FOS Camping 2015-Hints and Tips

[GTIAlex]

Been going to Goodwood for years now but trying the camping out this year for the first time and can't wait.

Taking this and have rapidly been getting it fit and ready for the journey after 6 years off the road.


Got solar lighting, 3x3 gazebo and awning ready, a raised bbq pit and the usual camping stuff ready, just hoping the weather is on everyones side.

Any tips from any more experienced goodwood campers?
We are arriving on the Wednesday as early as the camper will allow us and leaving on the Sunday evening.

Shall I leave my 6m flatpole at home due to the power lines or are there pitches away from them?
Do you get a choice of which camp site? Being hook up I presume we will end up on campsite H?
How early do you need to get up for the showers?
I presume from reading that you are only allowed to use bbq pits for food and charcoal abd must not be used as a campfire; is this correct?
What are those 'must take' items youd hate to leave at home.

Any little tips will be gratefully received.

Pop by for a ice cold cider/beer in the evening if you see us

[M1keH]

We can't go this year for a variety of reasons, but last year we arrived early Wednesday afternoon and although the site was already busy, had a reasonable choice of pitch. By Thursday afternoon the site (H for the hookups) was very, very busy. Personally I'd get a pitch away from the showers/toilets, but within a sensible walking distance. There are some 200+ hookups in that field so think about access and finding 'home' in the dark! There were queues for the showers and toilets at peak times, but if you're happy to be flexible then there's no issue. Quite honestly, we spent so much time at the event and also at the Goodwood Hotel (only a very short walk) drinking beer in the late evenings, we didn't actually spend that much time on site.

I can't recall any power lines across the field so you might want to pack your pole in case!

I also can't think of any specific camping must-haves that we wouldn't take with us any other time away - there's limited provisions available and the estate Farm Shop operates a mobile unit on site. Site security is good - 24 hours.

Last year was the first year we had camped and we had a thoroughly enjoyable time. You'll also see some serious motorhomes on the site - some almost rival those in the paddock

[GTIAlex]

The perfect reply, hadn't really considered the vast amount of people on each site.

[M1keH]

Yes, a vast number of people - don't think of it in terms of (eg) perhaps a 'Caravan Club' site, but rather perhaps posh Le Mans - but it all adds to the enjoyment and ambience of the event!

Do let us know how you get on

/envious

[JohneeBoy]

Which campsite are you in? There is one over near the hotel and one which is a bit further away near the circuit. I think the nearer one is campsite A and the further is E.

Edit: Just actually read all of your post. It should say which campsite you're in on your camping ticket.

[M1keH]

Traditionally the Goodwood campsites have been H, E and F as below:

H is public tents and campervans
This is the site with the hookups and is in the triangular shaped field virtually opposite the Goodwood Hotel
E is public tents campervan and marshalls
This site is located just to the north of the circuit, opposite the Lavant straight
F is the campsite specifically for families. Unsure as to the exact location of this as I've never (knowingly) been.

More information in the Goodwood camping guide here

[Jimmm]

We're in Campsite E again this year. One thing I've learnt over the last couple of years is bring hard ground pegs! Made a hell of a difference. Some parts of the field seem to be just rubble covered in an inch of turf.

[GTIAlex]

Okay thanks for that il check the tickets.

Having alternator problems now at the last minute, looks like my goodwood just got a bit more expensive!

[benjj]

The entire Mission Motorsport contingent is in site E. I'd give that one a miss if you want some peace

If not come over for a beer and meet the lads.

[bint]

<trying to remember if site E is the original site near hotel>

They have changed the sites about a bit in recent years, the one we've camped on for about 6 years is now electric but our staples are; white picket fence, paddling pool for beer, rubber ducks, tent and BBQ plus food for first night. This year sees a 3 yr old in tow(we've not camped for 3 years) so will be slightly different. Yup, we've added nerf guns!

[GTIAlex]

I did consider some picket fencing but ive got with chequered flag bunting instead

[bint]

Tasteful! Bunting was mentioned but I'm not sure we're organised enough to get any - that will be day 1's challenge - try and blag/acquire some!

[GTIAlex]

ebay is your friend, 3 quid free delivery first class on your doorstep for tuesday morning!

[GTIAlex]

Whats the Goodwood Camping shop like, where is it generally located as it says it mobile and what types of things does it stock? Im assuming different bbq meats, bread, milk etc. Trying to plan the little consumables like bread and all that boring stuff but don't know how available the shop is.
I'm also concious of chucking a load of weight in the van for the 200 mile drive but also don't want to have to do any shopping or faffing when we're down there as we are generally first in the gates and last out everyday.

Only three more sleeps

[bint]

Having only ever camped in one field I can only speak for field E I believe it is (electric this year for a change). The shop is small and near the footpath to/from the site. Expect the basics as you suggest and get there early.

Failing that, the Goodwood pub and hotel on the way in of a morning does a good bacon butty!

[GTIAlex]

We tend to walk the length of the hill on the friday morning, up to the rally stage and have a good bacon butty up top, great views as well.

[ecsrobin]

There is a big sainsburys round the corner from Goodwood I'd suggest pull in grab all your requirements for the weekend and then 2 minutes later your in the campsite.

[Jimmm]

ecsrobin said:

There is a big sainsburys round the corner from Goodwood I'd suggest pull in grab all your requirements for the weekend and then 2 minutes later your in the campsite.

I've always been really impressed with that sainsburys. Considering the amount of extra business they must do over gfos week they seem to handle it really well.

[bint]

Okay, an update. We've camped here before (same field as always - H) but never with a small child.

Things to note. They do not go to bed at their usual time, they also wake up 2 hrs earlier due to lack of blackout blinds. My apologies to any of you awoken by my excitable son saying it's wakey time.

So we remembered the paddling pool and ducks, but no water carrier to fill it. We also got lent a George Foreman grill that we may not give back. We love a charcoal BBQ but this is great for breakfasts and quick cooking.

Jealous of the JLR media RVs parked at the back of us too - can we have your wifi password please?!!