FAQs

Top Questions

What happens to my deposit if I don't turn up?

We are not refunding any paid amounts for any members who do not turn up. If you cannot take up your pitch, we ask that you amend or cancel to help ensure there is availability for a fellow member to enjoy rather than let it go empty.

What happens if I cancel due to exceptional circumstances?

In the first instance members should claim through their travel insurance. Of course, as a membership organisation we will sensitively manage cancellations due to exceptional circumstances.

If I cancel, can I transfer the deposit to another stay at another time?

The purpose of deposits is to reduce down the volume of speculative bookings which then went on to be cancelled (prior to deposits over one million nights per year were cancelled by members). If deposits were to be transferrable, speculative bookings would not reduce.

What happens if I cancel one night or more of my stay within 21 days of arrival?

If you cancel one night or more of your stay (i.e. make an amendment) within 21 days of arrival, you’ll lose the deposit value for those nights cancelled from your original booking (this is prorated using the value that each cancelled night represents of the total price of that stay - for example, if you cancel the first night of a two night stay and the first night represents 40% of the total price of the stay, then you will lose 40% of the deposit paid).

If you amend your stay by ‘shifting the dates’ within 21 days of arrival, you will lose the deposit value for each night cancelled from your original booking, and you may be required to pay a new deposit for each new night added.

I am experiencing a slow speed when searching the map, or have failed payments via the new Club App, can you please help?

We have recently made some updates to the new Club App. Please ensure you have the latest version installed by clicking 'Update' in the App Store or on Google play. Alternatively, please delete the App from your device and install it again from the App stores.

If your mobile signal is weak then the App may be a little slow. In this case please use our website www.camc.com on your mobile device and log in to make a booking from there. We are working to improve the speed so thanks for your patience.

If you are struggling to pay via the App then this is typically due to recent changes regarding how your bank verifies digital payments ('3D Security'). If this is the case, first try booking via your WiFi; secondly try a different payment card (we accept Visa and Mastercard, not Amex); thirdly place your booking via our website www.camc.com

 

Sometimes the new Club App shows that I need to renew my membership, when I still have an active membership - why is this?

We are aware of an issue where members with active memberships are sometimes being shown a renewal message when they try to access their card within the Club App. We have identified the issue and are in the process of resolving it. If you would like to view your digital membership card, you can access it online via my profile on the website in the meantime 

You are also able to save your digital membership card from the new Club App into your device's 'wallet' which enables you to view your card even when you are in areas of low or no mobile data / WiFi.

Why does the Club require the date of birth for all guests (including children)?

In order to provide the appropriate price for each stay we ask to capture the date of birth for each guest (as ask this as we enable members to book a year ahead, and to book multiple sites as part of a tour within the same basket booking). To select the date of birth, please use the drop down options, or if adding a guest simply press the year at the top of the date selection panel, and then select month and day. We are reviewing this process in order to simplify it for members and we are not using this data for other reasons than to provide you accurate pricing.

How do I quickly see the availability of a Club campsite?

To see availability for a specific campsite - enter the name in the 'search by' bar or press on the 'price icon' on the map. Click through to the 'Check Availability' button. Where you see the 'Party Details' simply scroll down until you see the 'pitch type availability calendar'. The calendar indicates where a night is available by showing a price; if there are not many pitches remaining we display 'Low'; if the date is blank then that pitch type is full on that day. NOTE: if you cannot find availability for the days you wish to stay with us, simply select a different pitch type and view the calendar again - it's likely that other pitch types will have availability.

To see availability for a larger area (e.g Wales) type the location into the 'search by' bar and enter dates in the Arrive and Depart sections, press search and review the list of campsites which you can sort alphabetically, by price or by rating. Also press 'EXPLORE MAP' to see where all sites are located. The map includes a 'price icon' to show where there is availability.

 

(Please note that in the future we will reintroduce the previous 'Late Availability' calendar which was in the form of a list, filterable by region and location)

How do I search for Certificated Locations (CLs) and see prices and directions?

You can either search for CL information by:
1. Using the search functionality on the website via the homepage, search for a specific CL campsite and then click through to view the directions and prices. 
 
OR
 
2. If you are logged into the website and using the search and booking functionality, when you click through to view a specific CL campsite and you will see a "Prices and Directions" button, click that button to be taken directly to the CL's webpage on our website.

Where can I find directions to UK Club campsites and how can I write reviews?

You can find directions and write reviews by going to the site details pages for each campsite. On the homepage camc.com top right hand side, click on the magnifying glass next to 'Join now' and then search by campsite name. Alternatively, you can visit camc.com/club-sites

When I check for availability for a campsite, the calendar is blank, does this mean the campsite is full?

If the calendar appears blank for a date that you are looking for this means this PITCH type is full. If you then select an alternative pitch type, the calendar will update to show the availability and pricing for the new pitch type. By default this will be a grass pitch (which during the winter months may will not be available).

Why does the location search show campsites that are outside of the search area I selected?

We are making continued improvements to the search function. Based on member feedback, zoom levels on the map results have now been adjusted. This is part of a series of improvements we will be implementing over the next few weeks.

How do I select what pitch type I want to stay on in the new booking experience (in the new App or on the new website)?

Once you have selected the campsite you wish to stay at, click BOOK NOW. You can then select the type of pitch you wish to stay on, the calendar will update then update with the availability and pricing for that pitch type. By default, this will be a grass pitch (Which during the winter months may will not be available).

Why do dates in the past show as 'Closed' on the booking calendar?

All dates that have now passed are displayed within the booking calendar as 'Closed', this does not mean that the site was closed but donates that a booking cannot be made for this date.

Will members and non-members be able to book a year ahead and if so when will the Club put pitches on sale for arrivals in 12 months in the future?

At the beginning of each month, pitches for the same month of the following year are put on sale - for example at the beginning of October 2022 pitches for stays during October 2023 are put on sale. Only members can ‘book a year ahead' in the first month of pitches being put on sale, after that period both members and non-members can book (note many sites are exclusive to members). So to book all types of campsite and to be able to book a full year ahead please join the Club!

Can I view reviews in the map?

Yes, you can click or press on the star ratings within the site pages

General

What has changed?

Building on the success of our new overseas online booking experience launched in 2019, we’ve continued to listen to your feedback and have introduced a new, easier way for everyone to plan and book their UK holidays with us. We have also introduced deposits to make it easier for all members to find a pitch, a prepayment option to speed up arrival, the ability to pre-book all pitch types, a new interactive map on our website and the ability to book multiple campsites for different dates in one go.

Why have you made these changes?

We're always looking at ways we can improve the services we provide you. Over the past few years we've been gathering your feedback all with the aim of understanding how you feel the current booking system could be improved. In October 2019 we launched our new overseas online booking experience and these changes for UK campsites are part of the next phase of the project.

Who provided feedback?

Members, Site Staff and Committee Members have all been involved in providing feedback:

  • Over 100,000 new and longer standing members were invited to share their views over recent years
  • 5 Focus Groups and 22 User Experience testing sessions have been held with members
  • All Site Staff (900) were surveyed and all Committee Members were consulted and approved the new approach

Deposits

Why have you introduced deposits?

Back in 2018, to improve availability for all members, we changed the way we put pitches on sale to enable you to always book at least a year ahead, all year round. This new system has proven very popular.

We’ve now introduced deposits coupled with cancellation terms and conditions as the next step to improving availability. This helps address the rise in cancellations, which has been a growing problem that has increased in recent years.

In a normal year, we were seeing over 25% of all bookings being cancelled (that’s over 950,000 cancelled nights...every year!) Of those cancelled nights, over 25% were made within four days of arrival, so it was very difficult for other members to take advantage of the newly vacant pitches. And it wasn’t just a small minority of ‘block bookers’ who were cancelling, almost half of all members who made a booking each year made at least one amendment or cancellation too.

As you can imagine, a lot of members all cancelling a few times a year soon added up! After reviewing the market, speaking to members and looking at other campsite providers, the best solution to reduce speculative bookings was to introduce a deposit system. This reduces the number of speculative bookings and creates more availability for members.

We know plans sometimes do have to change, so if you cancel or amend your booking at least 21 days before arrival, your deposit will be fully refunded. This will give other members enough time to make a new booking and take advantage of the newly available pitch.

Club members and staff have worked together to create this new approach, and we’re all confident it provides all members with more availability and an easier booking experience.

How much is a deposit?

If you made your booking between 15 August 22 and 8 June 2023, a deposit is calculated for each individual campsite stay within a booking and will usually be 20% of the total value of each stay. If several different campsite stays are booked together within one booking, one payment will be taken at the time of booking to cover all the applicable deposits of all the stays combined. There is a minimum deposit value of £25 per stay. However, if the total price of the stay is less than £25, then the total price will be paid as the deposit.

If you made your booking between 9 June - 31 December 2023, a deposit will be calculated for each individual campsite stay within a booking and will usually be 10% of the total value of each stay. There is a minimum deposit value of £20 per stay. However, if the total price of the stay is less than £20, then the total price will be paid as the deposit.

Which campsites are deposits applicable to?

The new deposit system is only applicable to Club campsites. Affiliated Sites and Certificated Locations will continue to be booked directly with the individual owners.

What happens to my deposit if I cancel my booking?

Deposits are fully refundable if the booking is cancelled more than 21 days before arrival. This will give other members enough time to make a new booking and take advantage of the available pitch.

What happens if I cancel due to illness?

The Club will sensitively manage cancellations due to exceptional circumstances.

Can I amend and cancel my bookings online?

Yes, you can amend and cancel bookings online. Simply enter the 'manage my booking' area on the website or in the app.

What happens to my deposit if I don't turn up?

We are not refunding any paid amounts for any members who do not turn up. If you cannot take up your pitch, we ask that you amend or cancel to help ensure there is availability for a fellow member to enjoy rather than let it go empty.

When were deposits introduced?

Deposits were introduced on 15 August 2022 as part of the launch of our new UK booking experience, and only apply to new bookings made since that date.

Changes to the minimum amount of deposit charged came into effect on 9 June 2023.

What if I had already made a booking on the previous system, will you be asking for a deposit now the new system has launched?

No. Existing bookings have been moved onto the new system and you will pay in full on arrival at the campsite you have booked.

What happens if I need to extend a booking which I made before the new system was launched?

You can add or remove nights from an existing booking using the new system. Simply log in to ‘My profile’ as normal and click on ‘My UK site bookings’ to view and amend your booking(s) as necessary. Nights can be added or removed on a booking with no deposit requirement or change to booking terms and conditions.

How do I pay my deposit using a gift voucher or site night voucher?

Gift Vouchers or Site Night Vouchers are redeemable on arrival at site.

I have never cancelled, why should I have to pay a deposit?

A deposit system is the fairest way to enable as many members as possible to enjoy staying at our campsites. It reduces speculative bookings and ensures lower cancellation rates which both in turn mean more pitches available for all members who have a genuine commitment to their trips.

Do non-members have to pay a deposit?

Yes, all guests including non-members have to pay the deposit.

I thought the Club was all about 'the freedom of touring'? Won't deposits restrict what I can book?

No, deposits are increasing the pitch night availability for all members, therefore allowing you all more freedom to book Club campsites. The new website and App booking journey also allows you to book multiple campsites in one go, giving you more freedom to explore.

When the new booking system is introduced will the Club start charging for dogs staying on pitches with members?

No. Dogs will continue to be able to stay for free.

Fast check-in

Can I pay for my whole booking before arrival?

Yes, the new booking system is set up to automatically take your balance the night before arrival, unless you opt out. If you opt out, the balance will be paid on arrival at the campsite, however this will increase the time it takes for you to 'check in' on arrival.

At what point is payment before arrival taken?

If you opt for payment before arrival, you will have your balance taken automatically the night before arrival.

Can I pay in instalments?

Yes, the new booking system allows you to make a payment toward your balance at any point as part of the 'manage my booking' screens within the new website booking system. This is designed to help you spread the payments over a period of time.

Do I have to pay before arrival?

You have to pay a deposit when booking. You can opt out of the automatic balance payment before arrival (and choose to pay the balance of your stay when you arrive at the campsite), however by paying before arrival you'll experience a faster check in process at the campsite enabling you to start enjoying your holiday sooner!

If I've already had my balance payment taken before arrival, do I still need to inform the site staff of the pitch number I have pitched on (after I've pitched up)?

Yes, when you arrive on site you will still need to check in, pay any outstanding balance and collect site specific information, then return once you have pitched up to confirm your pitch number.

 

Improved pitch choice

Will I be able to book all types of pitch, including hardstanding or grass standard pitches?

Yes. All guests can now pre-book all types of pitch as part of their online booking.

I made a booking in the old system, what pitch surface type will my current booking be allocated in the new system?

When existing bookings for our standard pitch type are moved over to the new system, they will be allocated to hardstanding or grass pitches with or without awning space as per your original booking. As hardstanding pitches are the most preferable pitch type, those with the longest length of stay will be allocated these first.

After this has been done, if you wish to change your pitch surface type you can do so online using the new system (subject to availability).

What happens if my pre-booked pitch type is not available, for example due to adverse weather conditions?

The possibility of you not being able to be accommodated on your booked pitch type will continue to be managed on a case by case basis by our site staff. If pitches are taken off sale by us due to adverse weather conditions or other operational reasons, you will be offered a refund or an amendment to either another pitch type or an alternative Club campsite.

 

Will you be charging different prices for grass, hardstanding and pitches with awnings?

Grass pitches are £1 less per night than hardstanding pitches. There are no plans to charge additional fees for awnings at present.

Can I pre book a pitch number before arrival?

No. The new booking system does not allow you to book specific pitch numbers, only pitch types. Though as always, there may be times when we need to allocate you a pitch number on arrival.

Making payments

How do members without internet access place a booking in the new system?

The vast majority of bookings take place on the Club’s website or Club app. However, some bookings still do take place within the contact centre and also over the phone or in person directly at one of our Club campsites. For those members without website access, they can still book in the same manner, however they will be asked to pay a deposit by card.

How do members without a credit or debit card pay a deposit?

For members without a credit or debit card (or those without a traditional bank account) there are many ‘pre-payment card’ solutions available to them within the UK. These solutions are designed specifically for customers without bank accounts and therefore without access to traditional credit and debit cards.

Alternatively, for members living nearby one of our Club campsites, they will be able to directly visit the campsite and pay a deposit in cash.

Booking multiple campsites

Can I book more than one campsite stay in one go (ie: book multiple stays at multiple campsites within one booking)?

Yes, you can search for and book multiple campsites across different dates at the same time within one 'basket booking'. For example, you can book a stay at campsite A for 3 days in June, plus a stay at campsite B for 3 days in September, at the same time, all within one 'basket'. You could also book multiple stays at the same campsite over different date periods.

How many campsite stays can I add into my basket?

There is no limit on the number of individual stays that can be booked and added to your basket/booking. You will pay a deposit that covers all of the stays at the time of booking.

Do campsite stays made within the same basket/booking have to be over consecutive dates?

No, stays within the same booking don't have to be over consecutive dates, and therefore could be for different periods across the year.

How is my deposit calculated if I have multiple campsite stays within the same basket booking?

If you made your booking between 15 August 22 and 8 June 2023, a deposit is calculated for each individual campsite stay within a booking and will usually be 20% of the total value of the stay. There is a minimum deposit value of £25 for each stay so if the total value of a stay is less than £25, the deposit due at the point of booking will be the full amount. If several stays are booked together, one payment will be taken to cover the sum of all deposits. Balance payments for stays on UK campsites are taken automatically on the evening before arrival at each campsite.

If you made your booking between 9 June - 30 September 2023, a deposit is calculated for each individual campsite stay within a booking and will usually be 10% of the total value of the stay. There is a minimum deposit value of £20 for each stay so if the total value of a stay is less than £20, the deposit due at the point of booking will be the full amount. If several stays are booked together, one payment will be taken to cover the sum of all deposits. Balance payments for stays on UK campsites are taken automatically on the evening before arrival at each campsite.

 

If I have a 'basket' of stays booked, can I add to this throughout the year?

If you are looking to extend the duration of an existing stay, you can amend that existing stay by entering the 'Manage my booking' section of the website (rather than create an additional stay) - this will speed up your arrival time at site. Any additional stays will require a new booking to be made within a new 'basket' (ie: you cannot add additional stays within an existing booking).

How is my deposit calculated if I amend a stay within my booking?

The deposit value due is recalculated each time an amendment is made.

1) If you are adding or changing a component (eg: a campsite or crossing) - you could be asked to pay an additional deposit, in line with the minimum deposit amount required (eg: if extending the duration of a stay)

2) If you are removing a component - if the recalculated deposit is lower than the deposit that has already been collected, the balance due will be reduced (eg: if reducing the duration of a stay)

3) If a non-member becomes a member - the non-member supplement will be removed from the unused nights, and will either reduce the balance due for the stay(s), or will be refunded if there is no more balance due

Can I book UK campsites and overseas stays as well as ferries and other crossings together in one basket?

No. Multiple stays at UK campsites can be booked together, and multiple stays at overseas campsites combined with ferry/Eurotunnel crossings can be booked together. But the system will not yet allow UK and overseas stays to be booked together. Therefore, users will have to make one booking for UK campsites, and a separate booking for overseas campsites and ferry/Eurotunnel crossings.

 

Will my basket time out? How long will my quote be valid for?

Yes the basket will 'expire' after a short period, however the expiry period extends each time a new product type, or component (eg: a campsite or crossing) is added to the basket. When the basket expires, the components will be released back for other members to then book.

Can I book a Seasonal pitch, Seasonal Storage or Experience Freedom glamping accommodation in the new booking system too?

Seasonal pitches, Seasonal Storage and Experience Freedom glamping accommodation will be bookable through the new system in the future. But this functionality is not part of the new system currently.

New interactive map

How does the new interactive map on the website benefit me?

The interactive map offers you a quicker and easier way to browse, find and compare multiple campsites. You can search your preferred geographical areas, compare up to three campsites and find your perfect campsites and book your holiday more easily.

Can I view and book Club campsites, Certificated Locations and Affiliated Sites on the new interactive map?

Club campsites are bookable in the new system. Certificated Locations and Affiliated Sites are visible and searchable, but you cannot book them within the new booking system (however links to each Certificated Location / Affiliated Site website and phone number will be provided).

The Club is exploring a future phase whereby Certificated Locations and Affiliated Sites will be bookable directly within the new system.


Additional help

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