THE Victorian Caravan Park Association has been accused of campaigning to erode travellers' freedom of choice over where they camp.

Members of a web-based camping forum claim the Victorian Caravan Park Association is using the campaign to drive people into "legal" caravan parks.

They say the association carried out an intensive campaign through mailings to government departments and Ministers raising the issue of illegal camping. Allegedly, it "identified the emergence of unregistered caravan parks and the nationwide increase in illegal camping as a threat t the caravan park industry".

Forum members claim a letter from VicParks Committee of Management stresses the importance of targeting its efforts carefully "as we do not want the industry to be seen as stifling tourism growth or preventing local communities from holding events vital to their area".

"Nor can we be seen to be campaigning against the proper use of rest areas," the letter allegedly says.

"What we can, and are doing, is arguing that the inappropriate use of crown land, school grounds, rest areas and the like is not beneficial to the tourism industry, is unfair to the legitimate operators who must comply with onerous regulations and operating standards, and is potentially dangerous to users who will ultimately seek compensation if injured or suffer vehicle damage."

One forum member wrote: "This should be of concern to all who want freedom of choice as to where to camp."

Caravanning News unsuccessfully attempted to contact a spokesperson for the association and emails went unanswered.

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