Motor homes in CVO

[TomUK]

Aren't we being a little unfair to the responsible caravanners who, in my experience, get part of their enjoyment from planning ahead regarding their route and stopping places and choose accredited sites with decent facilties, for which they are only too happy to pay?

Lamby appears to be thinking ahead. He is seeking advice about where to camp, which suggests he is a responsible type. Why do folk automatically associate him(her) with the deadlegs who park anywhere and leave their crap behind them.

Some have responded by suggesting sites which may suit, but too many seem to have used this enquiry to have another rant about irresponsible campers.

I saw the motorhomes monopolising the Silves riverside car park last year, and agreed with those who complained about it.

One area which seems to cater well for camping and caravanning is the Monte Gordo/Villa Real area.

Be good if the tourism people could sort more sites out for caravans and campers - live and let live I say.

[shanagarry]

One area which seems to cater well for camping and caravanning is the Monte Gordo/Villa Real area.

These Camaras are the ones who have moved them on.

Like you Tom - I think it is a great concept - in the hands of responsible people. How many of those were in the Silves Riverside Car Park?

You have rightly pointed out the lack of facilities, which is in part responsible for the 'mess'. Let the Camaras set up sites and those who wish to avoid paying/complying - pay the penalty by being moved on - like the gypsies in the UK - simples

[laserblazer]

My brother in law comes down to Portugal every winter via France and Spain. That's how I know about the Monchique site. They always use proper sites. I'll try and find out some more from them. I know there's one just across the border in Spain that they rave about.

[EMM]

There was lot of correspondence about this in the Portugal News and Algarve Resident last year and in response Tavira and Loule councils have or are going to set up official sites. There were very anti letters from some of the traveller community stating that if charges were applied they would no longer visit Portugal.
Alvor council has put barriers on beach access to keep them of the dunes.
Lagos has notices now posted in its carparks informing campers that overnghting is now illegal as has Monte Gordo.
It amuses us to see them driving around carvoeiro looking for somewhere to park up, sometimes bringing the traffic to a halt as some of these vans are as big as commercial trucks.
The fatacil would seem to be a good site for short term stays if Lagoa camara could organise itself.

[TomUK]

One area which seems to cater well for camping and caravanning is the Monte Gordo/Villa Real area.

These Camaras are the ones who have moved them on.

So the Monte Gordo camera is one of those which moves campers on?

It just appeared to me last September that there were quite a few 'Campismo' signs around the area with motorhomes and touring caravans among the trees in what (admittedly from a distance) seemed like organised sites. It also seems a very popular area for cycling on hired bikes..

[ditzy]

One area which seems to cater well for camping and caravanning is the Monte Gordo/Villa Real area.

These Camaras are the ones who have moved them on.

From what I heard, it was only the Tavira Câmara that moved them on, I hadn't heard any reference to Vila Real de Santo António. Monte Gordo is extremely well-known for camping and caravanning.

[TomUK]

Thanks Ditzy - was beginning to doubt my memory (again!).

[ditzy]

No worries TomUK. Then again, maybe it's because they have such good facilities that mean that caravaners have the option?

[shanagarry]

Monte Gordo is extremely well-known for camping and caravanning.

During the summer season - they close from November to March

[widge]

Aren't we being a little unfair to the responsible caravanners who, in my experience, get part of their enjoyment from planning ahead regarding their route and stopping places and choose accredited sites with decent facilties, for which they are only too happy to pay?

In a word YES.

However, it follows that those campers using organised sites never get noticed by the public because they're in organised sites.

We only see the "bad guys" who squat / mess up our beautiful villages and beaches

[ditzy]

Sorry Shanagarry I didn't realise. One website says they're open all year round but I can't find it on the Camara website.

[Lamby]

Not had a chance to check The Forum since my post last Friday - actually been away for the weekend in the motorhome. WOW!! What a mixed bag. Firstly, for the record, I AM most certainly a responsible "motorhomer" and only ever use official sites with all the necessary facilities. I thought FMM's language was somewhat confrontational and I can assure him we never dump our "crap" anywhere other than the approriate chemical dissposal points. My whole point of approaching my fellow forum members was to determine feedback and I thank those offering advice.
Even when travelling in The UK we never set off without pre-booked official sites on our journey. We have never, and probably won't ever "wild camp" as their are by-laws and gone are the days when you could pull up by the side of the road, and quite right to!!
Believe me, if I were to travel to Portugal in my motorhome it would only be to official, registered sites with facilities that allow the traveller to remain on site and not to use public facilities. I am immensely proud of my motorhome and regard it as a higher end specification (should be fpr the money I paid!!) and as such I am fussy where I park. Paying more for a site if it means better facilities and clientelle.
Nothing infuriates me more than the minority of poeple who abuse the fact they are a "mobile home" and park up wherever. As with most things in life, unfortunately there will always be a minority who spoil it for the majority. Thus giving genuine motorhomers a bad name. Thanks again to everyone, I did ask for information good or bad and as such fully accept all points of view - just!!

[Steen Jakobsen]

I'll be happy to publish any useful information you may discover on the web site!

[laserblazer]

Lamby, I think someone else has pointed out that the thread had digressed a little and that nobody thought you to be anything other than responsible. If you saw FMM's outlook, you would appreciate why she would be miffed at having to look out on a carpark full of squatters. Especially if they were climbing the fence and using her pool!

[EMM]

Well said Lamby, however tehe views expressed on this forum refelct the belief that in the Algarve it is only a minority of vanners who use official sites.
You need only to drive up to the local lakes, or the sites referred to earlier to confirm this.