We were members of Big 4 and Top Tourist. While the membership isn't all that expensive we have let ours lapse as we now prefer to free camp.
Also find that the smaller privately owned van parks are a better way to go if we can't free camp.
We aren't into jumping pillows and games rooms and heated swimming pools etc., so why pay higher site fees for things that you don't need or want.
Then, having said all that each person has their own agenda and the things mentioned above appeal to some people, especially if you have children travelling with you.
I Joined both Top Tourist and Big 4 when I went away recently. I used Top Tourist a lot but mainly smaller ones - no jumping pillows or playgrounds to be seen - and I think this membership has paid for itself already. The Big 4 was right where I wanted to be but it did have all the bells and whistles - and so far I have used it only once but I still have 22 odd months to go before it expires.
I think I will only renew the Top Tourist one when it expires in a little under 2 years.
-- Edited by Esmeralda on Monday 19th of September 2011 05:35:36 PM
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Esmeralda
It aint over until the fat lady sings, and I dont feel like singing just yet!
If you're on the road full time and using parks predominantly, it is certainly worth the membership. Top Tourist membership is for 2 years, and I think Big 4, Family Parks and Oz Parks do something similar. You get your membership fee back in about 5 or 6 stays. The Big 4 seem to have become more about family entertainment, providing jumping pillows and comprehensive playgrounds for the kids. They also seem to be dearer on average, than the other parks. As Ma pointed out the smaller, private parks seem to relate more to their customers, but that's not always the rule either. I've had some great stays in Top Tourist Parks around the country, and at private parks. It's all about personal choice, but it's certainly worth it if you are a regular park customer. Free camping isn't for everyone when they're on the road full time. I like to park up for a couple of weeks in a place so I can get a feel for the community and enjoy the features of the region in my own time. I'm parked up for the duration at the moment looking for work out of Adelaide. The park I'm in is not a franchise. If you're a senior with a seniors card you will also get discount in many parks, but you can't get 2 discounts. It's either the membership or the seniors card, but you could be cheeky and try I suppose. Double dipping.
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20ft Roma caravan - Mercedes Benz Sprinter - SA-based at the moment. Transport has no borders.
Management makes the decisions, but is not affected by the decisions it makes.
Howdyeeeee young fella, John and I r on the other side of Aledaide. I c U made a mistake, if U want to go to Heaven ,after making that Mistake,,,heheheh U gotta eat 24 Hot Dogs for repentance,, then U can go to Heaven..hehhehe,,....... catch U down the track ......Billeeeeee....PS, go on , make some more Mistakes,,,hot dogs r great to eat.......
It is very much a personal thing as others have said so my comments may not reflect your thinking.
I have been away from home for 44 nights and 14 of them were booked prior to leaving and would not have been booked if I had had the experience that I have now. I have paid $583 for accomodation and had 17 nights of free stays so my average over the 44 nights is $12.67 per night.
No way would I pay for membership of one of the groups, my personal experience suggests that there is more camaraderie and friendship whilst free camping with very little of that in the bigger parks.
Make sure that you are equipped for free camping, you certainly have the best start with the vehicle that you have purchased. Just read some of the threads here about being independant of 240 volts and use the smaller parks as and when for your own personal choice and convenience.
All the best for your future travels and I hope we meet up again on our excursions, probably not in one of the larger goup parks.
John
-- Edited by yeoeleven on Tuesday 20th of September 2011 07:39:53 PM
I agree John.........that is John there on the avatar isn't it..............this new bloke looks waaaaaaaaaaaaay younger than that other bloke with the beard. Lookin good!!!
All the wisdom from here seems to indicate free camping is best and more enjoyable. I did a stange trip a few years ago with a nervous mate who insisted on taking a separate car incase I broke down and who would only stay in caravan parks. My poor old coaster was a bit decrepid but performed beautifully. I had noted a few free camps and would have liked to try them out but it was not to be. In the late 70's and early 80's I free camped a bit but then it was called vagrancy because I did not have a vehicle.... or a job either sometimes.
