While these camping sites may not be on the doorstep of London’s main tourist attractions, they compensate by being situated in some of the greenest and prettiest areas of the city and, crucially, by being very cheap in relation to typical London hotel prices. What’s more, you’ll get to see a side of London that most visitors, and even some Londoners, don’t see.

Here are four recommended campsites near the center of London:

Crystal Palace Caravan Club Site

Crystal Palace Parade, London SE19 1UF
+(44) (0)20 8778 7155
Website

Situated next to the large Crystal Palace Park in southeast London, this leafy Caravan Club seems far removed from the hustle and bustle of London. But the location of this site means you really get the best of both worlds, as the centre of London is a simple bus ride away. Crystal Palace itself even has enough pubs, restaurants and independent shops to charm you away from the centre and give you a bit of a break from your hectic sightseeing schedule.

Facilities: Basic shop (there’s a large supermarket in Crystal Palace), sanitary facilities, washer/dryer facilities, phone booths, Wi-Fi, and BBQs allowed.

Costs: Prices vary with season. For two from May 1 is approximately $28 a night.

Getting into central London: The #3 bus from outside the campsite (and its equivalent night bus) will take you all the way to Oxford Circus in about an hour, with a route that helpfully stops at both Westminster and Piccadilly, or you can get off at Brixton to switch to a Tube. Trains from the local station go to London Victoria, London Bridge and fashionable spots like Shoreditch and Dalston, thanks to the East London line.

Lee Valley Camping and Caravan Park

Picketts Lock Lane, London N9 0AS
+ (44) (0)20 8803 6900
Website

To really get a sense of “England’s green and pleasant land” without venturing too far away from London, this campsite makes the most of the natural attractions of its setting in the picturesque 10,000 acre Lee Valley park. There are countless activities on offer in the Valley beyond the usual London sights, including walking trails, golf and horse riding. There’s even a cinema on the site.

If you’re (wisely) concerned that camping will leave you exposed to the unreliable British weather, you can book a “cocoon” instead of a tent: a wooden hut furnished two camp beds, a small table and all the benefits of heating and lighting, even including a kettle.

Facilities: Shop, sanitary facilities, washer/dryer and ironing facilities, phone booths.

Costs: Fees for public-travelling solo backpackers start at just under $14 a night, compared to around $20 a night for camping as part of a group.

Getting into central London: Edmonton Green Rail Station is a short bus ride away. From there you can get a connecting train to the Tube, or directly into Liverpool Street station.

Abbey Wood Caravan Site

Federation Road, London SE2 0LS
(+44) (0)20 8311 7708
Website

While the Abbey Wood Caravan site is theoretically the closest option to the centre of London, it’s in a bit of a weird no-mans land geographically. While there not much to specifically recommend in the local area, the site itself is lovingly landscaped and well-maintained. Consistently favorable reviews describe it as a tranquil oasis in the city, home to green parakeets, as well as more typical British wildlife like foxes, owls and squirrels. The historical sites of scenic Greenwich are a 25-minute bus ride away.

Facilities: Basic shop, sanitary facilities, washer/dryer facilities, phone booths, Wi-Fi, although there is no electricity to the tent area. BBQs are allowed. The main gates are locked from 10pm each night but the site can still be accessed through a key pad code.

Costs: Prices vary with season. For two people from 6 May, approximately $42 a night.

Getting into central London: Trains from the nearby Abbey Wood station run to London Bridge and Charing Cross, taking about 30 minutes.

Campinmygarden.com

All over London and the UK, and beyond
Website

Seeing an abundance of green space that could be put to better use, Campinmygarden.com is an online community that supports the use of members’ gardens as alternative campsites – a kind of “coach surfing” for campers. There are now hundreds of gardens over the UK and even some in Europe signed up to the site. You need to register to use the site before booking your spot, but there are garden spaces all over London – typically in more suburban areas – that are ready to receive a tent and an eager camper.

The site also operates a rating and reviewing system so you can weigh up your options before booking. Each location will be a unique experience, and that’s all part of the fun.

Facilities: Varies from place to place. Some hosts open up their house to you, making everything from their kitchen, to their Wi-Fi, to their washing machine available, while others provide the bare basics. The varying facilities are specified on individual listings.

Costs: With the hosts setting the price, these usually range from around $15 up to $40 a night.

Getting into Central London: The world – or London, at least – will be your Oyster (card). Most hosts will be ready to advise on possible transport options.

More help

Looking for more advice on keeping things cheap in London? Be sure to swing by our guide to recommended budget hotels in London, and check out the tips and tricks in our London city guide.

The post Camp in London? It’s easier and cheaper than you may think! appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Here are my top four picks for pitching a tent in Amsterdam:

Camping Zeeburg

Zuider Ijdijk 20
+(31)(0) 20 6944430
Email: info@campingzeeburg.nl
website: www.campingzeeburg.nl

Situated just east of Amsterdam, Zeeburg (“Seacastle”) is unique for its beachy location on the nearby island of Ijmeer. Camping Zeeburg is open year-round and serves as a trailhead for a number of hike and bike routes.

Facilities: Supermarket (with fresh baked goods), sanitary facilities, bar, restaurant, washer/dryer facilities, phone booth, bike rental, canoe rental, pool, internet, night security, and BBQs allowed.

Perks: During the high season, the campsite offers a range of daily activities and excursions (including a trip to the petting zoo for the kiddies).

Cost: From €6,50 per person per night. Two or four person furnished (bunk bed , chairs, table, heating) cabins or wagonettes (with small private veranda) are also available.  Extra charge for parking.

To Amsterdam: Trams 7, 14, 26 and bus 37 run frequently and are a 10-15 minute ride from the campground to the heart of Amsterdam. There is also a nightbus 359 which runs at night. By bike it will take 20 minutes to reach the city center.

Camping Het Amsterdamse Bos

Kleine Noorddijk 1
+(31)(0) 20 6416868
email: info@campingamsterdamsebos.com
website: www.campingamsterdamsebos.com

Located inside Amsterdam’s largest protected park, Amsterdamse Bos sits peacefully within 900 acres of natural lakes, canals, and greenery just south of the city. Open year-round.

Facilities: Camping shop with fresh baked rolls, guest kitchen, dining room, lockers, washer, dryer, canoe rental, and BBQs allowed.

Perks: A natural playground for families, the park has unlimited recreational possibilities: canoe and kayak rentals, picnic areas, cafes, and even a woodsy section where buffalo roam!

Cost: From € 5 per person. A variety of cabins and hostel rooms are also available to rent. Parking is free.

To Amsterdam: Bus 172 and 171 runs daily to Amsterdam Central Station, and bus 271 runs through the night. Bus 199 heads from Schipol Airport directly to the campground. Metro 51 stops at Amstelveen, plus a 15-minute walk to the campsite. Biking from the city center takes about 30 minutes.

Vliegenbos

Meeuwenlaan 138
+(31)(0) 20 6368855
website: www.vliegenbos.com

Nestled between 62 acres of woodlands and small fishing harbors to the north of Amsterdam, Vliegenbos is a blend of parks and forests, just a stone’s throw away from the city center. The campsite is seasonal, open from early April through late September.

Facilities: Camping shop, sanitary facilities, lockers, dishwasher, bar, restaurant, washer/dryer, phone booth, bike rental, canoe rental, internet, night security, and BBQs allowed. No dogs.

Perks: Affordable “Dirk van de Broek” supermarket is a short walk away. Nearby parks offer tennis courts, swimming pool, sport fields, and more.

Cost: From €8.30 for a one-person tent. Extra charge for parking.

To Amsterdam: Bus 32 and 33 run daily and are direct to Central Station, and bus 361 runs through the night. By bike, a five-minute ride and a quick trip on the ferry will bring campers to the North end of Central Station.

Gaasper Camping

Loosdrechtdreef 7
+(31)(0) 20 6967326
website: www.gaaspercamping.nl

Located in southeast Amsterdam, Gaasper is Amsterdam’s largest campsite, offering more than 400 plots in scenic spots, including lakes, parks, and woods. Gaasper is open annually from March 15 to November 1.

Facilities: Supermarket, dishwasher, bar, restaurant, phone booth, night security, and BBQs allowed.

Perks: The restaurant provides a cafeteria-style food selection and outdoor terrace.

Cost: From € 5 per person. Parking fees apply.

To Amsterdam: Central Amsterdam is about 20 minutes away via public transportation. Bus 53 runs daily to Amsterdam’s Central Station, as well as Metro 53 and night buses 355 and 357 (weekends) to Gaasperplas Station. A bike ride to the center takes about 20 minutes.

The post Amsterdam Camping: Sleep even cheaper in a tent! appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.