
Camping and Caravan Club – Complete UK Guide for 2025
Two major membership organisations dominate the UK camping and caravanning landscape: The Camping and Caravanning Club and The Caravan and Motorhome Club. Despite similar names and overlapping services, they operate independently, each with its own network of sites, pricing structure, and membership perks. This guide lays out the key differences to help readers decide which club fits their outdoor style.
Both organisations are not-for-profit and have roots stretching back more than a century. The Camping and Caravanning Club was founded in 1901, originally as the Association of Cycle Campers, while the Caravan and Motorhome Club began in 1907 as The Caravan Club. Together they manage well over 1,500 club sites across the United Kingdom.
Because the general public often confuses the two, it is worth clarifying from the outset: there is no single entity called the “Camping and Caravan Club.” Most searchers are looking for information about one or both of the established clubs covered in this article.
Camping and Caravan Club Membership: How to Join and Benefits
The Camping and Caravanning Club
Website: campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk
Membership: Individual, Joint, Family – from about £40 per year
Key benefit: Over 1,700 club sites and certified locations, including tent camping
The Caravan and Motorhome Club
Website: caravanclub.co.uk
Membership: Individual, Joint, Family – from about £46 per year
Key benefit: Largest network of sites in the UK, focused on caravans and motorhomes
Key insights at a glance
- Both clubs are not-for-profit organisations with a long history dating back to the early 20th century.
- Membership provides access to exclusive site networks, discounts, and travel resources.
- The Camping and Caravanning Club is more tent-friendly; the Caravan and Motorhome Club caters primarily to caravans and motorhomes.
- Mobile apps from both clubs allow booking, site discovery, and trip planning on the go.
- Over-60 discounts are available from both clubs, often as a reduced senior membership rate.
- Many users search for one club but actually mean the other – clear definitions help reduce confusion.
Quick facts: Camping and Caravan Club
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded | The Camping and Caravanning Club (1901); The Caravan and Motorhome Club (1907) |
| Total UK club sites | Over 1,500 across both organisations |
| Mobile app | The Camping and Caravanning Club has a dedicated app for magazines and booking (Android/iOS) |
| Year-round opening | Both clubs offer year-round operation on selected sites |
| Certified locations | Both offer CL/CS sites for off-grid camping, exclusive to members |
| Annual membership (standard adult) | CCC: £45–£53; CAMC: £63–£66 (prices may have risen slightly by 2025–2026) |
Camping and Caravan Club Sites: Finding and Booking the Best Locations
Site networks are where the two clubs differ most noticeably. The Camping and Caravanning Club runs a smaller but more varied collection, mixing large family-oriented parks with rural, nature-focused locations and basic certified locations (CLs) that allow a maximum of five vans. Temporary Holiday Sites (THS) also feature in their portfolio.
The Caravan and Motorhome Club operates a larger network that tends toward uniformity and premium quality. Pitches are often hardstanding with modern service points, making them particularly suitable for motorhomes and caravans. The trade-off is that nightly fees at CAMC sites are generally higher.
Both clubs keep a selection of sites open through all seasons. The Camping and Caravanning Club publishes an interactive map on its website highlighting which sites remain open year-round. The Caravan and Motorhome Club likewise offers all-year booking on many of its locations. Travellers should check individual site pages for seasonal closure dates before planning a trip.
Which Camping and Caravan Club sites are open all year?
A dedicated map on the Camping and Caravanning Club website allows users to filter by opening dates. Many of the larger club sites operate from March through October, while a subset – often those in popular touring regions or with hardstanding pitches – stay open across the winter months. The Caravan and Motorhome Club lists seasonal opening details on each site’s booking page.
Where can I find a map of Camping and Caravan Club sites?
Both clubs provide searchable online maps. The Camping and Caravanning Club’s site finder covers all club sites, certified locations, and temporary holiday sites. The Caravan and Motorhome Club’s equivalent tool includes filters for facilities, pitch type, and regional preferences. Neither map requires a login to browse, though booking does require membership.
Camping and Caravan Club Digital Services: App and Login
Both organisations have invested in digital tools to make booking and trip management easier for members. The Camping and Caravanning Club offers a mobile app available on Android and iOS – primarily designed for accessing the club magazine, browsing sites, and managing reservations. The Caravan and Motorhome Club provides a robust online portal and app for site bookings, rally finder, and member discounts, with integration for its Red Pennant European breakdown service.
The Camping and Caravanning Club app can be downloaded from Google Play or the Apple App Store. Once logged in with membership credentials, users can browse sites, check availability, and make reservations. The app also stores digital membership cards, removing the need to carry a physical card when arriving on site. The Caravan and Motorhome Club offers similar functionality through its own app and member portal.
How do I log in to my Camping and Caravan Club account?
For The Camping and Caravanning Club, the login page is located at campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk. Members use their membership number and chosen password. The same credentials work for the mobile app. The Caravan and Motorhome Club login is accessed via caravanclub.co.uk. Both sites include a password reset function for those who have forgotten their details.
Is there a Camping and Caravan Club app?
Yes, The Camping and Caravanning Club publishes the official “Camping & Caravanning Club” app. The Android version is listed on Google Play and an iOS version is available through the App Store. It includes access to the monthly magazine, site search, and booking capabilities. The Caravan and Motorhome Club also offers a dedicated app for its members.
Camping and Caravan Club Contact: Phone Number and Support
Members and prospective members who need assistance can reach both clubs by telephone during business hours. The contact details below are based on published numbers; users should verify current hours and any changes directly with the clubs.
Phone numbers and opening times may have changed since publication. For the most up-to-date contact details, visit the official websites or check your membership dashboard. The numbers listed here are drawn from club publications and verified sources up to 2024: CCC – 024 7647 5008; CAMC – 01342 318813. For Red Pennant enquiries, the Caravan and Motorhome Club operates a separate motoring service line.
What is the Camping and Caravan Club phone number?
The Camping and Caravanning Club can be reached on 024 7647 5008. The Caravan and Motorhome Club’s main line is 01342 318813. Both lines handle membership enquiries, booking support, and general questions. The Caravan and Motorhome Club also provides a dedicated number for its Red Pennant European breakdown cover.
Key Milestones of the Camping and Caravanning Club
- 1901 – The Camping and Caravanning Club is founded (originally the Association of Cycle Campers).
- 1907 – The Caravan and Motorhome Club is founded (originally The Caravan Club).
- 1950s–1970s – Both clubs expand their site networks significantly across the UK.
- 2018 – The Caravan Club rebrands to Caravan and Motorhome Club.
- 2025 – Latest app updates and digital services introduced by both clubs.
Which Club Is Which? Clearing Up Common Confusions
| Area of confusion | Clarification |
|---|---|
| Which club is the “Camping and Caravan Club”? | There is no single club by that exact name. Users typically mean either The Camping and Caravanning Club or The Caravan and Motorhome Club. This guide covers both. |
| Can members of one club use the other club’s sites? | Generally no – each club’s sites are exclusive to its own members. Some reciprocal agreements may exist for certified locations; check specific site terms. |
| Are over-60 discounts automatic? | No – both clubs offer senior membership tiers that must be chosen at sign-up. Standard membership does not include age-based discounts. |
Why Do These Two Clubs Dominate UK Camping?
Both organisations are non-profit and reinvest surpluses into site maintenance, conservation, and member services. The Camping and Caravanning Club has historically been more inclusive of tents and rooftop tents, while the Caravan and Motorhome Club focuses on larger vehicles with hardstanding pitches and modern amenities. Membership pricing favours the Camping and Caravanning Club at entry level, but the Caravan and Motorhome Club justifies its higher fees with a larger network and advanced training courses, including towing and manoeuvring.
Digital experience is another differentiator. Both clubs maintain apps and member portals, but the depth of features – such as Red Pennant integration on the CAMC side or the fuel discount scheme offered by CCC – varies. Some frequent campers choose to join both, paying roughly £100–£110 in combined annual fees, to access the full range of sites and benefits across the two networks.
For the over-60 demographic, the Camping and Caravanning Club offers a 60+ Saver Rate that provides an extra 25 percent off low- and mid-season member rates. The Caravan and Motorhome Club also provides senior discounts and occasional free membership promotions. Neither discount is applied automatically; members must select the appropriate tier when joining or renewing.
What Do the Official Sources Say?
“Discover the best of UK camping and caravanning with The Camping and Caravanning Club.”
– The Camping and Caravanning Club, official website
“Join us with your caravan, motorhome or roof tent and explore the UK’s largest network of sites.”
– The Caravan and Motorhome Club, official website
“CAMPING AND CARAVANNING CLUB LIMITED(THE) – Company number 00445520.”
– Companies House, public record
What Should You Do Next?
Choosing between the two clubs comes down to camping style, budget, and travel habits. Those who pitch a tent or prefer rustic, nature-focused stays will find a natural home with The Camping and Caravanning Club. Motorhome and caravan owners who value consistent premium facilities and European travel support may lean toward The Caravan and Motorhome Club. Whichever path fits, the first step is to visit the official websites, compare current membership rates, and explore the site maps. For those planning broader UK travel, the Green Man Festival 2025 – Dates, Lineup, Tickets Guide offers another angle on outdoor getaways. Families looking for more ideas can also consult the Things to Do with Kids – Ultimate UK Family Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I book a site without being a member?
Non-members can book some sites at higher rates. Membership is required for certified locations and to access member-only discounts.
Do both clubs offer family memberships?
Yes. Both The Camping and Caravanning Club and The Caravan and Motorhome Club offer Joint and Family membership tiers covering partners and dependants.
Is there a fuel discount with either club?
The Camping and Caravanning Club provides a fuel discount scheme for members. The Caravan and Motorhome Club does not offer a fuel discount.
Can I use my CCC membership at CAMC sites?
Generally no. Each club’s sites are exclusive to its own members. Some certified locations may have reciprocal access – check individual site terms.
Do both clubs offer breakdown cover?
The Caravan and Motorhome Club offers Red Pennant European breakdown cover. The Camping and Caravanning Club provides insurance and technical advice but does not operate its own breakdown service.
Are tents allowed at Caravan and Motorhome Club sites?
The Caravan and Motorhome Club primarily caters to caravans, motorhomes, and roof tents. Tent camping is more widely accommodated by The Camping and Caravanning Club.
How do I renew my membership?
Renewal can be completed through the member portal on each club’s website or by phone using the club’s main contact number.
Do both clubs have a printed magazine?
Yes. Both organisations include a free monthly magazine as part of the membership package, with digital access also available via their apps.
Can I get a refund if I cancel my membership?
Both clubs have cancellation policies outlined in their terms and conditions. Refunds are typically available within a cooling-off period after joining.
Which club is cheaper for over-60s?
The Camping and Caravanning Club’s 60+ Saver Rate offers a 25 percent discount on low- and mid-season rates, widely considered the stronger deal for seniors.