Best Campsites for Families
What do you need for a successful family camping holiday? A good start is plenty of activities to keep kids of all ages entertained – and perhaps some rainy-day options too. Pitchup has sites with swimming pools, games rooms and outdoor play areas, plus pitches overlooking beaches and mountains, or in woodland where youngsters can explore in nature safely, so you can enjoy some fabulous family bonding time in the open air.
Every family is different, of course – and that's why there are campsites with all sorts of different facilities. Pitchup features everything from back-to-nature sites with a wild-camping vibe to fully fledged family holiday parks with all manner of activities and entertainment. We’ve also got the filters to help you find the right family-friendly camping break for you and the kids. Perhaps you need a dog-friendly option or you’re chasing a bit of luxury at a glamping site? Use the filters on our booking page to narrow down your search.
Looking for ideas to get you started? Here’s Pitchup’s pick of 10 of the best family campsites in the UK, all with exceptional facilities and locations to help make your holiday an outstanding success.
10 of the Best UK Campsites for Families
There are hundreds of family-friendly campsites worthy of being featured in this list, but the following destinations are all places that are consistently recommended by your fellow Pitchup camping families.
East of England
Fen Farm Caravan and Camping Site
Colchester, East Mercia
Essex
CO5 8FE
Why here? Don’t go expecting swimming pools, bars and late-night entertainment at Fen Farm Caravan and Camping Site – this place is all about good, old-fashioned outdoors fun on a family-run site. Kids are really well catered for at
this peaceful seaside retreat, with swings, seesaws and climbing frames in two play areas, and an open field for rounders, football and cricket.
There’s also a woodland that's ideal for games of hide and seek, and a beach a short walk away for splashing about in the sea. No need to worry about shopping or eating out though, as there are masses of options for both in the neighbouring holiday park.
Key facilities: Play areas, launderette, parent and baby washroom, dogs allowed
One last thing… Parents can lead their offspring on wildlife-spotting expeditions around the campsite, at neighbouring Cudmore Grove Country Park, or among the dunes and waterways of East Mersea Flats Nature Reserve.
Book Fen Farm Caravan and Camping Site
Waldegraves Holiday and Leisure Park
Mersea Island, Colchester
Essex
CO5 8SE
Why here? A heated outdoor pool, family games room, a playground and sports area are just some of the facilities for kids – and best of all, Waldegraves Holiday and Leisure Park has its own private sandy beach. 
Adults can of course use these facilities too, and they can also try coarse fishing on the lake and practising their swing at the golf driving range.
The Barn clubhouse has a licensed bar, and the Granary Restaurant opens for lunch and dinner. Keep stocked up with foodie essentials from The Wheatgrain Shop if you’re cooking family feasts at your pitch.
Key facilities: Pool, sports areas, fishing lake, launderette, showers, dogs allowed
One last thing… A dedicated team of events leaders, including the park’s mascots Sammy Seagull and Bonnie Boxer, is on hand in summer to lead activities like sand painting and talent shows for kids.
Book Waldegraves Holiday and Leisure Park
Northern England
Mains Farm Camping and Caravan Site
Kirkoswald, Penrith
Cumbria
CA10 1DH
Why here? There may be easy access from the M6, but Mains Farm Camping and Caravan Site is well away from roads and cars are parked off pitch, so you can give kids the freedom to wander safely around the
fields. They can also wear themselves out in the playground, pet baby lambs (in season) and join you on the river bank to learn how to cast for trout.
You’re catered for whatever the weather here: barbecues are encouraged and there’s an undercover eating area in case it rains. Other family-friendly facilities include two kitchen areas, a washing machine and shower blocks converted from the former stables.
Key facilities: Playground, fishing, launderette, motorhome service point, dogs allowed
One last thing… This is a designated quiet site, with a no-music policy in operation at all times – all the better for you and your family to enjoy the gorgeous setting in Cumbrian countryside.
Book Mains Farm Camping and Caravan Site
Vale of Pickering Caravan Park
Carr House Farm, Pickering
North Yorkshire
YO18 7PQ
Why here? For starters, Vale of Pickering Caravan Park has flower-planted, landscaped pitches and gorgeous North Yorkshire views, plus pretty much every facility you might want for child-friendly stays. There’s a
football pitch for the kids to run around on, and a play area with swings, climbing frames and slides, plus sweet treats like waffles and ice cream to buy from Oakwood Café – along with stone-baked pizzas on a Friday night.
Other useful family amenities include an immaculate heated shower block with private cubicles, and a launderette to keep on top of the washing. The well-stocked, licensed shop is there in case you run out of staples.
Key facilities: Play area, café, launderette, showers, parent and baby washroom
One last thing… This site has something you don’t find very often at campsites – there are full-size baths available, so anyone can enjoy a rejuvenating hot soak after a fun-filled active day in the open air.
Book Vale of Pickering Caravan Park
Scotland
Castle Point Caravan Site
Rockcliffe
Dumfries and Galloway
DG5 4QL
Why here? A fabulous coastal location and proximity to three sandy beaches keep guests coming back to this seaside campsite year on year. Castle Point Caravan Site is in a great location for active families, who can cycle
the challenging 7stanes mountain-bike trails, have a go at pony trekking, fishing and tennis, take sailing lessons at Kippford or play a round of golf at Colvend.
After a hard day of sporting exertions, there are very welcome hot showers for easing aching muscles. Other handy on-site facilities include a drying room for wet clothes, a play area for the kids and a barbecue area with seating.
Key facilities: Play area, barbecue area, launderette, parent and baby washroom, dogs allowed
One last thing… The views here are awesome. Standing by the Urr estuary on clear days, you can see the Lake District, the Isle of Man, Heston Island, Rough Island and up to Kippford.
Book Castle Point Caravan Site
Wales
Plasyngheidio Touring Caravan Park
Plasyngheidio, Boduan
Pwllheli, Gwynedd
LL53 8YL
Why here: Small, friendly and set on a working farm with spectacular views of mountains and the sea, Plasyngheidio Touring Caravan Park is a real back-to-nature campsite with simple facilities. The Llŷn Peninsula's beaches
await, with options including sandy Nefyn, watersports at Abersoch and cobweb-clearing strolls along Porth Neigwl beach. You can also drive across the Menai Bridge for a day on the beaches of Anglesey.
If youngsters still have energy to burn, there are masses of family-friendly hiking and cycling routes in Snowdonia National Park, and they can race around on quad bikes or try their hand at wakeboarding at Glasfryn Parc nearby.
Key facilities: Launderette, showers, parent and baby washroom
One last thing… This rural site is run by the sixth generation of a farming family, so they are pretty clued up on the local area and are happy to suggest days out and places to visit during your stay.
Book Plasyngheidio Touring Caravan Park
West Country
Porthtowan Tourist Park
Mile Hill, Truro
Cornwall
TR4 8TY
Why here? With something of a quiet vibe amid a gorgeous five acres of colourful flower gardens, this campsite near Porthtowan beach is known for its friendly and knowledgeable owners. Much is
provided on site to make your family holiday at Porthtowan Tourist Park as easy as possible, with helpful amenities including a laundry room with tumble dryers to ease the washing load, and a well-stocked shop in case you run out of essentials for the barbecue.
Younger kids are particularly well catered for, with ping pong and pool tables in the games room, plus climbing frames and swings in the play area.
Key facilities: Play area, games room, parent and baby washroom, dogs allowed
One last thing… Northern Cornwall surfing beaches like Fistral and Perranporth are close by for older kids – and back at base there’s a dedicated wetsuit rinse area to keep surfing gear free from salt.
The Hen's Dens at Orchard Organic Farm
Great Park, Stokeinteignhead
Newton Abbot, Devon
TQ12 4QR
Why here? Accommodation at The Hen's Den at Orchard Organic Farm is in timber glamping pods with cosy beds, heating and electricity. Close by are private amenities blocks with toilet, shower and a well-equipped kitchen, and each pod
comes with a leafy private garden, picnic bench and a barbecue.
Everything is ready and waiting for you, so you don’t have to worry about packing all your gear or putting up your tent. These cosy rural idylls are set on an organic farm with free-roaming hens (that means fresh eggs for breakfast) – and with orchards and woodlands to explore, kids can safely go free-range too.
Key facilities: Kitchen facilities, barbecue provided, private showers, launderette
One last thing… There are wonderfully child-friendly spots nearby, including Maidencombe beach for swimming and Ness Cove for crabbing. Dartmouth Zoo and Living Coasts animal park are both within 20 minutes’ drive.
Book The Hen's Dens at Orchard Organic Farm
Trevornick Holiday Park
Holywell Bay, Newquay
Cornwall
TR8 5PW
Why here? Kids have so much to do at Trevornick Holiday Park – activities include mini-golf, an 18-hole pitch and putt course, and climbing equipment. On sunny days, life revolves around the supervised and heated
swimming pool, with a splash area for toddlers. There’s early-evening entertainment for youngsters in the Farm Club too.
During peak times, the Tranquillity Spa offers a bit of downtime with a solarium and a range of beauty treatments. To keep everybody fed and watered, a takeaway for snacks, bars and a sit-down restaurant offering burgers and sunset views all operate on site in the high season.
Key facilities: Spa, swimming pool, miniature golf, restaurant, bar, launderette, showers
One last thing… The setting is sublime, overlooking Gull Rocks, with a mile-long stretch of family-friendly sand dunes and rockpools at Holywell Bay beach, and easy access to the South West Coast Path.
Woodovis Park
Gulworthy, Tavistock
Devon
PL19 8NY
Why here? This is a truly peaceful spot for getting away from it – but still with plenty to do for the kids. Woodovis Park has a heated swimming pool and a play area, plus all sorts of fun activities including
story-telling sessions from Clive PiG (high season) and circus lessons in skills like unicycling and stilt walking.
All your food and drink needs are taken care of too, with a pop-up kitchen and freshly baked bread each day. And don’t worry if you run out of anything – be it champagne or shampoo – because it will be sold in the licensed shop.
Key facilities: Swimming pool, play area, kids' activities, licensed shop, launderette, pop-up kitchen, showers
One last thing… Dogs are welcome, and there’s a field reserved for them to run around off lead, plus lots of footpaths direct from the site. The handy designated dog spa will clean them up nicely after muddy walks.
Booking on Pitchup
Alongside this list of outstanding campsites, a quick search on Pitchup will turn up thousands of family camping holidays in the UK, Northern Ireland, Europe and indeed right across the world.
Book a family-friendly Pitchup campsite in the UK today:
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