BRITAIN’S caravan, campervan and motorhome owners have a closely guarded secret – campsites that can be enjoyed for just £2 per person, per night.
I went in search of the best sites and they’re guaranteed to ensure cash-strapped families have a brilliant holiday this summer.
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The UK’s two major leisure vehicle clubs – The Caravan and Motorhome Club and The Camping and Caravanning Club – have a network of small campsites that allow members to enjoy holidays at thousands of locations at inflation-busting rates.
But why the secrecy?
Each CL (Caravan and Motorhome Club) or CS (Camping and Caravanning Club) site is privately owned, and therefore each location is truly individual.
Would you like to pitch your caravan or motorhome within a working vineyard?
How about waking up in your campervan to views of a mountain range?
The secrecy stems from pitch numbers, as each CL or CS can only accommodate a maximum of five units per night.
When someone discovers their perfect, low-cost campsite, details are guarded.
Armed with a Bailey of Bristol caravan, I went in search of my favourite CL and CS sites – here are the best of the best.
Cornish Coastline
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Padstow, a charming and historic coastal town in Cornwall, known for its harbour, Rick Stein and Paul Ainsworth restaurants, and scenic estuary walks, is a popular but pricey destination, especially in summer.
An online search revealed per-night hotel prices for a family of four to be between £200 and £300 during peak periods, with an Airbnb booking saving approximately £50. Padstow is the perfect place to begin our story.
Nestled among gently rolling farmland overlooking Padstow, Chapel Farm CL is a perfect Cornish retreat for those wanting peace without sacrificing proximity to Cornwall’s most iconic spots.
At just £10 per night, or £2.50 per person for a family of four, it was significantly cheaper than bricks and mortar accommodation and gave us stunning views of the River Camel flowing alongside Padstow.
Snowdonia – Small Site, Big Mountains
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Just outside the Welsh town of Llanrwst, Tan Y Rhiw CS site is one of Snowdonia’s best-kept secrets.
It sits quietly on a smallholding just off the A470, where hens peck and a friendly sheepdog is eager to say hello, although it’s the panoramic mountain view that makes this site special.
From your pitch, you can watch the sun rise over the peaks of the Carneddau range before exploring nearby landscapes that have remained unchanged for millennia.
Prices are from £20 per night, but the individual hardstanding pitches, electric hook-up, and small loo/shower block make this good value.
Jurassic Coast, Jurassic Prices
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Trigon Farm CL is rural yet close to many Dorset landmarks and attractions.
Situated on a working arable farm, the pitches are set among rolling fields, and the Jurassic Coast is nearby.
The reason for our trip, however, was to cycle the Sika Trail, which is a short distance from the site.
As with Chapel Farm CL, we were reliant on the facilities within the caravan, but at £12.50 per night for two adults, it’s an absolute bargain.
£8 Per Night in the Pennine Hills
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Thurlmoor Farm CS site is a peaceful, countryside-rich campsite near Holmfirth, South Yorkshire.
It offers grass pitches with or without electric hook-up from just £8 per night, which works out at £2pp for a family of four.
Located near the Trans-Pennine Trail, it’s dog-friendly and ideal for those seeking a quiet base to explore scenic local trails, villages, and the wider Peak District.
Why these sites matter now more than ever
The campsite fees – albeit relatively small – are an essential lifeline to site owners, with one farmer citing his campsite field as ‘the most productive on the entire farm’.
Essential Info for CL and CS Sites
- Only members of The Caravan and Motorhome Club (www.camc.com) and The Camping and Caravanning Club (www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk) can access CL and CS sites. Joining either club is a cost-effective and straightforward process.
- There’s a combined total of approximately 3500 CL and CS sites across the UK.
- No electricity? No problem. Caravans, campervans, and motorhomes are self-sufficient, with most being able to light and heat the interior, provide hot water for the on-board shower, cook using a hob, oven, or grill, and charge laptops, phones, or tablets.
- Need 230V electricity? Many CL and CS sites offer a mains electricity supply.
- Prices can vary and are usually based on facilities and infrastructure.
These campsites allow cash-strapped families to maximise the number of holidays they enjoy each year, while helping small businesses across the UK.
If you’re looking for more ways to cut the cost of your camping trip, The Sun has four tips to consider.
The travel team has also found the UK’s top 20 most idyllic camping destinations.
And don’t forget camping essentials – the best shops to explore and prices start from £2.50.
