10 Best Campervan Campsites in the UK

The UK has some fantastic areas of natural beauty that are undoubtedly worth exploring; however, wild camping can be tricky, which is why today we are going to look at the ten best campervan campsites UK.

These spots are great whether you’re a weekend warrior or if you are living in a van for a long term road-trip. The campsites that we have chosen today are great if you’re an outdoorsy person, with plenty of activities available in their surrounding areas.

However, most also have a bit of luxury to make living the van life or travelling in a van a bit more comfortable, such as hot showers and laundry facilities. 

Featured Image © Colin Wilson @minimalist_adventures

1. Catgill Farm Camping and Glamping

At number one on our list of the best campervan campsites UK we have Catgill Farm Camping and Glamping, a gorgeous site a stone’s throw from the historical and beautiful landmark, Bolton’s Abbey.

Situated in the Stunning Yorkshire Dales this campsite is great walkers, adults and families alike. With plenty of easily accessible hiking routes on your doorstep, you’re never short of something to do, and you can sneak off to the onsite hot tubs for a post-walk soak to relax.

If you’re looking for more organised fun for the kids, try the Bolton Abbey steam train from the village, or head to Hesketh Farm, just a few Metres from Catgill Farm for tractor rides and animal feeding.

2. Ayr Holiday Park

If you’re looking to catch the British sun down south this summer and catch some waves then laid back Cornwall is the place for you.

Ayr Holiday Park, at number two on our list of the best campervan campsites UK is the perfect place to call your Cornish home. On the cliffs overlooking the ocean and the small town of St. Ives, this is a picturesque campsite.

This low key campsite has everything you need for a comfortable stay, including electrical hookups, hardstanding if preferred, outdoor showers for wetsuits, an indoor shower and toilet block with disabled access and family rooms, laundry, playground and WiFi. If surfing, strolling along the cliffs and sampling all the delicious fish and chips isn’t your bag then make sure you check out the Tate St Ives to add some creativity to your holiday. 

3. The Quiet Site

The Lake District National Park is one of the most beautiful areas in the UK and is definitely worth a visit, with breathtaking views across the lakes and mountains. If you’re looking to discover this area in the most eco-friendly way possible, while travelling in your van, then The Quiet Site at number three on our list of the best campervan campsites UK is an excellent place to start.

The Quiet Site is the first campsite in the UK to be home to a zero-waste shop for all of your essential camping wares and also boasts solar energy for most of the campground, including the hot water. The Quiet Site is a forward-thinking campsite, meaning you can holiday sustainably. With amazing views in every direction, the campsite staff can help you explore the area by pointing out the best walking routes and tourist altercations.

If you’re looking stretch your legs and test your fitness, Helvellyn and Blencathra are close by, as are many shorter walks and family-friendly activities.  

4. Bert’s Kitchen Garden

We’re heading to Wales for the next stop on our list of three best campervan campsites UK and to Bert’s Kitchen Garden. Bert’s Kitchen Garden is run by the Pierce family, who fell in love with vanlife on a four-year-long road trip around the world, before settling down in this stunning corner of the world, nestled between the mountains and the sea.

Run by ex-vanlifers this campsite has a sociable feel, combining the feeling of being on the road and meeting new people, with home luxuries such as onsite toilets and free cups of tea!

As well as swimming or kayaking on Bert’s private beach and walks, climbing or bouldering in the surrounding area, Bert’s Kitchen Garden also offers onsite yoga and mediation as well as various courses throughout the year. Keep your eyes peeled for Bushcraft Skills, Conscious Cooking and Foraging retreats. 

5. Ardnamurchan Campsite

We’re halfway through our list of the best campervan campsites UK, and we’re moving to Scotland for our next spot. Scotland is the home camping in the UK, with wild camping completely legal there are so many amazing places to discover.

However, sometimes you might want a few more luxuries than wild camping had to offer, if this is the case then welcome to Ardnamurchan Campsite, the most westerly campsite in the whole of mainland Britain. While fairly basic, this campsite does have free hot showers, toilet blocks, laundry and dishwashing facilities, as well as level pitches. All of this comes with a spectacular view across the mountains and over the ocean.

Ardnamurchan is a place to disconnect, relax and discover the nature and wildlife (including otters, pine martens, sea eagles and golden eagles) of the Scottish Highlands. 

6. Pleasant Streams Farm Camping

We’re heading back to Cornwall for our next entry on our list of the best campervan campsites UK and top Pleasant Streams Farm Camping. If you’re looking to return to simplicity, then this is the campsite for you, with no unnecessary added extras Pleasant Streams allows you to get back to basics and relax.

Onsite you will find toilets, showers and water for washing up but, more importantly, there is a lake to explore on foot or in a kayak, hidden rope swings and campfires are encouraged. This idyllic spot is within easy reach of the coast, the Lost Gardens of Heligan and the Eden Project as well as a historic village and port, giving you plenty to do. 

7. Cae Du

Back to Wales and to Cae Du at number seven on our list of the best campervan campsites, UK Cae Du is a little slice of heaven and a campground that doesn’t look like a campsite at all. With pitches that spread down to the farm’s private stretch of beach, you can be lulled to sleep by the sound of the waves.

Basic amenities give you some home comforts without ruining the beautiful landscape, toilets showers and laundry are available onsite. There are plenty of ways to get outside in the local vicinity, with walks, cycling routes and the coastline to explore.

There is also a well-connected bus service straight to the campsite to take you to places further afield. Best of all, at the end of a long day, treat yourself to one of the farm’s homemade lamb burgers- no cooking or washing up! 

8. Cotswolds Camping

If you’re looking for a quiet retreat, then Cotswolds Camping at number weight on our list of the best campervan campsites UK is the place for you.

Cotswolds Camping is a designated ‘quiet campsite’ meaning it is only suitable for adults and children over twelve, and no large groups. This makes for a calming and relaxing break away from the hustle and bustle of ordinary life. Cotswolds Camping is complete with hot showers, toilets and a fully equipped kitchen. Fire pits are also available to give you heat and light long into the evening.

There is plenty to explore nearby in the glorious Cotswolds, including some of Britain’s most historic towns and villages.

9. Camus Moore

At number nine on our list of the best campervan campsites, we have Camus Moore on the Isle of Skye. If you are visiting Scotland, then you must take the time to discover some of the Scottish Isle, remote, wild and breathtakingly beautiful.

The Isle of Sky is perhaps the most well known, and therefore busiest of Scotland’s Isle but Camus Moore is a quiet campsite away from the crowds.

This simple campsite has a toilet block with a washbasin provided only by cold water, an outdoor sink and a shed with a few charging points for mobile phones, but you don’t need much more in this remote landscape. The site overlooks the sea where you can watch the sunset each evening. 

10. Wardley Hill Campsite

Lastly on our list of the best campervans campsites UK we have Wardley Hill Campsite, situated in Norfolk. This picturesque site had plenty of space so you can have privacy on your pitch.

Showers, toilets and bins are provided to make your stay more luxurious. Dogs are welcome to join you on your visit, and if you happen to have a horse, then there is space for them too in their own paddock! There are plenty of routes surrounding the campsite, perfect for walking, cycling or horse riding.

The Norfolk Broads is nearby to explore, where you can hire boats and canoes or explore the market towns on the river banks. 

BONUS – 11. Apple Camping

We may have come to the end of our list of the best campervan campsites UK, but we have one more bonus campsite, only suitable if you want to ditch your van for a couple of nights.

It may be worth it because at Apple Camping you can spend the night in an executive jet or even a UFO! Pretty cool, right?! As well as two planes, a flying saucer UFO and a ‘Pac-Man geodesic dome’, Apple Camping is also home to several yurts, bell tents and a wooden cabin for a more traditional glamping experience. 

Final Thoughts…

So, there we have it, ten of the best campervan campsites in the UK Being from the UK, it is easy to forget just how beautiful it really is, these spots have made me want to discover even more of my homeland. If these amazing places don’t make you want to get out the as well and explore the wonders that the UK has to offer then really, we don’t know what will.

Let us know your favourite campsites and places to stay and get more content from the Van Clan Team by joining us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. 

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