am grumpy 'cause all the good sites are booked for june half term....

[hettie]

when did camping get so popular! I've called 5 sites that we would normaly get into but they are already booked (I know, I know an extra bank hoilday means every man and his dog has decided to take half term off)....
So, does anyone know of somewhere in dorset (at a push, but we surf so less popular option), south wales, devon or cornwall that is basic (we just need loos/water, a shower is a bonus), allows fires, is not too far from a beach and is not in bloody 'cool camping' or other related guide and therefore booked out.....

Have you looked at Llangennith on the Gower? It's right on the beach and fairly basic.

Fairly sure they don't allow fires (unless i have the wrong place?) do you know what its called?

I think you mean Hillend? I think friends had a fire in a fire basket but not totally sure it was strictly allowed.

I'm not sure about fires...but that's the place. The beach is perfect for surfing though.

Unfortunately they don't take bookings.

Have a look on ukcampsite, they have a really good map. there are tons of sites like you describe in the Isle of Purbeck for example.

list of sites that allow fires

UK Campsite has specialised search lists and once category is fires - you have to keep on and on scrolling down until you find the right area of the country listed.

I've found that quite a few sites aren't listed as 'allowing fires' but if you email them nicely, and mention that you've got a fire pit, they're more than happy.

We stayed here near Praa Sands (so good surfing country) last May (my review is there if you scroll down), and it was lovely. The guy was happy for us to have a fire in a fire pit despite it saying nothing of the sort on the website.