A caravan rally is a temporary, organised gathering of touring units — typically caravans and motorhomes, and sometimes campervans and tents — where people come together to camp, socialise, and enjoy a shared break. Rallies are usually arranged by a club, centre, division, or special-interest group, with a volunteer organiser or steward coordinating arrivals and the general running of the event.
In the UK, caravan rallies are a long-established part of touring culture. They range from small, relaxed weekend meets in a field to large national rallies with hundreds of units, entertainment, and organised activities. Some rallies are highly social, while others are simply about staying in a great location with like-minded people.
You’ll often see different terms used, depending on the club or group organising the event:
Caravan Rally
Commonly used by many clubs and local centres to describe an organised gathering of members, often with a social focus.
Meet / Meets
A term frequently used by the Camping and Caravanning Club and other groups. Meets follow similar principles to rallies but may have specific rules around arrivals, stewards, and attendance.
Temporary Holiday Site (THS)
A type of temporary campsite, usually set up by a club for a limited time. THSs often feel more like a short-term campsite and may be open for longer periods than a typical weekend rally.
In simple terms, these are all variations of club-organised, time-limited camping events. The name usually reflects the organising body rather than a completely different type of experience.
Caravan rallies are organised by a wide range of groups, including:
National touring organisations and their local centres or regions
Caravan and motorhome clubs
Manufacturer or owner clubs
Special-interest groups (such as classic vans, off-grid touring, or brand-specific groups)
Independent clubs and online communities
Most rallies are organised by volunteers who enjoy touring themselves and want to create friendly, well-run events for others.
One of the main attractions of rallies is their unique locations. Because they are temporary events, rallies can take place in places that aren’t normally open as permanent campsites, such as:
Farm fields and private land
Sports grounds and show fields
Village halls with adjoining land
Stately home estates
Event venues, allowing you to stay close to shows or festivals
This flexibility often means rallies are held in excellent locations, close to towns, countryside, coastlines, or major events.
Facilities vary depending on the venue and the type of rally. Common options include:
Basic rally fields with limited facilities, such as water points and waste disposal
Part-serviced rallies offering electric hook-up and toilets
Fully serviced rallies with showers, clubhouses, or social spaces
Because rallies are temporary, facilities are often simpler than on permanent campsites. Event listings will normally explain clearly what is — and isn’t — provided.
While every rally is different, most follow a similar structure:
Arrival and check-in
You arrive during the published arrival window and check in with the rally steward or organiser, who will guide you to your pitch or allocated area.
Pitching up
Units are usually pitched in a planned layout to ensure safe spacing and clear access routes. Some rallies allocate pitches, while others allow you to choose your spot within marked areas.
The social side
Many rallies include optional social activities such as shared meals, quizzes, themed evenings, raffles, or group walks. Others are intentionally low-key, allowing you to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
Exploring the area
Rallies are often located in attractive areas, making them a great base for exploring nearby towns, countryside, or events.
Departure
On the final day, units leave within the stated departure times to respect the venue and landowner.
In many cases, yes. Some rallies and meets are open only to members of the organising club, while others may allow non-members to attend as guests or offer open events.
Always check the event details carefully to understand membership requirements before booking.
Caravan rallies are often considered good value. Prices vary depending on location and facilities, but costs are typically lower than commercial campsites.
Charges are usually:
Per unit, per night
Sometimes with optional extras such as electric hook-up or additional nights
Because rallies are run by clubs rather than commercial operators, they often focus on affordability and accessibility.
Rallies are friendly and welcoming, but there are a few common expectations:
Arrive and depart within the published times
Follow instructions from the rally steward or organiser
Keep access routes clear for emergency vehicles
Observe quiet hours if stated
Keep dogs under control and on leads where required
Leave the site as you found it
Respecting these guidelines helps ensure rallies can continue to be held at private venues.
People return to rallies for many reasons, including:
A strong sense of community and friendship
Access to unique locations not usually available as campsites
Affordable touring throughout the year
A wide choice of event styles, from highly social to completely relaxed
For many people, rallies are a key part of the caravanning and motorhoming lifestyle.
With so many clubs and groups using different terms and hosting events in different places, finding rallies can sometimes be confusing. Meets & Rallies brings caravan rallies, meets, and temporary holiday sites together in one place, making it easier to discover events by date, location, and touring style.
Whether you’re new to rallies or a seasoned regular, Meets & Rallies helps you find events that suit the way you like to tour.
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The platform is currently in an active testing phase, with several new developments added since the last version. We’re continuing to fix bugs, refine features, and enhance the overall experience.
The website is fully functional, and a number of live events have been published to help populate and test the platform. Clubs, groups, and visitors are very welcome to explore the site and submit their own events too.
If you spot any issues, bugs, or have suggestions for improvements, please email ashley@meetsandrallies.co.uk — your feedback genuinely helps shape the future of Meets & Rallies.
Enjoy exploring, and thank you for being part of the journey.
Ash
