GORV - Digital Magazine Issue #18 | Page 49

RV FEATURE Barbara and Bob Rutherford have freedom- camped for many years. Free camping. We all love the idea of it. The trouble is knowing what free camping is and understanding how to get the best of it. Here’s the word: the best way to approach free camping is to start by calling it ‘freedom camping’. That’s because the idea of free camping suggests a camping experience that’s chaotic, carefree and without cost, consequences or consideration. Now, that’s just wrong. Freedom camping, on the other hand, suggests setting up camp and enjoying the great outdoors without the constraints of formal arrangements, probably at low or no cost but with consideration for the surrounds and for others who might be hoping to enjoy the same freedom experience. We spoke to experienced freedom campers Barbara and Bob Rutherford for their take on what to look for in a potential freedom campsite and how to help make freedom camping worthwhile for everyone. “ DO YOUR BIT TO KEEP THE SITE CLEAN. ” KEEPING CLEAN Barbara and Bob put clean toilets and rubbish bins at the top of their freedom camping wish list. Barbara agreed that the presence of clean toilets was perhaps somewhat superfluous, given that many caravans had their own toilets and rubbish bins, but as a wish list item these things topped the list. In terms of cleanliness, doing your bit to keep the grounds, and even the communal drop pit loo, tidy, certainly goes a long way to sharing and enjoying your creekside adventure. On the same theme, if there are no toilets and you’re using your van’s facilities, look out for a location with a dump point and remember to keep it clean. If there are no bins, stow your rubbish and take it with you. gorv.com.au 49