What is DA Camping?
A Beginner’s Guide to District Association Camping, Meets and THSs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
New to DA Camping? This page explains how it all works.
If you’re ready to get started, head to our ‘Camping’ page or browse upcoming events.
DA camping is a simple, low-cost way to camp with other members of the Camping and Caravanning Club.
Instead of a busy campsite, you stay on a temporary site, usually a field, for a relaxed weekend or short break.
There’s no formal reception and no complicated process. You arrive, check in with the steward and get shown where to pitch.
If you’re new to it, don’t worry. It’s straightforward, informal and easy to get started.
Why people choose DA camping
Lower cost than most campsites
More space and quieter surroundings
Flexible and relaxed
As social or as private as you want
What is a District Association?
Many people join The Camping and Caravanning Club and use Club Sites or Certificated Locations, but don’t realise they’re also part of a local District Association (DA).
DAs are member-run groups that organise meets and Temporary Holiday Sites (THSs), giving you more places to camp throughout the year. It’s one of the simplest and most affordable ways to camp within the Club.
When you join the Club, you’re automatically allocated a DA based on where you live, even if you’ve never used it.
You’re not limited to your own DA. You can camp with any DA across the UK.
DAs are also part of larger Regions, which sometimes organise bigger events.
You’ll come across terms like “meets”, “THSs” and “stewards”. This guide explains what they mean and what to expect.
What is a Meet?
A meet is a short camping event, usually over a weekend, held in a variety of locations such as fields, club venues or showgrounds. Meets are run by volunteer stewards and are a simple, affordable way to enjoy camping with other members.
In simple terms, it’s a relaxed camping weekend organised by members rather than a commercial campsite.
Meets typically last between 2 and 5 days, often over a weekend.
What is a Temporary Holiday Site (THS)?
A Temporary Holiday Site (THS) is a longer-running camping location, often in popular areas, where you can stay for one night or longer. It’s a flexible and affordable alternative to commercial campsites.
THSs usually run for several days or weeks, with some lasting up to 28 days.
Do I need to book?
Most meets are “just turn up”, meaning you can arrive on site, check in with the steward and get pitched. It’s all very informal and straightforward.
Some meets do require booking in advance. This will always be clearly shown on the event listing, so it’s important to check before travelling.
Can I just turn up without booking?
Yes, if the meet is listed as “just turn up”.
You can simply arrive on site and check in with the steward.
If a meet requires booking, you’ll need to book in advance and shouldn’t arrive without a confirmed place.
Always check the event details before travelling to avoid disappointment.
How much does it cost?
Prices vary by event but are typically charged per unit per night (PUN), regardless of how many people are staying within that unit.
In most cases, this works out significantly cheaper than commercial campsites.
There are no additional charges for children.
What facilities are provided?
Most meets are simple setups with water and waste disposal, but no electric hook-up.
Facilities vary depending on the type of event and location, so always check the event listing before travelling.
All meets and Temporary Holiday Sites will provide:
Drinking water
Toilet waste (Elsan) disposal point for emptying chemical toilets
Some sites may also offer additional facilities such as toilets or showers, but these are not guaranteed and should be checked in advance.
Electric hook-up is not usually available, although some meets and THSs may offer it. This will always be clearly shown on the event listing. Many campers use leisure batteries or solar panels.
The water point often becomes a natural meeting place where campers share tips about the local area and upcoming events.
Grey water is usually disposed of in accordance with the landowner’s guidance, often into hedgerows or designated areas.
Do I need my own toilet?
Most meets have basic facilities, so you should be prepared to be self-sufficient.
Some sites may have toilets or shower blocks available, but this will always be shown in the event details.
Most campers use a portable toilet or onboard facilities in their unit.
Fresh drinking water and a toilet waste (Elsan) disposal point will always be available.
It might sound unfamiliar at first, but most campers quickly find it straightforward and part of the routine.
Can I camp with other District Associations?
Yes. You’re free to attend meets hosted by any District Association across the UK, not just the one shown on your membership card, as well as regional and Special Interest Section events across the UK.
What is it like on site?
Camping with a DA is relaxed and informal.
You can be as social or as private as you like. Some people enjoy joining in with activities and social events, while others prefer a quiet weekend.
You’ll find a real mix of people on site, and everyone is treated the same in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
There’s always someone around to help, so if you’re unsure, just ask.
There’s no formal reception, just a field, a steward, and a friendly group of campers.
You’ll often find people chatting between units or around the site, sharing tips and local knowledge, often over a cup of tea. It’s all part of the friendly, informal atmosphere.
Families are very welcome, and children are a natural part of the relaxed, informal atmosphere. As with all campers, children should be supervised and considerate of others on site.
Is camping with South Wales DA affordable for families?
Yes. DA camping is one of the most affordable ways to camp, with prices typically charged per unit per night rather than per person.
This means families can camp at a significantly lower cost than commercial campsites, with no extra charge for children. Children are always welcome at our meets.
Meets are often held on a wide variety of sites, including fields, showgrounds and occasionally commercial campsites, usually at a lower cost than standard campsite rates.
A friendly and relaxed atmosphere
Camping with South Wales DA offers a warm and friendly welcome to all members of The Camping and Caravanning Club.
Whether you’re a family, couple, solo camper or new to DA camping, you’ll find a friendly and welcoming atmosphere on site.
Some people arrive knowing no one and leave having made friends. Others simply enjoy the space and quiet. Both are equally part of the experience.
How can I become a member of South Wales DA?
You don’t join South Wales DA directly.
To camp with us, you need to become a member of The Camping and Caravanning Club. Once you join, you are automatically allocated a District Association (DA) based on your home postcode, shown on your membership card.
You are not limited to that DA and are welcome to camp with South Wales DA or any other DA across the UK.
Where can I find upcoming South Wales DA camping meets?
You can view all upcoming meets on our Events page or browse dates using the Events Calendar.
Meets are also published nationally in the Club’s Out & About magazine and app, which list events across all District Associations.
How can I get involved with South Wales DA?
There are plenty of ways to get involved with South Wales DA, whether that’s helping at events, stewarding, or simply getting to know other members on site.
If you’re interested in getting more involved, we’re always happy to hear from members ahead of the AGM to talk through what’s involved.
The Committee is made up of volunteers from within South Wales DA and is elected at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). To stand, you must be a member of South Wales DA.
Are there additional fees for extra adults?
Yes. Camping is usually charged per unit per night, with no extra charge for children.
At meets, all campers must be members of The Camping and Caravanning Club.
At Temporary Holiday Sites (THSs), non-members may stay as guests within a member’s unit but must purchase a temporary membership.
Additional adult charges apply for adults not named on the membership, but these are kept low in line with our aim to offer affordable camping.
South Wales DA remains one of the more affordable District Associations, with some charging significantly more per additional adult.
Do I need to be a member to camp?
At meets, all campers must be members of The Camping and Caravanning Club.
At Temporary Holiday Sites (THSs), non-members may stay as guests within a member’s unit but must take out
Can I change my District Association?
Yes. Members are allocated a District Association based on their home postcode, but can choose to transfer to another DA at any time.
To switch, contact the Secretary of the DA you wish to join, who will provide an opting form and guide you through the process.
What happens when I arrive?
This is often the part new members feel most unsure about, but it’s simpler than it looks and very informal. If you’ve never done this before, don’t worry. Arriving on site is straightforward.
When you arrive near the site, follow the yellow SWDA directional signs, usually placed on lampposts or roadside posts.
On entering the field, please drive slowly (5 mph) and look for the steward’s flag, which will be situated outside their unit.
This is your first stop. The steward will check your membership card, explain any site-specific details and guide you to where to pitch.
There is no formal reception or check-in desk, just a relaxed and friendly process run by volunteer members.
Once you’re set up, you’re free to relax and enjoy your stay.
If you’re unsure at any point, just ask. Stewards and fellow campers are used to helping new arrivals and will point you in the right direction.
Still unsure?
You’ll find more detailed information on our main pages:
See how DA camping works in practice on our Camping page
Get a feel for what it’s like on our Experience page
Browse upcoming events on our Events page
The easiest way to understand DA camping is to try one weekend. There’s no pressure and no need to overthink it. Just turn up and see how it feels. You’ll always be made welcome.
(Links included below)
Quick Links