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After many years searching we have finally found the perfect land to open a Camp site in South Wales and were wondering if any of you nice park owners would be willing to spare us a little time to answer some questions. we know this is probably quite cheeky, but would really appreciate some help!!

We know you are very busy at this time of year,and are willing to travel to your site if you can fit us in.

Regards

Janet & Stephen

I am not a campsite owner, but would love to do it one day.  I think people who have been camping as a hobby will make better owners than people who have just inherited some land and want to make money from it.

One problem is that unless the land already has planning permission on it ( which means it might be expensive ) you might have to apply to the planning department for change of use.

Brian

Janet and Stephen,

I think you are right, not a good time of year to try and get us to sit still for a minute! Especially with the weather worries as well, but, of course I'd be happy to see you here, after the bank holiday to talk about it. We did ours from scratch and had absolutely no knowledge. Except that we had always camped and wanted somewhere we would want to stay. We were always delighted with the help and reception that we got from 'the industry'.

It's no bed of roses   But we wouldn't go back to farming now, and every day brings new challenges and delights. (this morning it is drains lol)

KatieB

we are busy and with the rain there are added pressures but if you would like to come and chat with us or email any questions then we'd be happy to chat about things, obviously avoid the bank holiday but any other time no problem.

Planning permission and licences and insurance are the things you really need to sort, then ensure you have plenty of money to invest - in our experience whatever your budget is, set that, and then double it which brings you in about right for whatever you wish to do.  Also you really need to be very very very patience and good with people, I know this is an odd thing to say but if you see some of my recent posts some folks really do test your patience.  And you can spend years having a park of happy campers and then one will be unreasonable and spoil it for all.

Liz

see site owners in wales think and even post at the same time eh KatieB!

it's been raining for weeks with us, last few days haven't been bad, but we have had to invest in a roadway round what was our lovely grassed field as it has all turned to mud.  am now looking at what we can do when we close for tenters as if we keep getting summers like this we are soon not going to be able to take tents as the grass is turning to mud as fast as you look at it.  we all ready have 4 pitches out of use!

any ideas? 

Liz

Although we have had rain, its not been as bad as some areas of the country, drizzling here in Somerset today. 

Best of Luck to Janet & Stephen - we purchased an ongoing camp/caravan park after many years of camping & caravanning.  Any advise we can give just ask, but you may be bettr talking to the Site owners in Wales as sometimes things can differ in different areas.

Hi Liz - Sounds like you have had a lot more rain than us - pitches for tents are always a problem when the weathers bad - no ideal solution comes to mind - best of luck!

I am new to the industry too - but working with an owner who has 15 years of experience here at Dalesbridge to draw on. I find this the most fascinating and enjoyable job - the beautiful countryside and an ever changing scene of people to enjoy!

Each week is so very different from the last - we have justy finished hosting a 2-week Vegan Camp and are now full with families, scouts, DofE participants etc. - never dull (though often wet!!).

I feel certain my lovely boss will be happy to share his knowledge once we get through the busiest part of the season and would suggest you come up with a list of questions to start with. Do get in touch when you like and I will pass your mail on to Jon. You can get in touch via our website at Dalesbridge.co.uk

Best of luck with your plans.

Tina