Strategic Camping Location

[shuttlep]

34 minutes ago, gerardfenton18 said:

am i correct in saying i cant cut through to the park this way

last year you couldn't  you had to walk past arcadia and the park, but it's not too bad and you get to see some sights

[JackMcBain]

36 minutes ago, Honeybane said:

When does it open? I must admit I haven't looked too far into it

The reason Cieran asked that was if you plan to arrive late, say Wednesday afternoon, all the good places that are suggested on this thread would have been filled up anyway.

[Joshuwarr]

Ok so my choice is a controversial one. My favourite place to camp is Oxlyers. It has a really solid central location with good access to most areas of the site. Many people regard this area as a little soulless but I've always had wonderful experiences of great people and a really positive vibe. You will have to deal with lot's of noise from Silver Hayes and the Other Stage though

[djdavejohnson]

Camped in kidney Mead last year after spending the previous two years in Bushy Ground, have to say I loved the location.

[Hotchilidog]

Last year I spent weeks, nay months, pouring over the map figuring out where I was going to camp. On the wednesday when I finally got on site around 7.30pm and disembarked the coach I threw those plans away and set myself up in a very roomy Pylon. Despite it being on the opposite side of the site on which I spent most time I would highly recommend it. It was not too packed, the  only really noise occuring on the wednesday night as people came in and set up at all hours, even that was fine.

I quite enjoyed my long strolls home each morning, normally a 30-40 min walk from the south side of the festival depending on which route I took. In the mornings I found a fanatastic smoothie place in Silver hayes which basically sorted me out for breakfast, also Pylon had compost toilets. So whilst it is possible to camp nearer to the action or in a 'party' field, Pylon proved that even the 'unglamourous' fields have plenty to commend them.

Of the four sites I have camped my personal favourite was just off the main path in Hawkswell from which we had a distant view of the pyramid which was always a welcome site in the morning. That was secured around 2pm on a wednesday.

[jparx]

1 hour ago, SonOfTroyMcClure said:

We were in Darble/Pylon last year and I loved it. Quieter than Pennards etc, good distance the coaches, close to JP/Silver Hayes etc and we spent a lot of time there. Less people walking through your campsite as well. Never had an issue getting to Pyramid or Other either, but stuff like WH and the SE corner were a bit of a slog to get to. 

Definitely aiming to go back this year.

Right with you on this. It was so peaceful there at night time. I like to party, but I also like to sleep  It's nice knowing you're camped somewhere quiet with plenty of room. Thought of camping near the Pyramid or the Other sends shivers down my spine!

[mr gumby]

The important question isn't 'where's the best place to camp?' The important question is 'depending on where you want to camp, how many Twixes will you need?' 

[jparx]

5 minutes ago, Hotchilidog said:

Last year I spent weeks, nay months, pouring over the map figuring out where I was going to camp. On the wednesday when I finally got on site around 7.30pm and disembarked the coach I threw those plans away and set myself up in a very roomy Pylon. Despite it being on the opposite side of the site on which I spent most time I would highly recommend it. It was not too packed, the  only really noise occuring on the wednesday night as people came in and set up at all hours, even that was fine.

I quite enjoyed my long strolls home each morning, normally a 30-40 min walk from the south side of the festival depending on which route I took. In the mornings I found a fanatastic smoothie place in Silver hayes which basically sorted me out for breakfast, also Pylon had compost toilets. So whilst it is possible to camp nearer to the action or in a 'party' field, Pylon proved that even the 'unglamourous' fields have plenty to commend them.

Of the four sites I have camped my personal favourite was just off the main path in Hawkswell from which we had a distant view of the pyramid which was always a welcome site in the morning. That was secured around 2pm on a wednesday.

I know exactly which place you mean.

Funny story: the Australian guy who served me asked my name when I ordered my drink, so I replied with "Jack". He goes off for a few moments, comes back with a cardboard box, throws it to me and says "get in it". I'm half asleep and desperate for my smoothie, so I just go along with it. He then asks everyone "WHAT IS IT?!"...everyone looks completely bewildered, before some guy at the back of the queue tentatively goes "...Jack in a box?"

Weird morning.

[**claire**]

We're giving up our usual spot on Hitchin Hill this year & will be pitching up in Campervan East.  So looking forward to not spending all of Wednesday still hunched over like I've got my rucksack on my back, and having a good sleep on the Tuesday night without getting up at the crack of dawn to drive down to site.

Anyway, Hitchin Hill is OK if you want to be relatively near the action but still get a bit of peace & quiet - it's quite a steep climb at the end of the day / night though.  It's normally slightly more spacious up there.  Not sure how it'll be affected by the John Peel move though.

[Fred Zepplin]

I camp in big ground for several reasons.

Firstly its one of the closet camp sites to get to from gate B so its not to long a walk to get to and more importantly not to far to get back to the car, the hill of death is a killer though as I have a large barrow to pull.

Secondly when you step out of your tent first thing in the morning the first thing you see is the pyramid stage with the Tor in the back ground. I don't see many bands on the pyramid but it is a nice thing to see when you wake up.

Thirdly the flushing toilets. I'm not one for complaining about the toilets and will happily use  long drops and portaloos but to use the flushing toilet first thing in the morning is a nice luxury

[Dr Glasto]

I got dragged kicking and screaming to Oxlyers last year by a group of friends who insisted on getting their usual spot aaand....it was the best place I've ever camped!

I've always preferred Pennards in the past and more recently the quieter fields near Gate A. My only experience of Oxlyers was seeing people's tents getting trampled/flooded as the hoards passed from the Other Stage to Silver Hayes/John Peel and groups of teenage boys being, well, teenage boys. 

"But our spot is off the main path, away from the crowds, near but not too near some decent toilets and really central to everything on site" they said.

"You must all be idiots" I said.

 Err, so yeah, they were right. We'll be heading there again this year should the ticket gods be kind enough. 

 

[Supernintendo Chalmers]

There's a nice area between Spring Ground and Hitchin Hill that we hope to camp in for the fourth time in five years. Bit of a killer walking up the hill at night and during the Walk of Death but it's pretty quiet when you need to get your head down and minimal thoroughfare. Half decent views too

[McCor]

Last year we managed to somehow squeeze our tent on the path at Spring Ground. Nice view at night, not too manic, close to water supply & toilets. Seems very safe, too!

[actionstations]

2009 - Hitchin Hill early afternoon wednesday, after a massive aimless trek from east car parks, it was the first one with enough space for everyone in my group. Great view in the mornings, quiet enough to sleep at night.

2010 - Hitchin Hill - Started to feel like home, epic walks from SE corner as the sun's coming up but kinda worth it just to get to know the different routes through the site. Hot exhausting year.

2011 - Kidney Mead - Arrived in proper rainy conditions with lots of grumpy couples who didn't want to walk any further. Didn't like the atmosphere in kidney, busy, muddy, bit too druggy...

2013 - Hitchin Hill - Breath of fresh air, arrived from the west so a much nicer walk. First year with girlfriend and she appreciated being able to sleep.

2014 - South bit of Dairy Ground - Wasn't up for it at first but nice mix of being close to the park and not tooooo loud, generally nice people everywhere.

2015 - Middle bit of Dairy Ground - Starting to feel at home there.

2016 - Pennards, if I can convince friends to put up tent for us... they're coaching in at 5am, we'll get in the queue 7:30am ish, looking forward to the madness, assuming it's flood-free these days... will be great to be that close to the greenfields/SE corner action!

Twelve weeks and we're there

[theDandy]

3 hours ago, Honeybane said:

Which area is the liveliest?

I'd say Oxlyers or Pennard Hill? I've only been once and stayed in Bushy Ground which was alright but going to aim for elsewhere this year. Hoping Pennard Hill or Park Home.

[gerardfenton18]

1 hour ago, actionstations said:

2009 - Hitchin Hill early afternoon wednesday, after a massive aimless trek from east car parks, it was the first one with enough space for everyone in my group. Great view in the mornings, quiet enough to sleep at night.

2010 - Hitchin Hill - Started to feel like home, epic walks from SE corner as the sun's coming up but kinda worth it just to get to know the different routes through the site. Hot exhausting year.

2011 - Kidney Mead - Arrived in proper rainy conditions with lots of grumpy couples who didn't want to walk any further. Didn't like the atmosphere in kidney, busy, muddy, bit too druggy...

2013 - Hitchin Hill - Breath of fresh air, arrived from the west so a much nicer walk. First year with girlfriend and she appreciated being able to sleep.

2014 - South bit of Dairy Ground - Wasn't up for it at first but nice mix of being close to the park and not tooooo loud, generally nice people everywhere.

2015 - Middle bit of Dairy Ground - Starting to feel at home there.

2016 - Pennards, if I can convince friends to put up tent for us... they're coaching in at 5am, we'll get in the queue 7:30am ish, looking forward to the madness, assuming it's flood-free these days... will be great to be that close to the greenfields/SE corner action!

Twelve weeks and we're there

What time do u normally arrive i'm going to aim for the middle part of dairy this year. Ill be there around 11am

[actionstations]

2 minutes ago, gerardfenton18 said:

What time do u normally arrive i'm going to aim for the middle part of dairy this year. Ill be there around 11am

The last 3 years we've driven from the west, set off from taunton 7ish, usually parked by 830-9, means getting to dairy at around 10-1030, and by that point it's still ok to find space for 3 small tents together... a 6-man would be trickier but probably still possible. my timing might be a bit out. depends on if you're driving/coaching/training in. coaching's prob fastest, train's definitely slowest (there can be a massive wait at castle cary before you make it to the site).

[Miesh]

5 hours ago, gary191265 said:

We've got the grandkids in tow, so we'll head straight to Cockmill Meadow. It's just a shame that kids camping seems to now include anyone that may have had a kid (even if the kids are more in their 30's and don't go to Glastonbury), or even just spoke to one once, by accident, or saw a kid as they passed a playground in their car!

Oh dear, is family camping really that bad? It seems so central and I really don't want to be in Wicket Ground, I think it will be too far for the kids (and adults) to walk back and forth.  

I remember years ago not being stopped from going in as it was just for families - we weren't trying to camp there just looking for somewhere to camp.   Are there not stewards on the entrance now? 

[gerardfenton18]

@actionstations sounds goodi think ill give it ago , if not ill head further back. 

Not the quickest of journeys tbh belfast to liverpool ferry and driving down from there. 

[fatyeti24]

get yourself a nice spot close to the long drops, preferably downhill from them and near enough so you dn't miss a clang.  if you can combine that with being in close proximity to an ice cream van (exhaust pipe end) you should be set for a memorable weekend.

[Smeble]

Where ever you camp, don't pitch your tent at the bottom of a hill, if it's a wet one that where the water and liquid mud will end up and don't pitch right next to a path, easy access to your tent is both a plus and a negative.

[paddyclark]

5 hours ago, pie_and_a_pint said:

First couple of years I camped on Kidney Mead, then thereafter on Big Ground. Purely based on laziness - it's very easy to get there from Gate B or Gate C. It's also close to Acoustic (and therefore the real ale bar). However Kidney Mead does have the smelliest toilets on site, and you do wake up to the soundchecking on the Pyramid EARLY on Thursday morning.

Now I camp in Tom's Field (crew). It's a LONG way up the hill

And whats wrong with waking to the soundcheck 

[LeeGalvin]

In 2014 we camped in Bushy, largely due to the fact it was pretty close to the gate we entered from (parking West). We'll probably head there again because it was really chilled out, quiet enough to get sleep when needed, but didn't feel like too much of a trek anywhere (though going for a wander never bothers me anyway).

[danssol]

30 minutes ago, Miesh said:

Oh dear, is family camping really that bad? It seems so central and I really don't want to be in Wicket Ground, I think it will be too far for the kids (and adults) to walk back and forth.  

I remember years ago not being stopped from going in as it was just for families - we weren't trying to camp there just looking for somewhere to camp.   Are there not stewards on the entrance now? 

Two years ago we got moaned at by some grumpy old buggers because the kids were being kids. Asked where their kids were and got some rubbish about them being a family. Told the kids to carry on regardless. There were a lot camping in cockmills for a good night's sleep that year. Taking the kids this year so I'll see if it's changed. 

But I'd camp at dairy out of preference! 

[Alan_C]

I always just camp at Lower Mead. Quite a walk from the late night stuff, but no big deal.