If you're new to leisure vehicle camping, clubs can offer exceptional member benefits
At the time of writing, we are still under some coronavirus restrictions in the UK, but with those looking to lift in the later parts of 2021, now could be an excellent time to start doing some research.
Having been a member of both clubs for more than a decade, here’s what I’ve found:
How much is the membership fee?
The annual membership fee is set by each club, but it’s usually just above or just below £50. It’s worth checking the website of each organisation for up-to-date pricing. However, the discounts on offer far outweigh this membership fee, and it’s possible to recoup this investment in a single trip.
Each club produces a monthly member-only magazine full of hints, tips, and future travel ideas, all of which is included in your membership.
More importantly, becoming a member grants access to thousands of camp sites across the UK and Europe.
How can I save money?
From your first night away, to an extended tour, members of both clubs receive discounted pitch fees and ferry travel as well as a bunch of other savings. These savings can include days out at selected attractions as well as healthy percentage discounts on leisure vehicle and holiday equipment.
How does this work?
The clubs negotiate discounts on your behalf, and, using ferry travel as an example, crossing costs are reduced due to a portion of the booking commission (something all booking agents receive) being used to subsidise your ferry travel.
Not sure it’s worth it? Just one crossing can recoup your annual membership fee, maybe more. As each club has in excess of 300,000 members, buying power is king.
Which type of site?
When booking through The Caravan and Motorhome Club, or The Camping and Caravanning Club, there are generally four site types:
- Club Sites
- Affiliated sites or Listed Sites
- Certified Location through the Caravan and Motorhome Club (CL), or Certified Site through the Camping and Caravanning Club (CS)
- Temporary Sites
Club Site
Both UK clubs offer a network of directly managed sites that span the country. Badged as ‘Club Sites’, the location of each is either owned by the respective club or leased by them. Facilities at these sites can vary but will often include loo and shower blocks and a variety of pitch types from fully serviced hardstanding to grass without electricity. Club membership grants access to these sites at a discounted rate.
Affiliated site or Listed Site
Independently owned sites that meet a certain criteria are often listed by either club. Known as an Affiliated Site, or Listed Site, amenities can differ from a club site, with some offering bars, restaurants, or a swimming pool.
CS or CL Site
Talking of independently owned sites, a CL site (offered by the Caravan and Motorhome Club), or CS site (offered by the Camping and Caravanning Club), can accommodate up to five caravans and/or motorhomes, often at incredibly competitive rates. Some may offer a grass pitch with a water filling point and loo emptying point, while others have fully serviced hardstanding pitches with a separate loo and shower block. Thousands of these sites exist, each occupying a unique location, and only accessible with membership to their respective club.
Temporary Sites
These sites appear with regularity thanks to hard-working members of each club. Camping and Caravanning Club DA meets along with Caravan and Motorhome Club rallies, allow members to explore different parts of the UK in a relaxed and social environment. Thanks to an army of dedicated volunteers, costs are kept to a minimum which means rallies or DA meets offer exceptional value for money. ‘Pop up’ sites can also appear during peak periods.
I hope you enjoyed this quick guide to some of the benefits you can gain from being a member of one of the two big UK clubs. When you are camping, clubs can help to add to your experience by opening up the door to some extra things you may not have considered before.
For more information visit the club websites:
