A guide to static caravan site fees

Thinking about buying a static caravan for holidays or weekend escapes? You’re in good company. Static caravans offer an affordable and flexible way to enjoy regular breaks across the UK, but understanding static caravan site fees is essential before making the leap.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or already own a caravan and want to check you’re getting value for money, this guide covers everything you need to know—from what site fees include to how much they cost and any additional costs you might have.

 

What are site fees?

Static caravan site fees (also known as pitch fees or ground rent) are the yearly costs you pay to keep your static caravan on a designated plot within a holiday park or residential site.

When you purchase a static caravan, you buy the caravan itself, not the land it sits on. The site fee is essentially your rent for that plot, covering access, maintenance, and use of the park’s facilities and services.

 

What is included in static caravan site fees?

While what’s included can vary from park to park, most static caravan site fees will cover the basics, such as:

• Your pitch rental for the season
• General site maintenance
• Security measures like CCTV or entry gates
• Water supply and drainage
• Waste disposal and refuse collection
• Administrative costs

Depending on the type of park, your site fees may also include access to:

• Swimming pools
• Playgrounds and kids’ clubs
• Entertainment venues
• Restaurants, bars or cafes
• Launderettes and reception services

High-end holiday resorts often include more perks, while smaller, rural sites tend to stick to the essentials.

 

How much are site fees for static caravans?

So, how much are site fees for static caravans in 2025? The answer depends on several factors, including location, facilities, and season length. But here’s a general overview to help you set expectations:

Type of Holiday Park	Annual Site Fee (UK average)
Basic park	£2,000 – £3,500
Mid-range family holiday park	£3,500 – £6,000
Premium coastal holiday resort	£6,000 – £10,000+

 

This means the average UK cost for static caravan site fees now sits between £4,500 and £6,000 per year.

Always check the specific pricing with the park owner. Like sea-view plots in Devon or Cornwall, premium locations can command much higher fees.

Here’s a breakdown of average costs for 2025 for some well-known sites:

• Haven: Annual site fees range from £4,535 to over £10,000.
• Hillandale Caravan Parks: Fees vary by location, with examples like The Coppice Leisure Park charging between £4,060 and £4,215 annually.
• Bryn Vyrnwy Caravan Park: Charges £2,220 per year, including VAT, with gas and electric metered separately.
• Stratford Parks (Avon Estates): Fees range from £3,740.84 for a 7-month season to £8,180.13 for a 10-month double lodge front row pitch.

These figures illustrate the variability in site fees across different parks and regions.

 

Factors affecting site fees

Several factors can influence how much static caravan site fees will cost you:

Location

Coastal resorts and popular tourist areas tend to be more expensive than inland or rural parks. The closer you are to a beach or natural beauty spot, the higher your fees are likely to be.

 

Facilities

The more features a park offers, the more you can expect to pay. This will likely cost more if the park includes pools, gyms, restaurants, or entertainment programmes.

 

Plot type

Not all pitches are created equal. Premium plots, corner locations, or those with scenic views usually come with a higher cost.

 

Season length

Some parks operate year-round, while others are open for part of the year. Full-season parks usually charge more, but you can access your caravan all year round.

 

Park owner

Privately owned parks often charge lower fees than large chains. However, this might also mean fewer facilities and support services, so consider what’s most important to you.

 

What are the payment options for site fees?

Once you know your annual static caravan site fees, most parks give you a few ways to pay:

 

Annual payment

Many owners choose to pay the full year’s fees in one go, usually before the season starts. Some parks offer a small discount for paying upfront.

 

Monthly direct debit

This option allows you to spread the cost across the year. Check whether there are any admin fees or interest charges involved.

 

Finance or deferred payment plans

If you’re buying a new caravan from a larger holiday park group, you might be able to choose a finance plan that includes site fees or defers them for the first year. Always read the terms carefully.

 

Letting options

If the park allows private letting, you might be able to offset your site fees by renting out your caravan when you’re not using it.

 

Finding budget static caravan site fees

Looking to make caravan ownership more affordable? Here are some good ways to find parks with lower static caravan site fees:

 

Look inland

Parks away from the coast or in less touristy areas tend to be much cheaper than those by the sea.

 

Avoid peak holiday locations

If you don’t mind quieter locations, you can often find much more affordable parks with beautiful countryside views.

 

Consider privately owned parks

Family-run or independent sites may have lower annual fees compared to large holiday park chains.

 

Choose a shorter season

Choosing a park with a shorter opening season can reduce site costs if you’re only planning to use your caravan in spring and summer.

 

Buy pre-owned

Used static caravans already on a pitch are often cheaper, and the site fees are already set, so you’ll know exactly what you’ll pay.

 

Additional costs to consider

Static caravan site fees are just one cost of owning a caravan. Don’t forget about:

• Electricity and gas usage
• Caravan insurance (often mandatory)
• Maintenance and repairs
• Winterisation
• TV licence

For a full breakdown, check out our guide on the cost to own a caravan.

 

What happens if you stop paying static caravan site fees?

If you fall behind on site fee payments, the consequences can be serious. Parks typically have strict terms:

• Access to your caravan and facilities can be restricted
• You may incur late payment charges or interest
• The park could ask you to remove your caravan
• In some cases, they may even have the right to sell your caravan to recover unpaid fees

If you’re struggling, speak to your site manager early. Many will be able to set up a payment plan or offer advice.

 

How to get the best value from your site fees

Once you’ve paid your static caravan site fees, here’s how to make the most of them:

• Use your caravan as much as possible – weekend breaks, midweek escapes, family holidays
• Let friends and family use it (if the park allows it)
• Join in with park activities and events
• Explore local attractions and free days out nearby
• Maintain your caravan to protect its value and avoid costly repairs

Want to renovate your caravan? Here are some clever static caravan furniture ideas to improve comfort and style.

 

FAQs: Static caravan site fees

What do site fees include?

Static caravan site fees include pitch rental, site maintenance, water, drainage, waste disposal, and sometimes access to shared facilities.

 

Can I pay monthly?

Many parks offer monthly instalments via direct debit, though some may charge admin fees.

 

Are utilities included in the site fees?

Usually not. Electricity and gas are billed separately based on usage.

  

Are static caravan site fees worth it?

If you like to get away regularly, owning a static caravan can be a fantastic investment and static caravan site fees are simply part of that lifestyle. For many, the freedom to escape to a familiar, personal holiday home whenever they like is more than worth the cost.

Choosing the right site, understanding what you’re paying for, and using your caravan as much as possible makes the most of your annual fees.

Want to know how long your caravan will last? Have a look at our guide to the lifespan of a static caravan.

 

Specialist static caravan insurance through Ripe

Static caravan site fees don’t cover insurance, and most parks require that you have cover in place before each season starts.

Static caravan insurance through Ripe protects your static caravan against theft, loss, and damage up to £175k, including fire, storm and flood damage. Get an online quote in minutes.