Caravan Park Minimum Stay Frustration

[FiveInAVan]

Hi all,
Was just wondering how other people get around the minimum stay at caravan parks? It has become a point of frustration as we tend to travel in our van, preferring to stay 1-2 nights in one place not park our van at an expensive caravan park for 3-7 nights minimum that I am finding I am coming up against expecially during school holidays. We have done a few stays at places that aren't caravan parks but not keen yet to free camp without power (even though we are set up to do so, is more a confidence thing). While I (kind of) get why parks want a big booking, it's not like they have to do anything for an arrival or departure of a van so the minimum bookings is just dumb (greedy perhaps?). I like caravan parks, and I don't mind paying for them but seriously why can't I choose to stay for one night while heading somewhere else?! Any tips? Am I missing something perhaps?!?

 

[Dobbie]

I suspect they do that to reduce their admin costs a bit so you're really up agin it in peak times.

What type of park are you looking at and what facilities do you really need?

If you can do without the jumping castle, water slide etc and try a bit of free camping with basic facilities but beach access there might be a few possibilities....but I don't know if they have minimum stay requirements.

Where have you enquired?

 

[Jaybird]

Try looking up Show Grounds in the areas you travel to. Usually $15/20 per night power and water, most have shower toilets. Not as flash as caravan parks but would be good for short stay.

 

[spiderpig]

I agree, very frustrating. Seems quite common up and down the east coast, alot of parks weve had to miss out on as we wernt prepared to stay their min nights.

 

[FiveInAVan]

I suspect they do that to reduce their admin costs a bit so you're really up agin it in peak times.

What type of park are you looking at and what facilities do you really need?

If you can do without the jumping castle, water slide etc and try a bit of free camping with basic facilities but beach access there might be a few possibilities....but I don't know if they have minimum stay requirements.

Where have you enquired?

I've tried a heap of caravan parks in northern NSW. We are looking for a one or two nighter to break up the 3.5hr trip from Yamba for the kids. There is one Ballina park that has accepted our one night on the way down but I don't want to book it twice in case we hate it there lol. I am happy to book 2 nights as we are flexible and figure we can pay for 2 and stay one if necessary but we just hit peak season on that night and the 2 night min jumps to 3-7 and I am not prepared to pay 3 to stay 1. I'll keep searching, I just bought the Camps Aust book.

 

[FiveInAVan]

Try looking up Show Grounds in the areas you travel to. Usually $15/20 per night power and water, most have shower toilets. Not as flash as caravan parks but would be good for short stay.

Thanks! Hadn't looked at them yet but I know there are one or two that might suit.

 

[FiveInAVan]

I agree, very frustrating. Seems quite common up and down the east coast, alot of parks weve had to miss out on as we wernt prepared to stay their min nights.

It's frustrating isn't it. We had same problem coming down from Cairns to Brisbane. I am even prepared to pay 2 nights if I have to (which I usually wouldn't out of principle!) but the problem is the min stay jumps to 3+ once you hit peak season. Admin issue, yeah right. No more admin for a one night stay or a 7 night stay (I worked in hotel reception they can't pull the admin card on me ha ha ha).

 

[BigSkiddy]

It's more to allow those who want to stay a week to access the site. If you come in for 1 day mid week, it's unlikely that someone will occupy the site on those other days.

I had the same problem recently when traveling to the Gold Coast.
One night I pulled up outside a caravan park. If I got hassled my excuse was you wouldn't let me stay for one night.

Wikicamps app is pretty good, better than the Camps books. Basically I used Google maps with sat view to find spots to free camp.

 

[WHHEMI]

Hi all,
Was just wondering how other people get around the minimum stay at caravan parks? It has become a point of frustration as we tend to travel in our van, preferring to stay 1-2 nights in one place not park our van at an expensive caravan park for 3-7 nights minimum that I am finding I am coming up against expecially during school holidays. We have done a few stays at places that aren't caravan parks but not keen yet to free camp without power (even though we are set up to do so, is more a confidence thing). While I (kind of) get why parks want a big booking, it's not like they have to do anything for an arrival or departure of a van so the minimum bookings is just dumb (greedy perhaps?). I like caravan parks, and I don't mind paying for them but seriously why can't I choose to stay for one night while heading somewhere else?! Any tips? Am I missing something perhaps?!?

What is your problem with free camping, interested as it's pretty much all we have done for the last 10 years and never had a problem.

 

[FiveInAVan]

It's more to allow those who want to stay a week to access the site. If you come in for 1 day mid week, it's unlikely that someone will occupy the site on those other days.

I had the same problem recently when traveling to the Gold Coast.
One night I pulled up outside a caravan park. If I got hassled my excuse was you wouldn't let me stay for one night.

Wikicamps app is pretty good, better than the Camps books. Basically I used Google maps with sat view to find spots to free camp.

Yeah and look I totally get that. I also know if you phone them they will often have shorter stays available as one park had a 7 night min but had 2 and 3 nights I could have booked if I was flexible with dates (which unfortunately I am not for this trip). Unfortunately the one nights are usually only if you phone on the day and I am a planning kind of gal, I want it booked and paid for so I know exactly where I am (and I have small kids not keen to pull up roadside for the night if I can't get a spot. I haven't had much use of the apps yet. I found the one I trialled to contain quite a few made up camps so figured at least the book was semi accurate.

 

[FiveInAVan]

What is your problem with free camping, interested as it's pretty much all we have done for the last 10 years and never had a problem.

No problem, we are just new to caravanning and still learning our van. We did some non-caravan parks, now some caravan parks and then will do some free camps when we are a bit more confident and know what we are doing.

 

[pauljygrant]

Perhaps try phoning and agreeing to accept either powered or unpowered sites so that they can allocate your site on the day of arrival - gives the caravan park more flexibility and I'm guessing most could find one free area each night.
Would being a member of Big 4, and the other clubs help to win favour?
If the location is close enough that you might visit for another stay later in the year, offer to pay for say 5 nights and bank the unused nights with them for use later on?
Just some thoughts.....

 

[FiveInAVan]

Perhaps try phoning and agreeing to accept either powered or unpowered sites so that they can allocate your site on the day of arrival - gives the caravan park more flexibility and I'm guessing most could find one free area each night.
Would being a member of Big 4, and the other clubs help to win favour?
If the location is close enough that you might visit for another stay later in the year, offer to pay for say 5 nights and bank the unused nights with them for use later on?
Just some thoughts.....

I like the powered/unpowered site idea! As for memberships, I am a member at 4 of the big caravan parks. I haven't tried the phone and beg option yet lol but if I do then I'll be sure to mention if I am a member. Banking the nights, now there is a great idea! Wouldn't it be great if all caravan parks let you credit stays! Some great ideas, cheers

 

[Dobbie]

Hey @FiveInAVan

If you've now got the camps book that's good....but get Wikicamps as well for up to date info on possible places, then check with the camps book. Doesn't cost much.

Also, try 'places' on this site. I've recently discovered it and have found a few we're now interested in.

If in transit, lots of places will be available but maybe not for someone who wants all her ducks in a row before you leave. Ideal, I know, but not always possible.

Me...without kids...Id wing it but fully understand why you are hesitant.

 

[Bellbirdweb]

I have been very frustrated with this as well, as I much prefer to book on line where possible.

I have found however that when I call them direct and challenge their minimum stay ie would you rather have me for 2 days or nobody for 7, it sometimes works.

I have even offered to pay a slightly higher rate for a short stay.

Most places will be willing to negotiate if they aren't full.

 

[bigcol]

one of the main reasons why I have not stayed at Coral Bay for years, min stay of 4 days...........
I find it easier to either stay in Carnarvon & drive to Coral Bay for the day (3hr drive)
or
stay in Exmouth, and drive to Coral Bay for the day (3hr drive)

I have found however that when I call them direct and challenge their minimum stay ie would you rather have me for 2 days or nobody for 7, it sometimes works.

tried that once as well, only wanted to stay the night (get there about 1-ish set up, do the Glass bottom boat, have dinner, bed, getup & pack up and head further north) - we only have Cabins available for over nighters - or a site for 4 days
"can you fit 3 vans on the site.........?"
no, you would need to book cabins each.............

then, when we went there (day tripping from Exmouth) park was 1/2 empty.............

stupid greedy park managers.................