The question of the best motorhome club in the UK is the subject of much debate on social media and online forums but the answer very much comes down to personal preference. Here, Van Life Matters sets out the biggest UK motorhome clubs, their benefits, costs and what they’re good for so you can make your own informed decision.
Caravan and Motorhome Club
Formerly known as the Caravan Club, The Caravan and Motorhome Club has been around for more than 110 years and certifies sites across the UK.
Membership entitles you to discounts at its network of 2,700 campsites in the UK and Europe, plus savings at a wide range tourist attractions and on some ferry lines.
For: Caravans, motorhomes and campervans. Some sites do also welcome tents UK campsites: 198 club sites and 2,200 certified sites Membership cost: From £56 per year with no joining fee Good for: Its huge choice of sites
Caravan and Motorhome Club membership also brings access to free help and advice including a technical advice team, a legal advice helpline and an overseas advice line.
Additionally, members get a free monthly club magazine and a host of other special partnership offers.
Camping and Caravanning Club
The Camping and Caravanning Club was founded in 1901 and claims to be the largest and oldest camping club in the world.
It has nearly 100 club sites, 1,300 certified sites throughout the UK and runs 16 Camping in the Forest campsites in spectacular woodland locations across England and Scotland on behalf of Forestry England and Forestry and Land Scotland.
For: Caravans, motorhomes, campervans and tents UK campsites: 100 club sites, 1,300 certified sites and 16 Camping in the Forest campsites Membership cost: From £45 Good for: Huge choice of sites
There are more than 700,000 Camping and Caravanning Club members in the UK.
Temporary membership is available for overseas visitors.
Freedom Camping Club
The Freedom Camping Club is very much a family-orientated club which promotes “strong social family bonds and creating memories of family interaction”.
It licenses campsites across the UK, from the most basic provisions to fully fledged glamping sites.
For: Tents, caravans, campervans and motorhomes. UK campsites: More than 9,000 campsites listed in the directory Membership cost: Free Good for: Families
Members can take advantage of the club’s low-cost and a diverse array of camp sites around the country.
It hosts regular competitions with camping equipment, camping vouchers and cash prize giveaways.
Motor Caravanners Club
The Motor Caravanners Club organises more than 500 events per year in the UK and Spain.
The motorhome club is organised into 26 regional groups, with each hosting several social events each year.
For: Campervans and motorhomes but they must meet this criteria UK campsites: Around 75 club sites and 70 'night stops' Membership cost: From £36.75 per year with no joining fee Good for: Socialising
Motor Caravanners Club members get a monthly magazine, an annual handbook of certified locations and ‘night stops’ and a range of discounted services.
Club Motorhome
Founded in 2009 by a couple of new and enthusiastic motorhome owners, the Motorhome Club today offers members a comprehensive directory of motorhome pub stopovers and wild camping parking locations, complete with reviews and photos.
The directory can be downloaded as an e-book – handy for when you can’t access Wi-Fi.
Motorhome tips and advice can be found on the Club Motorhome forum.
For: Campervans and motorhomes UK campsites: No 'traditional' campsites but a comprehensive directory on pub and carpark stopovers. Membership cost: £20 Good for: Motorhome stopover locations
International Caravanning Association
The International Caravanning Association doesn’t license or certify campsites, instead it organises rallies and tours for caravan, campervan and motorhome owners.
Membership entitles you to take part in the events and you’ll also get the club’s bimonthly magazine
For: Caravans, campervans and motorhomes. UK campsites: None Membership cost: £20 per year plus a one off £5 joining fee Good for: Social gatherings
Historic Caravan Club
Founded in 1993 by a group of historic caravan enthusiasts at a meeting in Tetbury, Gloucestershire, the Historic Caravan Club is today widely accepted as the reference point for anyone in an interest in classic caravanning.
The club promotes the restoration, preservation, use and display vintage caravans manufactured before 1960 at club events including classic caravan shows and rallies.
For: Anyone with an interest in classic caravanning UK campsites: None Membership cost: £25, includes one-off £5 joining fee Good for: An excellent source of information for prospective buyers and those seeking advice on classic caravan restoration and maintenance.
There’s no requirement to own a classic caravan to join the club and attend its events but your caravan must meet the age requirement to be able to display it at an event.
Membership to the club gives you access to a wealth of information, events and a club magazine.
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