Why are we always disappointed by CLs?

We have used CL’s predominantly for the last 20 years.    We typically decide what area to go and then research using forums for recommendations if a new to us area.   Often when we’re out and about we pop in to view potential new sites which we’d like to try.   

We like CL’s who have photos but also use google earth as well.   We’ve only been disappointed by two, one no longer listed in IOW and one still listed which had the same experience as Eurotraveller.  

We also prefer sites without facilities as we have our own, and also both bothered by hardstanding, although  will use if available.   We also discount anything over £15, although more and more seem to be advised of £15+ by the club.  

Ask away in here -Nellie is a wealth of information.  

Just like the one I’m on now 😀

The CLs I mentioned with the workmen's caravan site and one of the ones with tatty other vans scattered around both got 8/10 reviews and none of the reviewers seemed concerned about what felt to us like another site on the same location.  Maybe we're too picky

Think youre rambling  ,,Sid !!

I have no idea which are the CLs you are talking about RS, but some CLs do store vans perfectly legally, tatty and pristine. I agree you don’t want to be parked up in what appears like a scrap yard, but a look on Google Earth might have highlighted this before you booked and visited, and you could have searched elsewhere.

To be honest, I have read all your Club Site reviews, and you do mention some aspects of negativity that are quite obvious to others, for example Warwick Racecourse is going to be very different on a Race day to a non race day! 

Please don’t take it as criticism, it wasn’t intended that way, and I think if you do a bit more research and make sure you ask the right questions of the CL owner, you will come to enjoy them like many of us do😁

• We love CLs and infact are on one right now. However I do think that if you need/want shower/toilet then there is a much greater chance of being disappointed than if you use your own. Whilst those facilities if provided might be adequate, the chance that they will be equal to ours (van and home) or even CAMC sites is very slim. What CLs do provide is space, peace and quiet, location, wildlife and most importantly originality at a low price.

They vary, we have used CLs with top quality facilities.

RS, take a look at the Small private sites thread in the UK section. You might find something of interest there as well.

As I've been mentioned a couple of time I thought that I should add my tuppence worth.

We use CLs all year round and have found very few that we would not go back to. We do not look for those with toilets &/or showers but I will use them if available and in decent condition. We prefer to choose from those that have photos on their CC or web page, have good reviews overall  and ones that have been recommended by CT posters. We use Google earth to view them, if possible both to see the site's position and the route to them. If I not familiar with an area I'll ask on here for recommendations, which in virtually all cases lead to us using some of those posted and have not found any lacking our requirements. If you are looking for ones in a particular area just ask as there are many one here only too willing to help. The more that use CLs the better chance of them stay open.

Likewise ..... 

+1 Nellie!😁