Caravan Club or Camping & Caravan?

[kiwidave]

Hi all,

Just wondered, I am a member of the Caravan Club, but I am looking at joining the Camping & Caravan Club as well.

Does anyone have a preference or does one have more sites (prefer CL's ) than the other?

Interested to hear how people have found the different clubs and the service provided at the sites?

Cheers
Dave

[glenw]

we weren't sure which club to join last year when we got our camper, so we joined both and used both. Our renewals came up recently and we again decided that we would continue with both clubs. Off the top of my head, I guess we've used each club equally, it seems that when we are planning our trips, between them the clubs seem to cover just where we fancy!!

I can't say we have any preferences, the C&CC does seem to try to live up to its 'friendly club' motto, the wardens always seem really friendly and helpful whereas on CC sites it seems the users seem to keep themselves to themselves and the wardens are sometimes less chatty too.

we haven't tried any CL/CS's, we don't seem to have time to trawl through all of them when we start planning trips!

Glen

[Graham]

Hi Dave

We are members of both club but we use Camping and Caravan Club more than Caravan Club. The C&CC sites tend to be more like real camping with grass obviously for tents, whereas the Caravan Club are more car park like with lots of hard standings in our experience.

A perfect example of this is at Sandringham, both clubs have sites there but in our opinion the C&CC site is far superior its very "park like" with lots of grass and trees, whereas the Caravan Club site is a lot of gravel.

Also the C&CC offer discounts if you are over 55 and one of us qualify (well OK me ;D).

Having said all that we will still continue to use both clubs because we do use the CL's when we can.

Graham

[robin]

Apart from the guaranteed space and quality of facilities on the Camping and Caravanning club sites, the big bonus is that you pay per person and for anyone over 55 there is an age concession rate. Anyone over 55 gets a discount in Low and Mid season so last week I got a reduction of £1.95 per night. If my partner was over 55 we would get a reduction of £3.90 per night.
If you go solo the savings are big

[barry5933]

We are Caravan Club members and frequently use their sites. I don't think that you can generalise as to the formality or otherwise of particular Club sites' atmospheres as they are all different.

As an example, the CC site near Salisbury has an open area of lawned pitches and a series of separate alcoves for two or three vans set among trees and hedges. Whilst visiting Old Sarum, I looked towards Salisbury and spotted what I took to be a municipal car park with vehicles parked in rows in a field, cheek by jowel. Looking through binoculars however identified it as a caravan site, comfirmed later by seeing the C & C C board at the entrance.

Some CC sites are all grass, some a mixture of grass and hard, some all hard. Some even have no facilities block, own sanitation required. Some accept tent campers where there is space. Where facilities blocks are provided, they are excellent, almost palatial, often with laundry rooms as well as the usual showers, toilets, disabled rooms etc. Some have drying rooms, some have games rooms.

With regard to the discount for over 55's offered by C & C C, I personally feel this to be very unfair! A discount for one class of camper has to be paid for by someone else being charged a higher price. Looking round the sites, I gain the impression that the older the person, the more likely the outfit to be newer, bigger and better equipped. Think about it for a moment and visualise. Two 55 year olds, both possibly salaried in senior positions or recently retired on comfortable pensions, mortgage paid off, children off hand and they are happily spending the kid's inheritance. By contrast, younger couple with two or three children, lower income levels, outstanding mortgage etc. The family has already paid more than the older couple by way of per capita pitch fees. Why should they also have to subsidise the discount given to the over 55 couple.

I believe that the C & C C discount scheme is unfair towards the younger campers, and I speak as an over 60.

One other point is that the CC has considerably more sites and CL's than the C & C C. There is far greater choice for the CC member to choose from.

Just my thoughts, feel free to disagree if you wish.

Barry

[peterholden]

We have been members of the C&CC for years but this year we have joined the CC as well. That is because the CC have more CLs in the areas that we are visiting at the moment. We tend not to stay on CC club sites because we find them expensive as we do not use electricity very often. I know the comparison has been made many times but both clubs sites are on a par with French municipal sites and they tend to be much cheaper. We would prefer to put the difference in site fees towards the cost of the ferry to france. If you choose the right crossings you can get a return for a Romahome for less than £60

Peter Holden

[viv]

Both clubs offer a search facility which you can use to select facilities required eg loos, showers etc and location, they then come up with club sites as well as CLs and CSs, you can then google the map to see the location and surrounding area. We have found the small sites very good.

Daughter lives in Weston Super mare and we googled her new home and found a stunning little site 5 mins walk away. Suits us fine as she has limited accommodation.

Both clubs are very good in my opinion but we do like the age concessions, and use them if available of course. Caravan club offer similar discounts by reducing site fees mid week for everyone.

[judith]

I'm also a member of both C&CC and CC.

I guess that every site is different regardless of which club it belongs to. I know that the CC&C Club is supposed to be more friendly but I've found the reverse to be true.

I love the over 55 discount which makes a huge difference. (Not everyone who is retired is on a big fat pension!!)

[lunnie]

İ totally agree Judith. Not all of us has a big pension and as a single traveller İ too have to pay on most site for 2 persons. Also İ just hate being charged the same as a large motorhome or a very large tent plus a people carrier that is far longer and wider than my Romahome!!! but it is win some lose some. So please does not class ALL over 55 in the new large motorhome bracket same as not all young people are work shy. İ am over 65 and İ can tell you every little penny helps!!!!!

[caz]

I've just qualified for the over 55s discount this year.
As a widow with a 16 year old still in tow and a 19 year old who still expects Mum to pay for everything, every little helps, as Tesco say. I still have a mortgage to pay and am a sole trader (don't qualify for my pension for another 8 years) in a business which has been hit very badly by the recession.
So C & C C - I love you.

[peterholden]

The over 55 discount means that people use the sites at times other than high season - everyone pays the same price during school holidays

[karenw]

I 'wild' whenever possible but also joined the C&CC. I considered both the C&CC and CC but chose the former because it charges per person, not per pitch. As a solo camper in a tiny but self-contained Kangoo Roo, I resent paying the same as a large family in a huge unit, particularly as I use no facilities.

I've used several C&CC sites and CL's and found the wardens to be extremely friendly and helpful. During a recent trip to Scotland in exceptionally wet weather when many pitches were unusable or lost due to flooding, they allowed me to park in unofficial spots rather than turn me away and on one, I was allowed to park in their 'late arrival' parking bay, free of charge yet still have access to all of the sites facilities free of charge. Now that is service!

[barry5933]

The example I set out in my earlier reply was of course exagerated for effect, but I gave it to show how blanket concessions can sometimes benefit the better off at the expense of those less fortunate.

Generalisations will always be no more than than that and the exceptions will always be forthcoming. General concessions such as the reduction in pitch fees for over 55's will of course assist many people who genuinely need help, but they also apply to many who don't, and all such concessions have to be paid for. As another example, consider the Govt's winter fuel allowance, handed out on an age, rather than need, basis. Every taxpayer has to contribute to this, some of the recipients of which may well be better off than those having to pay the extra tax needed to fund it. That is why I dislike blanket, indiscriminate age concessions.

Targetted concessions, on the other hand, are welcome. CC sites often have midweek discounts which are of benefit to the Club by encouraging use of the sites during slack days and can be taken advantage of by retired people. Fees calculated on a per capita basis (as all CC fees are) benefit the solo camper. Some sites have non-electric pitches (at a reduced rate) for those who prefer to save money and use gas. These targetted reductions are, in my opinion, to be preferred.

As far as Romahomers paying the same as people arriving in RV's or twin axle caravans towed by enormous 4x4's, surely the cost to the site provider is mainly incurred in the facilities provided. The cost of providing a toilet or shower is the same whether the user turns up in a Romahome or an RV. It is the number of people using the facility that determines the cost and the per capita fee charged reflects the cost of provision and maintenance of the site facilities.

[lunnie]

Ý have to disagree with your statement regarding size. The site is not damaged as much by a single small campervan as it is by a large tent and vehicle. By your thoughts perhaps size x occupants would be a fairer way of charging. Ý fully understand the need to have a basic price to cover the costs of the site and all other business applications. But twin axled caravan plus awning plus large vehicle as against a small campervan does not hold water. The cost of laying larger bases and roads etc. You could accommodate more ppl in small vans and increase your income.

Regarding working who should qualify by reason of wealth etc against need would be reverting back to the old days and the cost and accurate data would be prohitive to issuing any monies to anyone eg CSA?

Pleas with goo incomes pay tax some at 40% and they are as entitled to any benefits.

same as chidren allowance doesnt matter what the parents does or does not earn it is given to the child simply because they are a child that is their entitlement.

Same as a single person paying tax and not receiving same tax break as a married couple with children that use to be another old chestnut too.

For me if anyone can legally save money for whatever reason then Ý am for it. Doesnt matter if you are well off or not. Ýf legal then it is yours for the taking or not your choice.

[barry5933]

Truce ?

[ian]

Hi all, there are two differences between the two clubs, you can only book a minimum of two nights with C&CC, which for those of us who work monday to friday means weekends away are only possible with CC where you can book just one.Also C&CC demand a nonreturnable booking deposit payable up front.CC has no upfront deposit.

[martinw]

Jun 12, 2009 8:32:35 GMT ian said:

Also C&CC demand a nonreturnable booking deposit payable up front.CC has no upfront deposit.

So does that mean that I can book a half dozen sites for the same week on C.C sites and then choose the one with the best weather, with no loss to me, only to those that couldn't get in on the other sites because me and probably others had booked and not canceled or just didn't go.

NOT A GOOD IDEA, ME THINKS

Deposits---the way to go

[peterholden]

We don't book any sites, we just turn up. Recently we had a problem with the Kendal C and C C site because there were no spaces when we rang (we usually turn up but were visiting father in law in hospital and were going to be late) because of waterlogged ground but they were very helpful suggesting alternatives but in the end we wild camped.

[niloc]

I agree with Ian about the C&CC demanding a two night booking, it is only workable at weekends if you can get to a site by 8pm Friday. Not always possible if you cannot leave home until 6pm or later. And the deposit system was supposed to be to stop 'no shows' but the CC stopped their deposit system and said it made no difference. There are many reasons why you might not be able to get pre booked site and we have had to cancel on several occasions, always ringing the site at least four days in advance, but then being stuck with a credit that we may not be able to use for some time.
Surely one of the joys of motorhomes is the ability to move on when it suits us, or follow the sun. In that sense we tend to avoid booking C&CC sites at all now, just phoning on the day and taking a chance.

As for facilities and friendliness I would say there is little to choose between them as the sites are so varied. If anything the CC tends towards regimented layouts and the C&CC could do with more hardstandings but they are both worth joining for their CL & CS sites alone.

Colin

[robin]

I am on a limited income with an outfit worth about 6K in total (6year old caravan 7year old car) I often go solo so find the over 55 concession very helpful.
Robin

[roamingsue]

What I notice is the lack of provision for the younger part of our population. Students in this country now are some of the poorest having to take on huge loans and at the moment looking at pretty bleak employment prospects. However the days of student concessionary rates seems to have gone completely!

Give the C&CC their due they do cater for youngsters with a Youth section, but I do not see student concessions. They also welcome backpackers etc.

[caz]

Members of the Youth section who pass their youth test can camp on their own, and continue to camp at children's price until they are 21.

[jan]

Or maybe neither?

It depends what you want. I'm not really into the social aspects, rallies etc and I think that both clubs are really strong on those. I joined the CCC last year, particularly attracted by the over 55 discount. However the first time I tried to go to a site in Yorkshire( a big one) I was told it was full (Oct last year) so went to a small private site instead which had all the facilities included in the price and cost half of the CCC site. I was also invited to their family party - so definitely friendly!! Since then I've used a mix of private and others - National Trust are fantastic - and they've all been variable in terms of what facilities are provided or included in cost but all absolutely fine for me, the dog, small child and small camper. Earlier this year I went to a smashing little CCC CL (or are they CS? You know, one of the little 5 unit sites) and no-one asked for my membership card or anything so I probably could've used it without being a member. It was nice but still cost more than some of the private or NT sites - and the shower cost extra too. So I've now cancelled my membership.

For me it wasn't worth it financially, but there are other advantages that might be more important for you.

Jan

[yozz]

Jul 14, 2009 9:40:08 GMT jan said:

Or maybe neither?

It depends what you want. I'm not really into the social aspects, rallies etc and I think that both clubs are really strong on those. I joined the CCC last year, particularly attracted by the over 55 discount. However the first time I tried to go to a site in Yorkshire( a big one) I was told it was full (Oct last year) so went to a small private site instead which had all the facilities included in the price and cost half of the CCC site. I was also invited to their family party - so definitely friendly!! Since then I've used a mix of private and others - National Trust are fantastic - and they've all been variable in terms of what facilities are provided or included in cost but all absolutely fine for me, the dog, small child and small camper. Earlier this year I went to a smashing little CCC CL (or are they CS? You know, one of the little 5 unit sites) and no-one asked for my membership card or anything so I probably could've used it without being a member. It was nice but still cost more than some of the private or NT sites - and the shower cost extra too. So I've now cancelled my membership.

For me it wasn't worth it financially, but there are other advantages that might be more important for you.

Jan

Hello Jan

Do you have to be a NT member to use their campsites? I had a quick nose through their campsite database and some of them are in lovely places.

yozz

[viv]

We used several CLs/CSs last week and only one asked for our membership number. We really do prefer the small sites and find the facilities adequate and we usually manage without too much queuing.

We never book in advance but this year we found sites really full at the weekend so although fine from Sunday night to Thursday night we had to travel inland a bit to find a site with a vacancy for the weekend. The C&C club site in the area said they were booked up for every weekend this Summer.

Apparently though they always keep some pitches that cannot be booked on line so it is worth phoning on the day or just before to check.

I too would be interested in finding out about the NT sites and will have a ring round on Monday and feedback.

PS thanks Wendy for the recomendation for the Beadnell Bay site, we stayed two nights but then had to move on. Really nice meal in the Craster Inn a short walk away.

[jan]

[/quote]

Hello Jan

Do you have to be a NT member to use their campsites? I had a quick nose through their campsite database and some of them are in lovely places.

yozz

[/quote]

No you don't and you don't get any kind of discount if you are a member (which I am) but still really good value and wonderful situations. I stayed at Great Langdale in early April this year and despite the weather it was stunning, lovely powerful hot showers for free, free electric point in the block for hairdryers etc, little shop. No elec hookup but that isn't important for me. Other NT sites have hookup so check that if it matters to you. Bad storm one night meant that we ended up in nearby pub for full english brekkie in the morning - it doesn't get much better!

[yozz]

I had a proper look through their database today. In some areas it's really limited but the sites they have look absolutely wonderful, and reasonable prices for the lone traveller or a couple.

Except for the CC affiliated sites that charge well over the odds for non members...

[gunerdoo]

Hi
One downside of the CCC is having to use 0845 No's to contact them especially for Mobile users.
At least th CC use ordinary Tel. numbers. It may seem trivial to some but can prove expensive on a
longish call say to sort something out etc.

ONE LIFE LIVE IT

[Graham]

Oct 20, 2009 1:16:21 GMT gunerdoo said:

Hi
One downside of the CCC is having to use 0845 No's to contact them especially for Mobile users.
At least th CC use ordinary Tel. numbers. It may seem trivial to some but can prove expensive on a
longish call say to sort something out etc.

I don't think I have ever had to phone them but that is a good point worth considering, we always book our camping on line, it's easier than phoning, also you can check availability of pitches.

Graham

[viv]

In fairness theydo give a geographical contact number as well.

We always use 'saynoto0870' to obtain landline numbers for other companies. I think every 0845 no. has a geographical no.