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Hi guys.

Myself and my partner have been camping 2/3 times a year for the past 3 years and very much enjoy it. however we have found the sites we've used which allow 'joe bloggs' on have been both over priced and often over crowded with people who seem to want to go on their annual camping alchol binge in large groups!

We've been toying with the idea of joining the camping and caravaning club for some time, my parents are in the caravan club but we have a tent so obviously its no use us joining that! i just wanted to ask a few questions about the club to people on here really:

when is the best time to join? i.e if we join now will that last until july 2010 or end of 09?

what are the benefits in terms of access to decent sites , looking on the website it seems that even some club sites are open to joe bloggs, is this correct?

just how much cheaper is it when you're a member in terms of nightly rates etc?

we tend to camp on bank hols which i know are more expensive but i think some of these sites which charge £60/£70 upwards for a bank hol weekend for a tent with no ecu are frankly criminal. basically we want to escape to nice quiet sites in good locations, yet which have good facilities at good prices, can the club provide this or is it more aimed at those people who camp almost every weekend with only basic facilites? sorry to ask so many questions but i didnt find the website very helpfull!

also (left it late i know) we want to book somewhwere for aug bank hol but you cant browse avaliability on the club site unless your a member!!! so if i join up and pay, i might not even find anything for august, thus menaing i'd be best joining at a later date as aug bank hol will probably be the last time we go in 2009 due to work commitments.

any help whatsoever would be greatly appreciated

regards

joe

Hi Jeb, i joined it in march and am using one of their sites for the first time at the end of Aug. The reason i joined was because the kiddies go free in low season and i have 4 so hopefully should save a few pounds. The membership last for 12 months.

I know what you mean about some sites attracting the wrong sort. I know people want to relax with friends and have a bit of a laugh,but some people really take the pee don't they! 

The one big advantage of joining is that you have use of the certified sites.  These are only allowed 5 caravans and some tents, and they only allow members on.  Some of their own sites will allow non members, but we have found most people who use these sites are there for a holiday and not the annual camping alchohol binge.  

The certified sites  vary in what is on offer.  Some are very basic, others have loos,electric hook up, showers etc.  We stayed on one in the Gower last year overlooking Oxwich Bay, it was wonderful.  They usually tend to be a bit cheaper, but as with everything some have increased their prices quite a lot.

There has been a lot of dicussion on here regarding 'is it worth joining'  we stay members in order to use the small sites.

It is well worth it in our opinion,.For 30 odd quid a year you do save quite a lot on site fees plus you get a stamp book thing and when you have so many nights you get a free one,

We are now in our 9th member year and have no plans to cancel.

As a member you also get a fantastic sites book to which is invaulable,.

I think it's worth joining as their sites have excellent facilities and you have access to the CS's which are great if you want a quiet, no frills break although some have toilets, showers and EHU.

Many of the Club sites are open to non-members but they pay a supplement (about £6-7 extra per night)

They also have Meets and Rallies which are for members only, offering cheap, basic facilities camping (usually about £6 per night) with like minded people.
You can camp with any group (not just the one in your area) so you get nation wide camping at great prices.

The magazine is worth reading and as already mentioned, the Big Sites Book is fab.

 hi nanashirley

           can you tell us where you stayed in the gower overlooking oxwich bay

has we love the gower thanks