Turn Up And Pitch - a hopelessly over-positive thought for Saturday/BH or worth a try?

[squidler]

I am usually a 'booker' and we were going to go to the South Coast for a few days, but when we checked the weather, I have decided that three days in the rain will not be fun.

The only place with sun looks to be The Lakes, so we are changing plans and heading North instead.

BUT - I am very worried that we wont be able to get a pitch and most of the sites that we like dont take bookings.

What do you think of the chances of getting a pitch on Saturday afternoon?

I would be very wary.

A mate of mine has been looking for a pitch for her caravan (and I know that is harder, but you know what I mean!) and has found nothing for the halk term week

i phoned camp sites near me as i was watching the weather first, and have been told by a couple that we can just turn up- they werent taking bookings!
lucky for me i wasnt going far away so will be able to get there nice and early

Its years since I've camped in the lakes (hoping to go this week with DCs for first time), but you should be able to get in somewhere. The advantage of the no book sites is that they aren't booked up in advance. The most likely ones are Farmers fields with fewer facilities and out of the way locations (ie avoid main towns). If you can't get on one just try another.

you prompted me to re-check the weather forecast it wasnt rainy yesterday it said it was hgoing to be cloudy/sunny. who changed it??LOL
oh well i have the whole week off so will just go diff days if it is bad on friday when i get up

All the sites I have called that DO take bookings are full. This has me a little nervous that EVERONE else will be going to the non-bookings site. Before me.

I am thinking that i am going to chance it - there MUST be one spot for us, somewhere...

i'd go for it, someone will have a spot somewhere for you

Are you 'just' a tent? No need for electric hook up etc?

If so then it is less risky.
If you have any specific requirements ( large pitch/flat space for caravan or campervan/hook up) then you are less likely to find a pitch.

We are just a tent - no hook-up and not overly large (we are taking the Cedar Creek rather than the canvas one).

I do prefer field camping, and normally do this outside of holidays, but for school holidays I am definately a booker as a carful of chidren miles from home does not appeal. But, I am going to live wildly, I think!

We're hoping to go to the Lakes area during half term too squidler. Like you I'm really worried about just turning up and everywhere being full. We've decided to leave it until Tuesday when at least the Bank Holiday weekend is over. We really fancy Fisherground which you can't book but I have visions of just driving round and round with two manic boys in the back!