When we bought our first motorhome, 20 years ago, never having caravanned, we took lots of advice from friends who had done something for generations.
We joined the C&CC and they recommended a list of campsites. They preferred the club sites, for their weekends and holidays. We weren't too impressed, after the first couple of months, having sold up and gone full time in the van.. CLs suited us better.
After 3 months , learning the ropes and de-snagging the van, we took off to France.
Our friends recommended a campsite near the ferry terminal . It was closed. We drove into the town and asked ay the Town hall. We asked The receptionist , where we could legally park overnight. She seemed amused at out request. She made a phone call.
The Mayor arrived, listened to our worried request and said, ' Follow me."
We followed his Merc to a beautiful, deserted bay. He told us we'd be safe and secure here and he'd ask the council drivers to keep an eye out, when passing.
The next morning, a Dutch van rattled up. He explained about aires and how easy wild camping was. We stayed another night and never looked back.
Of course, our tugging friends would never have considered the possibility of wild camping.