I'm a pub and hotel guy really, not done camping since I was in my teens and it was shit (muddy field and sleeping on ground with a sleeping bag didn't help).
However, I'm toying with the idea of partaking in the atmosphere and maybe a tent instead of driving to a hotel miles away. With a big IF the weather holds out. This heatwave is going to break though and August is a classic month for downpours.
Anyway, not having done tents for so long, what's the recommendation these days for tents, bed (I do have an airbed that I've never used), etc? Only need something for me, but a bit of comfort required, easy to stick up and not likely to disintegrate after one use.
Might go with the family camp site for bit more quiet but is it close enough to the main gig to still enjoy the festival bit, beers and walk/ride to the camp?
Do you pitch tents next to cars or are they in separate areas?
Any tips specific to Ard Rock?
Thanks.
Any tips specific to Ard Rock?
Not enough showers for the numbers really, and the poosuckingbogvac van comes REALLY early in the morning.
Cars next to tents, secondary campsite is close by. Vango banshee or Decathlon tents are good VFM
Air beds are crap tbh. Sweaty and bouncy. Get something like this:
http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/outwell-dreamcatcher-single-self-inflating-sleeping-mat-p434231
10cm thick, and foam filled so far more comfortable than an air-bed. And doesn't take ages to inflate either.
Thermarest and the back seats of the car down?
Was thinking of just sleep in the car. Bike might have to sleep outside though!
Not sure they accept just a car. Seems to suggest must be caravan, camper or have a tent.
The decathlon fresh and black tents are really good if you get woken up by sunlight/cooked in your tent early.
Get a cottage in reeth 😜
I don't mind camping but if other options are available then I'll take it, so we've booked a room at the YHA which is about a mile from the event.
We're camping this year. Is there a water supply on the campsite?
Also what's the score with groups arriving at different times, do they let you keep space for friends arriving later?
Water is available at various locations. Just make sure whoever turns up first keep a bit of space around them.
Not sure they accept just a car. Seems to suggest must be caravan, camper or have a tent.
Get a really cheap (<£20) pop-up tent. Pop it up next to car. Sleep in car.
went with the family 2 years ago...arrived the Thursday night just before dusk
my take on it
- church bell rings (a lot) if I remember correctly
- there will always be some idiot who opens and shuts his van door several times at a godforsaken hour
- lots of water taps around
- loos start to go rank by Sat
- showers are ok, if you don't mind waiting
- atmosphere is great
a few tips
- if you buy a tent, pitch it at home just to get the hang of it
- take a chair
- if you think you have space around you if you get there early think again!! park car strategically if you want to exit
It blew a hoolie the weekend we there but it was dry, don’t think I would fancy the camping malarkey with a couple of thousand other people if it was a rainy weekend…my OCD would not be able to cope
YHA, is close by but I reckon probably booked out, we moved there after the event for a few nights as we decided to take a few days off …
No one is going to check that you've actually brought a tent and put it up. You drive into the camping field, pay the camping charge and get a ticket. Then just go and park up where you like.
Hire a van, sleep inside. Weather not an issue.
Water is available at various locations. Just make sure whoever turns up first keep a bit of space around them.
<div class="singl-forum-replies-2">Thanks. Sounds like pitch allocation is none existent. Will have to get someone there early to lay down the towels :-)</div>
Water is available at various locations. Just make sure whoever turns up first keep a bit of space around them.
Does my nut in, ****s parking like ****s to keep space for their mates, are you 11 years old?.
I checked on the website after the 'caravan, camper or tent' comment and was told kipping in the back of my VW Caddy was fine. Can't comment I'm afraid as this year is my first 'Ard Rock visit but I've booked the family camping even though its just me as I'm hoping it'll be more civilised (some may say boring!)
Unless you like the sound of shit being sucked up a large pipe at 5 in the morning, don't pitch up near the toilets.
We having a stw area then?
I'm going n camping if we're clever we should be able to corral our own area....
Camping is a bit of a free for all, but I've never had any issues finding a space. Be prepared to queue for showers and toilets.
I've not been woken by the toilet suckers or the church bells, the pack of huskies always beat them to it.
If you're riding on the Sunday I'd advise camping in the family area, as the Saturday riders drink lots of ale on an empty stomach and make quite a bit noise in the campsite.... apparently.
All the camping areas are walking distance of the event village, so you won't be missing out on the atmosphere.