A camping and caravan club is a dedicated organisation that offers you access to specific campsites, amenities, events, and other perks. Individuals who enjoy spending time camping or simply love being outdoors can benefit by joining a camping and caravan club. You will get exclusive access to premium sites and plenty of valuable resources. However, for a beginner, it is natural to have questions. Such as what’s the best campsite, or do you need to bring along a quiet generator?
This article will discuss the ins and outs of camping and caravan clubs to help you decide if a membership is the right choice for you. We’ll also explore how a portable power station in the UK can benefit your camping experience!
Major Camping and Caravan Clubs in the UK
So, when it comes to camping and caravan clubs, two main players are dominant in the UK: the Camping and Caravanning Club and the Caravan and Motorhome Club.
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The Camping and Caravanning Club
The Camping and Caravanning Club is a not-for-profit organisation that started around 120 years ago, in 1901. Today, it has over 700,000 members and operates over 100 club sites across the UK—in Scotland, Worcestershire, the Lake District, London, Gloucestershire, and Devon. The best part is that it supports a wide range of camping types, from traditional tents to full-on caravans or motorhomes.
The club’s inclusive nature is what makes it so popular in the UK. It allows you to find campsites that are generally available in the UK and even parts of Europe. At the same time, it also has many club-exclusive campsites that you can explore, known as Certificated Sites (CSs).
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The Caravan and Motorhome Club
Another popular club is the Caravan and Motorhome Club, which has been operating since 1907. Over a century later, it is one of the leading camping and caravan clubs in the UK. The club offers you the option to choose from over 2,300 certified camping sites across the UK. It also provides over 350 different campsites in 16 countries across Europe. For their service offerings, they focus on motorhomes, campervans, caravans, glampers, and campers.
Over time, both clubs have grown significantly, so they now house modern facilities, insurance support, and a range of exciting membership services.
Benefits of Joining a Camping and Caravan Club
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Access to Exclusive Sites & Discounts
All camping and caravan clubs tend to branch out into public campsites as well, but the true benefit is that you get exclusive access to premium locations. Often, these are confined to members only, so you can enjoy true privacy, or you don’t have to deal with saturated campsites when the summer comes around. These secluded locations are also extremely well-maintained with state-of-the-art amenities for you to enjoy—amenities that the general public may not have access to.
It’s not just access to exclusive sites—you also get 10 to 25% discounts on club sites, and this number is boosted even higher during off-peak seasons. For example, the Camping and Caravanning Club in the UK offers up to 30% discounts on every club site stay, with extra discounts during low and mid-season. Campers who are frequently outdoors can genuinely benefit from these discounts and offset their annual membership fees.
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Community and Social Aspects
Most people will also join camping and caravan clubs for the community or social aspects of it. Camping and caravan clubs offer a chance to connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for exploring the outdoors or simply enjoy camping.
During these gatherings, clubs will also feature group activities and social events that can enhance the community spirit. From hiking to bonfires and potluck gatherings, you’ll find a wide range of activities to enjoy.
What’s more interesting is that you will meet a varied mix of people. From retired couples to young families and even solo travellers, you will meet all sorts of people during your stay.
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Expert Advice and Resources
Another benefit of joining a camping and caravan club is that you get access to approved quality resources and expert advice. For beginners trying to take up camping, membership access to these bases teaches you everything you need to know, from the right gear to bring along to the best campsites to explore.
Plus, if you have specific plans in mind, such as going hiking, kayaking, or swimming, you’ll be connected to the right campsite accordingly. Furthermore, you’ll have the right staff on standby to assist you and advise you on the complexities of camping.
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Insurance and Breakdown Cover
This is more of an optional add-on that not all clubs provide. However, some will offer you insurance that covers camping equipment, tents, trailer tents, motorhomes, campervans, and more during the period of your stay. For more information, you should consult with the camping and caravan club you intend to join.
Additionally, some may offer breakdown cover. Breakdown cover is designed specifically for campers who are coming in caravans or motorhomes and need support when they break down on the way to the campsite or when they are returning home. Whether you break down on the roadside or at the camp, breakdown cover will ensure that you are back on the road in no time.
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Training and Events
As we mentioned earlier, newbies can significantly benefit from joining a camping and caravan club. These clubs usually offer fully professional training courses that allow you to cover all the essential skills needed for camping. This can range from setting up a tent to cooking outdoors and setting up your own caravan.
Alongside this, you will gain access to exclusive educational events, guest lectures, and seminars that will teach you more about camping outdoors—while staying safe and, more importantly, protecting the environment.
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Ease of Booking and Planning
Camping and caravan clubs tend to have dedicated online platforms where you can secure a membership and plan your camping trip in advance. You can also get exclusive access to popular campsites early on.
Some clubs even offer mobile applications that make it easier to access site information and facilitate easier booking. All in all, it helps you save time in planning so you can focus more on what you will be bringing along and what activities you’ll be exploring!
Potential Downsides and Considerations
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Membership Fees
The most obvious downside is the membership fees. Premium camping and caravan clubs, especially those that offer quality services, tend to have premium pricing. While the costs are still somewhat modest compared to other recreational activities, they need to be carefully evaluated against your usage patterns.
The question here is: will you be availing yourself of the services enough to actually offset the accumulated costs? If you are not a frequent camper, then perhaps a membership at a camping and caravan club is not the right choice for you.
You also need to consider that you may have to pay costs not linked to the site fees. This can include optional insurance plans or entry fees for exclusive events.
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Commitment and Exclusivity
Next, you need to consider that while you are given a certain level of exclusivity by joining the club, you are also limited in the type of outdoors you can explore. If you want the discounts, you will be locked into the club. After all, you want to make full use of the membership fees.
This means that if you find an excellent opportunity or a fascinating alternative at some other camp that your camping and caravan club does not cover, you may have to miss out on it. This exclusivity is definitely beneficial, but it also locks you in and keeps you committed to making the membership worth your while.
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Site Restrictions and Rules
Finally, some clubs have strict rules regarding what you can bring along, such as pets, or how many people can join. Others may have dedicated rules for keeping noise levels low. Dog-friendly caravan holidays, for instance, might be out of the question. Some campers might find these rules to be too restrictive, especially those who simply want to have a good time and unwind on the trip.
Who Should Consider Joining a Camping and Caravan Club?
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Frequent Campers/Tourers
If you are a camping enthusiast who regularly finds himself outdoors, a club membership may be the right choice for you. For one, you can utilise the membership to receive exclusive discounts, helping to offset the costs.
Furthermore, frequent campers will find it much easier to rely on booking systems and the standards that come from camping and caravan clubs. Others may even find the familiar environment much more comfortable. If needed, they can always explore new and exciting campsites in other areas of the country.
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New to Camping (Especially Caravanning/Motorhoming)
Next, those who are new to camping can significantly benefit from joining a camping and caravan club. Beginners may not be sure about what to bring along or how camping life even works. Camping and caravan clubs can teach you all you need to know to get a head start on the experience.
You’ll also find like-minded individuals who can share valuable insights that you might not find in regular training guides. Remember, these are often experienced campers who have spent years in the great outdoors. This is even more important if you are new to handling a caravan or a motorhome, which is an entire vehicle on its own!
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Those Seeking Community and Social Interaction
Some campers seek club memberships exclusively to connect with community members. These memberships offer opportunities to bond with fellow campers and create lasting friendships. Solo travellers can particularly benefit from this aspect of club memberships during caravan touring holiday seasons.
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Caravan and Motorhome Owners
Finally, owners of recreational vehicles enjoy an exclusive benefit that regular tent campers may not experience. Caravans and motorhomes always need to find campsites that can support their specific needs. However, not all campsites do.
Club memberships ensure that you are always connected to a campsite that can accommodate your vehicle’s requirements. This could include electrical plug-ins, waste disposal facilities, and even spacious areas to pitch a tent and relax.
How to Choose the Right UK Camping and Caravan Club for You?
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Assess Your Camping Style
First and foremost, you should assess your camping style. Do you prefer caravans, enjoy pitching a tent, or are you more into motorhome touring? Camping and caravan clubs often provide you with exclusive access to campsites, but not all clubs cater to every type of camper equally. You should evaluate the camping style that the club supports best and then make your choice.
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Research Specific Benefits
Next, you should research the specific benefits that the camping and caravan club offers. This includes examining the membership fee, as well as looking into discounts, insurance programmes, training courses, member support services, events, caravan holiday parks, and other perks you will receive.
At the same time, you should also review booking policies, terms and conditions, and the area coverage they offer. The better you understand these specifics beforehand, the more informed a decision you can make.
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Read Reviews and Get Recommendations
In this digital age, you will find reviews easily for any camping and caravan club you seek. There are several online forums and social media pages that give you authentic insights into different clubs in your territory.
You can enlist the ones that have caught your eye and then read their reviews online. Alternatively, you can seek opinions from fellow campers who are part of camping and caravan clubs to find the best fit for you.
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Consider a Trial or Short-Term Membership
While this is not a feature of all camping and caravan clubs, some will offer you a temporary trial period or a short-term membership that you can explore. This will allow you to get a taste of what it will be like to have the full-term membership. If the experience proves to be satisfactory, you can commit to the membership in the future.
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Factor in Overseas Travel
Living in the UK does not mean that you have to camp only in the UK. Several UK camping and caravan clubs will also offer you exclusive access to campsites in European countries, as well as domestic ones. If your goal is to travel overseas, then choose a camping and caravan club that covers areas in Europe as well.
Top Picks for UK Camping and Caravanning
Modern-day camping, specifically with motorhomes and caravans, is not complete without a reliable supply of power. A portable power station will provide you with the electricity you need to power all your essentials while you are headed on site—and even when you are at the camping grounds.
However, finding the right fit can be a confusing choice to make. With so many models on the market, you might not know which is the best fit for you. However, people recommend the Jackery series. Jackery is one of the leading providers of green energy solutions across the UK. Its portfolio contains a wide range of portable power stations exclusively meant to support motorhome and caravan users.
The Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 Portable Power Station is a dedicated model best suited to caravanners. It houses a 2042 Wh capacity and a 2200 W output that will power nearly all your necessary camping gear. This includes your communication equipment, electric grill, mini refrigerator, coffee maker, phone charger, and more.
Additionally, the unit offers several benefits that make it perfect to take on camping and caravan club sites. For one, it operates whisper-quiet, so you don’t ever have to deal with noise complaints. It also doesn’t need any fuel to operate and relies instead on solar energy. You can also plug it into a wall outlet to recharge if required.
Multiple charging modes give you the flexibility you need to save on costs. The device itself is extremely lightweight—about 35.6% lighter than the industry standard—which makes it easy to carry even from camp to camp, particularly where electrical hookups may not be available.
Final Thoughts
Camping and caravan club memberships are ideal for outdoor enthusiasts planning to spend a significant amount of time camping. The member-only campsites, exclusive support, and added benefits are all upsides to getting a club membership. Thoroughly assess your needs and your intended camping trip to make the right choice! And to make your camping experience more worthwhile, consider investing in modern camping gear, such as a handy Jackery portable power station!