A New Year’s search for the best campsites might not sound as glamorous as, say, the best five-star luxury resorts in the Maldives. But with the rising cost of living, we’re all making smart money choices this January. In fact, between the 11th December and the 31st, Google searches for campsites have increased by almost 70%, and with high-end pitch up options such as bell tents and pre-erected tipis popping up all over the UK, finding one of the best places to camp for vacationing in 2023 is one of our New Year’s priorities.
Lucky for you, we’ve been spending the first few days of this spritely fresh January browsing for said campsites and, from the best campsites in the Lake District to luxury options for camping on the coast, we’ve pulled together a whole host of Options for your best outdoorsy getaway yet. What are your options, you ask? Let’s run you through it…or, skip to the campsites.
Where is the most beautiful place to camp?
When starting to research where you want to camp, a seafront campsite is always a great place to start. We’re talking panoramic views and beach swims just a stone’s throw away so, if that’s right up your street, we’d recommend looking to the Jurassic Coast, Devon and Cornwall. With the former, you’ll benefit from quaint country villages as well as sprawling clifftop views while, by contrast, Devon and Cornwall boast some of the best waves for surfing. The downsides of camping by the coast? Wind. Yep, you’ll likely sacrifice the still, blistering heat that might be offered by a more inland campsite so bringing a wind breaker for your seating area is a must.
Alternatively, if you don’t fancy a gale force five G+T by the sea, why not look northwards to the Lake District. There, you’ll find the same sprawling water-laid views by the landscape’s beautiful lakes, not to mention enough hiking routes to satisfy even the most restless of adventurers. From Skiddaw to England’s highest peak – Scafell Pike – these mountain treks are perfect for a post-Christmas jaunt filled with fresh air and uninterrupted views.
What is the best campsite in the UK?
Of course, this will depend on whether you’re the type to pitch up your own two-man tent or you’re a glamping fanatic with a penchant for luxury thread count bedding (and wouldn’t touch a roll mat with a barge pole )… That said, if you’re asking us for our recommendations then it’d have to be this National Trust campsite set upon Dorset’s Brownsea Island. Surrounded by Poole harbor and the Purbecks, the campsite offers bell tents, tree tents (yes, you read right) and plain old grass tent pitches. The island is home to wildlife galore, with peacocks just the tip of the iceberg. Fancy some water sports? Opposite the luxurious Sandbanks spit, you’ll be able to try your hand at paddle-boarding on the beginner-friendly flat water of the harbor and, if you start to get peckish after your efforts, the lovely Rick Stein Sandbanks restaurant is just a 10 minutes ferry away. What more could you want?
Fancy a bit more of a peruse before you get booking? Here’s our pick of the top five UK campsites:
Best campsites in the UK for camping, glamping and caravan touring pitches
- Best jumpsuit – Brownsea Island Campsite, National Trust – TELL ME MORE or BOOK IT NOW
- Best glamping site – Immaculate Lotus Belle Tent Retreat, North Devon, Expedia – TELL ME MORE or BOOK IT NOW
- Best camping by the coast – The Sea Forts Cornwall, Booking.com – TELL ME MORE or BOOK IT NOW
- Best campsite in the Lake District – Wasdale Campsite, National Trust – TELL ME MORE or BOOK IT NOW
- Best campsite for motorhomes, campervans and caravans – Tenerife Farm Campsite, National Trust – TELL ME MORE or BOOK IT NOW
Keep scrolling for our pick of the best campsites to book in 2023.
- Location: Brownsea Island, Dorset
- Availability: Open season is 1 Apr 2023 – 30 Sep 2023, two night minimum stay applies
- Family friendly? yes
- Dog friendly? No
- Type of accommodation? Pre-erected bell tents and tree tents, plus grass pitches for your own tent
- Price: £-££
A top pick for watersports fanatics, this Brownsea Island National Trust campsite is a perfect spot for everything from kayaking to water skiing, with sandy beaches both on the island itself and within walking distance of the Sandbanks ferry port, too. Sea views that’ll have you gobsmacked and a real hotspot for nature, as well, Brownsea Island will be just the place to escape from city life and strip everything back to basics.