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quoteFor generations, caravanning clubs and owners’ groups have been at the heart of the touring community, bringing like-minded people together and helping members get more from their caravanning adventures.
But with social media groups, online forums and YouTube channels now offering instant advice and inspiration, do clubs still offer good value? That’s what we’d like to find out.
Vote in our caravanning club poll
Many caravanners join clubs to save money on their touring holidays. National organisations such as the Caravan and Motorhome Club, Camping and Caravanning Club and ACSI Camping Card offer members discounted campsite stays and access to site networks across the UK and Europe.
For regular tourers, those savings can quickly add up. And while lower campsite fees are often seen as a major benefit, many members say the biggest advantage is becoming part of a community.
From local rallies and regional meets to larger national gatherings, owners’ clubs provide opportunities to share experiences, swap touring tips and make new friends who share the same passion for caravanning.
Whether you’re new to the hobby or have years of touring experience, there’s always something new to learn from fellow members.
Expert caravanning advice
Owners’ clubs can be particularly valuable when it comes to technical support and practical advice. Clubs dedicated to manufacturers such as Bailey, Swift, Coachman, Elddis and Adria often have members with years of experience who can help with everything from troubleshooting common issues to recommending accessories and upgrades.
For many owners, that shared knowledge is worth any membership fee alone.
Organised trips and rallies
Many owners’ clubs also organise rallies, social weekends and even overseas tours, taking the hassle out of planning while giving members the chance to explore new destinations alongside fellow caravanners. For some, these events are the highlight of the caravanning calendar.
Or do you prefer to go your own way?
Not everyone sees the need to join a club. Many caravanners prefer the freedom of planning their own trips, choosing sites independently and using online resources when they need help. With so much information now available at the touch of a button, perhaps clubs aren’t as essential as they once were.
Cast your vote
So, what do you think? Is joining a caravanning club worth it for the savings, support and social side of touring, or do you prefer to enjoy your caravanning independently?
Vote in our poll today and we’ll reveal the results next month to discover whether caravanners still see club membership as an essential part of the touring lifestyle.
Tourer, trailer tent or folding camper claims
Motorhome, RV or campervan claims
Static caravan claims
Park home claims
Staying on CAMC main sites is becoming more and more expensive. Members are constantly fed the line that they receive a £15 per night discount but the price after discount is often similar to or higher than elsewhere in the comparable market. The full price would therefore be ludicrous. In addition, the CAMC system of charging fees which can change daily is outrageous in my view when commercial operators usually charge seasonal rates. Lastly, our main reason for staying on CAMC sites is the ethos of a members’ club but even that is now changing with the introduction of “Experience Freedom” glamping which can attract people who are not well-disposed to caravanners or who do not share the members’ generally responsible approach to on-site behaviour.
Mainly use CL’s which we find far more suitable than Club sites. Club sites whilst well run seem to be packing more pitches in, often overlooking each other, close together and most unpleasant. This year the club changed from a monthly magazine to bi monthly why ? the fees have not reduced and plenty of profit .. sorry surplus is being made by the club. Not good value I think.
Only ever use CL or Cs or, even better the CCC Temporary Holiday Sites. We planned a whole month away twice this year using THS at an average £15pn. Main club Sites are a ridiculous price and we have encountered unfriendly staff so often we now avoid them.
Caravanning has got stupidly extortionate.
I never use club sites, much prefer the far cheaper CL’s belonging the CMHC. Just returned from a site £17/night, electric extra in Cambridge.
For the first time this year I used a Parkdean static caravan on the Isle of Wight for 7 nights, fully central heated, a large comfortable lounge, full sized kitchen for £140. Also you get a Parkdean discounted ferry crossing at £60 for car & 4 passengers.
Between skyrocketing energy costs and the steep price hikes for both Caravan Club memberships and pitch fees, I completely agree with Roger and Mel—club sites are no longer a budget-friendly way to escape. I strictly stick to CL sites now and steer well clear of the main club sites; their pitch and electric hook-up fees are getting absolutely extortionate. Pound for pound, I honestly think I’d get better value by selling the tourer and investing in holidays abroad. That way, I can honestly say I’m getting a proper, relaxing break without feeling like my pockets are being emptied at every turn.
We belong to both clubs , but increasingly using independent sites some offer better value
We are members of the CMHC and mainly use it for the fantastic CL network. The main club sites have become too expensive for what they offer but cls are great value and many now offer fully serviced pitches at a very reasonable price,
We are in both caravan and camping and motor home club but find caravan and camping club Rotherham best as they don’t charge for powering up our plug in hybrid through our outfit albeit camping and motorhome club charges are extortionate and won’t let you charge through your outfit. They need to move into the 21st century and stop ripping off their members.
Disappointing that over 60s get discounted rates yet those of us with families- the future generation of caravanning and camping have to pay inflated prices due to the times they can visit i.e weekends and school holidays. It feels like both the caravan and camping club and the caravan and motorhome club are aiming their club at the older generation and missing out on the younger campers. Lack of suitable children’s facilities such as suitable changing and bathing options, play areas that are not maintained or closed and never replaced. Tired facility blocks often the norm and winter closures. This is resulting in us looking to use more independent sites which are more affordable, often with better facilities and that cater for families and operate all year. We aren’t all fair weather campers after all!
We are members of both the Camping and Caravan Club and the Motorhome and Caravan Club. The discounted site fees, and particularly the Camping and Caravan Club’s ‘over 60s’ discount, makes financial sense. In addition, the guarantee of always finding the sites and their facilities clean and well maintained is very much appreciated especially after staying on commercial sites which left much to be desired.
only belong because some CL sites and CS sites are very worried that they might be found out letting in non members! And they are the only sites we like – no dogs no kids preferred! 🙂