The answer is simple - don't stay in caravan parks during peak periods - school holidays, long weekends etc. Always have the option of free-camping.
Welcome as well.
How about a bit more info - I see this is your first post, but you've been a member since 2014 - stopped "lurking" and decided to come out - as a poster I mean - sorry - I have a sick sense of humour.
Caravan parks are expensive, especially during holiday seasons which seem to almost run into each other these days. Showgrounds are an option - if you look down the forum you will find the sub forum of Free/Budget Camp sites - take a look through there, some really good prices at showgrounds, as well as lots of free camps, that members have shared their opinions about.
Welcome to the forum - enjoy - join in - ask questions - use the whole forum it is full of great info.
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jules "Love is good for the human being!!" (Ben, aged 10)
Stay away from large towns and you'll find most quite reasonable.
Some pubs. a meal and drink get's you a park out the back
A battery panel and regulator with some water gives freedom to stay anywhere for short hops.
Selecting the ones you want.
I draw the line at $20
Any more. Ta Ta. go elsewhere.
Hi Jules, a couple of quick questions as I have never camped in a show ground before and would be interested in doing it - do you have to phone and book a site in advance or can you just roll up and take what ever one is vacant ? Who do you actually pay your money to ? Our van is set up to free camp for a few days but I believe that in the show grounds there are powered sites, showers, water etc..
Cheers BB
Don't worry Jules I went and checked out under the Budget camp sight topic so I now know about the available facilities and prices at different show grounds from people's posts but not whether you have to book ahead or you just roll up and park wherever.
-- Edited by The Belmont Bear on Sunday 15th of January 2017 10:23:42 PM
They're all different! Some you get the key at the pub/local shop/servo. Some have a resident care taker, some don't. Some have someone who comes & collects fees, some don't.
We've always just lobbed! Have never had to book ahead, but I guess that depends on how popular the town is?
G'day Just me. Welcome to the mob now that you have come out. Caravan park prices vary a lot. It is your choice where you stay and how much you pay. I have not paid $60 a night yet and hope not to. I go along with what others have said. Shop around and free camp where you can (if set up for it).
Cheers.
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Jack Cherie and the memory of the four legged kids.
We are friends with various people who own CP's. None of them (indeed none of the CP's we have stayed in since moving to Tassie) appear to change their pricing for "peak season".
And not all CP's are created equal. We have stayed in some places whose 'sites' are tiny - bordering on stupidly small. Others, really quite large.
Our travelling is fairly evenly mixed between various free or low-cost locations and CP's. Just depends on where we are, and what is available.
But $60 for a site - if that is for a single powered site, 2 adults - I would politely decline and go elsewhere unless I had no other options.
Yep , tad on the dear side but i guess it depends what n where your after for a stay and for how long.
Way i look at it is that i purchased a Van to travel and see places i wish to see and stay at and if i have to pay extra dollar to do so especially if it involves spending some time with grandchildren then i pay up.
What peeves me off is when these upriced parks want it all up front with not being able to reserve the spot you wish and non refundable if the site doesnt suit your requirements when you arrive..
In QLD the going price back from the watefront averages around the $53 with waterfront anywhere from $67 to $90!!!, you want the viewe and privillage of being right up front then you have to pay..
Find the N.S.W. parks more competative and for me preferable for what i wish to do and where to be with better rates personally.
As for further afeild this new year will tell the story if i can manage to head further south n west :)..
What strange first post , We have a lot of caravan park knockers on this forum , I have never paid more than $40 a night and have paid a lot less , It's called supply and demand nobody make you pay high prices your choices.
Hi Jules, a couple of quick questions as I have never camped in a show ground before and would be interested in doing it - do you have to phone and book a site in advance or can you just roll up and take what ever one is vacant ? Who do you actually pay your money to ? Our van is set up to free camp for a few days but I believe that in the show grounds there are powered sites, showers, water etc..
Cheers BB
Don't worry Jules I went and checked out under the Budget camp sight topic so I now know about the available facilities and prices at different show grounds from people's posts but not whether you have to book ahead or you just roll up and park wherever.
-- Edited by The Belmont Bear on Sunday 15th of January 2017 10:23:42 PM
Hi BB - re booking - sometimes we do book, depends on the area - and if there is anything happening at the time - they close for their shows, and often have things like campdraft, etc., which is great entertainment for free, watch from the comfort of your awning.
We have never paid more than $25 in a showground - and often you get good weekly rates - ie. Boonah Qld - $25/day - 3 days $20/day - week $130 - caretakers on site, great amenities. Most have a caretaker, or a number to ring, the money goes to the Show Society usually, but if it is a recreation ground, whoever runs that. It is good to go back and see your money at work,improving on facilities and power - Nimbin Showgrounds $10 pp[/pn - two toilet/shower blocks, walk to town, have recently put more power poles and water taps in, which is great.
There is a facebook page called Showgrounds and Recreation grounds Camping (I think).
Got to save a buck when you can, eh? Take care.
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jules "Love is good for the human being!!" (Ben, aged 10)
<snip>often have things like campdraft, etc.,<snip>
Please excuse me taking this one little piece out of your post - but had to say....LOVE to watch camp drafting. Supreme horse handling skills, incredibly intelligent horses know exactly what they need to do and when....spectacular.
Hi Just me , welcome to the swings and roundabouts you will get used to it
Regarding $60 a night sure it's high we paid $70 a night for 2 people powered site in Bremer Bay WA,between Christmas and new year but we chose to be there with our daughter and family at that time (peak )
Normally we free camp but sometimes you just have to pay the going rate and just enjoy.
Dhutime
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Keep your eyes open so you can see where you are heading
Thanks Jules show grounds seem to be an attractive option especially if you are concerned about prices in the CPs and not set up to free camp. If you are lucky enough to be there when there is entertainment all the better, never even considered that one..
<snip>often have things like campdraft, etc.,<snip>
Please excuse me taking this one little piece out of your post - but had to say....LOVE to watch camp drafting. Supreme horse handling skills, incredibly intelligent horses know exactly what they need to do and when....spectacular.
So do I - good fun!
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jules "Love is good for the human being!!" (Ben, aged 10)
