Hi,
We're a bit new to all this and just about to buy our first family tent.
We are looking at a Corado 8 which is lovely but huge at 8m x 5m and I'm concerned that we may be charged extra to pitch it.
What is the biggest size that is generally accepted on 'normal' pitches?
Many thanks
Kate
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Folk may come on here and say such and such club sites have so and so sized pitches.
Personally, I'd say forget "normal" pitches. Treat all sites as completely different entities. Check the reviews, and wheedle out the undesirables. When you are ready for the off, be it the day before, or months in advance, pick out your No 1 site.... and give them a call.
Clear up any issues/queries you may have, and if you don't like the answers, move on to your second choice.
"Most" will allow your big tent for no extra cost, and may even allocate you a larger pitch (if they have one), now they know you are coming!
"Some" charge extra for 6 berth or more, and "some" offer a rebate to a lone hiker. "Some" may want an extra fiver for a large pitch, "some" may wish to charge you double!!
Some of these issues will be clear in the site's tariffs, others not.
That quick call will not only confirm exactly what total you will pay, it will allow you to travel with a relaxed state of mind, knowing there are no nasty surprises waiting for you.
I've not been to many (different) sites in my first year, but the only common denominator so far, has been that all campsite owners/wardens/receptionists etc are extremely approachable, pleasant to talk to, and utterly helpful.
(Having said that, I have had no dealings with the "Holiday Park" type sites or "National Chains"... so I can't comment on those!!)
For Camping and Caravanning Club, tents larger than 5m x 9m would need to pay extra to go onto their Jumbo Pitches.
Birchwood Tourist Park, a site that I frequent, states the largest tent size on any pitch is 4.6m x 6.7m.
I tend to use the dimensions mentioned above as references/guidance when answering queries on pitch sizes.
Both C&CC and Birchwood require dimensions of the tent at time of booking.
However, as Mucker already mentioned, each independent site has different dimensions for large tents, therefore, always come clean about tent size and ask about potential extra cost that may be incurred first to avoid disappointment.
DK
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Hi
As Mucker has already said there is no set pitch size on independent camp sites. A lot of campsites near the coast especially down here in the South tend just to have a few large pitches which tend to get booked early especially if you are wanting an electric pitch. When we book we always state the tent size and point out that this size does not include guys and make sure that we can actually get the car on as well
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Our tent is 7.3 x 4.4m excluding guys and I always book a larger pitch mainly for the reason that I like to spread out
From my experience, it seems to depend on what is on offer at the site to the size of pitches. The more family orientated sites seem to have smaller pitches or charge for a larger one, but like most have said I would agree in saying that a phone call stating the size of your tent will avoid any problems when you arrive on site.
I have found that the independent sites are quite flexible about this if they can be. I remember when we first went to buy a tent we checked with the site we wanted to visit and was told they accept tents up to 5 metres long only. With that in mind we went looking for a tent no longer than 5 metres. As I walked round camp shops and displays the 1st question would be How long is it, not even looking at the tent from the will it suit us point of view. I then came to my senses and bought the tent we actually wanted, and just found another site. So if you want the corado 8 and feel a smaller tent wont suit you buy the corado and find sites that will take it. Don't forget its you and your family that's got to live in it for your holiday. Geoff
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In our experience any tent of 5+ berth is regarded as a family pitch, and attracts the highest rate. Some places will seek you a premium pitch that includes more space (what you'd need with your size) so you can park next to it and also enable yountonuse a windbreak.
Other sites give a cheaper rate to 1-2 man backpacker tents.
However check carefully because some sites cannot accommodate any large tents ie bigger than 6m by 3m. This is because they need minimum separation distances between units and also factor in cars.
Most CCC sites will accommodate you, however your tent size will likely take you into jumbo pitch territory. Their sites are quite regimented in terms of layout. Something more laid back layout wise and you'll be accomodated as a regular family tent in most cases.
Worth checking ahead to avoid disappointment. Note that some places will only accommodate a large tent on non EHU pitches or vice versa. Some EHU is on hard standing only where the pitch size is fixed - usually long enough for most tents but sometimes not wide enough.
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Topic: Extra Large Tent Charges
