Camping in the UK: the complete guide for 2026
Everything you need to plan a camping trip in Britain — where to go, when to go, what it costs, the rules, the kit and how to book. The one guide to read before your first (or fiftieth) night under canvas.
By Firecamp · · Updated · 4 min read
Camping is Britain's favourite way to get outdoors, and for good reason: for the price of a pub lunch you can sleep beneath Snowdon, beside a Scottish sea loch or a two-minute walk from a Cornish surf beach. This guide pulls together everything we know about camping in the UK — where to go, when, what it costs, what the rules are and what to pack — with links to deeper guides where you want them.
Where to go camping in the UK
Britain is small but astonishingly varied. Broadly, the best camping breaks down into:
- Mountains — Snowdonia, the Lake District, the Scottish Highlands and the Brecon Beacons. Valley-head campsites at the start of classic walks.
- Coast — Pembrokeshire, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Northumberland. Cliff-top and beachside pitches, surf and coast-path walking.
- Dales and moors — the Peak District and Yorkshire Dales. Farm campsites, drystone walls, riverside pitches and pubs.
- Forest and heath — the New Forest, with its free-roaming ponies and 100 miles of car-free cycle track.
For a full breakdown by nation, read our guides to camping in Wales and the Lake District valley by valley, or browse every destination on Firecamp.
When to go
The UK camping season runs from Easter to the end of October. Within that:
| You want | Go in |
|---|---|
| Warmest weather | Late July – August |
| Warmest sea | September |
| Quiet sites and long evenings | May, June, September |
| Lowest prices | April, October |
| No midges in Scotland | Before mid-June or after mid-September |
Our month-by-month guide covers each month in detail. The short version: May and September are the connoisseur's months, and school holidays need booking well ahead.
What camping costs in the UK
Prices vary by region and season, but as a guide for two adults:
- Tent pitch: £10–£35 per night. Electric hook-up adds £3–£6.
- Campervan or motorhome pitch: £20–£45, usually with hook-up.
- Camping pod: £40–£80.
- Bell tent, shepherd's hut or safari tent: £60–£300 depending on how much of a bathroom is involved.
Extras like dogs (£1–£5), extra cars and firewood add a little. Every campsite on Firecamp shows its nightly price on the listing, and you can search by dates to see exactly what a stay costs before you book. Not sure whether to go for a pitch or a pod? Read glamping vs camping.
The rules: wild camping and campsites
England and Wales: camping requires the landowner's permission, with the single exception of designated areas of Dartmoor, where backpack camping is legal. "Stealth" high-level camping is tolerated in places like the Lake District fells but is not a right.
Scotland: the Land Reform Act gives you the right to wild camp responsibly on most unenclosed land, with seasonal restrictions around Loch Lomond. Vehicles are not covered.
Campsites remove all of that uncertainty and add a hot shower. We go into the law properly in wild camping in the UK.
Other things worth knowing:
- Campfires are banned at many sites and across the New Forest; raised fire pits are often allowed. Check the listing.
- Dogs are welcome at most UK campsites, with restrictions during lambing season on farms. See camping with dogs.
- Check-in is typically from 14:00–15:00 and check-out by 11:00–12:00.
What to pack
The essentials for a UK trip in any month:
- Tent (pitch it once at home first), pegs, a rubber mallet and ten spare pegs
- A 3-season sleeping bag and a sleeping mat — the ground steals heat
- Head torch
- Warm layers for the evening, even in August
- Waterproofs, because it is Britain
- A gas stove, one pan, a kettle, a lighter and matches
- Camping chairs
- A power bank
Our first-time camping checklist has the full list, including the five things beginners always forget.
Types of camping in the UK
- Tent camping — the classic. Cheapest, most flexible, most places to do it.
- Campervan and motorhome — hardstanding pitches with hook-up; the NC500 and coastal routes are built for it, but book ahead.
- Glamping — pods, bell tents, yurts and huts. Bedding and often heating provided.
- Backpacking — carry everything, use small hill campsites or (in Scotland and on Dartmoor) wild camp.
- Family camping — larger sites with playgrounds, pools and flat pitches, usually near a beach.
How to book a campsite
Booking has moved online. On Firecamp you can:
- Search by place, dates and party size (including dogs).
- Compare pitches, pods and prices side by side, with live availability.
- Book instantly with a confirmation email — no phone calls, no deposits by post.
Popular sites in Snowdonia, the Lakes, Cornwall and Pembrokeshire fill weeks ahead for summer weekends and bank holidays, so book early. Midweek stays and shoulder months are far easier.
Camping FAQs
Is camping in the UK safe? Yes. Campsites are family-friendly, well-run and usually have a warden on site. The main hazards are weather and the occasional cow.
Can I camp anywhere in the UK? No — only in Scotland (responsibly) and on parts of Dartmoor. Elsewhere use a campsite or ask the landowner.
What's the best month for camping in the UK? May or September for weather, quiet and price. August for the warmest days if you don't mind company.
Do I need to book a campsite in advance? For weekends between May and September, yes. Midweek and out of season you can often turn up, but booking guarantees your pitch.
How much does a campsite cost per night? Typically £10–£35 for a tent pitch for two, more for hook-up, pods and glamping.
Ready to go? Find your campsite or browse by destination.
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