The only time we really want a hardstanding is usually in wintertime, as with a motorhome there is the danger that, in wet/soggy/boggy conditions, the vehicle could damage the ground when trying to drive off. We've seen that happen a few times and it takes a long time for that to repair itself, or a lot of work for the site owner to do that. For our own sake we would not want to risk that, but more importantly I think it is not fair on the site owner to subject his/her ground to possible damage. Fortunately we have never been in that position, but also, in winter the CC don't use grass pitches anyway.
But in summer we are not bothered whether we are on grass or not. As I said earlier, I am more than happy with the policy of being able to choose my own pitch, whether that be grass or hardstanding. We always go for position of pitch first, we're not bothered whether it is grass or not.
------------- Ina
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I'm sorry but it is not true that the C&CC DICTATE which pitch you go on. You will probably be shown what is considered a suitable pitch but if you prefer a different pitch that is free and it matches the pitch type you have booked, then they should allowed you to use that pitch if operational conditions allow. Usually we have been happy with the pitch offered but our preferences are always taken into account if possible.
We are usually shown to a particular pitch with C&CC but if we don't like it we have asked for another and have usually been able to move. However sometimes the wardens do place you in a particular spot because they know the pitch conditions and sometimes they are trying to let certain pitches 'breathe' or 'dry out', so that is understandable.
Although members of the CC as well, we seldom use the main club sites as we prefer CLs or CSs.
I'm sorry but it is not true that the C&CC DICTATE which pitch you go on. You will probably be shown what is considered a suitable pitch but if you prefer a different pitch that is free and it matches the pitch type you have booked, then they should allowed you to use that pitch if operational conditions allow. Usually we have been happy with the pitch offered but our preferences are always taken into account if possible.
Kapase
Welcome to the forum, interesting first post. There is surely a difference between having a free choice of available pitches as opposed to having to negotiate a change of allocated pitch. Why do the CC&C operate in such a way. Surely highlighting on a site plan the available pitches would be enough, leaving campers to make their own choice? I have heard that some people like being escourted to their allocated pitch and being helped onto the pitch. That is the last thing I want, I am bad enough at reversing when there is no one watching
David
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Quote: Originally posted by David Klyne on 18/7/2009
Quote: Originally posted by Kepase on 18/7/2009
I'm sorry but it is not true that the C&CC DICTATE which pitch you go on. You will probably be shown what is considered a suitable pitch but if you prefer a different pitch that is free and it matches the pitch type you have booked, then they should allowed you to use that pitch if operational conditions allow. Usually we have been happy with the pitch offered but our preferences are always taken into account if possible.
Kapase
Welcome to the forum, interesting first post. There is surely a difference between having a free choice of available pitches as opposed to having to negotiate a change of allocated pitch. Why do the CC&C operate in such a way. Surely highlighting on a site plan the available pitches would be enough, leaving campers to make their own choice? I have heard that some people like being escourted to their allocated pitch and being helped onto the pitch. That is the last thing I want, I am bad enough at reversing when there is no one watching<IMG border=0 align=absMiddle src="https://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/chatter/forum_images/smiley2.gif" alt=17>
David
Totally agree with you David. We also don't like being told where to pitch, and neither do we understand why the C&CC feel it necessary to operate in that way, yet the CC doesn't. Whether I book a hardstanding or grass pitch on a C&CC, why can I not pick from what is available at the time? I understand there are always different types/lengths of units booked at any one time, but surely that is also the case on CC sites, where there is no allocation of pitches.
I fail to see where the word negotiate comes into being pitched on a C&CC site, surly all you have to do is ‘ask’ to see the choice of pitches.
As the C&CC offer bookings on quite a few different type pitches and more often then not they are grass pitches where correct positioning and ground conditions, even during our fantastic British summer, have to be considered, I can see chaos could pursue if it was left as a free for all.
As for the CC system of pick your own pitches, on one of the forums recently there was some angry people bitterly complaining because they found microunits occupying large pitches and they with their large units having to squeeze into a tight small pitch. One person in fact stated that he was turned away after arriving with a booking because there was not a pitch left big enough to accommodate his unit.
You can please some of the people some of the time but it is impossible to please all of the people all of the time!
What I have found objectionable in this thread so far are the words like dictate, negotiate and ‘not allowed to chose your pitch’ which are all not correct and infer that C&CC sites are more like prisons and the wardens are ogres which is certainly not been my experience, quite the opposite in fact. Yes, you may find unhelpful C&CC wardens but there again you find them on CC and commercial sites as well, that’s life.
Rant over and lets hope this weather improves and the sun shines, all sites and pitches will look and feel a lot nicer in the sun!
I think that most of the time CC wardens use their common sense and take into account bad weather etc, I have stayed on sites where they have saved some hardstandings for expected motor homes.
Under normal conditions I think the first come basis is the best one. We have a caravan and I prefer grass in dry weather.
Though I have already said I like the first come basis, one small gripe for me is when you find that there are very large hardstandings with a small motor home on it and large caravans having to squash on a small pitch and then have to fit an awning into it.
This was a problem one New Year on a CC site, you could book a pitch with or without an awning but I think the wardens system went haywire and as it got full it was chaos.
I feel though on the whole wardens do their job very well, know their sites and customers needs and these problems are few and far between thank goodness.
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HAPPY DAYS
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Quote: Originally posted by Kepase on 19/7/2009
As for the CC system of pick your own pitches, on one of the forums recently there was some angry people bitterly complaining because they <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>found microunits occupying large pitches and they with their large units having to squeeze into a tight small pitch. One person in fact stated that he was turned away after arriving with a booking because there was not a pitch left big enough to accommodate his unit.
When you book a CC site you have to give your unit length. On some sites some of the pitches may be shorter than others. In this case you are advised to ring the site well before you travel to ensure that a suitable pitch is earmarked for you.
If you do not do this, then you may find yourself in the situation you describe.
We have been to quite a few C&CC sites during the last 8 years, initially as tent campers and more recently as caravanners and we have on nearly every occassion been able to choose our pitch from a selection of 3 or 4. When we arrive at a site we are often asked "would you like to be near the play area or would you prefer to be a bit further away?" for example. On one site I was even allowed to walk round with a compass and choose a south facing pitch!
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Topic: Reserving a hardstanding pitch
