A woman has left Facebook users gobsmacked after revealing she's been camping in her Fiat 500 every weekend for the past three years. The compact size of the Fiat 500 car has not deterred one adventurous woman from using hers as a mobile campsite.
In the Facebook group 'Car Camping UK', Tracey Devonport shared numerous photos of her unique set-up, showcasing various locations where she'd camped over the past three years and her sleeping arrangements. She posted: "To the lady who asked if you can car camp in a Fiat 500, yes, you can! Almost every weekend for three years!"
In the comments, she also mentioned how car camping had 'changed her life' for the better. When she shared her pictures, people were astounded at how "glam" the experience appeared, commenting that the set-up looks "cosy". Tracey even has a car tent to extend the space she can use while camping, enjoying nature, and living life to the fullest.
One user asked: "Can I ask where you got the boot extension tent for your car? You've inspired me to try car camping".
Tracey replied: "I bought it from Amazon. A small car size. Do it!! It's the best!! Good luck!"
Others commended Tracey for pursuing what she wants to do, despite others having "laughed" at her ambitious plans to camp in such a compact car. One person commented: "I've been doing it for a while.
"I removed my front and rear passenger seats, perfect! Also have anti-smash films fitted on doors and windows, and rear tinted glass for extra security and privacy. Love your set-up too!"
Another chimed in: "I'm guessing your Fiat 500 is slightly bigger than an Audi S1 because I can't sleep in mine comfortably! I always assumed the 500 was smaller... I'm envious of your set-up!"
A Fiat 500 enthusiast praised them as "the best little cars," revealing that they use theirs "like a van". "I'm definitely going to try and go camping in mine now," they added.
When asked about her height, Tracey revealed she's 5ft 2ins, but she believes someone taller than her would fit too. A woman asked: "Can I ask how tall you are? I have a Fiat 500 and don't think my 5ft 6ins self would fit comfortably longways. Fantastic though, I'm really thinking about it."
However, Tracey did concede that, for the time being, her car will simply be used as a vehicle, rather than for camping trips, as she's met a partner who owns a campervan. She also pointed out that when she was camping alone, she was "careful" and would only choose "popular park for night car parks, beaches, or cheap £10 a night campsites," confessing she was "too much of a scaredy cat to be isolated" in her car.
But what are the rules about where you can and can't pitch your tent?
The Camping and Caravanning Club says: "The Countryside and Rights of Way Act allows the public to access land mapped as 'open country' in England and Wales, along with registered common land, for leisure purposes. This covers much of the mountains, moor, heath, and downs. The same Act makes it clear that camping is prohibited, so technically, wild camping is illegal in England and Wales. The same is true in Northern Ireland."
However, if you have the landowner's permission, you can camp on land that isn't an official campsite. But if you don't ask for permission and stay overnight anyway, "you will be trespassing, which falls under civil law".
So, it's always safer and more secure to stick to designated campsites.
