Guide To Static Caravan Fees

You’ve bought a static caravan, now you just need to prepare for your next trip. But what next? As with any new venture, there are a few extra costs to consider such as site fees. Before you consider what you need to pay, why, and to whom, we’ll explain some key points you should know.

What Are Static Caravan Site Fees?

Static caravan site fees are costs you pay to rent the land where your static caravan sits. Although you own the caravan, the park owner reserves all the rights to the actual grounds. So, you need to pay a fee to use it.

Essentially, site fees (sometimes called ‘pitch fees’) act like ground rent, and they cover you for an entire year. Of course, if you pitch a static caravan on your private land, you won’t need to pay a site fee. But for any caravans on UK holiday or residential parks, you can expect additional site renting costs.

What’s Included In Caravan Site Fees?

Static caravan fees pay for renting the land where your caravan sits, and any additional space, like a garden area. However, with most parks, expenses also extend to other amenities, including:

• Park maintenance: Fees usually cover costs associated with park upkeep, such as grass cutting, landscaping, and other maintenance.
• Park security: Most holiday parks have 24/7 security, including security personnel, electric gates, and CCTV cameras. Fees typically cover this protection to keep your static caravan safe.
• Facility access: Holiday parks include on-site facilities, including restaurants, bars, shops, parks, and leisure centres. Most parks won’t charge you anything extra to use these areas, but it’s worth checking. Some also give discounts on items purchased at their facilities, such as vouchers for money off food.
• Refuse collection: Your pitch fee will likely cover rubbish collection, so you don’t need to worry about disposing of waste elsewhere.
• Winter preparation: Some parks may include fees for winter preparations in your site costs. This could involve draining down your caravan, for example.
• Winter storage costs: Site fees may cover secure winter storage of your caravan during the off-season.
• Connecting water and electricity: Fees may also include the cost of water and electricity that’s connected to your caravan.

How Much Do Caravan Site Fees Cost? 

How much you’ll pay for a caravan site depends on many factors, such as where the caravan site is based and the facilities included. Below we take you through some examples to give you a rough idea at how much you’re likely to pay:

1. Haven Holiday Parks

• Site fees: From ~£4,535 to £10,000+ per year (location and caravan size dependent)
• Due: Annually by end of February
• Includes: 15% off in bars, restaurants and shops; park maintenance and security; exclusive owner events; 50% off sports and leisure activities¹

2. Parkdean Resorts

• Site fees: From ~£3,495 to £14,495+ per year (location and caravan size dependent)
• Due: Annually, typically August or September
• Includes: Pitch for your caravan/lodge; park maintenance; access to owner services and lounges; 24/7 security; winter storage (where applicable); water and electricity connection²

3. Shorefield Parks

• Site fees: From £5,422 (location and caravan size dependent)
• Due: Monthly by direct debit (6 or 12 months, with admin charge)
• Includes: Park maintenance and security; access to venues, pools, and entertainment; pitch rights; grass cutting and general upkeep³

4. Park Holidays

• Site fees: From ~£3,095 per year (location and caravan size dependent).
• Due: Enquire at the park
• Includes: Pitch; park maintenance and upkeep; on-park security; seasonal access to your holiday home (some parks open year-round)4

5. Darwin Escapes

• Site fees: From ~£4,340 to £8,234 per year (location and caravan size dependent)
• Due: Enquire at the park
• Includes: Pitch; access to and upkeep of facilities; landscaping and grounds maintenance 5

Why Do Site Fees Vary Between Parks?

Caravan yearly site fees vary because every park is different. For instance, parks in highly desired areas with more on-site facilities can cost more than those in less popular areas. The fees you pay differ based on numerous factors, including:

• The park’s location and popularity
• The various on-site facilities
• Size and position of your caravan pitch
• The opening season of the caravan park

Finding The Cheapest Caravan Site Fees

Because costs vary, it’s essential to shop around first, so you know you’re getting the best price for you. You might not want to pay upwards of £10,000 for a holiday park in a less sought-after area and no on-site facilities, for example.

To lower site fees, you may consider:

• Choosing smaller, independent holiday parks with lower prices
• Opting for a smaller plot, or selecting a smaller caravan
• Changing your pitch spot; for example, switching to an area with a different view
• Choosing holiday parks with fewer on-site facilities – ones with water parks, shopping centres, and many restaurants – will likely charge more
• Areas with lots of parks, as they may have lower rates
• Looking at less affluent areas

How Do You Pay Caravan Site Fees?

Most parks are flexible, offering a single, upfront payment or monthly instalments. Usually, you’ll pay via Direct Debit, bank transfer, or a secure online portal. Your buying agreement typically outlines the terms for paying the annual site fee. If you’re unsure, speak to the park owner first.

What Other Costs Do Static Caravan Owners Need To Consider?

There are also other static caravan costs you may need to consider. Although site fees usually include pitch rent, park maintenance, and access to facilities, they don’t include utility bills. You’ll need to make alternative arrangements for gas, electric, and water bills, which of course, come at an additional cost. Owning a static caravan comes with added risks, including theft and damage.

That’s why it’s a good idea to consider investing in caravan insurance. While it’s an optional added cost, it can help to protect your investment from hazards, including natural disasters, theft, and accidental damage – especially if you let it out.

At Intasure, we offer static caravan insurance to provide added protection for your caravan, whether you’re using it or not. Our policies can include cover for buildings and contents, natural disasters, emergency travel, alternative accommodation, malicious damage, and more.

To get your quote, complete our online quote form, or speak with a member of our team on 0345 111 0680

Need another type of insurance? We also provide cover for a range of other policies, including holiday homes and holiday letting.

Policy limits and exclusions may apply. Please see the policy documentation for full details