The Pros, Pitfalls, and Perks of Membership
Ask a room full of caravan owners about the Caravan Club, and you'll hear everything from glowing praise to a mildly raised eyebrow. With hundreds of sites across the UK and a reputation older than some of the vans in use, the club certainly offers something. But is that "something" worth the annual fee?
Let's get into it - without the brochure fluff, but also without the grumpy forum rants.
What You Actually Get with Membership
First, the tangible bits. These are the perks that go on paper (and sometimes convince you whilst the kettle boils).
- Access to over 2,700 sites - That includes official club sites and certified locations. Some are in stunning spots. Others... well, they're near a B-road with a nice hedge.
- Discounts on ferry bookings, insurance, and days out - If you tour often, this adds up surprisingly fast.
- Priority booking during peak season - Which matters when everyone else is trying to cram into Devon in August.
- A monthly magazine - Surprisingly decent, actually. Tips, reviews, and the occasional member anecdote that reads like a sitcom.
Reasons You Might Not Bother
It's not all rose-tinted skylights and discounted awning pitches. Depending on how you caravan, the club might not hit the spot.
- Rigid rules - Some love the structure. Others find it a bit... well, officious.
- Price - Membership isn't extortionate, but it's still money you might prefer to spend on sausages and scenery.
- Not ideal for wild campers - If you're into rugged, remote spots without the hum of hook-up cables, the club's polished setups might feel a bit too neat.
Questions to Ask Yourself First
It's not about whether the club is good or bad - it's whether it fits you.
- Do you tour often enough to justify it?
- Do you prefer peace of mind over spontaneous wild pitches?
- Do you fancy a bit of community - or prefer to keep to yourself?
- Would you actually use the discounts on ferries, breakdown cover, or events?
Insurance Matters Too
Club membership sometimes comes with access to discounted caravan insurance - worth checking the fine print. Whatever you decide, don't skip proper insurance for your van. Whether you're on a club site or up a Cornish hill, accidents, theft, or storm damage can still happen.
Verdict: It Depends on How You Roll
If you like structure, easy booking, and the reassurance of a well-managed site, then yes - it probably is worth it. If you prefer parking next to a stone wall in the middle of nowhere with only sheep for neighbours, maybe less so. Either way, it's your journey. Just make sure your bacon doesn't burn whilst you're debating the pros and cons.