Refused entry to Caravan Club Campsite

[GrannyJen]

Ummm

Would it be a good idea if one of the Cali club admins contacted the caravan club to get clarification on this issue?

you will probably get the same confused answer as certain CC "club together discussion forum" members got when they asked the same question off their own admin last year.

Van conversions are a grey area. Yes the CC accept motorhomes and SOME van conversions and their definition for a van conversion is a built in bed arrangement and a fixed kitchen. However the California is a factory made "motorhome", not a conversion, so therefore it should not matter whether those criteria apply to the beach.

However it is not crystal clear, and we have also the get-out clause of "wardens discretion".

I have seen quite a few beaches on CC sites, but also heard of one or two being turned away (which prompted this discussion in the CC forum) and there is really no clarity.

I m not even sure that the couple of VW T2? campers featured on that rivetingly exciting programme "caravanner of the year", hosted by the CC chairman and based on a CC site, fitted their criteria

 

[Bigted]

you will probably get the same confused answer as certain CC "club together discussion forum" members got when they asked the same question off their own admin last year.

Van conversions are a grey area. Yes the CC accept motorhomes and SOME van conversions and their definition for a van conversion is a built in bed arrangement and a fixed kitchen. However the California is a factory made "motorhome", not a conversion, so therefore it should not matter whether those criteria apply to the beach.

However it is not crystal clear, and we have also the get-out clause of "wardens discretion".

I have seen quite a few beaches on CC sites, but also heard of one or two being turned away (which prompted this discussion in the CC forum) and there is really no clarity.

I m not even sure that the couple of VW T2? campers featured on that rivetingly exciting programme "caravanner of the year", hosted by the CC chairman and based on a CC site, fitted their criteria

Thanks GJ,

If our club was to contact their HQ with the specific request and ask for a responce in writing then at least it would be somthing that us beachies could carry a copy of in the glovebox just in case we meet a unsure warden. I don't mind contacting the caravan club on behalf of the Cali club but would want the OK from our club to do so.

 

[WelshGas]

Thanks GJ,

If our club was to contact their HQ with the specific request and ask for a responce in writing then at least it would be somthing that us beachies could carry a copy of in the glovebox just in case we meet a unsure warden. I don't mind contacting the caravan club on behalf of the Cali club but would want the OK from our club to do so.

This problem should be nailed down and I think One Club to another should get a definitive response for Beach Owners.

Club Admin?

 

[leightonjthomas]

The current confusing situation is totally unacceptable and, as well as being a pain for Beach owners, it does the CC organisation no favours either. I agree that clarification should be sought and hope that Beach-owners are officially welcomed.
I accept that some people have a justifiably poor opinion of the CC but, having stayed on many CC and CCC sites all over the UK our experiences have been almost totally positive. Generally we have preferred CC sites and have enjoyed some lovely locations and a genuinely warm welcome, especially when we've needed help.

 

[Meoncoast]

I agree that clarification should be sought and hope that Beach-owners are officially welcomed.

+1 for this

The CC works well for us as part of our campervan life. (SE)

I can see a warden seeing either a works van or a rough home made conversion outside what the CC club allows, but a VW California Beach.

I have seen all sorts of campervan conversions T2s T3s T4s T5s and a few T6s. Including the Cali Beach. However you cannot tell what is inside these vans with reference to bed, cooker, fridge, and sink etc. I have never seen a warden undertaking an inspection to check for a cooker and why should they.


Is a Beach with a slide pod a campervan ?

Is a Beach with a MaxiPod a campervan ?

Other builders have VW vans build on a removable pod system so are not fixed.

A high % of caravan and motorhome owners were cooking on BBQ etc outside their caravan on our recent trips away so it can't because they want you to only cook inside the van! + the CC club has rules re BBQ use !!

 

[shudycamps]

All you ha

Yesterday we were refused entry to a Caravan Club site in the Cotswolds, the reason the jobsworth warden gave was that we did not have a kitchen in our van!! We have a portable stove in our van and we normally use the sites washing up area so what is the problem? We are totally disgusted by this new rule and are currently awaiting a call back from their head office.Has anyone else had this problem?

All one really has to do is to say the magic words; "Prove it. That which rolls so succinctly off your tongue points to the facts you have a copy to hand and you can name the numbered paragraph in the rule book as you saw us drive up." This is even better if you have someone videoing on their smart phone which will go viral on social media. I have often heard the caravan club is difficult. I have an overnight stay on one of their campsites later on this year. I paid the extra fee as a non-member and the gentleman taking my reservation was very nice. I will report back.

 

[DavidofHook]

There does seem to be a certain inflexibility on CC sites.
We had just set up on one in North Devon, high up in the pouring rain and high winds. We were sitting inside watching the kettle boil when the warden arrived and told me to turn the van round as it was facing the wrong way. When I explained that we were positioned like this so the door was away from the prevailing rain and wind he explained that the rules required me to move. I gently asked him why this was and he told me that it was in case of fire which seems strange as there were only 14 units on site and we, being a Cali would be the first away any case.
However, he would not be reasoned with, so I told him not to be so daft and that I was not moving, at which point he said, "OK and I have made a note of your name". With this terrifying thought he went off in the rain and we never saw him again!
We now belong just to the C&CC.

 

[Lewis]

There does seem to be a certain inflexibility on CC sites.
We had just set up on one in North Devon, high up in the pouring rain and high winds. We were sitting inside watching the kettle boil when the warden arrived and told me to turn the van round as it was facing the wrong way. When I explained that we were positioned like this so the door was away from the prevailing rain and wind he explained that the rules required me to move. I gently asked him why this was and he told me that it was in case of fire which seems strange as there were only 14 units on site and we, being a Cali would be the first away any case.
However, he would not be reasoned with, so I told him not to be so daft and that I was not moving, at which point he said, "OK and I have made a note of your name". With this terrifying thought he went off in the rain and we never saw him again!
We now belong just to the C&CC.

Don't blame you. This kind of thing seems to be the antithesis of the Cali lifestyle, freedom and fun seem to be in short supply in the Caravan Club.

We'll be sure to join the opposition!

 

[gear box oil]

"Ahh" the joys of owning the California beach. I would not have it any other way.

If you intend to use this type of site then as already stated I think clarification in writing from the CC is what is required as to where it is acceptable to park your Beach.
Do your home work and call ahead first to see if your van will be accepted on site.
May also help to have a plan B.
The log book on my Beach states Motor Caravan, armed with a copy of that and a copy of clarification from the CC should be enough for a nice week end of curtain twitching.

Granny Gen I think your sign is a great idea upset them from the word go.
After gaining entry to the site and setting up my pitch I think I would be tempted to don the good coveralls (freshly pressed of course) complete with hard hat and high vis vest and wander about the site armed with a mug of tea in one hand and a bacon sandwich in the other.
that should raise a few eye brows.

 

[jamesclarke]

Joined Caravan Club last week. Could not join online because Beach does not meet their criteria- no fixed kitchen - But no problem when I rang up and spoke to a real person.

Stayed at CC site in Ayr. Last night. No problem, site is very spick and span but wardens very welcoming. No questions about Beach.

May be because van is not called "Beach" on my membership?

 

[Velma's Dad]

have orgasms watching "caravanner of the year"

... and fondly recalling Barbara Windsor's bra flying off in Carry on Camping. Those were the days.

 

[tim newton]

Been a member of the camping&cc ever since we've had our cali (4 months). I cannot fault them! Zero daft rules, very relaxed "wardens" always managed to get a booking however late Ive done it. Facilities can be very basic but as long as you know what you are getting its fine. And we have paid as little at £8 per night for our cali and 2 adults + 2 kids.

 

[larrylamb]

It is a shame some wardens get carried away with policing " rules ". Never had any problems with CC. Currently at Chester site, huge pitches and we could pick any one we wanted. Shower facilities superb and spotless. Many benefits and discounts with the club but I do like how I can make several bookings with no payment and also be able to cancel without penalty should I be unable to make a trip at short notice.

 

[WelshGas]

The problem is not the Caravan Club. It is a Club and has it's rules. It has a definition for a Motor home/Motor Caravan/Camper Van. Fixed bed/fixed cooker etc:.
This is compounded by DVLA having it's definition for a Motor Caravan/Camper Van that converters have to use which is the same.
VW however have gone against these organisations by defining the Beach as a Motor Caravan/Camper Van and being allowed to get away with it by DVLA thus causing confusion for all concerned.
If the Forum could get something official from the Caravan Club then this would assist owners considerably and avoid such embarrassing moments.

 

[motacyclist]

We were members of both clubs for many years and had a number of issues with both.

The CC pitches were generally more generous and quieter than C&CC ones but more regimented; and woe betide anyone who drove the wrong way around the site or pitched up the wrong way. As the C & CC had a wider target market there was more diverse type of unit on site and we found them generally friendlier; however they were often crowded with people who had just bought their camping gear from the latest Aldi/Lidl special buys and who had little idea of camping etiquette.

Despite being club members, most of our stays were with normal commercial sites, these were often cheaper and better placed than clubs sites which were often misleadingly named. For instance, Newquay (CC I think) was nowhere near Newquay; Bala (C &CC ?) is nowhere near Bala, just two examples that spring to mind.

More often than not, club sites were booked up well in advance, forcing us to look elsewhere for our ad hoc camping stops.

Another annoying feature "Non-Members Welcome". In fact, not only welcome, but preferred to members as they are more lucrative!

I remember turning up at one site at about 6:30pm and being made to feel a real nuisance as we had arrived while the warden was having his meal. Despite this, I can sympathise with these people as they appear to be exploited by both clubs, who expect them to be available dawn til dusk, provide their own accommodation, cut the grass, clean the toilets, sort the accounts etc etc, not something I would fancy! Modern day slaves ...

In the end, we dumped both clubs around 5 years ago and missed them not one iota. We rejoined the C & CC last year in the mistaken belief we would get a reduction for the meet at Eskdale, in the event there was no reduction and we ended up getting no benefit whatsoever; even the magazine has gone online and is difficult to read with blurred text so you give up bothering with it.

So Beach owners, don't bother with either club, you can manage without them! They need you more than you need them

 

[Paul S]

Rookesbury Park CC site near Portsmouth has a permanently sited caravan that is used by CC Head Office staff to give them some exposure to caravanning. Oh dear me. We've stayed there for 3 years now so we've seen quite a few Staff using this facility. Seriously you have never seen such a clueless bunch so if they make the rules that the wardens have to interpret then heaven help us.

 

[vmaxkiddy]

This problem should be nailed down and I think One Club to another should get a definitive response for Beach Owners.

Club Admin?

A forum member did try to get clarification, see this post from March 2015. https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/caravan-club-sites-and-california-beach.9483/

 

[Bigted]

A forum member did try to get clarification, see this post from March 2015. https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/caravan-club-sites-and-california-beach.9483/

Vague is the best discription of that transcript - club to club verification would clear the matter up once and for all.

 

[Meoncoast]

Whatever you feel/think about the large CC sites (& C&CC sites) the advantages of being a member is being able to use their small 5 unit basic sites it would be good to clear this up for Beach owners as said above by Bigted.

We also make use of being a CC member in their insurance which was the best deal for us and the M6 toll savings.

 

[SlidePods]

Ive always found cc sites to uniformed and soulless. We are members of the cncc and dont find it a lot better. Ive been campervanning now for well over a decade and i find the best sites are privately owned ones that are not attached to a club.

 

[california kid]

Hi All.
My Wife and I have just returned from a w/end away at the c/c site at Crossways near Dorchester,we actually tow a caravan with our 180 Cali SE, when we arrived on Friday and went to book in, the chap in front of me had arrived with his two young boys driving a VW van conversion which he had borrowed from a friend, this was there first trip away? After having a chat about our Cali and Caravan, the wardens and myself started to give him hints and tips to make his w/end with the boys a nice experience, the wardens could not have been more helpful even trying to make it cheaper for his stay suggesting to use the tent field because he had a free standing awning, but decided against this. Over the w/end we bumped into him on a few occasions giving him more hints and tips. He was really thankful and said he was bitten by the bug. All I can say the warden that refused to allow you to stay must be one of those JOBS worth idiots, surely the C/C do not wish to refuse business, after all they are now allowing more tents on sites, therefore now making them another C/CC. The wardens at Crossways really did go out of there way to help this chap, as one warden did say to me hopefully he will come back to visit on many occasions.
I would agree maybe the Cali club should have a chat with the C/C to point out these vehicles do cost a premium to purchase, and not everyone wants to cook in there vehicles, as we have found out over the years with many caravan owners, unfortunately there is no consistency with the Wardens on the C/C sites some do think they own the sites themselves. While others are down to earth.

 

[larrylamb]

after all they are now allowing more tents on sites, therefore now making them another C/CC.

We've just stayed at the Chester CC site, some tent pitches are available there but I also noticed a VW T5 Kombi van with a driveaway awning attached. This just confirms the inconsistency of the CC rules and wardens.

 

[calicasas]

Yesterday we were refused entry to a Caravan Club site in the Cotswolds, the reason the jobsworth warden gave was that we did not have a kitchen in our van!! We have a portable stove in our van and we normally use the sites washing up area so what is the problem? We are totally disgusted by this new rule and are currently awaiting a call back from their head office.Has anyone else had this problem?

I have had one issue with trying to get into a CC site a few years back, in short I wasn't made to feel welcome, they have some odd rules in respect of the way you have to park, so I sub-consciously tend to avoid them..

 

[Victor]

We were supposed to be at a Caravan Club site last weekend and our friends but they were not allowed to bring their caravan onto the site as they were towing it with a sign written pick up as their usual car was off the road, they explained this clearly to the warden and proved they had been members for over 12 years but they still refused entry and ruined our weekend.

I know they have rules but the wardens seem to love the power and don't seem to understand discretion.

 

[Skylark2.0]

Much as I love the facilities on CC sites, the mini-Hitler wardens can be a real pain.
My two recent irritations.
1 After being stuck in a bad traffic jam on a Friday we were told we would absolutely not be let in at 8.05 pm. Right pain but found a closer site and stayed there one night.
2 We were given a numbered key to the gate when we arrived. Himself said we wouldn't need the "motorhome using this site" sign as we rolled way having forgotten to use it. When we got back someone was on our pitch. Trapse off to the warden... Tough t@&£y. Sometimes we have got back to someone parked ontop of our sign (admittedly not on CC sites).
Maybe getting time to vote with our feet but the heated toilet blocks in the winter are lovely!