CAMC CHARGES

[David and Sally]

So you pay hundreds of pounds to cover a site with wifi, you have to maintain it you have to pay a provider for the broadband and your customers want it for free. Either it’s In The cost of a pitch or you pay for it, it’s never free.

It is in restaurants, pubs, hotels and other places.

 

[David and Sally]

Pathetic reductions on pitches they have doubled in price over the recent past.

Still a NO from us but we will have to renew as we are using their Spanish holiday locations in the winter.

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[Coolcats]

It is in restaurants, pubs, hotels and other places.

Every business has a different model, I guess there are not many restaurants, pubs and hotels that have to install WiFi across acres of land so that 50 or 60 people can stream a movie, with masts and repeaters and power. The cost to do so is different, some moan about the speed if the speed is right people moan about the cost and others spend £90+ on Starlink a month, nothing is free not even the pricy meal you eat in a restaurant.

If you think about a meal in a restaurant, what a rip off...if you were just paying the cost of the food.... but you are not your are also paying for the decor, the ambiance, the service (including that pesky wifi and who in their right mind uses wifi when they are with their partner or family).

Otherwise there would be a riot for paying £80 for £10 of food

A campsite in France put a polite not up to explain why they charge, the cost to them to run it reliably (as they are not IT experts) along with it actually helps towards keeping someone employed....how socialist eh

 

[Kybod]

I'm presently pitched on the Blackmore CCC site. As a solo, with age concession, I'm paying £15.32 a night.
The CMC site nextdoor, literally over the fence, expected me to pay £22 a night for what is basically the same.
In recent years I've reduced my use of CMC sites to the non facility or racecourse sites.
Mike

 

[Coolcats]

Have they publicised this at all? I didn't know about it.

They did earlier in the year announcing that the sites were going to be upgraded to the BT network limited unless you pay extra

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[starquake]

Installing wifi "done well" is a costly endeavour -> and what I've seen of what is done by CAMC is not even done "well". By well, I mean actual hardwired cables to each access point (no wifi backhaul), mounted on poles, high quality exterior grade access points with suitable antenna each to cover no more than a 10-15metre at max range area from the AP (ie, with 6m spacing, prob at total). Each access point of a done "well" system will cost £500 for just the AP, without the antenna options, pole, cabling. It's probably near £1000 per 9 vans to do it what I'd call "well".

I have no complaints at the CAMC in this endeavour, as personally I don't care about wifi provision from them preferring to supply my own. I know others may differ, but it's no major differentiator.

I note the CACC also provide free wifi, but it's not that usable, and it's a bonus if it works, not a "major" part of our decision.

 

[starquake]

Every business has a different model, I guess there are not many restaurants, pubs and hotels that have to install WiFi across acres of land so that 50 or 60 people can stream a movie, with masts and repeaters and power. The cost to do so is different, some moan about the speed if the speed is right people moan about the cost and others spend £90+ on Starlink a month, nothing is free not even the pricy meal you eat in a restaurant.

Not only that as it's reasonably common that the fruit machine provider for a pub/resturaunt/hotel type operation will provide wifi for machine updates anyhow, so provide access points for their kit with public access as a bonus.

You can thank the gamblers in your local ... sometimes... for the wifi. But my point is it's not the pub always supplying it. Maybe CAMC should add fruit machines.

And the point on coverage is also true, an interior access point is "very cheap". £160 for a typical pro grade unifi AP to cover usually half a floor of a big pub+ about £100 to get someone to run a cable to it, and hide it/ceiling mount it (Cisco kit is more but most pubs I've been to tend to use Unifi now)..

If you look at (many) true external AP's the price is usually £500 before you add the costly antenna to go further, and exterior grade armoured cat5/6 cable is also not cheap. Unifi AP's I mention are exterior rated, except when you read the small print they have to be under a ledge or have some protect from direct "rain". -> they are not a model anyone sensible puts on a pole like CAMC need.

 

[Thornebt]

Not only that as it's reasonably common that the fruit machine provider for a pub/resturaunt/hotel type operation will provide wifi for machine updates anyhow, so provide access points for their kit with public access as a bonus.

You can thank the gamblers in your local ... sometimes... for the wifi. But my point is it's not the pub always supplying it. Maybe CAMC should add fruit machines.

That sounds good. Would the CAMC need to install a fruit machine on every pitch?

 

[starquake]

That sounds good. Would the CAMC need to install a fruit machine on every pitch?

I hope not seriously... but it was just an illustration to how the bar trade differs. It's actually so the machine leasing provider can check the pub isn't stealing cash in seriousness from what I understand as most of the modern machiens these days (the multi game ones) are really just computers with coin/note in/out slots.

 

[Dolmen]

the CAMC have a business model and a targeted audience, bit like the tv, if you don't like it switch over or off. By en large they provide spacious pitches, reliable power and mostly clean toilets and showers, if you don't want all that then the sites are not for you, no point going there and moaning afterwards, just don't go and they are certainly not for long termers who are wandering for a few months at a time. As for pricing it all seems pretty reasonable to me. I have always thought £15 for site with electricity and waste, £25 if shower and toilet include, £35 if in high season, and anything at all for a pitch where people are begging to be let in eg York or Cornwall during the holiday season. I enjoy the odd night on their sites and love Abbey Wood, however, they do not normally have sites where I want to go so get limited business from me. The increase we have seen in prices is nothing compared to the way hotels have increased, this Sunday I have to part with North of £300 for I night at the O2 intercontinental, certainly couldn't contemplate a fortnight break there

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[Coolcats]

Installing wifi "done well" is a costly endeavour -> and what I've seen of what is done by CAMC is not even done "well". By well, I mean actual hardwired cables to each access point (no wifi backhaul), mounted on poles, high quality exterior grade access points with suitable antenna each to cover no more than a 10-15metre at max range area from the AP (ie, with 6m spacing, prob at total). Each access point of a done "well" system will cost £500 for just the AP, without the antenna options, pole, cabling. It's probably near £1000 per 9 vans to do it what I'd call "well".

I have no complaints at the CAMC in this endeavour, as personally I don't care about wifi provision from them preferring to supply my own. I know others may differ, but it's no major differentiator.

I note the CACC also provide free wifi, but it's not that usable, and it's a bonus if it works, not a "major" part of our decision.

I agree and hopefully the upgrade will make a difference...

 

[Verteuil Man]

We have just stayed for 1 night at CAMC site The Howard, Rosedale Abbey. We are touring and using pubs for stopovers and going to a site for getting rid of grey and black and refilling with fresh water. It's a very nice site in the middle of Heartbeat country. No showers or toilets but we have those on board and use them. They have the ne BT wifi which is free, once you register for 1 hour. Once the hour is up you reconnect again, free. The site fee was £23 which included ehu. Which in the scheme of things is less than a round of drinks for four.

 

[starquake]

We have just stayed for 1 night at CAMC site The Howard, Rosedale Abbey.. The site fee was £23 which included ehu. Which in the scheme of things is less than a round of drinks for four.

I have to admit the CAMC sites without showers and toilets are VERY reasonably priced -> one of our stays this year has been Thetford which was similarly priced. Only complaint there was the water was so slow to fill the van I wished I had took water from home. (took near 30 mins to fill the van).

I just wish there were more of them, and if they are that price with electric, can't they be £10-15 without?

 

[seasideBill]

the CAMC have a business model and a targeted audience, bit like the tv, if you don't like it switch over or off. By en large they provide spacious pitches, reliable power and mostly clean toilets and showers, if you don't want all that then the sites are not for you, no point going there and moaning afterwards, just don't go and they are certainly not for long termers who are wandering for a few months at a time. As for pricing it all seems pretty reasonable to me. I have always thought £15 for site with electricity and waste, £25 if shower and toilet include, £35 if in high season, and anything at all for a pitch where people are begging to be let in eg York or Cornwall during the holiday season. I enjoy the odd night on their sites and love Abbey Wood, however, they do not normally have sites where I want to go so get limited business from me. The increase we have seen in prices is nothing compared to the way hotels have increased, this Sunday I have to part with North of £300 for I night at the O2 intercontinental, certainly couldn't contemplate a fortnight break there

At some point in these kind of debates somebody comes along and reminds us that if we don’t like it, we know what we can do. I think most of us know that, but it misses the point. The business model should be that of an organisation run on behalf of and in the interests of its members - it no longer is and folks who’ve been members for many years don’t like it, me included. Comparisons with fancy hotels aren’t really relevant, but it’s true these days that hotels can be cheaper options than a pitch on a CAMC site in a similar location.

 

[Dolmen]

At some point in these kind of debates somebody comes along and reminds us that if we don’t like it, we know what we can do. I think most of us know that, but it misses the point. The business model should be that of an organisation run on behalf of and in the interests of its members - it no longer is and folks who’ve been members for many years don’t like it, me included. Comparisons with fancy hotels aren’t really relevant, but it’s true these days that hotels can be cheaper options than a pitch on a CAMC site in a similar location.

Pleased I was able to remind you although not quite sure what kind of hotels you are using if they come out cheaper than a CAMC site.

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[teddybear]

Not sure that you need to look at multi stared hotels for high prices.recently had 3 night at a travel lodge followed by 4 in a B&B.cost just under £1000. Remember working out how many nights would have got if using M/H had been an option

 

[Verteuil Man]

Just having a look online.

Burrs CP 31.90
Chester Fairoaks 33.20

Travelogue
Bury 75.00
Chester 68.00 and 59.00

 

[starquake]

At some point in these kind of debates somebody comes along and reminds us that if we don’t like it, we know what we can do. I think most of us know that, but it misses the point. The business model should be that of an organisation run on behalf of and in the interests of its members - it no longer is and folks who’ve been members for many years don’t like it, me included. Comparisons with fancy hotels aren’t really relevant, but it’s true these days that hotels can be cheaper options than a pitch on a CAMC site in a similar location.

Exactly ! £25 a night on hotels is easily possible. I've already paid more for CAMC sites some nights this year.
I will admit £25 a ni on a hotel/B&B will often require booking very much in advance, during a sale etc but it's a different value proposition. We can't take the dog on many hotel stays though.

I look at CAMC personally like working mens membership clubs up "north". One in my father in laws town is still £2 a pint (everyone in family is a member and pays their dues). If I was to liken them to CAMC and their recent behaviour they'd be charging £5 a pint, and complaining about the electric bills. I mean their prices have all gone up in last year for electirc bills etc, but it's a smal rise, not a large one - vodka rose from 50p a shot to about 75p.

 

[Garratt]

The business model should be that of an organisation run on behalf of and in the interests of its members - it no longer is and folks who’ve been members for many years don’t like it, me included. Comparisons with fancy hotels aren’t really relevant, but it’s true these days that hotels can be cheaper options than a pitch on a CAMC site in a similar location.

I wouldn't want to stay in hotel that was cheaper per night than a CAMC site! I'm also not convinced by your assertion that the CAMC isn't run in the interests of its members - a few people on here moaning doesn't represent a consensus, and frankly some seem to see CAMC bashing as a sport. We typically stay at their sites in preference to private sites and those of the other clubs. We appreciate spacious pitches, clean and modern showers and toilet blocks, well kept and tidy grounds in good locations, and as such, the club provides me with what I want. More of the sites are installing solar thermal systems for hot water on the shower blocks, which reduces their gas consumption, and we have stayed on a number of sites that have benefitted from shower block refurbishments or other improvements. I'm glad that they charge a price that allows their assets to be maintained properly rather than run into the ground, and also glad that they are acquiring additional sites for the club as the opportunity arises.

I have stayed at a number of privately owned and operated sites, and they aren't to the same standard as CAMC sites and in two out of the three times this year, they were more expensive.

 

[busby]

Pathetic reductions on pitches they have doubled in price over the recent past.

Still a NO from us but we will have to renew as we are using their Spanish holiday locations in the winter.

Price Drop - The Caravan and Motorhome Club

We've dropped our prices on over 100,000 pitches for selected dates at 6 Club campsites - making them up to 10% cheaper than 2024! Hurry - there is limited availability at these prices, book today with just a £5 deposit!

www.caravanclub.co.uk

Sure you can book their Spanish locations direct with the site,,BUSBY.

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[Verteuil Man]

Sure you can book their Spanish locations direct with the site,,BUSBY.

Not at the CAMC rate you can't and you cannot join in on the rally activities.

 

[cyberyacht]

The CL sites can be really good value so we will remain members, albeit reluctantly

I also remain a member for the CLs. I have noticed lately that they are getting a bit pricey with £25/£30 not being uncommon and £20/22 now appears the norm for new CLs. The CL I'm on now is £22 with EHU and is nothing special. Realistically I would expect, even allowing for inflation etc., that a sensible price for what is provided to be no more than £16/£18. I am seeking out ever more more 'wild camping' spots as time progresses. It certainly doesn't encourage staying in the UK for trips.

 

[David and Sally]

Sure you can book their Spanish locations direct with the site,,BUSBY.

They put together a very comprehensive package of ferries and three sites that saved me a massive amount of time and effort. To be fair to them they were very easy to talk to and very slick.
For all that the membership fees are worth it but we are avoiding their sites in favour of ccc and independents.

 

[TwistNShout]

I last stayed on a CAMC site in 2007 (I've just checked) and that was on a centre rally so it was probably at a cheaper rate, as I found them expensive and too busy. We continue to be members as we use CLs a lot, prices go up but we think they are still generally great value. So we pay the yearly fee just so we have access to the CL network. If you think their sites are too expensive, don't use them.

 

[gus-lopez]

At some point in these kind of debates somebody comes along and reminds us that if we don’t like it, we know what we can do.

Here in Spain that would be the business/company/site you are complaining about. "do you want to cancel" is usually the first reply they give

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[Verteuil Man]

A Club is only as good as its members and what you use. We rally with Cheshire Centre which use the CAMC insurances and exemption. We have done well over 600 rallies which are open to any member. Just using the big sites is not a good use of the membership. Commercial sites will be cheaper.

 

[DavidG58]

We like CL’s and now expect to pay £20 / night there are a few cheaper but not many unless they have no facilities

I think twice that price to run a much larger site with the much larger running costs seems about right to me

‘Members’ save about £10 / night , I really don’t see why the price is an issue, nearly everything we buy has doubled in price over 10 years including membership of our own forum

 

[seasideBill]

Pleased I was able to remind you although not quite sure what kind of hotels you are using if they come out cheaper than a CAMC site.

Admittedly they generally don’t include bath robes & slippers, but somewhere like Premier Inn is perfectly ok for my simple needs and they can and do rival CAMC prices on some occasions. The independent sector operate dynamic pricing and that’s ok, but CAMC completely inappropriately do the same - works against the interests of tourers and MH in particular who are guaranteed the worst possible deal.

 

[seasideBill]

I wouldn't want to stay in hotel that was cheaper per night than a CAMC site! I'm also not convinced by your assertion that the CAMC isn't run in the interests of its members - a few people on here moaning doesn't represent a consensus, and frankly some seem to see CAMC bashing as a sport. We typically stay at their sites in preference to private sites and those of the other clubs. We appreciate spacious pitches, clean and modern showers and toilet blocks, well kept and tidy grounds in good locations, and as such, the club provides me with what I want. More of the sites are installing solar thermal systems for hot water on the shower blocks, which reduces their gas consumption, and we have stayed on a number of sites that have benefitted from shower block refurbishments or other improvements. I'm glad that they charge a price that allows their assets to be maintained properly rather than run into the ground, and also glad that they are acquiring additional sites for the club as the opportunity arises.

I have stayed at a number of privately owned and operated sites, and they aren't to the same standard as CAMC sites and in two out of the three times this year, they were more expensive.

There’s absolutely nothing special about most CAMC sites with the possible exception of rules and signs. As for using them for continental trips, all I can say is why would you? I think a lot of folks just default to CAMC like comfortable old shoes rather than explore the huge and diverse range of options out there - UK & overseas. CAMC bashing if you like, but well deserved.

 

[colyboy]

I thought this a “club” not a commercial enterprise!

As I understand we have representatives from each region on the committee if we have why are they not voting against these very prices.!!

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