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Folks are different, thankfully CL network provides for all. Some of the loveliest CLs we have ever stayed on have been down tight lanes and with ordinary sized drive gates. It’s never been something that’s put us off to be honest, if the CL is in an interesting area, is peaceful and quiet, tidy, safe and with all the things we need, then we are fine. I recognise that others want more, nothing wrong with that. 

A lot of places in Cornwall and Devon are down very tight roads. It’s the very nature of the countryside. One of our chief delights when down there is exploring any road that has an “unsuitable for long vehicles” sign on it. Down there can be found places only those who can reverse, or aren’t too precious about their vehicles will venture.

Another of our favourite beaches, devoid of many humans, even in August....

I have just looked at the latest club magazine. One new CL and 33 closures! I suppose some of this may be down to the current situation, but at this rate there won't be a CL network left.

 

KH

There was a very good post on one of the Facebook groups from the people that run Skybarn CL explaining the ins and outs of running a CL. It would seem that more and more people are demanding more and more facilities and it is possible that those that are unwilling/unable to provide such facilities are seeing occupancy drop down to levels that make it not worthwhile running a CL. Given the current situation with COVID 19 where half the season has been wiped out I suspect it has concentrated the minds of those that were perhaps in two minds whether to carry on. By the end of the year there may be even more drop out. There may be some previous CL's that have converted to proper campsites which allows them to grow their business and I suppose some might swap sides! On the latter I would have thought that if you have a CL with reasonable facilities in a popular area I do wonder if you would be better off swapping Clubs, unless some think that the addition of tents would make a big difference to income?

David

Just had a look at June’s list. A third of the closures are in Wales. Not certain, but that new one rings a bell with me🤔 I think it might possibly be a re certificated old CL that has had a bit of a rethink. Only three outfit pitches on CL, but it has a small commercial site adjacent. Could be a bit of rethink by owners🤔 Nice location though👍

Certain members may want more and more facilities but there seems more also want less and cheaper because they can be more independent. They just need somewhere to park - even off-site campers (or as they might say “wild”) The Caravan & Motorhome Off-Grid Group now has 7000 members (in 10 months!) this group was set up to encourage and help people to try off grid caravanning and Motorhoming.

It seems even at last our Club may be seeing this as well with their article on Page 78 of the June Magazine - “Which Pitch” although about Club Sites again refers to Off Grid as ‘back to basics’. Hardly an encouragement from the club to try it! Nothing could be further from the truth- modern technology now allows you into a new and comfortable world. The comment “back to basics” is offensive to say the least. This is a comment one member made in CAMOGG “Basic indicates lack of refinement and sophistication- (there ain’t non of that missing in my van!! 🤣) or in CAMC speak “My caravanning experience is certainly not backwards or basic without electricity, more the contrary, it is refined and sophisticated” 😎”
The Club should also encourage new CLs to start as Off-Grid CLs as is a great way to start up a CL without the costs of installing hookups. The CL then can improve its site to EHU or fully serviced pitches in the years to follow rather than all the cost up front!

It's quite simple. If you want all the comforts of a club site then go to one. It's unrealistic to expect a marginal income operation to provide all the bells and whistles unless you want to start paying Club site prices. That would rather defeat the primary USP of CL's.

It seems we have been trying to answer this conundrum for years CY. Picking on members who would prefer a mostly modest/basic toilet or shower is not the answer.

I and many others would always prefer CL sites over club sites any time and we also prefer to have an onsite toilet and shower. Many CLs provide this requirement and their fees reflect this.

If the CLs are to survive it is up to the members to use them, that includes the basic ones as well as the ones with modest facilities.    

Whilst I agree with your point I do think that CLs need to ensure they give an alternative experience to Club sites. Too many CLs in my view provide the facility of EHU and hardstandings but (in order to minimise use of cable etc) then place them in a straight line. The result is a boring conformist look of a Club site.

As I have said before, CL owners need to be careful that by fulfilling the "wants" of a few, the resulting price increase does not lose the custom of the ones prepared to use their own plush facilities.

 

It’s a big world out there, even on a small Island like ours👍🏻. I’ve found & used every option from C&MC types down to no facs. They are everywhere I’ve wanted to go E, W, N, S😊. Plenty of choice & spaces available. I have 2 bits of advice-‘don’t expect to pay a few £’s & think they will be there next year, & don’t jealously guard their location that is both selfish & shortsighted’. I’ve paid from £10 to £20 p/ngt. Hobby or business yes but they’re not charities.