Campers putting up tents at Glanymor campsite, with views over Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

Campsite highlights around the National Parks

There are all kinds of campsites across the National Parks and they all offer something unique to give you a memorable stay. This selection shows the highlights and diversity of campsites around, but use the further information links to find loads more campsites to choose from.

Thanks for all the suggestions from our followers on and our for great campsites!

Brecon Beacons

Get back to basics at Court Farm which is a horse-riding and trekking centre as well as perfectly positioned for walking the beacons.

Or have a few more facilities at Pencelli Castle caravan and camping park, with free WiFi and drying room for any wet walking gear!. This site is a Gold level David Bellamy Conservation Award winner.

People enjoying a ride on the solar boat Ra on Barton Broad

Broads

With cycle routes and hire shops nearby, you can ditch the car at Clippesby Hall in favour of two wheels or a boat to exploor the fens and waterways.

For keen anglers, Reedham Ferry park is on the banks of the River Yare and has its own lake on site!

The Wild Duck Holiday Park has woodland, beaches, an indoor pool and the Broads all on one doorstep

Cairngorms

Swing in a hammock amongst the ancinet Caledonian pines in Abernethy Forest at the Lazy Duck bunkhouse and campsite

Pack your skis and head off for the snow at Glemore campsite, close to Britain's largest ski area. In the summer swap your skiwear for beachwear and laze on the sandy shores of Loch Morlich instead.

Dartmoor

Have your creature comforts on hand at Higher Longford camping park, which offers free hair dryers after your hot shower, a fully stocked shop and even take-away meals! You'll still be surrounded by wildlife and in walking distance of exploring the moor.

Book early for a riverside pitch along the the River Tavy, at Harford Bridge Holiday park, holders of a Gold level David Bellamy Conservation Award.

Exmoor

Enjoy some outdoor swimming in the river Exe, then light up your BBQ for home grown burgers and sausages at Westernmill Farm. No food miles at all, just a few food meters.

Pitch up near Porlock, with views across the North Somerset coast at Porlock caravan park and campsite, who've had a Gold level David Bellamy Conservation Award since 2000.

Murt camping barn in Wasdale, Lake District

Lake District

Cycle between camping barns in the Lake District

The National Trust run three campsites in equally stunning locations in the Lake District;
Wasdale campsite sits under England's highest mountain Scafell Pike, near the shores of Wastwater
Enjoy endless walking routes from the Great Langdale campsite in the shadow of the Langdale Pikes
Wake up to a view along Windermere at Low Wray campsite where you can swap your walking boots for a boat for a day!

Or just pack your sleeping bag and head for the hills for a stay in a Lake District camping barn.

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs

Wake up to a view across Loch Lomond at Cashel camping site before heading off on a walk along the West Highland Way, which could take you all the way to the By the Way campsite and hostel, which has a good supply of blister ointments, plasters and sympathy for sore feet!

New Forest

Like camping, hate putting up tents? At Holmsley campsite you can hire a pre-erected tent to sleep upto 6 people.

Love open heathland views but also the cover of ancient beachwood trees? Ocknell and Longbeach offer both!

Hollands Wood caravan park and campsite, on the edge of Brockenhurst, are have a Gold level David Bellamy Conservation Award. Hire a bike or join a Forest Ranger activity on site.

Traditional caravan at La Rosa campsite

North York Moors

Romany, fifties and classic caravans at La Rosa campsite

Go retro and stay in a classic caravan for a holiday with bohemian chic and eco-credentials at La Rosa campsite where all the vans are recycled treasures.

Catch the summer Moorsbus straight to Spiers House campsite amongst the trees,  then you can head off on a walk, a pony trek or a steam train ride across the moors!

Northumberland

Take advantage of the pick-up / drop-off service for a luggage-free walk along Hadrian's Wall, at the aptly named Hadian's Wall camping site.

Peak District

Tents at Fieldhead campsite in the Peak District

Fieldhead campsite at the foot of Kinder Scout

There are three campsites owned by the Peak District National Park Authority;
Stay at the foot of Kinder Scout and listen to lapwings in the sky above you at Fieldhead campsite, which is ideal for walking the Pennine Way or a more relaxing visit to the Moorland Visitor Centre.

Hike up to Eric Byne campsite which can't be reached by car, or pitch a tent amongst the stone walls at North Lees campsite where you can walk to Stanage Edge for walking, climbing or bird watching.

Or camp by the pub, at the Royal Oak in Hurdlow.

Pembrokeshire Coast

Tents near the beach at Glan Y Mor campsite

Just 500 meters from Caerfai Bay beach at Glan Y Mor

Enjoy a green getaway by staying at Caefai Organic Farm, which is powered by renewable energy and lets you watch the cows being milked before they make it into caerphilly or cheddar cheese. The on-site farm shop will make your pic-nics plentiful!

Take your pick from five beautiful beaches within reach of Glan Y Mor campsite. With the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, golfing, fishing, cycling and a surf school nearby, you'll have plenty to keep you busy!

Camping at Cae Gwyn organic farm

Snowdonia

Morning fog at Cae Gwyn organic farm in Snowdonia

Get lots of space between you and other campers at the biggest campsite in Europe, Shell Island, on the western coast of Snowdonia with views across to the mountains.

Pack you fishing gear and a laptop and head to Cae Gwyn organic farm who own fishing rights on the Afon Eden.  Even though they are located in an isolated and tranquil spot, the Wi-Fi hotspot in the farmyard will help you keep in touch with the outside world!

Cae Du campsite, on the banks of the River Glaslyn, is ideal if you're looking for peace and quiet.

Stake a spot at the foot of Snowdon, at Hafod Y Llan, run by the National Trust, who also manage the farm next door! Wake up to the sound of the mountain stream before heading off on a hike.

Gwern Gof Isaf campsite and bunkhouse is set on a beautiful 750acre National Trust farm, with climbing and abseiling available on site.

Yorkshire Dales

Small blue tent in a walled field at Malham campsite

Malham cove, home to peregrines, climbers and campers!

For those who like to take harnesses and ropes on their holidays, head to Malham Cove campsite and camp beside the beck before climbing the cove.

Or camp in the woods at Wood Nook camp and caravan park, who have a Gold David Bellamy Conservation Award.

More Information

Guide to good camping

  • Remember that it can get cold at night in Britain, so pack warm clothes and a decent sleeping bag
  • Popular campsites can get busy in the summer so telephone first
  • Leave your pitch just as you found it, take all your litter home with you, including food scraps
  • Use a stove rather than lighting a fire, it is safer and leaves no burnt earth
  • Get a taste of the countryside by shopping for local food and drinks

For wild camping:

  • In England and Wales (other than Dartmoor Common areas) ask the landowner for permission first
  • Care for the countryside by leaving no trace of your visit behind you
  • If you pitch late and leave early, you'll cause less disturbance to wildlife and other people
  • If there are no toilets, use a trowel to bury human waste at least 30 meters away from running water or lakes
    where to 'go' in the wild gives a useful guide
  • Move your tent after 2 nights to avoid damaging the vegetation underneath it
  • Keep to small groups of just one or two tents to keep noise and disturbance levels down
  • Try not to camp immediately beside a lake or river to avoid disturbing birds and animals

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