Which app for finding places to stay (UK and EU) and why?

[Chiso]

Hi All, this is my first post, so be gentle. he kids grew up and cleared off so we're looking to start our first Cali adventure in the next few weeks. Seems like there are a lot of different apps, some paid, some free. What do you use and why? Books or other publications recommendations would be gratefully received also.

 

[GrannyJen]

searchforsites

Good mapping, easy to knock out all the places you don't want, costs nowt

 

[Chiso]

searchforsites

Good mapping, easy to knock out all the places you don't want, costs nowt

Awesome! Thanks @GrannyJen

 

[GrannyJen]

Awesome! Thanks @GrannyJen

Apologies. I meant to post the link

searchforsites.co.uk

 

[CaliforniaCylus]

Hmm. Wonder why I pay a subscription!!!!

 

[BeagleMum]

Hmm. Wonder why I pay a subscription!!!!

The basic app is free the subscription is for the greater detail / ability to do further checks etc.

 

[dspuk]

Generally we just stick to CMC and CAMC sites where we can. We find prices reasonable and quality good. If we had a preference it would be CMC. Generally better pitches which are a little more private. Cornwall / Scotland search for sites as mentioned and we also use pitchup (for Wales and NC500). We also tend to plan our route and then look for sites on them, using Google reviews as a guide.

 

[mr pg]

Park4night App.

 

[Mehdime]

It depends if you’re looking for an app showing wild-camping spots or campsites.

For wild camping, I’ve tried all the apps I could find but always go back to park4night as my go-to app. It’s got all the spots and useful reviews. And at €10/year, it costs effectively nothing.

For campsites, I started with the ACSI app (https://www.acsi.eu/en/products/acsi-apps/ - The ACSI website is enormously confusing. The ACSI Campsites app is what you want and is just a directory of campsites that they’ve visited. It’s not a special network of campsites, you can’t book sites from the app and you can’t find availability from the app. The app just lets you find campsites and it’s then up to you to call the site or use the campsite’s online booking system to book. They also have a separate “great little campsites” app which is just a subset of the campsites the main Campsites app contains - pointless. Finally, they have a “CampingCard” system that’s completely unrelated to their ACSI Campsites app and that gives you reduced rates at a selection of campsites during low season. You need a separate app for that).

But I’ve now given up on ACSI as Google Maps does the same job for campsites - and it does often a better job as you get more pictures and more reviews. The only benefit of an app would be to be able to search by availability and checkin time and book in one tap. But the ACSI app doesn’t do any of that.

 

[Up10]

In addition to the others, this one is written by campers, not the campsite owners and does UK and Europe (variable coverage). The reviews are handy

Search over 12,000 UK Campsites with over 250,000 independent reviews. Plus France and Europe

Search over 12,000 campsites and caravan site parks with over 250,000 independent reviews, in England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, and France and Europe

www.ukcampsite.co.uk

I also have success with Google maps. I find a location then just search for 'camping'. I've found some great places that way.

ACSI discount card can be useful in Europe outside July and August. I had the electronic version which was fine till my phone broke! Perhaps a card is a more sensible idea.

Don't forget to research vignettes and environmental (ulez) permits for travel through Europe.

Have fun!

 

[Up10]

Another to try, though I think this one is campsite led

Campsites in England 2025 from £5/nt | Pitchup.com

Compare camping sites in England, read trusted reviews and book your campsite in England with confidence on Pitchup.com

www.pitchup.com

 

[sticky1]

All of the above for me plus Your Parking Spot.
It seems to be aimed at event parking but it allows you to park in supermarket car parks overnight. I’m not sure it’s aimed at overnight camping but sometimes when you want to stay in a city centre this can be your only option and generally parking is pretty inexpensive.

 

[secret lemonade drinker]

In Europe I use Camperstop, it has an annual subscription which is not a lot, and it shows lots of free permitted places, with pictures and information. It has saved us lots over the past 8 years. we only renew when going abroad.

I have park 4 night built into navigation unit, which is OK, but in UK we tend to stick to Club sites.

 

[Saesneg Shaun]

Welcome. In Europe we almost always use the ACSI app but keep Park 4 Night as a back up.
ACSI is great if you are traveling out of season and pays for itself in no time.
ACSI

 

[WelshGas]

Hi All, this is my first post, so be gentle. he kids grew up and cleared off so we're looking to start our first Cali adventure in the next few weeks. Seems like there are a lot of different apps, some paid, some free. What do you use and why? Books or other publications recommendations would be gratefully received also.

Archies camping app. Available from Apple and Google Play Store. £2.99.
Offers over 30,000 campsites in Europe , UK and Ireland. Data updated regularly.
From big to small. No reviews but provides GPS contact details and website link if there is one. Uses Google maps and can plot and display route and directions.
I have used it all over Europe and UK and have found some beautiful sites on and off the main routes.

 

[BigPritch]

Just back from France after a months travelling around.
We used Campingcarpark.com (get app on Google Play).
Great bit of kit tbh, we used 4 of their sites, whilst en-route.
Tells you how many spaces available, allows you to just 'rock up' if spce avail, and you can filter what you need, ie Loos/Shower, basic stopover etc etc.
Eur5 for a lifetime membership, or Eur 30 for the privilege pack (this allows you to book in advance, rather than just turn up, also allows you to come and go from the site & not loose your space).
We opted for sites with facilities, all were clean, spotless, quiet, and incredible VFM (+- Eur14 a night, with hook up & sanitary).
Perfect for 1 - 3 nights if your travelling around but doing some visiting in an area as well.

Don't dismiss 'Aires', as whilst basic, are superb if your needing an o/nite stop.

We didn't 'book' anything, just worked out where we wanted to be, checked the app for space, and rocked up.

 

[Blackbrogue1962]

Another vote for Searchforsights backed up by checking Google map reviews. Worked really well during our recent 5 week trip to N Spain and Portugal. My preference for Searchforsights over Park4Night (that I also used), is that the reviews are predominantly in English, rather than needing translation. I tended to select our next sight using the App then email to confirm they had space or book if it was a smaller sight. In reality, travelling in May - early Jun we never had any difficulty finding a pitch.