Choosing the right campsite is just as important as choosing the right tent. The word "campsite" covers everything from a simple farmer's field with a water tap to a sprawling holiday park with a swimming pool and evening entertainment. Picking the wrong type of site for your trip can be a recipe for disaster!
To help you find the perfect pitch, here’s a breakdown of the main types of campsites you'll find across the UK.
The "Back to Basics" Site
Best for: Purists, digital detoxers, and budget-conscious campers.
These are for those who want to truly get away from it all. Often found on farms or in remote locations, these sites offer minimal facilities – think a field, a fresh water tap, and a simple toilet block. There are no manicured pitches, no electric hook-ups, and certainly no Wi-Fi. What you get in return is peace, quiet, and a real sense of connecting with nature. They are also usually the cheapest option.
Adam's Recommended Gear
Portable Power Bank
"Going off-grid doesn't mean you have to be completely powerless. I always carry a high-capacity power bank to keep my phone charged for emergencies and my head torch topped up. It's a vital bit of safety kit for a basic site."
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The Family-Friendly Holiday Park
Best for: Families with children, longer holidays, and those who value convenience.
This is the polar opposite of a basic site. These are large, professionally run parks packed with facilities to keep everyone, especially children, entertained. Expect to find playgrounds, swimming pools, games rooms, on-site shops, and even bars. Pitches are clearly marked and usually come with an electric hook-up (EHU) as standard. While they can be busier and less private, they are perfect for a main family summer holiday.
Adam's Recommended Gear
Camping Trolley
"On a big holiday park, your pitch can be a long walk from the car park. A sturdy camping trolley is a back-saver for hauling your gear. It makes setting up and packing away so much less of a chore."
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The Club Site
Best for: Campers who value cleanliness, high standards, and a reliably well-managed experience.
In the UK, The Camping and Caravanning Club and the Caravan and Motorhome Club run sites known for incredibly high standards. Expect immaculate, heated facility blocks and friendly staff. They are fantastic for anyone who values a reliably clean and well-managed experience. You'll usually need to be a member to get the best prices.
The "Campfires Allowed" Site
Best for: Traditionalists, social groups, and anyone who loves a rustic atmosphere.
For many, camping isn't proper camping without a crackling campfire. Most larger sites don't allow them, so you often need to seek out specific sites that do. These are typically more relaxed, rural campsites that permit fires in designated fire pits (which you can often hire to protect the grass).
Adam's Recommended Gear
Deluxe Padded Camping Chair
"A proper campfire just isn't complete without a comfy chair to relax in. It's worth sacrificing a bit of boot space for a padded model. It's sturdy, has an all-important cup holder, and you can sink into it for hours of stargazing."
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The Activity-Focused Site
Best for: Anglers, hikers, watersports enthusiasts, and families with active kids.
Some campsites are destinations in themselves, built around a specific activity. This is perfect if you have a particular hobby. You can find sites with well-stocked fishing lakes right on your doorstep, sites with their own watersports centres (common in the Lake District), or those with direct access onto famous hiking paths.
The Adults-Only Site
Best for: Couples, solo campers, and anyone seeking guaranteed peace and quiet.
If your idea of camping heaven is tranquility, an adults-only site is for you. These sites don't permit children under 18, creating a completely different, much quieter atmosphere. They are often beautifully landscaped and meticulously maintained, focusing on providing a peaceful retreat.
The Eco-Campsite
Best for: Environmentally-conscious campers and nature lovers.
A growing number of campsites are putting sustainability at their core. These eco-friendly sites focus on minimising their environmental impact. You can expect to find facilities like composting toilets, solar-powered showers, and extensive recycling programmes. They often have a strong focus on rewilding and biodiversity, making them a fantastic choice for anyone who wants to camp with a clear conscience.
The Glamping Site
Best for: Beginners, special occasions, and those who want comfort without the setup.
'Glamorous camping' offers the outdoor experience without any of the hassle. On a glamping site, your accommodation is already set up for you. This could be a furnished bell tent, a cosy wooden pod, or a spacious yurt. They almost always come with proper beds, and often include luxuries like a private wood-burner. It's the perfect introduction to camping or for a romantic getaway.
Adam's Recommended Gear
Mini Projector
"For a true glamping experience, a mini projector is the ultimate luxury. You can project a movie onto the inside of your tent wall for your own private cinema under the stars. It feels incredibly decadent and is a brilliant treat for a special occasion."
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