If you are a family that loves to hook up the caravan or pitch a tent, you’ve likely felt the squeeze when trying to book a pitch. In the camping and caravanning community, a major debate is currently raging, and passions are running high. At the heart of the controversy is a major decision by the Caravan and Motorhome Club (CAMC) to turn even more of their locations into “adults-only” sites.
In this blog post, we break down the fiery debate surrounding CAMC’s latest move, why so many families are feeling pushed out, and what critics are calling a potentially fatal mistake for the future of the camping industry.
### The Growing Frustration for Camping Families
As highlighted in the video, the overarching sentiment from frustrated parents and family campers is one of absolute fury. Finding suitable, accessible campsites for families with children is becoming increasingly difficult.
With CAMC shifting more of its portfolio toward adult-only exclusivity, the inventory of family-friendly pitches shrinks further. For parents trying to introduce their kids to the great outdoors, plan affordable holidays, or simply enjoy quality family time in nature, these restrictions feel like a direct slap in the face.
### Why the “Adults-Only” Shift is Being Called a Fatal Mistake
While adult-only sites certainly appeal to couples and travelers seeking absolute peace and quiet, the rapid expansion of this trend poses a serious existential threat to the broader camping industry. Here are the core issues discussed:
* **Alienating the Next Generation of Campers:** The camping and caravanning community relies heavily on generational turnover. If children aren’t given the opportunity to experience camping trips today, they are far less likely to become the caravan and motorhome owners, equipment buyers, and club members of tomorrow. By shutting families out, the industry risks cutting off its own future lifeline.
* **Disproportionate Restrictions:** Critics argue that while quiet hours and well-managed sites are important for everyone, completely banning children from a growing number of premier locations penalizes well-behaved families alongside everyone else.
* **The Squeeze on Peak Holiday Times:** Families are already restricted by school holidays when planning trips. With fewer sites available to them—and adult-only sites taking up a significant portion of the network—families face intense booking competition, inflated prices, and severely limited choices during the exact times they are allowed to travel.
### The Bottom Line
The debate boils down to balance. While adult-only campsites certainly have their place in the market, the aggressive push by organizations like CAMC to convert more sites risks alienating family campers entirely. If the camping industry fails to nurture family participation, it may find itself looking at a very lonely—and unsustainable—future.
What are your thoughts on the rise of adult-only campsites? Are clubs like CAMC right to cater to peace-seeking adults, or are they freezing out the next generation of campers? Let us know your thoughts!