about trees, farms and camping

[Dyvad]

Hi, since I'll be backpacking thru Europe on a small budget I'll probably be staying in campings once in a while, and I was wondering if there are alternative to camping sites for camping?
I know that in Norway one can camp in the wilderness with no problem with the law, how is it elsewhere in western europe?
My guide book talks about list of farms where camping is possible with the farmer's permission available in local Tourist Offices in France. Are such list available in other countries?
and finally, I got myself a light weight tent-hammock (http://www.hennessyhammock.com/catalogue.htm)
The problem is it needs two trees atleast 12 feet apart. Will I have a hard time finding such trees on campgrounds? This may sound ridiculous, but I've been in some camping sites where the tents area where not close to the woods, this could be a major problem for me, generally speaking are european camping sites close to forested area?
Thanks for any help.

[Patrick]

If you asked the owners permission at some places to camp you should be okay... I think if it wasn't legal the most police or anyone would do is ask you to move on.

Keep in mind with trying to save money for camping, camp sites may be far away from cities you want to visit, and transportation costs can add up. If you just want to camp or visit the countyside this is no problem though.

[snorkelman]

In addition to Patrick's comments, keep in mind that if you camp, you will probably also be thinking about a sleepingbag, tent, camp stove and cookwear. All of that stuff is very heavy. Unless you plan on camping for 80% of your trip, I suggest not camping at all (unless you stay in a cabin) because of the extra weight.

Save some extra cash and have more fun. If money is really that much of a problem, skip the more expensive countries (or limit your time there) such as Scandinavia, Switzerland, and Austria, and spend more time in cheaper Eastern Europe.

[Kim]

Also, not only are the campsites far out, many of them don't have any sort of public transportation that runs to them. It's fine if you have a car, but most backpackers don't have that.

Kim

[Dyvad]

hmm no I don't have a car (nor driver license) so I guess I'll save some weight and forget the camping equipment.
Thanks

[Ludko Vrbjar]

went to europe for 3 months along with my tent, used it only once, too far out of city, and adding all the cost to get back and forth it was as same as spending a night at a cheap hostel