Site Etiquette - Club Rules

In this video: Dave gives an overview of SOME of the club site rules as defined by The Caravan & Motorhome Club & the Camping & Caravan Club.
It’s not exhaustive & nor is it intended to patronise experienced campers.
Please add your comments on other rules/etiquettes and experiences you’ve had and thank you for watching.

[@HelenandDave]

Hope everyone is well. As we get ready to hit the road, I was looking through my club directories at the site rules. Thought I would share SOME but mainly interested in your own learning or experiences, especially in your early days. Thanks for watching 👍

[@jackieblakemore56]

Aw thanks, all the information that you give is music to my ears. Atm, I’m very clueless. Thanks so much xx

[@HelenandDave]

Thanks Jackie, appreciate your support. 👍 Helen & Dave

[@stuartm5917]

For a smaller campervan I sometimes use a waterless wash and wax ( basically polish and microfibres cloths) , helps the OCD and not coming up against any rules. This video helpful to a newbie to the Caravan and Motorhome club, esp on pitch allocation and use of marker, some differences to Camping and Caravanning club.

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Stuart, thanks very much for watching and sharing your own top tips, it's always good to learn from others who share their own top tips. Appreciated! Stay tuned, Helen & Dave

[@TheFrenchiesMotorhomechannel]

Good refresher vid dave Some good points made it’s so easy to get complacent 👍

[@HelenandDave]

Cheers & thanks for watching, hope you’re both well 👍

[@TheRamblingsofBry]

I failed miserably when I used a site for the very first time, I did my washing, then placed it on my bonnet and fence, apparently my drying boxers caused 'concern'. Then someone reported me for being naked outside my motorhome! I wasn't, I just took off my t shirt and was cutting my hair outside, which I always did.... I think people were watching me a little too closely ha ha! I think there should be a washing down area on each site, often your vehicles could arrive filthy, and need a good scrub down... Luckily for me, there are no rules when you are wildcamping, which I enjoyed far more than being on sites. Nice informative video Dave, cheers.

[@HelenandDave]

This comment made me laugh 😂 😂😂 Mainly because I know it is true & so you. I agree, I don’t want to sit in a dirty van for a week. Thanks for watching Bry, always look forward to your comments & watching your vids. Stay safe 👍

[@James-zv2ho]

I’ve been in the caravan Club a long time & didn’t know some of this! Very helpful. 👍

[@HelenandDave]

I know, I wasn’t completely aware. Thanks for watching Tom. Stay safe 👍

[@CraftyCampervanners]

A complex set of rules, well explained. Thanks 🙏

[@HelenandDave]

Thanks Pete & Kaz, appreciate you watching & leaving a comment. Hope you’re both safe & well and looking forward to getting back out & about. 👍

[@HelenandMartinsTreks]

Always room for this kind of Vlog Dave well done mate 👍

[@HelenandDave]

Cheers to you both, appreciate you dropping by. 👍

[@montesa9092]

great Video😁 Thanks for this Best point is "washing the caravan" 😂😂😂 we had a neighbour in France, coming from a long trip and started to wash the caravan with a lot of soap on the pitch. 20 min later the groundskeeper arrived and kicked them out.......

[@HelenandDave]

Oh dear, sorry to hear that. They could have just explained it’s not allowed and to rinse the van down. Kicking them off was extreme!! Thank you for watching and leaving a comment. Thanks, Helen & Dave 👍

[@markjeep9415]

Earlier I this year we went to Clumber Park CAMC. Local ish and a fantastic site. When you talk about etiquette we got a new next door neighbour (WITH DOGS). Lots of dogs on sight but you could only hear 2, the 2 next to us. The bloke would let them off the lead and stand there watching them run around the area behind our caravan chase the birds and wild life off, we feed the birds an animals behind our caravan and sit out to watch them. He would stand and watch as the dogs would wee and shhhhhhht behind us in the area we did sit in. He was told in no uncertain terms that his behaviour was not acceptable and to stop. Diabolical.

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Mark, that's not good. All dogs are supposed to be on a lead at all times it says that very clearly on all CAMC sites. Very annoying!

[@markjeep9415]

Yes they knocked the edge off the end of our holiday. We went to Sandringham a few years ago before covid. Think we might get there again next year. Love the video's. Not fond of narrow lanes.

[@HitchUpAndTow]

Great video, very interesting and informative. Stay safe and hope to see you out there👍Mark & Coral

[@HelenandDave]

Thanks Mark & Coral, appreciate very much your feedback. We love your channel, your such good sports & lots of fun. Be great to see you out there!! Cheers Dave & Helen 👍

[@johndebsconnolly1550]

Some really great points to note here Dave. We’re hoping to get our caravan end of April so we’re still learning the ropes, cheers, John & Debs 👍👍

[@HelenandDave]

Thanks John & Debs, glad you found it useful 👍

[@SMITHYSKONTIKI]

Some good tips there buddy. Definitely can not wait to get away.

[@HelenandDave]

Cheers Smithy!! Yes, we’re the same. Lots of sites booked in anticipation holding out for the good times. Thanks for watching 👍

[@paulandsarahcaravanlife]

100% perfect. What a great video and content. Great refresher course. Here endth the lesson 😆 well done 👏

[@HelenandDave]

Ha Ha, thanks for watching, it’s only taken me 4 years to checkout the rules 😂😂. Cheers Dave & Helen 👍

[@paulandsarahcaravanlife]

I must admit I'm the same I've never look at the rules just like most people just followed what other people do or did and used it myself.

[@andrew-karens-adventures]

Some great advice here for newbies, I broke the rules at C&MC site, booked on a blue peg (no awning pitch), these are the same price as white peg (awning pitch) me being me thought I would let someone who needed an awning have the white pitch, it was a lovely sunny day, we also needed some shade & thought I would give wind out awning an airing and some shade for us, OMG it wasn't long before the warden appeared and said I cannot have it out because I was on a non awning pitch, I did say it was a canopy not an awning it did not have sides, his words were if you want to have it out you should have booked a white peg, so ever since then I have booked a white peg even if I don't put the canopy out so I have the choice 👍😁.

[@HelenandDave]

He He, they don’t miss a trick 😂 I think we’ve learned everything the hard way. Thanks for watching, take care both of you 👍

[@startaylor123]

Excellent..and very informative 👍

[@HelenandDave]

Thanks very much, appreciate your feedback & taking the time to watch the video. Cheers Dave 👍

[@James-zv2ho]

Congratulations on 500 Subscribers.🥳

[@HelenandDave]

Thanks Tom, appreciate your support too 👍

[@mikebonathan7648]

Great article. Mentioned our 2 pet hates. Short cuts across pitches (USE THE ROADS and PATHS) and I guarantee at least 80 % of drivers have no idea how slow 5 mph is. Last year a new one was going through hedges to cross site. Would they let someone do that to their garden. Hope people see your post and remember

[@HelenandDave]

Thanks for watching Mike, there’s a few pet hates of mine too. Glad you liked and commented, Cheers Dave & Helen 👍

[@ronaldyardley8965]

The Same As Our Two Pet Hates Plus One More, Ok Maybe More! Please Pick Up After Your Dog!! Alright then I'll Tell You Two More," Please Remove Electric Cable From The Post First..Also Please Don't Drive Against the One Way System..thank you very much..Happy Caravanning 👍

[@rogerlathbury9860]

Just to note one of the reasons club sites have a leaving time (usually an hour before arrival time) is that many site entrances are narrow, staggering the leaving / arrival times should prevent chaos !

[@HelenandDave]

Yeah, that’s a really good point Roger and we’ve met a few on those narrow roads leaving late. Reversing nightmare! Thanks for watching. Cheers Dave & Helen 👍

[@griswald7156]

Well just tell the late leaver to back up….he wont mind..it wont inconvenience you.! If he wont back up and he forces you to,go and collect his late fee from reception as compensation for your inconvenience/damage sustained etc..then site the management in your damages claim..

[@DesmondsDonders]

I was always amazed at what folk get up to on sites. LOL

[@fiatunonewsletter6782]

Very interesting and as a South African I learned a few new ideas... safety related to camping. I love camping, did so all my life. The only thing is explaining my tour car. At a place I wasn't welcome as the lady didn't understand my tour car is a purpose build tour vehicle and I sleep in the car. See my latest short video on camping in SA.

[@geofft5182]

I do enjoy CL sites as they do appear more relaxed. C&MHC sites are well maintained and generally wardens are pleasant and helpful. However we were on a C&MHC site in Anglesey this last summer and the only people who didn't comply with the quiet time (after 9pm which I think is too early) were the wardens! As we were directly behind their reception/caravan parking area at 10.30 I politely but loudly asked them to quieten down. After another request (10.45pm) they toned down! Rules are for everyone in my eyes. No apology came but hey ho all the other sites we have visited have been brilliant and this experience certainly hasn't stopped us using club sites.

[@HelenandDave]

Now that’s a turn up for the books and you’re quite right, the rules are there for everyone! Thanks for watching and leaving a comment 👍

[@dazzle52k52]

We parked under trees, knowing that the falling pine needles would cover the van roof, and so, we dutifully cleaned the roof. Hey presto, site warden appears and tells me off for 'cleaning the van' (it was only the solar panel that needed cleaning in the end). They informed me, that we were only entitled to clean the front 'transparencies' only. The irony was the pitch neighbours were on a seasonal pitch and were told to clean their van and there he was, going hell for leather with a battery powered pressure washer. Some parity/even handed-ness would be nice.

[@HelenandDave]

OMG! How petty and inconsistent can you get? Rules are rules I suppose but you can’t have one rule for one and then a different rule for another! Thanks for watching and leaving a comment too. ATB, Dave & Helen 👍

[@dazzle52k52]

@@HelenandDave - you frequently stay near us and we probably passed each other on the road near lakenheath and mildenhall. It's a very small world. Great vlogging. 👍👍💪💯

[@HelenandDave]

@@dazzle52k52 Wow! Yes, The Willows at Mildenhall has to be our most visited site, we love it there. Already have trips booked in there for next year too. It is a small world. Cheers, Dave & Helen 🛩️🛫✈️

[@tinamichelle41]

Hi Dave and Helen... I have recently found your Channel having been off work with COVID and have watched for hours and absolutely love watching you two, "fabulous couple"☺️ it's opened my eyes . We don't have a caravan at the moment but we're looking into it hence looking at these types of vlogs. We were looking at a seasonal pitch as we only got a new car in June, Peugeot 2008 and it's no good for towing, plus we had always had our minds set on a static but that's just become an absolute joke of a thing to do based on ridiculous prices, could kick myself now. We were looking at a Kia Sportage but decided it was too big for me but heyho!! anyway! The sites you go on in the Norfolk area look absolutely beautiful and has made us re-think what we want to do. Thank you for your lovely and informative video's they are so interesting and helpful ☺️... Just by the way, what sort of music are you into, looking at your t-shirts with union jack's and your cheeky little target logo, are you a bit of a Mod father? 🤣👍

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Tina, many thanks for your lovely message. So glad you find the vids useful. My family have a long association with holiday parks in the UK and I would advise anybody against buying a static caravan and a seasonal pitch with a touring van is much more cost effective. We however start to get itchy feet after 3 nights on a site and love to explore with the caravan and enjoy waking up to a different view. In terms of music, I’m a Jazz Funk, Disco Soul kinda guy and Helen much more RnB and disco. The Union Jack and Roundel motif is more to do with family RAF backgrounds and love of aircraft 😂 Hope you have many happy holidays in your caravan when you get it and thank you for supporting us. ATB Dave and Helen 👍

[@tinamichelle41]

@@HelenandDave Thank you for the reply, I will keep watching and will hopefully get something very soon.... Top choice of music 👍

[@nealeTH]

I think people don’t realise that awnings don’t stop sound. Whether TVs or a get together with friends. Everyone goes away for different reasons. Catching up with friends is a real treat when you go away, but be mindful and respectful of others as evening turns to nighttime. 99% of people are but you only need a caravan or two on a site and it can spoil it for everyone.

[@HelenandDave]

That is so true and like you we have encountered that quite a bit. Thank you so much for watching & commenting on the video. Cheers Dave & Helen. 👍

[@davidandrewstarbuck2151]

No flying of drones & kites is another 👍

[@HelenandDave]

Yeah well you’d know 😂😂😂

[@DunkfaeOotnAbootWiUs]

Well you just told me a few things I didn't know about there

[@HelenandDave]

Thanks for watching Duncan, appreciated 👍 Cheers Dave & Helen

[@raymondporter2094]

Camping Club member of many years here, mostly attending weekend District Association weekends in farmer's fields where the only facilities are usually a drinking water tap and a place to empty the toilet cassette (occasionally an electric hook-up, too), and on Temporary Holiday Sites. Maybe at the start and end if season at a Club Site (usually immaculately maintained). Can't remember last staying at an independent "commercial" site. What I'd say is that most Club rules are common sense rules which might be summarised as "be considerate to other campers". We keep to the 6m (20 foot) rule between units so as to keep people safe - if there was a fire for example - and 5mph on site doped limit keeps pedestrians and children safe. There should be quiet between 11pm and 7am (and no moving vehicle on it off site between those hours) because some people/children may need their sleep. It's only politeness, really. No reason for people to go to bed at 11pm and they can still sit and drink with friends but, particularly if in a tent or an awning, they should just keep the sound levels down, as you would if you had a sleeping baby in the next room. That way, everyone can enjoy their break. The 5mph doped limit is one I suspect many have a problem with. Often see a car rushing around at cycling speed. Maybe that's why some people drive at 50mph in a 30 limit.... Good video though....

[@raymondporter2094]

I meant SPEED limit. Fat Finger syndrome.

[@HelenandDave]

Completely agree with you Raymond. The farmers field approach is appealing. We’ve not gone off grid yet although equipped to do so, it’s more of an adventure. Thanks for watching and for your comment. Happy camping 👍😊 Helen & Dave

[@nataliecarney5650]

Great video. Just a slight correction to your comment that “pets don’t go for free”? 🤔 There is no charge for dogs on any of the main club sites - in fact they are made very welcome by the clubs. They do need to be on a 2m lead at all times - as the gentleman who insisted on walking directly over my pitch on his way to and from the toilet block 3 times a day last year “politely reminded” me 😂 I’ve been a member for 20 years and last year was the first time I had to measure my dog’s tether! Club sites don’t charge extra for awnings and pup tents, although you must book the right type of pitch to begin with.

[@HelenandDave]

Fabulous feedback Natalie, you’re absolutely spot on. I must have gone into auto pilot because we have paid for pets before but clearly not on club sites. You’re quite right, they are made very welcome by the clubs. Thanks for watching and also for your valuable feedback. Cheers Dave & Helen. 👍

[@colinrimmer789]

Walking through my pitch is my pet hate and Burrs Country Park is the worst site for this. I narrowly missed hitting a lady with my caravan door as she walked past the van.

[@HelenandDave]

I must admit, it’s mine too! I don’t know if people are oblivious at times or just couldn’t care less!! Thanks for watching & commenting Colin 👍

[@bowtinbil]

Most sites are on a metered water supply. Hence no hosing down your vehicle. It'll cost them a fortune in water rates. Always cleaned my windscreen with my used dishwater. No'ones moaned yet

[@HelenandDave]

Yes you’re right there and that’s fair enough. Good idea to recycle your dishwater too. Thanks Dave & Helen 👍

[@Davidg-wu5ur]

I’m so glad I have never been to any of them sites !!! That’s one way to kill the future of Caravaning with them rules

[@retro423]

Jeez all those rules and regulations, that's one of the reasons I don't caravan in the UK anymore, the sites in Europe are much more relaxed

[@HelenandDave]

My sister says the same, travels France & Spain a lot and she says it’s chill out manana, manana. Thanks for dropping by. Take care 👍

[@nannystatenonsense7419]

genuine question.. so how do they expect a vanlifer to ever wash their motorhome if its not allowed on the pitch? understandable for grass pitches, but if booked a hard standing they will need to wash and polish it from time to time, particularly the roof and solar panels. Cant exactly go through a car wash with it.

[@HelenandDave]

Hi, thanks for watching and leaving a comment. We stayed on sites for 6 months and found it a problem, we were told we could take the van into entrance area and wash there but not on a pitch. I think it’s worth asking individual site wardens. Cheers Dave & Helen

[@barbarastarkey4368]

We would never use these overpriced camp sites,much prefer CLs much more relaxed and a hell of a lot cheaper.

[@HelenandDave]

.... and there are some beautiful CL’s Barbara, I agree. We only started exploring some a little more before lockdown but like you found it a much more chilled experience, nicer in so many ways and definitely much easier on the pocket. Thanks so much for watching 👍

[@markhudson9322]

What if you have a German Moho

[@HelenandDave]

Not something I have experience of Mark. Assuming because the habitation door is on the right? Best to check with the club, there’s bound to be a work around 👍

[@stevezodiac491]

40 litres of water is 40 kg in weight.

[@HelenandDave]

Cheers Steve, never knew that

[@kennethtoft6940]

what length is your van Dave .

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Kenneth, 7.54m 👍

[@kennethtoft6940]

@@HelenandDave sorry that question came through twice ..

[@HelenandDave]

@@kennethtoft6940 that’s no problem👍 what van do you have?

[@kennethtoft6940]

@@HelenandDave I have a Motorhome actually but i am thinking of buying a caravan for daughter and putting it on a site down south for her and grand kids ..

[@HelenandDave]

@@kennethtoft6940 great, love Motorhomes too. Hope all goes well 👍

[@griswald7156]

Good behaviour makes sites more pleasant…i really like a strict management as i know the niggles will be less..

[@HelenandDave]

So true 👍