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 Topic: Winging it with 4 kids and 2 dogs!
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Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
31/5/2016 at 6:27pm
Location: West country
Outfit: VW camper
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Joined: 13/11/2004 Diamond Member 
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Perfectly possible, just make sure you have a Guide Officiel campsite book! Which crossing are you looking at?
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31/5/2016 at 7:12pm
Location: West country
Outfit: VW camper
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Well worth getting the book, it lists just about every campsite in France, around 9,500. You are bound to find a suitable one! Guide Officiel camping caravanning en France I think is the full title.
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Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
31/5/2016 at 7:25pm
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We started criss crossing Europe with four children aged 1,7,9 and 11. - not a problem. Most places we went without booking - not a problem . But we didn't ever manage the minimal equipment you mention - we were an army on the move with as much luggage and kit as an army - and there's no way we could have fitted two dogs in as well - not in the car, not for sleeping , and not for the things we all did. That would have defeated us. But good luck with it.
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01/6/2016 at 10:05am
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Minimal equipment means only what you need & not cluttering yourself up with stuff you won't need. That's the way to go for any successful camping trip. It does not mean leaving stuff behind you will need.
Lay out all the gear on the floor that you think you might need then work out what you actually need. French sites do not usually charge for extra tents on pitch so it might be feasible for you to take 2 or more small tents & so on.
Dogs have to stay in car for the Dover crossings, if you don't want that then Eurotunnel crossing will be better but costs much more. If you have Tesco clubcard vouchers you can use these to pay for all or part of tunnel fare though.
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Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
01/6/2016 at 10:20am
Location: South Northamptonshi
Outfit: Delta-Freelander
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The second half of August is significantly less crowded than the first half. However, I would suggest stopping earlyish when travelling - say 4.30 - to be able to get a pitch where you want. If not, just move on. Inland sites are usually less busy than coastal ones.
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Freedom is a light caravan and an open road.
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