Can anyone reccomend any good camping sites near the major atractions or big cities in these two countries? Have any of you been camping illegaly?

This question was asked a couple of weeks ago (for Jordan anyway) if you do a search you should find it. Anyway, the Olive Branch hotel has a camp site in its grounds and has great views from the swimming pool of Jerash.

i think there is a campsite in palmyra but i wouldn´t bother at all about campsites.
camped wild for about 25 nights in syria, no problem at all, great people - if they find you they will invite you in their houses or will bring you some food.
probably one of the safest countries in the world.