Should Camping be Free?

Should Camping Be Free? Benefits & Downsides of Free Campsites

Every avid camper knows about those secret, free campsites. I am sure you know what I am talking about. When my girlfriend and I traveled through Australia we got a thrill out of spotting a nice free campsite somewhere. With a campervan it was easy to just ‘hide’ somewhere in a parking lot or some national park. Some states in Australia provide free overnight rest stops along the national highway. We thought these were great and obviously saved us a bit of money. It’s just a great feeling, being out there alone and camping in the ‘wild’.

Different countries have different regulations on camping. Gone are the times where you could just pitch up a tent, park your R.V. or Campervan in a place that is not a designated campground. With the increasing popularity of camping, governments and local authorities are clamping down and restricting camping areas. Many countries ask for permits or even completely banning so called “freedom camping”. On our travels through Europe we are discovering that campsites are sometimes even more expensive than youth hostels. What is going on here?

Banning Wild Camping

The reason for banning free or ‘wild’ camping are obvious: irresponsible campers who leave waste and do not consider their impact on the environment. Is it fair for local authorities to cover the cost of running and maintaining a free camping park? Would it benefit the local community, not just through more tourism, but also by encouraging and educating young people about respecting our environment?

What do you Think?

Does this mean everyone has to pay? Should camping be free? Should governments provide free camping sites? Have you got some great free campsite stories? Have you been caught camping in the wild? Let us know your stories and what you think. Please add your comments in the comment box below.

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