Camping clubs, certificates, and licence-exempt organisations: What does it all mean?

What is an exempted organisation?

In terms of camping and caravanning in the UK, an exempted organisation is one that has the authority to run or approve sites—without the need for planning permission or a licence. These include organisations like the Scouts and Guides, who will typically use their exemption for annual camps, jamborees, or rallies. It also includes camping clubs, which is more relevant if you’re thinking of starting a campsite. These organisations can use their permissions to both run sites and to authorise other people to run sites under their banner. It is this ability that campsite owners and Hipcamp hosts can benefit from.

The first stage in setting up a new camping, glamping, or caravan site is usually to apply for the relevant permissions from your local authorities: planning permission and a licence. Joining an exempted organisation, however, is one route that removes the need for both of these. The biggest and most established exempted organisations that you can apply to include The Caravan and Motorhome Club (formerly known as The Caravan Club) and the similarly named, but distinct, Camping and Caravan Club. Smaller clubs with similar privileges include The Greener Camping Club, Woodland Champions, and The Freedom Camping Club.

What are certificated sites, certificated locations, and certified sites?

Camping and caravan sites that operate with approval from an exempted organisation are known variously as certificated sites (The Camping and Caravanning Club), certificated locations (The Caravan and Motorhome Club), certified sites and various other similar names. Just to confuse everyone further, they are also sometimes known by abbreviations: CLs and CSs. It all amounts to the same thing though; small sites that have been certified to host camping and/or caravanning with the relevant club’s stamp of approval. The ‘small’ part is important as the law states that the exemption allowing clubs to authorise sites (known in law as a Paragraph 5 exemption) is for a maximum of five caravans only. While there is no maximum number of camping pitches stipulated, some clubs have their own limit and it tends to be around 10.

The pros and cons of running a licence-exempt site

The biggest advantage of running a licence-exempt campsite is simple: You avoid the bureaucracy and cost of planning permission and applying for a licence. There are other advantages, though, and some downsides too, so it’s important to weigh these up before deciding whether this is the route you would like to take to run your Hipcamp.

Advantages of running a licence-exempt campsite:

• No need for planning permission for change of use of land.
• No need for a camping or caravan site licence.
• Club notifies your local authority and neighbours for approval.
• Up to five caravans and 10 or more camping pitches typically allowed.
• Support of an experienced organisation as you set up.
• Membership group means you have a ready-made group of potential customers.
• Some marketing may be included.
• Exempted campsites can operate year-round.

Disadvantages of running a licence-exempt campsite:

• The number of caravans you can host is limited to five and tents is often limited to 10, so there’s limited scope to really grow your camping business.
• Planning permission will still be needed for any building work (including drainage, sewerage, hardstanding, and washblocks).
• Each club has its own rules about how you should set up your site, which can be similar to conditions required by planning and licensing.
• Some clubs insist that you only allow their members to camp on site—limiting your audience size and the potential for your business to grow.
• Some clubs ringfence your marketing, preventing you from showing your site on major advertising platforms (for example, on Hipcamp).
• There is usually a cost associated with getting approved by a club, as well as a yearly subscription to remain a member site.

Should I run my campsite as a certificated site or location—without a licence?

The decision to run a camping or caravan site as a licence-exempt site is one only you can make. The way you wish to operate your site may make you a perfect candidate for a particular club and it may preclude you from being approved by others. In general, if you wish to run a site for more than five caravans and 10 pitches, it is unlikely that applying to an exempt organisation is the right way to go. The exemption certificates they offer can legally only authorise a maximum of five caravan pitches. Anything more must be subject to a caravan site licence, unless it is a temporary site and subject to a different exemption (a paragraph 3 exemption, for example, authorises caravans for up to 28 days on supervised sites). It is also not necessary to apply for a licence or exemption if you wish to run a temporary tents-only site under the 28 or 60-day rule (permitted development rights).

As a result, running a site that’s been certified by a club is most suited to smaller Hipcamps that intend to operate for longer than permitted development rights and licensing laws allow. As some clubs only allow members-only camping, it is not a good idea if you want to welcome passing trade—unless you are willing to sign up campers to club membership when they camp with you (bear in mind that this adds cost and paperwork at the time of booking). Some clubs charge a deliberately small fee, so that one-off bookings and passing trade aren’t too impacted, so it’s worth looking into club fees from a campers point of view, too, to consider whether this will affect you.

Can I list with Hipcamp if I’m certified through a club?

Yes, provided the club that certifies your Hipcamp permits you to do so. Make sure you ask the club about this before you join. Some clubs, for example, the Camping & Caravanning Club, do not allow any advertising through third-party websites, which can severely limit the size of your audience. Many clubs, however, encourage you to use platforms like Hipcamp to reach the biggest audience for outdoor stays. Useful hosting tools, like compulsory Extras, ensure you charge Hipcampers any additional membership fees that your club might apply.

How to apply to become a certificated site or location

If you decide that you would like to operate a licence-exempt campsite that’s been certified by a club, you can start your application process online (there’s info on the gov.uk website). Before you start filling in the form, check if your land meets the minimum requirements of the club. This is usually that it is of a minimum size (either half an acre or an acre, depending on which club you go for), that it is relatively flat, and has good access—but each club is different so do your research. There will usually be a joining fee and on-going subscription to pay, if your site is approved.

To get your approval, you will need to meet criteria set out by the club. This will typically include minimum spacing requirements, a chemical disposal point (if you are hosting caravans), water taps, and waste disposal. A club official will usually visit the site to check the facilities and will also notify neighbours and the local authority.

The most well-known clubs and exempted organisations

The alternatives to exemptions

The alternatives to running your campsite as a site certificated by an exempted organisation, are either to apply for planning permission and a site licence or to run a  temporary, tent-only campsite under permitted development rights. That limits campsites to run for no more than 60-days in England and no more than 28 days in the rest of the UK.

This article was created by the Hipcamp team based on our years of experience, research, and local understanding. However, please note that this is still only our interpretation of UK regulations and does not constitute legal advice. Hipcamp does not accept responsibility for errors and omissions. Different conditions may apply depending on your individual circumstances and we recommend seeking professional advice on implementing the rules.

This article was first published on 18th March 2023.