La Bailloterie Camping History

La Bailloterie campsite has been operating now for in excess of sixty years.

Mr Harold Collas, farmer, grower, member of the States of Guernsey and Dean of the Vale Douzaine, was also a keen Scouter. His wife Marjorie was a Guide leader.  Together and separately they hosted weekly scout and guide meetings, leading their charges through the numerous skill and talent badges available to guides and scouts.  They also welcomed to the site, many visiting schools, Scout and Guide packs and Boys Brigade groups.  Over the following years, those guides and scouts began returning as individuals and with their new families to enjoy the pleasures of camping as holidaymakers.  As ever, Mr and Mrs Collas made everyone welcome, often letting campers stay in their home in times of need.

In the early days, meetings were held in the top of the barn (now Reception and Café). There was one toilet and one shower. Mr Collas was regularly seen delivering the milk and papers to the tents and selling fresh bacon for breakfasts.

In 1989 Mr Collas suffered a stroke, which, of course, meant that he was no longer able to run the campsite.  Richard, his son, decided that all the goodwill his parents had built up over the years should not be lost or wasted.  The Farmhouse has now been sold but the Barn and fields remain.  Gradually, with lots of hard work, the Barn and facilities have been rebuilt and upgraded and La Bailloterie Camping and Leisure Limited is now owned and run by Richard and Caryl.

The aims remain the same – to offer a warm, friendly welcome to everyone who visits our campsite; to provide a value for money holiday; to provide clean, welcoming accommodation and facilities; to offer low key activities to make it easier for campers to meet each other if they so wish, all under the watchful eye of the owners and managers who are on hand to assist whenever and wherever possible.

2013 sees La Bailloterie Camping in its new re-modelled home – The Barn.  We are proud of the new and modern facilities we now offer you and hope you enjoy using them. La Bailloterie became the first campsite to offer glamping accommodation, namely, two cabins, three pods and three safari tents on the island.

In the sixty years since its inception in 1963, La Bailloterie campsite has continued to evolve and adapt, embracing modern amenities while preserving its cherished traditions.

Since 2020, significant developments have taken place, marking a new era for the campsite. The addition of two charming shepherd’s huts, designed to house staff, is a testament to the dedication of the owners, Richard and Caryl, in ensuring that their team is provided with comfortable and welcoming accommodations.

The introduction of ‘The Retreat’ is a true gem for campers seeking moments of solace and relaxation. This 24/7 summerhouse, equipped with Wi-Fi, an assortment of books, and a convenient phone charging locker, provides a sanctuary where guests can unwind amidst the natural beauty of the surroundings.

With an eye toward the future, the campsite has welcomed a new member to the team. Charlie, Caryl’s grandson, brings a fresh perspective and a wealth of knowledge in digital technology. His expertise has been instrumental in modernising various aspects of the site, including the implementation of an efficient online booking system. This digital enhancement streamlines the reservation process, ensuring that campers can secure their spot with ease, while still preserving the personal touch that La Bailloterie is renowned for.

It is our wish to have campers returning year after year, as happened in the days of Richard’s parents. There can be no greater accolade than to have people returning for successive holidays and this is now happening to us. Campers of Harold and Marjorie’s day are still returning for holidays and campers of our day are being captivated by the magic, peace and warmth of La Bailloterie. We thank you all for camping with us and assure you of our best attention at all times.

Richard and Caryl.