Going off-grid

John Sootheran offers expert advice about making the most of motorcaravanning without hook-up

What is off-gridding?

Off-grid motorhoming is simply camping without using electric hook-up, that one little ‘essential’ that ties us to formal sites, often in developed locations.

In many cases, the small campsites associated with off-grid camping do not offer facilities such as toilets, showers, shops or cafés. You really need to be self-sufficient, using your motorhome’s excellent washroom and kitchen, and stocking up enough to avoid regular visits to shops, which will probably be some distance away.

Going off-grid, however, should not be confused with wild camping, when you pitch your ’van wherever you like – from a lay-by to a farmer’s gateway – which in the UK (at least outside of Scotland) is very likely to be illegal.

People often conflate these two activities, but they are different, and off-gridding is usually on organised campsites or private land (with the owner’s agreement). The difference between this and hooked-up camping can still be dramatic. Here’s why…

Why should I try it?

Going off-grid opens up a whole new world of camping experiences in the most astonishing locations. To build a major campsite with full facilities requires significant planning permissions and council approvals, which can be impossible in beautiful, rural, protected locations.

This means that usually, only small campsites with around five pitches – Certificated Locations affiliated to the Caravan and Motorhome Club, and Certificated Sites linked to The Camping and Caravanning Club – can be set up in these stunning places, as they will have minimal environmental and aesthetic impact.

Of course, if you’re fortunate enough to know a friendly farmer, you might be able to stop on their land as an alternative off-grid destination.

‘Going off-grid opens up a whole new world of camping experiences in the most astonishing locations’

As well as providing some unrivalled locations for pitching, off-gridding is a real boon for those who love the great outdoors, especially walkers. As off-grid guru Rod Farrendon explains: “As long as we have all the supplies we require, there’s no need to leave the campsite by vehicle at all.”

Rod adds: “Generally, off-grid sites are perfect for dog-owners, too. The rules on small sites are often more flexible for well-behaved dogs, and being in the middle of the countryside means we have all the walks we need, directly from the campsite.”

Cost is another major benefit of off-grid camping. A typical site with full facilities can cost anything from £25 to £60 per night, while small sites can start from as little as £5 per night – although these days, £10 to £15 is more normal, especially following the hardships owners have faced during the lockdowns, and the new demand for safe holiday environments. That said, standard campsite prices have been increasing, too.

With just five pitches, and often attracting an ‘outdoorsy’ clientele, small sites tend to be more tranquil. Rod has found another positive, too: “There’s a camaraderie among off-grid campers, who are keen to help each other and always happy to chat.

“This summer, our site neighbours had run out of gas and couldn’t use their shower. When we left the site to return home, I went over with the gas bottle we hadn’t used and swapped it with their empty one.

They just paid me for the gas and they were so thrilled to be able to have a hot shower again.”

“Kim and I always say off-gridding has a feeling of exclusivity about it – these sites are in superb spots, that most people don’t get to see.”

Rod recommends joining an off-grid community, such as the Caravan & Motorhome Off-Grid Group, a useful source of information and advice.