1) Campsites that charge extra for dogs. Dogs don't use any of the facilities, so why should we (or anyone else with a dog) have to pay extra?

I understand that the people who own the site might have to pick up the occasional dog turd which hasn't been picked up by a feckless owner - and there's no excuse for that - but if you are as conscientious as can be about collecting your dog droppings, then perhaps you ought to ask for a refund of the dog surcharge. Why shouldn't you? Would you expect to pay extra for your dog at a B&B that allows dogs, or have to cough up a quid or two for your mutt if you go to a dog-friendly pub?

2) Campsites that charge extra for awnings. Most people use awnings, and sites have enough space for awnings. Using an awning isn't an unusual thing, so why should you have to pay extra to do it?

3) Campsites that charge extra for WiFi access. What a swizz. Once the WiFi is there, it doesn't cost the site any more to share it. Yes, you need to consider recouping the capital expenditure of installing a system capable of broadcasting a reasonable signal to the whole site (something which often isn't the case), but there was capital expenditure involved in installing running water and sewage and those costs are included in the fees. So why aren't the costs of WiFi included?

They might argue that not everyone wants to use it. Now that's certainly true - in all probability we wouldn't - but many campers don't use some of the facilities which are included in the fee. Like the washing up area. Or the site microwave, or the hopeless little telly in the shed where all the brochures are. We've never used site washing up facilities, or watched telly in the shed where all the brochures are.

So should we ask for some of our money back? The principle's exactly the same, isn't it?

A cynical cove might say that the only reason site owners charge extra for these things is because they can, and because we, as customers, don't object to it.

We are there for their benefit, after all.

Clearly if they didn't have a site we'd have to go somewhere else instead, but if they have a site and no-one goes because they object to paying extra for all these little add-ons, who's the bigger loser?

.

Fellow cynic in general agreement.
1 - Dogs. I haven't got one, and despite pestering from my elderly dog loving mum I don't want one. I can put up with them, some are quite nice, but I would prefer to be on a site without them. But if a site is to except them I cannot see why they should charge for them. It is nonsense. If however they cause a disturbance they could be asked to leave, just as should any antisocial and noisey humans.
2- Awnings. Why should you pay again to use the pitch you have already paid for. If the arguement was grass damage then fine, just say no groundsheets.
3 - Wifi. Again, should be free. By all means I think it may be limited to bar/reception area. I can cope with that.

Colin

I heartily concur with Pete re rip-off charges and would add my particular dislike of charging for visitors to the caravan while on site to the list.

The most money grabbing gits we have encountered to date run a privately owned site on the Selby side of York and charge £2.50 per visiting car, £2.00 per awning (£2.50 if it has an extension) and £5.00 for a gazebo (subject to approval). Dogs are £1 per night each. No pup tents are allowed and only one six-pole windbreak is permitted.

Pitches are allocated on arrival with the better ones being held back 'in case large motorhomes should arrive.'

On top of this they impose a 3% surcharge if you opt to pay by credit card and are out of the office like attack dogs to challenge anyone they assume, rightly or wrongly, to be non-resident. The C&MH and C&C Clubs are surprisingly much more relaxed about visitors.

This site also has very strange ideas regarding 'low' and 'high season' which they charge at £20 and £22 per night respectively with Bank Holidays attracting the punitive rate of £30 per night.

Definitely one to be avoided if possible.

Thought for the day.

Where does the £1.00 dog sleep if they don't allow pup tents?

Randa