CAMC would not allow member in a predicament to have water!

[bexleyjohn]

We’ve just returned from a two week round trip from Kent, up to Anglesey and back. On the way back we stopped the the CCC site at Reek. The previous site in Anglesey (a CL) had no place for grey water for MHs so we drove to Leek with empty Fresh water tank but full grey water tank. On arrival at Leek the male warden showed us to the grey water dump but as our new Chausson has its outlet right in the middle near the rear axle (what a stupid place to put it) we couldnt get over the drainage point without a lot of manoeuvring. The warden helped “guide” me over the hole and before that he removed the manhole cover for me. Then after putting the cover back on he helped me with the filling of the fresh water. (I didn’t really need the help but he insisted)
Then he took us to the pitch but sadly as it was gravel and sloping I had major problems with levelling on the levelling ramps and one from under the front wheel shot out all the way under the MH and out the other side, fortunately no damage. He then took us to another pitch which was 100% level.
Excellent service with a smile and always there to help if required. Renewed my lagging faith in the CCC.

On the matter of using a levelling ramp, never had a problem with my last MH with a manual gear box - finding it a pain now with an automatic gearbox. Or is it just me?

 

[wyliecyotee]

I cannot believe what a very good friend has just told me! He and his wife are touring Scotland in their Auto Trail and finding the sites very busy so are having to wild camp too.

He has lost his fresh water tank discharge pipe and all his water, but has managed a temporary fix.

He visited a CAMC site to stay but there were no vacancies. He explained their predicament to the site wardens and asked if he could fill his empty tank with water, they told him no, it was not allowed. He went to Tesco and bought bottled water to put into it.

I honestly cannot believe this is how low the CAMC rules have stooped towards anyone, let alone Members. Shame on them and that warden not making an exception in the circumstances.

As it’s not me I do not wish to name the site.

 

[chesterfield hooligan]

We’ve just returned from a two week round trip from Kent, up to Anglesey and back. On the way back we stopped the the CCC site at Reek. The previous site in Anglesey (a CL) had no place for grey water for MHs so we drove to Leek with empty Fresh water tank but full grey water tank. On arrival at Leek the male warden showed us to the grey water dump but as our new Chausson has its outlet right in the middle near the rear axle (what a stupid place to put it) we couldnt get over the drainage point without a lot of manoeuvring. The warden helped “guide” me over the hole and before that he removed the manhole cover for me. Then after putting the cover back on he helped me with the filling of the fresh water. (I didn’t really need the help but he insisted)
Then he took us to the pitch but sadly as it was gravel and sloping I had major problems with levelling on the levelling ramps and one from under the front wheel shot out all the way under the MH and out the other side, fortunately no damage. He then took us to another pitch which was 100% level.
Excellent service with a smile and always there to help if required. Renewed my lagging faith in the CCC.

On the matter of using a levelling ramp, never had a problem with my last MH with a manual gear box - finding it a pain now with an automatic gearbox. Or is it just me?

When we were in Portugal a German got his leveling ramps out he had attached some webbing to the front of the ramps and just drove onto the webbing then up the ramps no chance of them moving.

 

[VXman]

Just spent 2 weeks in Ireland. Completely off grid. Never had trouble finding water at all.

Garages, outside a public toilet, random taps near beaches, marinas, in a street corner. Park4nite was invaluable in locating them.

 

[ceejayt]

CCC do charge non residents to use facilities, for that you get time (2hrs ish ) I believe..
During that you can fill water.. empty waste and cassette and use toilet block to use loo and have a shower..
IMO all very civilised and sensible.
EDIT £7.65 per unit for up to 3hrs.

The C & CC club just recently reinstated the ability to visit for a short stop following stopping this for COVID for a couple of years.

A map of locations of Black tank emptying points for C and CC and CAMC and others is here Black Tank Emptying which people may find useful

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[Lenny HB]

Not surprised. I left CAMC after being told off by a very officious woman for not getting my credit card out quickly enough. I had been trying to explain that I was travelling solo and in a new van for the first time and might need some advice. I got no help from the staff but thankfully did have lots of help from other campers. Odd how one unpleasant staffer can affect how you feel. But this is nowhere near as bad as being denied water.

I've joined two three times over the last 40 years only been on their sites 3 or 4 and every time been met with the Mr. Hitler warden, I would never ever join again.

When we were in Portugal a German got his leveling ramps out he had attached some webbing to the front of the ramps and just drove onto the webbing then up the ramps no chance of them moving.

I thought every one did that, it's common sense.

 

[Jagtazman]

If the site was empty I can kind of see why you were refused, as could be seen as taking advantage. I need water and dump waste but don't want to pay for an overnight stop. As mentioned above stops FLT, even thou I FLT loads.
What I don't get it why will not allow if full, they ain't loosing anything. Especially if charge a small fee.
I cancelled memberships years ago due to all in my eye the stupid rules and regs.
The 3 nights on a bank holiday really wound me up. Must park to left of peg or whatever the rule is. Site is empty but you are too early go away.
Much prefer Independent sites. More friendly and I'd prefer to support the smaller businesses

 

[63720]

I've filled with water at a remote village hall and left a thank you card and cash to pay for the water plus a donation to hall funds.

I also cleaned the loo after use - not that it was dirty, just good manners to do so.

Well done! If you had left your name and address the treasurer could Gift Aid it and reclaimed the tax.

 

[plumbob]

If the site was empty I can kind of see why you were refused, as could be seen as taking advantage. I need water and dump waste but don't want to pay for an overnight stop. As mentioned above stops FLT, even thou I FLT loads.
What I don't get it why will not allow if full, they ain't loosing anything. Especially if charge a small fee.
I cancelled memberships years ago due to all in my eye the stupid rules and regs.
The 3 nights on a bank holiday really wound me up. Must park to left of peg or whatever the rule is. Site is empty but you are too early go away.
Much prefer Independent sites. More friendly and I'd prefer to support the smaller businesses

I don't think the original post was advocating changing the rules, more a question of a recognition when a decision to waive those rules is appropriate. Too many organisations hide behind their rules as it conveniently takes away the need to think! There are occasions when someone just needs to have the balls (a figure of speech not sexist!) to make a decision appropriate to the circumstances rather than hiding behind a policy document. Yes it will need some skill to sift out the poor planners and the lazy from those in genuine need but all jobs come with challenges, that is usually what makes them interesting.

 

[Smudger55]

We've stayed on many CMC sites over last 3 years and all bar 1 have looked after by cheerful, hard working, helpful and friendly staff. We like the order of their sites, generally quiet and we wouldn't want any additional, regular activity from people who are not booked into the site for a stay.

We live with the rules, generally getting good size pitches and very much value the peace and quiet for most of the time. We have tried I dependant sites they are OK but quite often pitches are narrow, there are however some, ie Morris leisure who do offer great sites.

So we are happy with what CMC offer, especially booking in advance without deposit to be paid. Think this is changing though.

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[plumbob]

If the site was empty I can kind of see why you were refused, as could be seen as taking advantage. I need water and dump waste but don't want to pay for an overnight stop. As mentioned above stops FLT, even thou I FLT loads.
What I don't get it why will not allow if full, they ain't loosing anything. Especially if charge a small fee.
I cancelled memberships years ago due to all in my eye the stupid rules and regs.
The 3 nights on a bank holiday really wound me up. Must park to left of peg or whatever the rule is. Site is empty but you are too early go away.
Much prefer Independent sites. More friendly and I'd prefer to support the smaller businesses

I don't think the original post was advocating changing the rules, more a question of a recognition when a decision to waive those rules is appropriate. Too many organisations hide behind their rules as it conveniently takes away the need to think! There are occasions when someone just needs to have the balls (a figure of speech not sexist!) to make a decision appropriate to the circumstances rather than hiding behind a policy document. Yes it will need some skill to sift out the poor planners and the lazy from those in genuine need but all jobs come with challenges, that is usually what makes them interesting.

After reading all the comments this event I experienced at Pembrey CAMC site a few weeks ago will shock you it did me. They have signs fixed to all fresh water taps at filling /emptying points Motorhome’s are not to fill up fresh water here and must use Motorhome servicing point . What’s that all about

 

[MichaelT]

Much prefer Independent sites. More friendly and I'd prefer to support the smaller businesses

So do all these independent sites allow you FLT people to come on site and use the services?

 

[ceejayt]

After reading all the comments this event I experienced at Pembrey CAMC site a few weeks ago will shock you it did me. They have signs fixed to all fresh water taps at filling /emptying points Motorhome’s are not to fill up fresh water here and must use Motorhome servicing point . What’s that all about

I guess it is because we would occupy the tap for some time preventing others using it for a kettle - we may also b blocking the road. My tank takes about 15 minutes to fill with good pressure

 

[plumbob]

I guess it is because we would occupy the tap for some time preventing others using it for a kettle - we may also b blocking the road. My tank takes about 15 minutes to fill with good pressure

My thought exactly only when I got back in and drove to the MH service point I wAs third in line and really blocking the road where as I could have pulled in by the other tap no problem. Ahhh!!!!!

 

[plumbob]

We've stayed on many CMC sites over last 3 years and all bar 1 have looked after by cheerful, hard working, helpful and friendly staff. We like the order of their sites, generally quiet and we wouldn't want any additional, regular activity from people who are not booked into the site for a stay.

We live with the rules, generally getting good size pitches and very much value the peace and quiet for most of the time. We have tried I dependant sites they are OK but quite often pitches are narrow, there are however some, ie Morris leisure who do offer great sites.

So we are happy with what CMC offer, especially booking in advance without deposit to be paid. Think this is changing though.

Received an email this week moved our booking in September to new booking system and are bringing in deposits. Not a bad thing as every weekend is booked up but when and if you can get in they have umpteen no shows

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[Puddleduck]

Well done! If you had left your name and address the treasurer could Gift Aid it and reclaimed the tax.

I don't have enough income to pay tax or I would have done so. I left the van reg number and my mobile number.

After reading all the comments this event I experienced at Pembrey CAMC site a few weeks ago will shock you it did me. They have signs fixed to all fresh water taps at filling /emptying points Motorhome’s are not to fill up fresh water here and must use Motorhome servicing point . What’s that all about

One reason we use a watering can no blocking the access when we need water and several short uses of the tap.

 

[Puddleduck]

In defence of site wardens Martin was once unwell when we were away and the wardens were fabulous. They moved a couple of units so we were on a pitch by the access so an ambulance could get to us easily and made the disabled facilities available. They checked in with us several times a day and organised click and collect for groceries, full of apologies they could not allow a delivery (if one person gets it the rest will want it and delivery trucks at all hours???? No thanks).

I would not want their job for all the gold in Colorado

 

[Neil S]

If the site was empty I can kind of see why you were refused, as could be seen as taking advantage. I need water and dump waste but don't want to pay for an overnight stop. As mentioned above stops FLT, even thou I FLT loads.
What I don't get it why will not allow if full, they ain't loosing anything. Especially if charge a small fee.
I cancelled memberships years ago due to all in my eye the stupid rules and regs.
The 3 nights on a bank holiday really wound me up. Must park to left of peg or whatever the rule is. Site is empty but you are too early go away.
Much prefer Independent sites. More friendly and I'd prefer to support the smaller businesses

the 3 night rule on bank holidays is the Camping and Caravan Club
The Caravan Club or C&MC as it is now has always allowed 1 night bookings

 

[Neil S]

In defence of site wardens Martin was once unwell when we were away and the wardens were fabulous. They moved a couple of units so we were on a pitch by the access so an ambulance could get to us easily and made the disabled facilities available. They checked in with us several times a day and organised click and collect for groceries, full of apologies they could not allow a delivery (if one person gets it the rest will want it and delivery trucks at all hours???? No thanks).

I would not want their job for all the gold in Colorado

Agreed , we stayed for 3 weeks on Edinburgh site as my partner was receiving Cancer treatment at the Western General
The site wardens were great and couldn’t do enough
Sites us right next to the toilet block
Even offered to collect anything we needed from Morrisons

 

[Coolcats]

Have to say We are CAMC members and would like to thank those that are not renewing or those that will not join. It may reduce the pressure on sites meaning there will be more vacancies on the weekends

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[ambo2camper]

I don't even know what CAMC stands for. If you use your brain there are plenty of places to get water. I also carry additional means for collecting water from a stream, river, lake etc plus filters for this. I think people should always have a back up plan.

 

[Zigisla]

So do all these independent sites allow you FLT people to come on site and use the services?

Last year we were uk touring using wild spots and britstops. We got to a point where we needed to empty grey and top up fresh. We stopped at a small indépendant site to see if they could fit us in. No we are full. . You can park up at the hotel close by says the manager. I know, but we need the services I say. No worries dump and fill here then. How much I says. Naaah, don’t worry about that he says, it’s only water.

 

[Tonks]

Thanks for turning my post towards a recommendation to steal when I intended on such thing.

I did not intend to suggest you were making a recommendation to steal so I’m sorry to have upset you. I just wanted to point out to folks in general that it’s polite to ask. I’m sensitive to people stating ‘church yards have taps’ or similar as this HAS frequently been suggested on various forums as a source of easily (freely!) available water, and I’ve even seen at least two posts where people said they’d filled their tanks from taps at the sides of graveyards! As someone who has had various association with mostly smallish country churches which struggle financially I don’t like seeing them taken advantage of. I actually don’t think any of the churches I’ve been connected with would say no to a request to fill a five or ten litre container. Some may even say yes to filling an entire tank. It may depend on the church and whether they’re metered or paying flat rates.

Iirc the Dali Lama says ....you should only speak if what you have to say is an improvement on the silence.

Unnecessary. And in any case IMV my comment DID ‘improve the silence’ in this case, for the reasons above.

 

[poppycamper]

A map of locations of Black tank emptying points for C and CC and CAMC and others is here Black Tank Emptying which people may find useful

ceejayt useful map. However No CAMC sites on that map unless you a resident.
And you need to be member to use the CCC site ones.

 

[Captain Yoghurtpot]

One reason we use a watering can no blocking the access when we need water and several short uses of the tap.

Absolutely!
Spot on. Do exactly the same and in addition use a small separate bucket to do the “ little and often “ routine . Do this for both fresh and grey water.
Takes no time at all.

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[madkoka]

I cannot believe what a very good friend has just told me! He and his wife are touring Scotland in their Auto Trail and finding the sites very busy so are having to wild camp too.

He has lost his fresh water tank discharge pipe and all his water, but has managed a temporary fix.

He visited a CAMC site to stay but there were no vacancies. He explained their predicament to the site wardens and asked if he could fill his empty tank with water, they told him no, it was not allowed. He went to Tesco and bought bottled water to put into it.

I honestly cannot believe this is how low the CAMC rules have stooped towards anyone, let alone Members. Shame on them and that warden not making an exception in the circumstances.

As it’s not me I do not wish to name the site.

Name and shame so no Funsters will put coin in their greedy paws

 

[Blaydon]

Hi All - my views on the CAMC are on this site for all to see - but I would add that the 'Club' as they like to call themselves (Probably because they like to beat the members) are keen to have new, clean and upgraded sites. Most have 'Late arrivals' slots. It cannot be beyond their design skills to put in a service point in that space. With a continental style coin operated system, they would pay for themselves over time and provide a service. There would be no driving round the site during the day, and no disruption for those who want to pay and stay. Sure it would take time for sites to have such provision added - during upgrade work, but it would happen in the end.

On the point of Grey water dumping - when in the New Forest, we were told you can't even dump fresh water from your tank, onto the ground as it upsets the environment. We were told that even though the waste was into a tank, all grey and fresh water had to go in the identified drain.

A long time ago, when our kids were very small, we arrived on a private site and asked if there was any space. 'Yes' we were told. 'Any rules we need to be aware of?" I asked. The guy looked me in the eye and said "Just common sense. If you need rules, we don't want you to stay."

Something to think about.

 

[Nigel P]

If the site was empty I can kind of see why you were refused, as could be seen as taking advantage. I need water and dump waste but don't want to pay for an overnight stop. As mentioned above stops FLT, even thou I FLT loads.
What I don't get it why will not allow if full, they ain't loosing anything. Especially if charge a small fee.
I cancelled memberships years ago due to all in my eye the stupid rules and regs.
The 3 nights on a bank holiday really wound me up. Must park to left of peg or whatever the rule is. Site is empty but you are too early go away.
Much prefer Independent sites. More friendly and I'd prefer to support the smaller businesses

I see your point but I would think if they were to take a small fee the full or empty argument wouldn't need to apply. If I go into my local Costa they would not refuse me a takeaway coffee just because the seating area was empty. As others have said if the business was forward thinking and responsive to customer needs a separate service point could be provided, even if it was on a token basis from the office. Similar schemes in French villages require a token from a local shop, the token is free but the moral pressure of spending in the shop as a thank you appears to be succesful. Not many years ago wifi was non-existent on campsites, progress is inevitable to remain attractive amongst competition. Some of the earlier posts re-inforce what I mentioned, that good service is available when the individual staff think about specific circumstances rather than the 'rules'.

 

[tonyidle]

I think that is a bit of an exaggeration but the excuse used by the club committee to forbid people to fill up. In practice I have found service areas usually empty and have rarely had to wait to fill or empty and you are in and out within 10 minutes so there is rwally no big deal anout it - just an unfounded fear!! I had the turn-away experience in Scotland where the site was full at 6pm and I asked if I could at least get some water for wild camping as the next campsite was too far away. NO was the reply even though the service point was right outside her door and empty. I couldn't believe the manager could be so callous. Near Titchwell RSPB a few years back, while camping at a proper site, we had accidentally overfilled the toilet cassette and our site had no chemical disposal facilities. We went to three separate sites in the area ( quite a few miles to travel) to ask if we could pop in to empty the cassette and were refused until finally we found a young lady (at a holiday park of all places and well out of our way) who took pity on us and let us use the disposal point. By then we had toilet waste spilled all over the toilet room floor and cassette area and took us ages to clean up. We should have just dumped it in the normal toilet at the first site and saved ourselves a ton of trouble!!!

No help now I know but........... if it ever happens again you can lower the overfill by removing the cap from the emptying nozzle (with a bucket to catch the overfill). It will allow removal of enough to take the level below the blade so there's no spillage when removing the cassette.

 

[denisejoe]

We left CCC when they made absolutely no effort to open facilities after the covid lockdowns. At least the CMC did. And the CCC made no reduction in prices…….goodbye

Maybe no reductions but they did extend memberships by the 3 months they weren't allowed to open.

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