Campsites During London Olympics

Q: My girlfriend and I hope to be in London during the Olympics next year. To save on accommodation costs we are considering camping as an option. Are there any camping sites within the greater London area? How much could we expect to pay? - Brendon Decker

A: There are at least five camping sites within the M25. You can pitch your own tent in these camps or rent equipment. The parks range from the popular Lee Valley Camping and Caravan Park near Epping Forest to the Crystal Palace Campsite, which has a direct bus link to Oxford Circus. The average nightly rate at the camps runs from 11-15 GBP per site per night. You can see a full listing at the www.ukcampsite.co.uk website. At least two camps are being set up specifically for the Olympics. Both will be run by the Camping and Caravanning Club. The first is the Waterworks Campsite in the Lee Valley. With space for 320 sites, this temporary facility will be open from July 20 - August 16 next year. Nightly prices start at 45 GBP. The second is the Westlands Romford Campsite, which will occupy large playing fields in Romford, a town in northeast London. The facility will have 430 sites and will be open from July 24 to August 20, 2012. The rate for a site will be around 30 GBP per night. To book either at either of these campsites call +44 (0)845 130 7633. (9/10/11)