on going on your own? You can get some pretty cheap rooms and if you are only going for a short trip then the savings may not be that huge. I stopped in Andermatt for a few days in 2005 at a great hotel that cost about £35 a night for a big room with bath and double bed, buffet breakfast and 3 course evening meal.

After a long days ride it was great to come back to a nice room and just crash on the bed for a rest, then jump in the bath and then get ready for dinner.

Same last year doing the route des grandes alps - a room half board wasn't too much more than just paying for dinner and breakfast.

I did see some lovely campsites in the Alps though. One in particular stood a out for its location - on the way up to the Comet de Roseland. It may have been this one:

http://home.tele2.fr/campingdessources/pages/englishpag.html

Take a look at this site which seems quite good:

http://www.camping-rhonealpes.co.uk/

 

[Posh Pete]

Take pyjamas and a good sleeping bag!

It can be bloody cold at night at altitude!

 

[alimey4u2]

“I am just going outside and may be some time”.

Lawrence Oates

 

[Ash]

dont do it.
i tried it in 2001 never again ie cold/damp/earley morning dew/added gear to carry.
there are plenty of good b&b's just look fo the sign saying ZIMMER FRIE.
good luck at 46 ill stick to a warm shower and bed.

 

[Ash]

dont do it.
i tried it in 2001 never again ie cold/damp/earley morning dew/added gear to carry.
there are plenty of good b&b's just look fo the sign saying ZIMMER FRIE.
good luck at 46 ill stick to a warm shower and bed.

ps,
i thought Astronaught's were well paid.
or is it because your scottish

 

[Yodagoat]

I'm only a volunteer astronaught, I spend the rest of my time working with homeless people.
Imagine poofing out of the camping - Clint Eastwood would be dissapointed.

 

[GSmonkey]

Depends what you want to do. I enjoy camping and a biking holiday staying in hotels is just not my bag. I went to the alps a couple of years ago and stayed in Andermatt in the only campsite. I think its about 1500m at that point. I went in mid July and the temps were certainly OK, although I suspect it would be pushing it a bit in spring / autumn.

Whilst touring I was looking at other campsites for future use. I came to the conclusion that there were more than enough to just turn up and pitch up. They were all well signed as well.

Probably worth doing a bit of resarch on the various websites and heaving in the waypoints to the GPS and go. During the week in summer we were one of the few camping as its 'off season'. You get a few germans pitching up at the weekend.

All in all, if you're used to camping holidays on motorbikes, I'd say give it a go.

 

[Wreford Miles]

I took the kids this year camped near Zermatt - brilliant go for it.

Loads of campsites and great facilities

 

[Gordon]

may be going to the Alps in the summer. I am planning on camping to keep the cost down (I am really poor, any donations are welcome ) Is there plenty campsites dotted about the Alps? Whats the crack with wild camping, is it OK to do so?

Mike

Camped in France, Austria, Italy and Switzerland. Plently of campsites in the valleys between alpine passes - most within walking distance of a local restuarant for feeding/watering. With decent gear you'll have a great time. No need to book, just start looking when you are ready to stop for the day. Rough camping is frowned upon in general - think local landowners/police might have a word. Good quality maps usually show tent symbols where main campsites are located.

Cheers

 

[Ash]

I'm only a volunteer astronaught, I spend the rest of my time working with homeless people.
Imagine poofing out of the camping - Clint Eastwood would be dissapointed.

even clint would camp now.
i think its an age thing,when i were a lad camping/bike touring on many earley cb/gt/rd's 250's were brill. i can still here the sound of my RAM air 1977suzuki 250 and the smell of castrol R.them were the days.if i had my time again i would still do it again my two brothers and myself toured all over devon/cornwall and my much loved dorsetshire.ones an old fart and not allowed a bike and one now lives china so its just me now

 

[Yodagoat]

GSmonkey and Gordon - Thanks for the tips. my camping gear is pretty sorted so I think I'll give it a go.

Ash19600 - good crack mate, but a REAL man would have taken a Kwaker H1 or H2! Yourself and my old man could probably discuss the best way to melt pistons round the campfire.

Cheers everyone and keep the good advice coming.

 

[BOB UK]

Campping we love it

Hi Mate
I say go for it with the camping
It’s a lot cheaper and there are loads of camp sites in France and most of them are pretty good
If you are in the Alps and the weather turns bad just head for the coast it will be too hot there
Here are a few links to other threads about this subject
This will save me typing out the same stuff again

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=56020

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48099


the last post on this thread is in July in the Alps
thats me on the XT500
http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?p=490966#post490966

Have a great trip and post some pictures when you get back