DSB...you make some good and accurate comments and I don't think you are too far from me in your opinions so there is little point in me labouring the minor points save to say that you use a caravan which is a very different kettle of fish to a tent when it comes to certain issues of 'quality'...i.e. the standard of grass pitches to name but one. You have also referred to the Caravan Club of which I have no knowledge or experience although I have heard good reports. You have mentioned that you are less happy with the Camping and Caravanning Club sites and it is the C&CC with which I have had unhappy experiences and in this we both seem to agree.
I don't find the C&CC good value for money, certainly in the areas where I do my camping. I gather, although I have no way of judging, that they have some lovely sites in other areas, especially up north, so I am sure there are as many people with a good opinion as a bad....if there wasn't the club would simply go into decline. I can only give my opinions based on my own personal experiences.
DSB...you make some good and accurate comments and I don't think you are too far from me in your opinions so there is little point in me labouring the minor points save to say that you use a caravan which is a very different kettle of fish to a tent when it comes to certain issues of 'quality'...i.e. the standard of grass pitches to name but one. You have also referred to the Caravan Club of which I have no knowledge or experience although I have heard good reports. You have mentioned that you are less happy with the Camping and Caravanning Club sites and it is the C&CC with which I have had unhappy experiences and in this we both seem to agree.
I don't find the C&CC good value for money, certainly in the areas where I do my camping. I gather, although I have no way of judging, that they have some lovely sites in other areas, especially up north, so I am sure there are as many people with a good opinion as a bad....if there wasn't the club would simply go into decline. I can only give my opinions based on my own personal experiences.
So sorry Bob. Didn't cotton on that you were not a caravanner. Talking of poor pitches. We went on a hardstanding site last summer in Cornwall (not a CC or C&CC site) and the pitch was a complete mess. Rather than nicely laid gravel, it was more like some one had dumped a whole load of random stones from a local tip or something, and tried to roll them into some sort of hard standing - big stones, small stones - you name it - wished we had stuck to the grass, which was in excellent nick. I just didn't get it!
I used to have a caravan for awhile but I wasn't a member of a club then. I think the worst pitch I went on with the caravan was a hardstanding which was so sloping the rear of the caravan was almost on the ground and the front jockey wheel was raised on bricks as were the fully extended front stays. I also put bricks under the wheels just in case the brake slipped...bricks were supplied by the site
I've never ever had to pay a deposit at any of the sites I've stayed at. These are "Independent" sites (to me, "commercial" means a site with a clubhouse, bar, disco & mini-mart. Horrible, noisy places. Not really conducive to a good "camping" experience).
I'm still in 2 minds, but I think I will be giving the clubs a miss this season. Like I said, I've never had to pay a deposit before & I feel there is a fantastic choice of independent sites in the UK. I don't want loads of facilities, in fact I find the less facilities a site has, the quieter it generally is. I also like to book last minute, I hate to plan my holidays months in advance (I realise this is a necessity for families), as I camp solo I like to be spontaneous, I also like to tour, not stay in one place for a week or two. Also, I use both tents & a caravan, so the CC is definitely out for me, although I would love to give it a try, as I really don't think I would fit in at all.
I realise my situation is very different to others, but for me the clubs simply wouldn't be worth it. I think I will join up next season though (providing the world doesn't end on Dec. 23rd, as predicted), as I would like to at least give it a try. My only previous experience was as a teenager, holidaying with my parents, back in the 90s.
1a (1): occupied with or engaged in commerce or work intended for commerce <a commercial artist>
(2): of or relating to commerce <commercial regulations>
(3): characteristic of commerce <commercial weights>
(4): suitable, adequate, or prepared for commerce <found oil in commercial quantities>
1b (1): being of an average or inferior quality <commercial oxalic acid><show-quality versus commercial cattle>
(2): producing artistic work of low standards for quick market success
2a : viewed with regard to profit <a commercial success>b : designed for a large market
3: emphasizing skills and subjects useful in business <a commercial school>
4: supported by advertisers <commercial TV>
I would suggest that the definition for commercial campsites comes under 2a above. Club sites are supposed to be non-commercial and run by members for it's members, any profits being used to improve and maintain the club's facilities...er...yeah...right!
I only said "what it means to me", but thanks anyway Bob.
I still prefer to call them Independent Sites. I quite like the sound of the word "Independent", it kind of makes me think of the little guy, the underdog. David going up against Goliath.
Quote: Originally posted by magsruby on 15/1/2012
I only said "what it means to me", but thanks anyway Bob.
I still prefer to call them Independent Sites. I quite like the sound of the word "Independent", it kind of makes me think of the little guy, the underdog. David going up against Goliath.
Well, you get what I mean.
I know what you mean about the David & Goliath thing.
Quote: Originally posted by magsruby on 15/1/2012I only said "what it means to me", but thanks anyway Bob.
I still prefer to call them Independent Sites. I quite like the sound of the word "Independent", it kind of makes me think of the little guy, the underdog. David going up against Goliath.
Well, you get what I mean.
I know what you mean about the David & Goliath thing.
Quote: Originally posted by magsruby on 15/1/2012
I only said "what it means to me", but thanks anyway Bob.
I still prefer to call them Independent Sites. I quite like the sound of the word "Independent", it kind of makes me think of the little guy, the underdog. David going up against Goliath.
Well, you get what I mean.
I know what you mean about the David & Goliath thing.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: C&CC Info
Talking of poor pitches. We went on a hardstanding site last summer in Cornwall (not a CC or C&CC site) and the pitch was a complete mess. Rather than nicely laid gravel, it was more like some one had dumped a whole load of random stones from a local tip or something, and tried to roll them into some sort of hard standing - big stones, small stones - you name it - wished we had stuck to the grass, which was in excellent nick. I just didn't get it!
