Is it worth joining CAMC?

[Alex_Makarov]

Is it worth becoming a CAMC member if I plan to stay outside of the UK most of the time?

 

[ProfJohnL]

Why have you started a new thread? This is virtually the same question you asked previously.

 

[Alex_Makarov]

I think it is not the same. Moreover, I didn't get enough valuable opinions.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Only you can decide if its worth joining either of the clubs. You need to look at what they offer and decide if any of the services of offers are worth the cost of membership.

As was pointed out in your previous thread about the the clubs, some services they can provide are contingent on being a member.

Both clubs do offer some services or advice about traveling outside of the UK, but whether its what you want or need only you can decide.

 

[GaryB]

We've been a member of it for 25 years or more, we get most of our benefit through their network of UK sites and also the MayDay breakdown service, other than that I wouldn't bother.

 

[Andy Norfolk]

No

 

[Mr Plodd]

If abroad a lot then, as I see it, the only advantage to joining would be access to tge "add ons" they offer (such as Red Pennant etc, but there are other breakdown service providers available) To my mind the CMC campsites in the UK provide a "known standard" but at a pretty hefty price. We use them occasionally, but commercial sites are often as good, if not better, for less money.

If abroad out of high season then its an absolute no-brainer to join ACSI Camping Card That will give you discounted rates at many thousands of sites all across Europe (get the app as well, it's well worth the few Euro) Just be sure to get the "Camping Card" That's what the above link goes to.

 

[Alex_Makarov]

Only you can decide if its worth joining either of the clubs. You need to look at what they offer and decide if any of the services of offers are worth the cost of membership.

As was pointed out in your previous thread about the the clubs, some services they can provide are contingent on being a member.

Both clubs do offer some services or advice about traveling outside of the UK, but whether its what you want or need only you can decide.

My goal is to get some practical advice. I have read what they offer. For example, they offer £15 discount per night at their campsites. Which sounds absolutely perfect and makes me feel that joining is a great idea.

But then I read in the replies and other threads that

1. Their sites are overpriced and you can find better and cheaper ones.
2. You can use their members-only sites being a non-member and paying the member price (I have done it myself several times).

These two points above make the membership not as valuable as it seemed after reading their offer.

 

[Mr Plodd]

My goal is to get some practical advice. I have read what they offer. For example, they offer £15 discount per night at their campsites. Which sounds absolutely perfect and makes me feel that joining is a great idea.

But then I read in the replies and other threads that

1. Their sites are overpriced and you can find better and cheaper ones.
2. You can use their members-only sites being a non-member and paying the member price (I have done it myself several times).

These two points above make the membership not as valuable as it seemed after reading their offer.

But in yiur first post you DID say in that you plan to be OUT of the UK most of the time, so any savings on CMC campsites would be minimal for you??

 

[Alex_Makarov]

But in yiur first post you DID say in that you plan to be OUT of the UK most of the time, so any savings on CMC campsites would be minimal for you??

Yeah, all true. I am planning to move out of the country ASAP with no return till MOT in October.

I purchased my caravan on Saturday and the next day my tenancy agreement expired. So, I have been a caravan full-timer since Saturday.

As it is my first ever caravan and it is not brand new, I decided to stay for a week or so within a short distance from the shop to make sure everything is working perfectly and I am convenient with all the equipment.

Also, before a long trip abroad, I need to sort out a lot of things, i.e. caravan insurance, health insurance, need to buy some additional equipment etc. So, it will take probably another week or two.

Now I pay £32 per night at a private site but with the membership, I could stay for about £15 at a nearby CMHC site, saving about £100 a week.

 

[Mr Plodd]

A CMC site, for £15 a night, really??
Unless of course its a CL. But you didn't mention CL's in your initial post !

 

[Alex_Makarov]

A CMC site, for £15 a night, really??
Unless of course its a CL. But you didn't mention CL's in your initial post !

What is the difference between CMC and CL?

 

[otherclive]

What is the difference between CMC and CL?

Both the two clubs have an array of five van sites owned and managed by private owners. CL orcCS. They range from fields with just a facility for water and toilet emptying to some with hard pitches and full facilities. Prices reflect the offering. They are only available to club members.

Browse 2,200+ Certificated Location sites

Explore over 2,200 small 5-van only Certificated Location caravan and motorhome sites in the UK that are only for members of the Caravan and Motorhome Club

www.caravanclub.co.uk

 

[Mr Grumpy]

My goal is to get some practical advice. I have read what they offer. For example, they offer £15 discount per night at their campsites.

Rather than offering a £15 discount for members it's more of a £15 surcharge for non-members. The members price is what is posted on the website, you then stick £15 on top of the pitch price.

 

[Mr Plodd]

There are Caravan sites, which are full caravan sites as you would expect a "caravan site" to be. It will have clearly marked out pitches (in fairly large numbers) toilet blocks with toilets and showers etc. EHU to pitches and other infrastructure.

And there are CS (Certificated Site) or CL (Certificate Locations) Tgey are tge same sort of thing but "overseen" by one or other of the clubs. which are operated by a land owner, or a farm or similar that can accommodate a maximum of just 5 caravans/motorhomes. The only requirement is fresh water and waste water/toilet disposal facilities. The former will cost upwards of £30-£40 per night, the later about £15. You get what you pay for.

 

[RogerL]

There are Caravan sites, which are full caravan sites as you would expect a "caravan site" to be. It will have clearly marked out pitches (in fairly large numbers) toilet blocks with toilets and showers etc. EHU to pitches and other infrastructure.

And there are CS (Certificated Site) or CL (Certificate Locations) Tgey are tge same sort of thing but "overseen" by one or other of the clubs. which are operated by a land owner, or a farm or similar that can accommodate a maximum of just 5 caravans/motorhomes. The only requirement is fresh water and waste water/toilet disposal facilities. The former will cost upwards of £30-£40 per night, the later about £15. You get what you pay for.

It's been many years since I could remember what you actually get extra on a club site for the substantial difference in price over a CL/CS.

 

[otherclive]

There are Caravan sites, which are full caravan sites as you would expect a "caravan site" to be. It will have clearly marked out pitches (in fairly large numbers) toilet blocks with toilets and showers etc. EHU to pitches and other infrastructure.

And there are CS (Certificated Site) or CL (Certificate Locations) Tgey are tge same sort of thing but "overseen" by one or other of the clubs. which are operated by a land owner, or a farm or similar that can accommodate a maximum of just 5 caravans/motorhomes. The only requirement is fresh water and waste water/toilet disposal facilities. The former will cost upwards of £30-£40 per night, the later about £15. You get what you pay for.

But there are CL/ CS that whilst smaller have facilities the equal of a full site. There are also some attached to full commercial sites that can use the commercial sites facilities. I stayed at the Old Brick Kilns near Fakenham. The associated CL was £38 pn in November 2020 so we had one of the commercial sites top spec fully serviced pitches at £34pn. But apart from our pitch not being surrounded by hedges for privacy as were the CL pitches, everyone on the site could use all of the facilities.

Might be worth the OP reading the two Clubs websites on CL/CS and seeing what these are offering to members and the breadth of that offering to suit a breadth of needs.

 

[Dustydog]

I say the OP will enjoy the club magazines , web sites , the occasional special offer. . On the other hand for caravan chit chat and banter stay on here.😎🤪

 

[Hutch]

If abroad a lot then, as I see it, the only advantage to joining would be access to tge "add ons" they offer (such as Red Pennant etc, but there are other breakdown service providers available) To my mind the CMC campsites in the UK provide a "known standard" but at a pretty hefty price. We use them occasionally, but commercial sites are often as good, if not better, for less money.

If abroad out of high season then its an absolute no-brainer to join ACSI Camping Card That will give you discounted rates at many thousands of sites all across Europe (get the app as well, it's well worth the few Euro) Just be sure to get the "Camping Card" That's what the above link goes to.

Fully agree, for Europe your better off with ACSI.

 

[Hutch]

But there are CL/ CS that whilst smaller have facilities the equal of a full site. There are also some attached to full commercial sites that can use the commercial sites facilities. I stayed at the Old Brick Kilns near Fakenham. The associated CL was £38 pn in November 2020 so we had one of the commercial sites top spec fully serviced pitches at £34pn. But apart from our pitch not being surrounded by hedges for privacy as were the CL pitches, everyone on the site could use all of the facilities.

Might be worth the OP reading the two Clubs websites on CL/CS and seeing what these are offering to members and the breadth of that offering to suit a breadth of needs.

Alex is talking about European sites, NOT UK sites.

 

[otherclive]

Alex is talking about European sites, NOT UK sites.

I know that, but just above he asked about CMHC and CL. See #13. Which may be relevant when travelling to and from Europe, or if he had to come back mid tour.

 

[Mr Plodd]

Alex is talking about European sites, NOT UK sites.

Not according to his original post he isnt!

 

[Alex_Makarov]

I have been just told by the locals that some CLs here in Somerset (where I am now) are £12 in low season.

 

[Beachball]

I also been a member of both clubs for some years and use to enjoy the CL and the CS we like the small Adult parks and they have hard standing service pitches and even a picnic table and toilet block ,and very reasonable prices

 

[Buckman]

I have been just told by the locals that some CLs here in Somerset (where I am now) are £12 in low season.

CLs normally stay the same rate throughout the year and do not have low and high seasons. In the cooler months it makes sense for the CL to increase their prices and not lower them.