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Yes, campsites can be very different 'animals' in high season, and of course can change from one year to another with management, staff changes, or extra static accommodation...........! 

On the other hand, my OH had one of the best 'campsite meals' we've ever had, at the restaurant at Ranchisses - and I very much enjoyed my morning swims there, but we do go in low season!  

The Ardeche area is lovely, and you can pick up some great local walks from the Tourist Information offices.  We've been visiting the Ardeche off an on since our first visit in about 1983 - and never run out of things to do and see!  There are huge choices of campsites, plenty more to have a look at - and in low season you don't really need to decide until you get there!

In the Loire try Saumur, really lovely, http://www.etang-breche.com/web/index.php?lang=_en&PHPSESSID=68dedfb018c2296310fbac8962e9266f

One of many Les Castels sites. http://www.camping-castels.co.uk/

We've never been disappointed - enjoy wherever you go!

Its a bit pricey but I'd recommend L'ardechois in Vallon itself.  It has a pool bar/restaurant and has a river location.  Last year the restaurant was under new management and service was a bit hit and miss but it doesn't really matter too much as you can easily walk into Vallon which has daytime and evening markets plus bars, shops and restaurants.  We went last August and didn't find the traffic a problem at all, yes its slow in certain areas but it doesn't hold you up for long.

I'd recommend the larger pitches as they are nearer the river and more peaceful

We first started going to the Ardeche back in 2009, and were smitten, having previously always done the Med.

This year will be our third vist to the same campsite, for our fortnight stay in July, it's a very cosy campsite with just 40 touring pitch's, but we just love it.

Back in 2010, we arrived, 30th June on a Wednesday, and for the first week of our stay, the campsite was almost empty, and we almost had the swimming pool to ourselves, and the weathers was idylic with temps into +40DegC.

Although an ACSI CampingCard campsite, 16Euro ACSI prices only go upto 24th June, and start again 27th August. 

Quote: Originally posted by the whitehouse on 02/1/2012

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so 'turn up + take a chance' although not something we've done before + a bit against my nature seems a good option, cheers again.   

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Hi the whitehouse.

                          You could book, and still use the ACSI card, although I don't think it would be nessasery, and it would incur a booking charge, of some kind, such as 20Euro at Domaine de Gil, a small price to pay, though for peace of mind, to guarantee a pitch. and the ACSI saving would more than ofset the booking fee.

Having said that, the year we got there, was just after the ACSI period, so maybe the place was choka, for the last week of ACSI, somthing I may find out, if we go back again in 2013, as I would like to go at the end of June during the ACSI period, as that would save us a good £200 on a fortnights holiday, but there again, there are ACSI campsites in the Ardeche, that will be on ACSI price upto 7th July, so I am temped to go to another campsite, using the ACSI card.

Although the owners at Domaine de Gig, are real nice folk, and I would love to give them my, support during the ACSI CampingCard period, maybe if they are reading this, they could extend the period for 2013!.