...you don't need to join a club, and it is only worth doing so if you are going to avail yourself of the various facilities they offer.
The two main clubs (and I am a member of both, for different reasons) vary somewhat in character, but essentially offer much the same to their members, viz:
- Access to a number of geographically spread club-owned sites, usually (but not always) with reasonably maintained facilities, the Caravan (and Motorhome) Club having slightly more sites, and generally slightly better facilities than does the Camping and Caravanning Club. The C&MC also has more sites open in the off-season.
- Access to a wide network of privately-owned, but members-only "5-van" sites, dubbed CLs by the C&MC, and CSs by the C&CC. (The "5-van" is in quotes as this bestows planning law exemptions in conjunction with the clubs, but is sometimes exceeded). Again, the C&MC has a wider network of these locations, and they run from one extreme to the other as regards quality and facilities (all will/should have fresh water and black waste disposal).
- Access to mainly weekend rallies (C&MC) or DA (C&CC) meets across the country in other locations than above. If the location is where you want, then you can join the meet, and not join in if you get my meaning. My experience is that the C&CC DA meets are the easiest to use.
- A range of member "benefits"; some you might use, many are overplayed. We find we can often save a few pounds on ferry crossings if booked through one of the clubs. Insurance, on the other hand, we can find much better elsewhere.
- The C&CC run "Temporary Holiday Sites" UK-wide across an extended season. The nature of these varies muchly, but they can be a cheap pitch in less obvious areas if the location suits.
- The C&CC offers age-discounts off the main season that can drop the nightly cost on their own sites.
The membership cost of either club is not great (compared to the other costs of the pastime) but if you can manage without using their sites or CLs/CSs (other private sites abound) then the value is debatable (particularly if you already have the facility to pitch at most/all locations you use).
Looking at your use, (and unless a perusal of the other club's locations clearly matches your travels better - the respective websites should reveal) I would probably recommend joining the C&MC if it is to be only one. Once you're used to it and have understood your patterns of use, then you can either join the other as well, to widen the network, or switch to give variety. (Perversely, my own preference, balancing all things, and considering history is the C&CC).
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