A Bailey of Bristol motorhome with a dark colour cab.

What is a Motorhome Rally?

motorhome rally is a temporary, organised gathering of touring units — primarily motorhomes, and sometimes campervans, caravans, and tents — where like-minded people come together to camp, socialise, and enjoy a shared break.

Motorhome rallies are usually arranged by a club, centre, division, or special-interest group, with a volunteer organiser or steward coordinating arrivals, pitch layouts, and the general running of the event.

Rallies can range from small, informal weekend meets in a field to large national events with hundreds of motorhomes, entertainment, and organised activities.

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Contents

A motorhome in a rally field.

What’s the difference between a motorhome rally, a meet, and a THS?

Different clubs use different terminology, but the experiences are often very similar:

Motorhome Rally

A commonly used term for an organised gathering of motorhomes, often with a social element. Rallies may include planned activities, communal areas, or simply offer a great place to stay with fellow motorhomers.

Meet / Meets

Frequently used by clubs such as the Camping and Caravanning Club and independent motorhome groups. Meets usually follow similar principles to rallies but may have specific rules around arrivals, stewards, or unit spacing.

Temporary Holiday Site (THS)

A temporary campsite set up by a club for a limited period. THSs often operate for longer than a typical weekend rally and may feel more like a short-term campsite, sometimes welcoming a wider mix of units.

In simple terms, these are all club-organised, time-limited camping events. The name usually reflects the organising body rather than a completely different type of experience.

Who organises motorhome rallies?

Motorhome rallies are organised by a wide range of groups, including:

  • National touring organisations and their local centres or regions

  • Motorhome-specific clubs and associations

  • Mixed caravan and motorhome clubs

  • Manufacturer or owner clubs

  • Special-interest groups (such as off-grid touring, van conversions, or full-timers)

  • Independent clubs and online communities

Most rallies are organised by volunteers who are motorhomers themselves and enjoy creating friendly, well-run events for others.

Where are motorhome rallies held?

One of the biggest attractions of motorhome rallies is their flexibility of location. Because they are temporary events, rallies can be held in places that are not 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 on-site or close to shows and festivals

This flexibility often means rallies are held in excellent locations, close to towns, countryside, coastlines, or major events.

What facilities do motorhome rallies have?

Facilities vary depending on the venue and the type of rally. Common options include:

  • Basic rally fields with water points and waste disposal

  • Rallies offering electric hook-up and toilets

  • Fully serviced rallies with showers, social areas, or clubhouses

Because rallies are temporary, facilities are often simpler than on permanent campsites. Event listings will clearly explain what is — and isn’t — provided, allowing you to choose events that suit your touring style.

What happens at a motorhome rally?

Although 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 direct you to your pitch or allocated area.

Pitching up

Motorhomes are usually parked 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 motorhome rallies include optional social activities such as shared meals, quizzes, themed evenings, raffles, or group walks. Others are deliberately low-key, allowing you to relax, be self-contained, and enjoy the location.

Exploring the area

Rallies are often held in great locations, making them an ideal base for exploring nearby towns, attractions, countryside, or events — whether on foot, by bike, or using public transport.

Departure

On the final day, motorhomes leave within the stated departure times to respect the venue and landowner.

A couple enjoying the outside of their camper van at a rally.

Motorhome rallies have been a long-established part of touring culture in the UK. They range from small, relaxed weekend meets to large national gatherings with entertainment, trade stands, and organised activities. Some are highly social, while others focus on peaceful stays in fantastic locations.

Do you need to be a club member to attend a motorhome rally?

In many cases, yes. Some rallies are open only to members of the organising club, while others welcome non-members as guests or run open events.

Always check the event details carefully to understand membership requirements before booking.

How much do motorhome rallies cost?

Motorhome rallies are often considered excellent value. Prices vary depending on location and facilities, but costs are usually lower than commercial campsites.

Charges are typically:

  • Per motorhome, 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.

Motorhome rally etiquette: what to expect

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

Following these guidelines helps ensure rallies can continue to be held at private venues.

Why are motorhome rallies so popular?

Motorhomers return to rallies for many reasons, including:

  • A strong sense of community and shared experience

  • Access to unique locations not normally 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 motorhoming lifestyle.

How Meets & Rallies helps

With so many clubs and groups using different terms and hosting events in different places, finding motorhome rallies can sometimes be confusing. Meets & Rallies brings motorhome rallies, meets, and temporary holiday sites together in one place, making it easy to discover events by date, location, and touring style.

Whether you’re new to motorhome rallies or a seasoned regular, Meets & Rallies helps you find events that suit the way you like to tour.

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