Best Camping and Caravanning Club?

[Nomad 8]

Hi fellow travellers. I have just purchased a panel van with the intention of getting it converted to a campervan. Please could you help me in choosing the best camping and caravanning organization to join here in the UK and point out the pros and cons.

Thanking you in anticipation.

[Derek Uzzell]

A 2019 forum discussion 

https://forums.outandaboutlive.co.uk/topic/45919-which-club-cc-cmh-or-other/

[Nomad 8]

Thank you Derek for directing my enquiry to the right source. I was starting to think I would get no replies. Seems like C C C and C M C are both used  and liked for different reasons and some join both.

Not sure if this is the right way to reply ( you can probably tell I am a Newbie)

[Derek Uzzell]

The 2019 discussion should provide useful background, but I'm sure forum members will be able to comment on the current position, what changes have occurred in the last 4 years and what the present pros and cons are.

For a short while I was a member of the Caravan Club (now renamed the Caravan & Motorhome Club)  but when it became evident that all our motorcaravanning would be outside this country, membership of UK camping organisations offered no realistic value for us.

I vaguely remember that the Caravan Club could be very sniffy about 'self-build' campers and I notice that this came up in a 2022 C&MC forum thread

https://www.caravanclub.co.uk/club-together/discussions/club-talk/club-membership/van-conversion/

The C&MC's relevant advice can be read here

https://www.caravanclub.co.uk/advice-and-training/advice-for-beginners/outfits-we-welcome-on-our-club-campsites/

Just something to keep in mind, perhaps...

[Keithl]

Nomad,

Are you getting your van professionally converted or doing a self build? If self build then you might want to look at joining the Self Build Motor Caravanners Club https://www.sbmcc.co.uk/

Another option may be the Motor Caravanners Club https://www.themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk/

[Globebuster1]

Joining a club, or indeed clubs clearly appeals to many, but not me personally.

From a purely camping/location aspect, don't forget these options either - 

Searchforsites, Campercontact, Park4night, BritStops and the like.

[Nomad 8]

5 hours ago, Derek Uzzell said:

The 2019 discussion should provide useful background, but I'm sure forum members will be able to comment on the current position, what changes have occurred in the last 4 years and what the present pros and cons are.

For a short while I was a member of the Caravan Club (now renamed the Caravan & Motorhome Club)  but when it became evident that all our motorcaravanning would be outside this country, membership of UK camping organisations offered no realistic value for us.

I vaguely remember that the Caravan Club could be very sniffy about 'self-build' campers and I notice that this came up in a 2022 C&MC forum thread

https://www.caravanclub.co.uk/club-together/discussions/club-talk/club-membership/van-conversion/

The C&MC's relevant advice can be read here

https://www.caravanclub.co.uk/advice-and-training/advice-for-beginners/outfits-we-welcome-on-our-club-campsites/

Just something to keep in mind, perhaps...

many thanks Derek. Sure is a lot to think about but hey ho life is an adventure!

[Nomad 8]

5 hours ago, Keithl said:

Nomad,

Are you getting your van professionally converted or doing a self build? If self build then you might want to look at joining the Self Build Motor Caravanners Club https://www.sbmcc.co.uk/

Another option may be the Motor Caravanners Club https://www.themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk/

Thanks Keith. No I'm getting it converted by 8 Ball Converters near Hull. I had to find a suitable base VW transporter using VW approved used vans.

[Nomad 8]

4 hours ago, Globebuster1 said:

Joining a club, or indeed clubs clearly appeals to many, but not me personally.

From a purely camping/location aspect, don't forget these options either - 

Searchforsites, Campercontact, Park4night, BritStops and the like.

That's great info Globebuster 1

i've taken out campervan insurance which is subject to me joining either CCC or CMC as the quote involves a members discount

but sure will into the above.

[Nomad 8]

6 hours ago, Derek Uzzell said:

The 2019 discussion should provide useful background, but I'm sure forum members will be able to comment on the current position, what changes have occurred in the last 4 years and what the present pros and cons are.

For a short while I was a member of the Caravan Club (now renamed the Caravan & Motorhome Club)  but when it became evident that all our motorcaravanning would be outside this country, membership of UK camping organisations offered no realistic value for us.

I vaguely remember that the Caravan Club could be very sniffy about 'self-build' campers and I notice that this came up in a 2022 C&MC forum thread

https://www.caravanclub.co.uk/club-together/discussions/club-talk/club-membership/van-conversion/

The C&MC's relevant advice can be read here

https://www.caravanclub.co.uk/advice-and-training/advice-for-beginners/outfits-we-welcome-on-our-club-campsites/

Just something to keep in mind, perhaps...

thanks again Derek

what a pity that these attitudes exist in our society. We should never be judged by the size of our--------------------------van!

[TeamRienza]

My understanding through reading on several forums, is that the C&CC are much more relaxed about self builds, and are, indeed, a more easy going club.

living in Northern Ireland there is only one C&CC site and no C&MC sites. Give consideration to other aspects of membership of C&CC who have a large network of ‘mini’ sites called Certified Locations or CLs which are licensed but not owned by the club. The C&MC has a similar scheme called CSs (certified sites).

we also make use of the casual meets available all over the U.K. most weekends and often longer ‘holiday’ meets. Many of these are in rugby clubs, schools, fields and the like. Cheap and cheerful for the most part with access to water and a chemical toilet emptying point so worth ensuring you have a toilet as part of your conversion to allow use of the meets.

i also make use of the discounted RAC Arrival breakdown service for travel abroad. No weight, length, or age limits to your van unlike many schemes.

There are also other benefits such as discounts at Halfords, Go Outdoors etc and on ferry travel.

As is apparent, I am a member of the C&CC but have no first hand experience of the C&MC.

 

Davy

[Nomad 8]

Thanks Davy

That is all useful information. I appreciate you taking the time.

I am having the Transporter converted by professional converters (8 Ball Conversions). Is that still classed as a self-build?

[simians]

In the good old days, the 'Clubs' would often request a photo or two if a van wasn't the product of a 'recognised' manufacturer or convertor.

Overlooked was the fact that some of these manufacturers were cottage businesses, (often one man) with barely any appropriate knowledge of how to produce a camper or motorhome worthy of the name. But did come up with convincing model names and exterior decals and graphics. Appearance is everything 🙄 

[Nomad 8]

Thanks Simians. Does this attitude still prevail ? Especially in regards to the big two CCC and CMC as i wish to join one of them.

[malc d]

2 minutes ago, Nomad 8 said:

Thanks Simians. Does this attitude still prevail ? Especially in regards to the big two CCC and CMC as i wish to join one of them.

Why not contact one of the clubs ( or both ) to learn their current policies.

Probably a matter of safety as much as appearance.  

[Nomad 8]

Common sense prevails. Thanks malc d I will do that.

Still I am glad I got all this feedback first. Many thanks to all and yourself.

[Nomad 8]

A telephone call to Camping and Caravanning Club . They are happy to welcome me to their sites as long as the conversion is properly and professionally done.

What they don't want are people driving up in any old van and wanting to sleep in the back.

I copied and pasted this next bit from the Camping and Motorhome Clubs' site:

The Camping and Motorhome Club welcomes caravanners, motorhomers, campers, campervanners, trailer-tenters, and anyone else, regardless of whether you own, hire, or borrow.

[simians]

1 hour ago, Nomad 8 said:

A telephone call to Camping and Caravanning Club . They are happy to welcome me to their sites as long as the conversion is properly and professionally done.

What they don't want are people driving up in any old van and wanting to sleep in the back.

Of course often a self converter can produce a professional standard Motorhome or Camper, then again some don't!

These days theres a bit more involved in getting the DVLA  to reclassify a vehicle to motorcaravan, such as window, and decal requirement etc. I imagine having this nomenclature on the V5 would be helpful if faced with a particularly officious picky campsite warden. There are forum threads on this topic, 8 Ball Conversions should be able to advise, unfortunately I'm not up to speed on the finer details these days.

Although being a C&CC and C&CM for about a decade I've not been a member of any m/home club for many years, so can't give any first hand account of their attitudes these days. 

[Les W]

We are members of the C&CC, mainly for their Temporary Holiday Sites (excellent value) and the discount we get for being over 60 years old. 

[Nomad 8]

I think I will go for C&CC as well as I am in the same age group as yourselves. Might as well benefit from the grey hair!

[TeamRienza]

Good decision, and of course if it is not for you, then you can cancel at renewal.

Do have a look at the casual meets and temporary holiday sites arranged by members in local districts. Usually cheap and cheerful with no compulsion to join in any social events organised.

Access to their certified sites is also worth joining for unless you prefer ‘proper’ campsites. Derek has corrected me as, in my original post, I stated that C&CC had CLs and C&MC had CSs when it is in fact the other way round.

So three arms to the membership depending on your preference use them all or the aspect(s) that appeal to you.

Good luck with the conversion and happy Camping.

Davy

[Brian Kirby]

The clubs are both very similar.  Their sites, pitches and facilities are of a reliably good, though not luxurious, quality, and are invariably well run and clean.  However, they are expensive relative to continental sites - for which you unavoidably get British weather!  Both also tend to get heavily booked by weekenders, so are relatively lightly booked between Sunday night and Thursday night, which makes trying to get away for a couple of weeks or more very tedious.

They are both also obsessed with booking in advance, and tend to exhibit a lot of "tooth sucking" noises if you arrive on spec.  🙂

So, my recommendation would be to look at the locations of their sites relative to places you wish to visit, be they towns or rural locations, then join whichever club ticks the most boxes, and see how you go.  You can always leave at the end of the first year, and you can also visit most of the club sites as a non-member, albeit at increased cost.

Personally, I find all the tooth sucking off-putting and pointless - they either have space or they don't.  I also find all the book ahead pressure intensely irritating, but that's just me.

We've spent since autumn 2005 touring Europe, two trips (one spring, one autumn) most years (except the "Covid years"), and have only booked ahead on a handful (really, only 4 or 5) of times - when we've gone to holiday hotspots.  I usually pick a plan B site in case my preferred site is full (or shut!), and have only needed the fall-back on a similar handful of occasions.  This has applied from N E Germany to Sicily, and from Portugal to Hungary, and most countries between.  A few of the sites have been a little, ahem! eccentric, 🙂 but most have been fine and a few positively palatial.  We seldom stay put in excess of a week, so that's a lot of sites!

Someone told us about ACSI and their out of season discount card on our first trip (for which advice I am very grateful, if you're still out-there!), and we have tended to favour their sites as they are selective so avoid the real lemons.  Worth considering except for UK where availability doesn't justify the cost of the card.

It's all a bit more restrictive post Brexit, but the 90 days in 180 can still give weeks of touring if you're prepared to head south quickly in spring, and canter back quickly north in autumn.  All you need to do is stay out of Schengen for 90 days in mid-summer, and your allowance re-sets, to give a max of 90 days before say June and another 90 after the end of August.  Hence, travel south fast to get the better weather, and north fast to avoid the back end of autumn.  Or use the 90 days in one long splurge, and tour the UK at other times.  Above all, enjoy yourselves and avoid the booking frenzy.  Motorhoming is supposed to be spontaneous and relaxing, not a source of stress!   😄 

[Basil]

I believe Brian sums it perfectly.

We have tried both major clubs but have stuck with the C&MC as we found the other not to our taste. We do however rarely use the club sites and really only keep the membership for the CL's as in our opinion the club site fees are exorbitant and it's a real faf booking them.

We are also members of the MCC which is a pleasant friendly club though limited.

As Brian since the 70's we spend most of our time abroad at the same time period as him, also using ACSI as well as Municipals and Aires. In Europe we have never booked a site in advance, and won't into the future, with never an issue. We have done this every year except during lockdown where we only visited our family, when allowed I might add, staying on their own property. The motorhome really came into its own then allowing us to see each other safely.

Personally, in answer to your question, I would do as we did and join both main clubs and try both out during the membership year and drop the one you dislike from the second year, or both of course!  At least then you will be able to make a fair comparison on your own knowledge rather than accepting others opinions.

Bas

[Nomad 8]

16 hours ago, TeamRienza said:

Good decision, and of course if it is not for you, then you can cancel at renewal.

Do have a look at the casual meets and temporary holiday sites arranged by members in local districts. Usually cheap and cheerful with no compulsion to join in any social events organised.

Access to their certified sites is also worth joining for unless you prefer ‘proper’ campsites. Derek has corrected me as, in my original post, I stated that C&CC had CLs and C&MC had CSs when it is in fact the other way round.

So three arms to the membership depending on your preference use them all or the aspect(s) that appeal to you.

Good luck with the conversion and happy Camping.

Davy

Thank you very much Davy. Happy camping to you as well.

[Nomad 8]

15 hours ago, Brian Kirby said:

The clubs are both very similar.  Their sites, pitches and facilities are of a reliably good, though not luxurious, quality, and are invariably well run and clean.  However, they are expensive relative to continental sites - for which you unavoidably get British weather!  Both also tend to get heavily booked by weekenders, so are relatively lightly booked between Sunday night and Thursday night, which makes trying to get away for a couple of weeks or more very tedious.

They are both also obsessed with booking in advance, and tend to exhibit a lot of "tooth sucking" noises if you arrive on spec.  🙂

So, my recommendation would be to look at the locations of their sites relative to places you wish to visit, be they towns or rural locations, then join whichever club ticks the most boxes, and see how you go.  You can always leave at the end of the first year, and you can also visit most of the club sites as a non-member, albeit at increased cost.

Personally, I find all the tooth sucking off-putting and pointless - they either have space or they don't.  I also find all the book ahead pressure intensely irritating, but that's just me.

We've spent since autumn 2005 touring Europe, two trips (one spring, one autumn) most years (except the "Covid years"), and have only booked ahead on a handful (really, only 4 or 5) of times - when we've gone to holiday hotspots.  I usually pick a plan B site in case my preferred site is full (or shut!), and have only needed the fall-back on a similar handful of occasions.  This has applied from N E Germany to Sicily, and from Portugal to Hungary, and most countries between.  A few of the sites have been a little, ahem! eccentric, 🙂 but most have been fine and a few positively palatial.  We seldom stay put in excess of a week, so that's a lot of sites!

Someone told us about ACSI and their out of season discount card on our first trip (for which advice I am very grateful, if you're still out-there!), and we have tended to favour their sites as they are selective so avoid the real lemons.  Worth considering except for UK where availability doesn't justify the cost of the card.

It's all a bit more restrictive post Brexit, but the 90 days in 180 can still give weeks of touring if you're prepared to head south quickly in spring, and canter back quickly north in autumn.  All you need to do is stay out of Schengen for 90 days in mid-summer, and your allowance re-sets, to give a max of 90 days before say June and another 90 after the end of August.  Hence, travel south fast to get the better weather, and north fast to avoid the back end of autumn.  Or use the 90 days in one long splurge, and tour the UK at other times.  Above all, enjoy yourselves and avoid the booking frenzy.  Motorhoming is supposed to be spontaneous and relaxing, not a source of stress!   😄 

Nicely balanced advice Brian. I will try and take it all on board as my learning curve. Many thanks.