2021 Compass Camino 650 caravan

A tantalising combination of an L-shaped front lounge and a lengthways rear island bed in a standard-width tourer makes this something of a unique offering from Compass. Camino 650 caravan’s obvious rivals are full 2.45m wide models. They all cost a bit more, too.

By dint of its price, the new-for-2021 650 comes in at the top of the four-strong Camino range (not to be confused with the lower-priced Capiro or flagship Casita line-ups, although it’s easy to spot the theme here) – each promising upmarket touring at pricing that still remains fairly keen.

Of course, the same format is available from sister brand Elddis, with its Crusader Zephyr, but Compass variants get the distinctive sky blue sides and alternative interior finishes you can see here.

The Compass Camino 650 lounge includes an Avtex TV on the offside wall where a window would normally be.

Plenty of daylight still gets in, though, thanks to a traditional three-windowed front and large sunroof overhead, plus a Heki Lux Stargazer unit beyond, which can be opened when extra ventilation is needed. Elsewhere, all windows are flush-fitting for superior aerodynamics and, arguably, looks.

The kitchen arrangement is ideal for those that like all their facilities to the left of the hob when they’re meal-making. The cooker itself has a dual-fuel hob and separate oven and grill, with a large-capacity rectangular sink in stainless steel (its loose cover can also be used as a chopping board) immediately adjacent and a spacious, uncluttered run of permanent worktop beyond that. The storage offerings of drawers and lockers is generous, too.

Directly across the corridor from the cooker is the 155-litre fridge with removable freezer compartment – and microwave oven atop – completing the Compass Camino 650’s cooking facilities.

From the kitchen area, there’s a full walk-through to the bedroom via washroom facilities divided between a shower cubicle on the nearside and a toilet with a countertop handbasin on the offside.

It’s a plastic-lined shower area supplied by a water-efficient showerhead on a height-adjustable rail and lever-operated tap (like other such fittings throughout the Compass Camino 650 caravan, all finished in chrome).

The toilet room benefits from a heated towel rail and double-doored upper locker with shelving to each side. It lacks a window, though.

No doubt you’ll want to use the toilet room door to fully close off the bedroom beyond whenever necessary.

The island bed is flanked by wardrobes over dressing table units with drawers and handy ledges, plus reading lamps. The bed itself is retractable – making it easier to get around when you’re not using it for sleeping on – and, at 1.90m x 1.35m at its maximum dimensions, a good size with all the comfort you’d expect of a fixed mattress. The base is hinged, opening up to give easy access to a large storage area.

As we’ve come to expect in any tourer that shouts luxury, there’s Alde’s latest central heating and hot water system, all fully programmable. Other premium fittings in the Compass Camino 650 caravan, range from heavy-duty corner steadies to a 40-litre fresh water tank.

You’ll pay extra for a solar panel, although the fittings are already in place for one. And the Pioneer stereo loses a mark for not having DAB.

There’s an excellent selection of security fittings, though, topped off with Al-Ko’s Diamond Secure wheel locks, caravan insurance approved tracking and alarm systems, plus Al-Ko’s ATC traction control.

Although Compass is keen to stress the four-berth nature of the Camino 650, there’s little doubt it will be couples who are the main buyers – especially those that like a bit of luxury to go with all the practicalities.

Verdict: Alternative island formula that should win a few fans

Plus: Rear bedroom with island double, competitive pricing, pet-friendly upholstery. Fully loaded with caravan insurance reducing security and safety devices.

Minus: Lacks a few details to turn a good tourer into a great, not the biggest payload

In-a-nutshell: Blue is the colour

There’s more information on the Camino range on the Elddis website. To find out more about insuring this or your current caravan visit our caravan insurance discounts page.

Alternatives: Bailey Alicanto Grande Faro, Coachman Laser Xcel 850, Swift Elegance Grande 835