Caravan and Motorhome Club: Is Membership Worth It?

If you’ve been touring the UK in a caravan or motorhome for more than a few weekends, you’ve probably heard other owners mention the Caravan and Motorhome Club. It’s not a hard sell when you consider the scale: over 1 million members and access to more than 2,700 certified sites across the UK and Europe. But the real question isn’t whether the club exists — it’s whether the membership fee actually pays for itself. Based on current pricing and member benefits, the answer depends heavily on how often you tour and where you prefer to stay.

Founded: 1907 · Members: over 1 million · Sites network: largest in UK · Regions: UK and Ireland · Irish Division: active since establishment

Is it worth being a member of the Caravan and Motorhome Club?

The membership value calculation comes down to one simple metric: does the annual fee get offset by savings on site fees? The Caravan and Motorhome Club offers £15 off per night at member sites, which means staying more than four nights at club-certified locations recovers the membership cost immediately. According to Freedom To Go, which tracks touring club pricing, the £63 direct debit membership pays for itself in roughly four nights of site savings.

Membership benefits

Beyond site discounts, members receive access to the club’s network of Certificated Locations (CLs) — smaller, often more rural sites run by landowners. The club also organizes rallies and events, provides technical advice on touring matters, and offers member discounts on ferries and insurance. Since 2018, the club has saved members over £13 million through member offers and Club Shop purchases.

Access to sites

The UK network spans 2,700 sites, making it the largest touring organization in Europe. Members report that club sites generally have higher-standard facilities than commercial alternatives, though prices reflect this quality — premium locations like Chatsworth House can charge up to £55 for a single night. The Irish Division supports cross-border touring with its own network of sites and rallies through the Ulster Centre.

Events and rallies

Club rallies range from local weekend meetups to large organized gatherings. These events offer social opportunities and often secure preferential rates at destination venues. The club’s 1200 employees and £100+ million annual turnover indicate substantial infrastructure for managing these events across the network.

How much does it cost to be a member of the Caravan and Motorhome Club?

Current annual membership runs at £63 when paid by direct debit, according to Freedom To Go, with the most recent price validation through December 2024. Alternative sources indicate card payments may cost slightly more. Non-UK residents pay a £10 joining fee.

Annual fees breakdown

• Caravan and Motorhome Club: £63 direct debit (valid until 14 December 2024 per verified sources)
• Camping and Caravanning Club: £45-£53 annually
• Motor Caravanners Club: £36.75 per year
• Swift Owners Club: £18 per year
• Club Camper King: Free with magazine

Discounts available

Members receive 30% off site fees generally, with an additional 25% off-season discount for over-60s. The club also provides Red Pennant European breakdown cover at discounted rates. According to reviewers documenting club pricing, these tiered discounts can substantially reduce touring costs for regular users.

Over 60s options

Retirees who tour frequently represent a significant member segment. The extra 25% off-season discount combined with the base 30% site discount means senior members can reduce annual costs considerably if they travel outside peak season.

Which is the best club to join for motorhomes?

Comparing motorhome clubs requires looking at site networks, fees, and member benefits. The two largest UK clubs — Caravan and Motorhome Club and Camping and Caravanning Club — serve overlapping but distinct member needs.

Top motorhome clubs compared

The Caravan and Motorhome Club offers the larger network at 2,700 sites and includes the Red Pennant European breakdown discount. The Camping and Caravanning Club counters with lower annual fees (£45-£53) and fuel discounts that the Caravan and Motorhome Club doesn’t provide. IDS Leisure, which publishes direct comparisons, notes that CCC sites are generally cheaper for members, though CAMC facilities tend toward higher standards.

Caravan and Motorhome Club vs others

The Caravan and Motorhome Club has more Certificated Locations (CLs) than the Camping and Caravanning Club’s Certificated Sites (CSs), giving members access to smaller, often more characterful sites. However, members on Motorhome Fun’s forum report that CCC sites offer better value overall, particularly for over-60s with extra discounts.

Ireland-specific options

Irish users access UK club sites at approximately £20-£28 per night for families of four, with over 200 sites in the Republic and 200 more in Europe affiliated through the club. The Irish Division (camc.ie) manages local rallies and provides Ulster Centre support.

The Caravan and Motorhome Club wins on network size and facility quality. The Camping and Caravanning Club offers better value for budget-conscious tourers and over-60s. Many serious tourers join both.

Can you sleep in a motorhome on a layby in the UK?

UK law generally prohibits sleeping in vehicles on public roads including laybys, unless specific permissions apply. Motorhome owners increasingly use club-certified locations specifically to avoid legal ambiguity.

UK layby parking rules

Technically, sleeping in a motorhome on a public layby falls into a grey area — you’re not necessarily breaking parking laws but may be challenged by police if someone reports you. The practical risk depends on location and local enforcement. Roamworthy, which analyzes touring value, notes that the certainty of legal site access adds considerable peace of mind that no layby can provide.

Club site alternatives

The Caravan and Motorhome Club’s 2,700 sites include both large touring parks and smaller CLs in rural settings. These sites provide the legal assurance that layby parking cannot. Premium club sites like Chatsworth House demonstrate the range — from basic farm conversions to luxury destination pitches.

Free overnight options

Some CLs offer free or very low-cost overnight stops, but these are not available in the same volume as commercial wild camping. Club Together offers free membership with one free night’s camping for those wanting to trial club access before committing.

What is the 10 year rule for caravans?

The “10 year rule” primarily affects static caravan placement on licensed holiday parks, not touring caravans or motorhomes used for touring.

Rule explanation

Many UK holiday parks will not accept static caravans older than 10 years on their sites, regardless of condition. This policy limits long-term placement of older units and affects resale value. However, this restriction applies to static holiday homes, not touring vehicles.

Impact on club members

Touring caravan and motorhome owners in the Caravan and Motorhome Club network face fewer age restrictions because the club’s site network includes diverse locations with varying policies. The CL network in particular hosts smaller sites where vintage touring units are often welcomed.

Static vs touring caravans

If you’re purchasing a static caravan for holiday park placement, the 10 year rule matters. If you’re touring with a caravan or motorhome, your flexibility remains broader — and membership in the Caravan and Motorhome Club opens access to sites that welcome a wider range of vehicle ages.

The implication for touring owners is clear: club membership sidesteps the age restrictions that burden static holiday caravan buyers, preserving flexibility regardless of vehicle vintage.

“If you stay for more than four nights, you’ll immediately save the equivalent of your membership fee.”

— Freedom To Go (touring club pricing reviewer)

“CCC are quite a bit cheaper for club sites and offer discounts for over 60’s, CAMC have better facilities but are more expensive.”

— Motorhome owner on Motorhome Fun Forum

The Caravan and Motorhome Club operates with over £100 million in annual turnover and manages infrastructure for more than 1 million members across the UK and Ireland. For touring caravan and motorhome owners who stay four or more nights annually at club sites, the £63 membership fee typically recovers itself through site discounts. Those who prefer budget camping, occasional touring, or fuel savings may find better value in the Camping and Caravanning Club or smaller specialized alternatives.

Related reading: Trecco Bay Holiday Park · MOT Check UK

While weighing the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s value, many enthusiasts explore the Camping and Caravanning Club guide for its network of over a million members and touring sites.

Frequently asked questions