Gamping? A new way of travelling on a budget!
Why not try camping with local people? Cheaper than traditional camping, more authentic and original, gamping is becoming a new trend.
But what exactly is ‘gamping’?
The term ‘gamping’ is actually a combination of the words ‘garden’ and ‘camping’, as it is often practised in gardens or on private land.
There's even talk of ‘glamping’ (combining the terms glamour and camping) for this luxury version of camping...
Hello neologisms!
Low-cost holidays in people's backyards in France
So you see, for campers (in tents or recreational vehicles), it's all about finding a place to sleep in complete safety. The concept of camping with local people is often less expensive and offers more cachet and privacy than traditional campsites.
On the host side, it allows you to make the most of an empty space on the site and welcome travellers from all walks of life. For both parties, it's a great way to get to know each other in a friendly atmosphere!
But while the concept may seem appealing, it's not always easy to find people willing to welcome campers into their homes!
How does the CampSpace.com website work?
We recently took an interest in the Campspace platform, which puts camping enthusiasts in touch with private landowners.
How do I register (create an account) on Campspace?
Owners of a plot of land or a garden can register in just a few clicks on the CampSpace.com website and place their advert free of charge, specifying the price of the pitch.
Find the perfect spot with CampSpace, the Airbnb of camping
On the other hand, campers can consult this advert, as well as thousands of other offers throughout France and even in certain European countries, and book their nights once they have registered.
The host is then immediately consulted to confirm or reject the booking. In simple terms, CampSpace is a bit like Airbnb... camping version.
Map of CampSpace in France and Europe
You can get an idea of all the CampSpace hostels on the map of hostels in France and for all destinations in Europe (Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Spain, Italy, etc.) by searching in the search bar.
You can also filter the results by the type of accommodation you require (tent pitch, caravan, mini-van, motorhome, tent loan or caravan).
When it comes to recreational vehicles, CampSpace can be counted among the must-have applications for travelling and parking in a motorhome.
Pitch your tent with local people, in dream locations!
The first time we recommended it, it was to members of our family who were leaving for a holiday in Corsica, with a car and a tent.
They were delighted, because they were able to book some dream places all to themselves and for half the price of camping (between 15 and 20 euros a night compared with an average of 45 euros).
What's more, the concept gave them the opportunity to meet people, get good tips and get to know the culture of the region as closely as possible.
Can I put my van, motorhome or caravan on the CampSpace site?
For us, who travel by motorhome, the CampSpace alternative was less obvious.
We can already easily find pitches in people's homes through France Passion, which allows us to park on farms and agricultural holdings for around thirty euros a year.
We finally tried out the concept when we wanted to join some friends in a Teardrop minicaravan on a private plot.
In fact, CampSpace hosts can open their doors to travellers in caravans, unlike the France Passion network or motorhome service areas, where caravanners are ‘Persona non Grata...’.
Finding spots in Corsica in a motorhome
From now on, we'll be using CampSpace as a new option for finding quiet and, above all, unusual places to sleep.
We've also chosen CampSpace for our next trip to Corsica in a motorhome, where we know that parking outside campsites and rest areas can be contentious!
💡 How can you welcome motorhomes to your home and generate income?
Are you a private individual or a professional who owns a plot of land that you would like to make available to motorhomes?
You can register free of charge and place your advert on the CampSpace website.
You can also become a France Passion host for a membership fee of €25 per year.
Note that unlike CampSpace, the France Passion network does not involve any exchange of money.
It's an invitation scheme based above all on exchange. If you are a producer, breeder or craftsman, you can let your visitors discover your products, without any obligation on their part to buy.
Our opinion of the CampSpace application
When all is said and done, CampSpace is a really interesting platform for backpackers and campers looking to get off the beaten track and discover isolated, quiet places.
Some of the pitches offered on CampSpace are equipped with toilets and other more or less basic facilities, offering a level of equipment sometimes equivalent to that of traditional campsites.
Free wild camping? Rates and charges on CampSpace
Booking costs are often lower than at traditional campsites (between €5 and €20 per night, depending on the number of people and the type of accommodation). This is an advantage for campers looking for a low-cost camping experience.
However, the commission charged by the platform, which is payable by the camper, can be a little high. The minimum amount is 5 euros for one night, including the platform's service fee + insurance.
It's fair to ask what the insurance consists of, given that you're camping with private individuals.
Insurance and commission
Still, this can make some bookings more expensive than expected for budget-conscious campers.
For example, we spent one night with our motorhome for 2 people in the Morvan, which cost us €19. We had nothing to complain about in terms of the service and facilities, which included water, electricity and toilets.
France Passion or CampSpace: which should you choose for your motorhome?
But once again, when travelling by motorhome, if you compare with the France Passion guide, CampSpace prices are much higher.
Membership of the France Passion network costs just 33 euros a year, and you have unlimited parking at over 2,100 sites in France. You can even get a €2 discount with our promotional code.
Buy the Guide France Passion 2024
The 32nd edition of the 2024 Milestones guide (March 2024 -> Easter 2025) costs 33 euros this year, but with our promotional code, save 2 euros on your first subscription (delivery and postage included).
But CampSpace remains an original alternative that can be used regularly to complement traditional camping or parking facilities! We did it on our last trip to the Alpilles by motorhome, and we really enjoyed it.
Unique accommodation and private camping
To sum up, the CampSpace application will also be of interest to you if you're looking for slightly more unusual accommodation (tree houses, caravans, teepees, castles, etc.) or reasonably-priced private camping pitches by the sea or in the mountains.
Note also that some hosts even offer to lend you a tent, so it's handy if you want to go camping at the last minute!
