Camping at airfields?

Peter wrote:

Does this mean there is an automatic right of camping on airfields in Sweden?

That’s an interesting question. If we’re not talking about a licensed airport which is fenced and you are keeping well away from movement areas and buildings, probably yes. But that was never the question in this discussion. What hanski wrote was “And if camping is not allowed somewhere, in Finland (perhaps in Sweden, too??) you are allowed to put your tent almost anywhere as long as you don’t disturb anyone – so simply walk some 100 meters out from the field and put your tent below trees there. Fully legal.” So the question was if you could walk 100 m away from the airfield and pitch your tent.

Peter wrote:

As usual I would be amazed if this was the whole story even in Sweden because the right to set up a tent will quickly trash the countryside if you get sufficient numbers. This was a really big problem here during covid

There is no such right in Ireland. Yet during covid we had similar problems. But I think that was very specific to COVID.

During Covid, pubs were closed, and socialising was very restricted. So young people bought themselves a cheap tent and sleeping bags, and lots of alcohol, and went off to meet one another in the woods and hills. The next morning, they just abandoned their cheap gear and rubbish and went home. It gave wild camping a really bad name.

But that all seems to have died off again once the normal places to socialise reopened.

I think the reasons that it isn’t a problem is because:

- For most people, camping is a hardship. They have no interest in sleeping in a tent on a flimsy mattress in a poor performing sleeping bag.
- In an urban environment, there will be too much noise to sleep, and you’re too likely to get hassle, and it might not be safe
- For a rural environment, it’s too much like hard work unless you genuinely enjoy camping (in which case you’re more likely to be responsible). As most people, if they want to strap 15-20kg onto their back (plus their very heavy cans of alcohol), hike up a mountain or off into the woods, simply so that they can drink that alcohol, and most will just prefer to go to the pub and get a taxi home. (And much more likely to meet girls in the pub!)
- If you want to camp with some degree of comfort, you need to spend a reasonable amount of money on good gear. At least if you want to be able to get away from your vehicle. (Which most who live in an urban environment will need to).

So I don’t think in practice (outside covid times) that the problems really exist. Those willing to camp then to be a self selecting group who appreciate the privilege. Of course there will always be a few bad apples, but they aren’t enough to cause widespread problems.

Wild camping is legal in much of Scotland, and a real pleasure.

My experience is that I wanted a shower every few days, whether I needed one or not, so used to occasionally book into a proper campsite.

kwlf wrote:

My experience is that I wanted a shower every few days

Once a day for me, thanks… and that is where my solar shower comes handy… unless forgotten home…

For La Fleche don’t forget there are also 4 microwaves and a fridge all for use, free for aviators. But don’t forget your earplugs if you are a light sleeper. The club really is trying to regenerate, if you can please support it. Its a really nice area and Chateaux, walks and vineyards to see and visit.

I’m not a member at La Fleche so please treat my words as more of a review than an advert.

I can suggest EKEL. Not far away form the Netherland. Camping equipment is mandatory for this island. Lot of bicycles to rent at the airfield. Small shower at the airfield or use the shower in the marina in the early morning so they are clean ( about 10 min with the bicycle).