Creating a new Campsite

[VandM]

Hello Funsters.
We're creating a small, simple (and affordable) MoHo site on our island of Rousay, Orkney.
The plan is it's to have level hardstanding with grass awning/sitting area adjacent and the very simplest of facilities to keep the whole project as environmentally low impact as possible.
Did this type of "Aire" what do people consider to be absolutely essential?
So many coach-built and converted MoHo's now have full onboard facilities, solar etc we're looking at offering the best value pitches whilst still allowing the visitors to the island to have a comfortable (level) stay.

 

[Marmanlady]

What an awesome idea, I take my hat off to you, when can we visit ?

 

[Lenny HB]

Nice idea for us no facilities are fine but most will want water & black disposal.

 

[VandM]

What an awesome idea, I take my hat off to you, when can we visit ?

Folk are welcome to park-up on our house plot next door anytime they like (advance notice appreciated) but the micro campsite is going through the early stages with view to having it all in place before April 2022.

 

[Stonemags76]

Essential for us is chemical disposal, water supply & rubbish disposal! Anything else is a bonus!

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[Swozer]

The three other main facilities would be: water, chemical toilet disposal and grey water disposal. Have you got those covered or just so obvious not worth mentioning? Oh, and can you make sun shine on my solar panel?
Other than that, sounds great and good luck.

 

[Richard n Ann]

If you keep the facilities the same as the club temporary holiday sites, ie water supply and chemical toilet disposal, that's all you need

 

[Littlewheels]

Nice idea for us no facilities are fine but most will want water & black disposal.

I agree completely keep the facilities to a minimum,water, and as stated grey and black waste disposal essential, get the biggest Cess Pit you can and charge for non stayers disposal also.

 

[VandM]

I agree completely keep the facilities to a minimum,water, and as stated grey and black waste disposal essential, get the biggest Cess Pit you can and charge for non stayers disposal also.

We don't have large numbers of vehicles/people coming onto the island, when they do they come over on the first or second ferry from Orkney Mainland then get one back over in the late afternoon. Our hope would be to encourage people to stay for one or two nights, explore the amazing archaeology, beaches and RSPB reserves we have and generally explore the island. This would also help give an alternative to off-site camping (which is totally fine but at least our site would give an option).

 

[DBK]

My brother was on a similar place in Dumfries and Galloway very recently. It was a CL and thus listed on the CMC website and in their book. They had five bays all hard standing with grass between and all had electric hook up points. The hard standing and electric are essential if you want to attract people all year round. They had also recently opened a very small toilet/shower block. Price was £15 per night. It was doing a good trade.

You will find many on here who will say they only want a tap in the corner of a field and don't need electricity. This may be fine for them, fine upstanding folk as they are, but they are most certainly not typical of the average motorhome user now, especially those coming into it for the first time in hired vans. I've been on a few CMC sites over the last couple of weeks and all have been very busy and all had electric at every pitch.

Downside is cost, installing electric and meeting all the regulations isn't cheap but it is what most people want.

If you want to go for something larger than five pitches you are going to have to go through a lot of planning hoops. I heard the other day the Nevis Range at Fort William had to have a £20K flood assessment report done before they could start charging MHs to stay overnight there.

If the Highlands and Islands Development Board still exists see what help they can offer.

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[berni109]

Good to hear.
I think electricty would be a nice to have but personally dont need it.
The cost of installation and maintenance would imho be prohibitive.
Black waste and fresh water is the minimum you need. Watch out for blue formaldehyde chemicals killing the bacteria in your waste system.

 

[denisejoe]

It sounds like an area where one would only stay one or two nights so can see no need for EHU at all. As far as we are concerned all we need is water and black waste assuming that grey waste would be dumped around the edge of the site the same as at THSs.

Even in winter we don't use EHU if only staying one or two nights; everything in the van is 12v or gas.

 

[VandM]

It sounds like an area where one would only stay one or two nights so can see no need for EHU at all. As far as we are concerned all we need is water and black waste assuming that grey waste would be dumped around the edge of the site the same as at THSs.

Even in winter we don't use EHU if only staying one or two nights; everything in the van is 12v or gas.

That's pretty much our thinking too. There's only one road, 13 miles long, circumnavigating the island. Even without full mains EHU we'd offer free freezer block swaps, 12v charging station from solar/battery bank and a communal cooking and socialising area.

 

[Langtoftlad]

Take a look at what Spital Caravans, Kendal offer.
No toilets nor showers.
Each hardstanding pitch has water & grey waste, ehu of course.
Motorhome service point. Elsan point.
Access is via number plate recognition.
Very little manpower needed.
£15/nt

 

[Littlewheels]

We don't have large numbers of vehicles/people coming onto the island, when they do they come over on the first or second ferry from Orkney Mainland then get one back over in the late afternoon. Our hope would be to encourage people to stay for one or two nights, explore the amazing archaeology, beaches and RSPB reserves we have and generally explore the island. This would also help give an alternative to off-site camping (which is totally fine but at least our site would give an option).

I think you might have stumbled onto a great reason for people to stay! Many folk are really nervous of so called wilding they prefer the security of being where they know they are allowed to stay along with the simple facilities you are already aware of. In view of encouraging longer stays you might consider metering EHU. Your knowledge of the island will also go a long way in longer stays also.
l wish you every success in your endeavour and feel sure once you market your facility through a little Social Media along with a placement in Search For Sites and Camper Contact you will enjoy an income level to make it all worthwhile.

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[lorger]

Last week we stayed at a CL in Chipping Norton, basically a grass field with EHU, WC point and fresh water. Entry to the site was via an electric gate operated by calling a number, only interaction with owner was for payment as they wanted cash.

 

[Mr Drizz]

Agree with the others. A shower block would be a very nice to have but not completely necessary. My small van doesn't have a shower.

But I understand a shower block is a really investment and requires looking after.

 

[Littlewheels]

Even without full mains EHU we'd offer free freezer block swaps, 12v charging station from solar/battery bank and a communal cooking and socialising area.

I have only just caught this, you are seriously overthinking it.just saying.

 

[WillH]

Water and black waste disposal, essential. Anything more is just icing on the cake. Go for it, 'they will come '.

 

[AJM2]

You will find many on here who will say they only want a tap in the corner of a field and don't need electricity. This may be fine for them, fine upstanding folk as they are, but they are most certainly not typical of the average motorhome user now, especially those coming into it for the first time in hired vans.
Totally agree. I personally would suggest water, waste disposal (both) and at least a basic toilet facility. If you believe people will stay for a few nights they can possibly do without electricity and a shower but I do think many will not be willing to go without the others. Just my opinion.

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[Littlewheels]

You will find many on here who will say they only want a tap in the corner of a field and don't need electricity. This may be fine for them, fine upstanding folk as they are, but they are most certainly not typical of the average motorhome user now, especially those coming into it for the first time in hired vans.
Totally agree. I personally would suggest water, waste disposal (both) and at least a basic toilet facility. If you believe people will stay for a few nights they can possibly do without electricity and a shower but I do think many will not be willing to go without the others. Just my opinion.

I cannot for a minute think they someone in a Hire MH which are generally hired for a holiday period that being 14 days max would want to go all the way to the Isle of Rousay will stay a few nights if in fact they reach it at all,it’s much more likely that the established MHomer will as they have the time to do so.

 

[lunarman]

VandM have you considered contacting Jim about being a fun cl

 

[movan]

Just want to say good luck with your dream. I'm sure you will get much support. Respect to you. Xx

 

[mitzimad]

one line of promtion maybe in conjunction with the ferry company in the same way the isle of wight campsites do it

 

[Ivory55]

I have only just caught this, you are seriously overthinking it.just saying.

They might be offering 12v charging after seeing all these jakery things that the van converters are plugging

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[hja]

Water, black waste definates. Grey waste in the hedges? If not where. Hardstandings good. Personally for two nights we would want electricity. We have a compressor fridge so leisure battery needs to be kept up. We cant all upgrade our batteries and solar. I would suggest looking to meter electricity which means those not wanting it don’t pay for it. I wouldn’t go for loo or shower. If you eventually go for one, I would think loo is more important.
I agree that very few hire m.homes are likely to get to Rousay.
We have holidayed twice in Orkneys, both times with a caravan. Maybe if we go again we will come and visit.

 

[Pausim]

EHU not essential for us and would probably add significantly to your set up costs. Water, loo emptying and rubbish bin would be helpful. Grey water is easily lost back back to the land and prefer to use our own facilities. You started off with small and simple, great idea. Best of luck. We hope to return to Orkney and would happily visit Rousey with only basic facilities.

 

[AJM2]

I cannot for a minute think they someone in a Hire MH which are generally hired for a holiday period that being 14 days max would want to go all the way to the Isle of Rousay will stay a few nights if in fact they reach it at all,it’s much more likely that the established MHomer will as they have the time to do so.

Possibly so, but many established MHomers still like toilet facilities, even if very basic. Spent a few nights recently at a farm site with very rudimentary but acceptable toilet facilities. Wouldn’t have gone otherwise.

 

[Hezbez]

We would come and stay.

In my opinion keep it as simple as possible - a level'ish pitch, water supply and elsan disposal is all that is required for a proper Aire. We don't need/want electric.

Good luck with your venture.

 

[Eggs]

one CS I use have one toilet and one shower in a converted horsebox/trailer, yes it needs cleaning once a day but it upped the owners income. If I was to start a small site like this I'd put in one bollard with 2 outlets for those that need it.

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