Freedomcampingclub Anmeldelser 

I applied to join Freedom Camping Club a while ago with the intention of operating my campsite under one of their exemptions.

Initially, everything appeared very positive. I paid the required fees, a site inspection was carried out, and I was left with the impression that there were no significant issues. All very encouraging. I was advised a timescale of 2 months to complete.

Unfortunately, communication then seemed to stop. 4 months went by and nothing. I then attempted to contact them, only to discover their contact details didn't work. The published contact details resulted in no response, and after waiting for a considerable period I eventually raised my concerns on a public forum. Only then did I receive a response advising that my application was still being processed.

A month later, I was informed that the local authority required me to undertake a Visual Impact Survey so they would not issue a license based on this. I queried this because my campsite had previously been exempted under another recognised exempt organisation, and I had not been required to complete such a survey. I asked why this situation was different, but I never received a satisfactory explanation.

I subsequently applied for an Exemption through the Greener Camping Club. They advised that, because the site had previously been exempted, without issue, the process was simply one of relicensing and notifying the local authority. My application progressed without the issues I had experienced previously.

This review reflects only my own experience. However, based on what happened, I would encourage prospective campsite operators to carry out thorough due diligence before committing. Ask for clear timescales, ensure there are reliable points of contact, and don't be afraid to ask for examples of recently completed exemptions and references from existing member sites.

For me, the lack of communication and the inability to clearly explain why additional requirements were necessary resulted in a lengthy, frustrating process and ultimately a loss of confidence.

I am not the only one in my area to have had this issue with Freedom.

I guess its easy money, £200 per inspection (or it was) and at least 2 per day. Then walk away 🤔

The Freedom Camping Club has been excellent from start to finish and helped provide a much needed glamping income on our struggling farm. Very helpful, patient and professional with great advice. We would highly recommend using them to anyone thinking of opening a glamping or camping site.
To answer some of the negative comments in other reviews there is a established lawful process for these types of sites. They follow the rules as dictated by current government guidelines, exemptions and laws. If someone takes exception to this process then they should lobby to change these established laws and rules rather than vilify a legitimate company for simply following the current long established rules as they are required to do.

No consultation with regard to neighbours,I thought this country was a democracy,how wrong can you be. Generator running through the night,now under treatment at the hospital for tinnitus.people trespassing through my property to reach the campsite, driving is out of our home of 50 years, seriously thinking of selling up

Issues exemptions like smarties. They are contributing to wrecking rural Egland.

Had the same problem as many others, no contact with neighbours, no consultation with the local council, you have to put a complaint in with Natural England. Their governing body!! Get a complaint No and make sure you follow it up !!

Communication with this organisation is extremely poor. I have corresponded with them over the last 12 months about a proposed campsite adjacent to our garden. Their responses have been obstructive. Their stock phrase is "your letter has been added to our file", which tells us absolutely nothing. This is an extremely stressful situation for us.

This organisation are completely unscrupulous and do minimal work to check the suitability of proposed campsites. Spend a few minutes researching their history on a search engine of your choice.

I feel I have been ill advised by Freedom Camping Club, from, the website, the site assessor to the service they can offer, is misleading, after following the process which took 36 weeks (not the advised 8-12) the exemption refused, basically if you have a parcel of land and wish to add 2 shepherds huts for Airbnb you have to go to planning as it’s a change of use!