Campgrounds for backpackers in England

Meldon Lake and Woods

• Wild camping site on a Devon farm with direct access to Dartmoor
• A five-minute drive to Okehampton; 50 minutes to Teignmouth beach
• Rural site with wild swimming, close to the Granite Way cycle route

Gypsy Wagon Devon

• Dog-friendly, off-grid site in rural Devon surrounded by native woods
• A 20-minute drive from Bude’s beaches and half an hour to Dartmoor
• Communal space for cooking on a gas stove; walk into Holsworthy

Mayfields Farm

• Rural site on a small traditional farm, 10 minutes' drive from Reepham
• Around half an hour's drive from the Norfolk Broads and the coast
• Dogs and barbecues welcome; pubs within a 10-minute drive

Woodland Camping

• Small hideaway adults-only site close to Dartmoor National Park
• Views over Teignbridge and the South Hams
• On a 15-acre smallholding half a mile from the local pub

Ye Olde Swan

• Lively family-friendly island site on the Thames
• A 20-minute drive from hikes, bikes and sights of the Cotswolds
• Easy stroll from traditional English pub-restaurant on the Thames

Mawla Wild Camping

• Beautiful quiet field with views and nature all around.

Fire Beacon Camping

• Peaceful wild campsite with views of Devon countryside near Sidmouth
• A 20-minute drive to Branscombe beach; 25 minutes from Exmouth
• Just off the East Devon Way and close to the South West Coast Path

Hellesveor Caravan and Camping Site

Martins Meadows

• Simple and peaceful semi-wild site 10 minutes' drive from Woodbridge
• A 15-minute drive to Sutton Hoo; half an hour to Aldeburgh or Orford
• Pitches of a third of an acre; easy access to walks and bike rides

The Greyhound Inn

• Small pub stopover in Burgh by Sands, 20 minutes' drive from Carlisle
• Hadrian's Wall Trail and Cycleway just outside the pub
• High-quality, locally sourced food and cask ales available on site

Swallows Meadow

• Small, scenic rural site 10 minutes' drive from Camelford
• Within 20 minutes' drive of beaches and Bodmin Moor
• Tintagel Castle, Port Isaac and coast path within 25 minutes' drive

Swineham Farm

• Pop-up wild campsite on a working beef and sheep farm
• A short walk to the Two Moors Way, just outside Exmoor National Park
• Dog-friendly pitches with easy access to the A361

Swallow Barn Farm

• Wild camping site in West Yorkshire two miles from the Peak District
• A 10-minute drive from Holmfirth Vineyard; 20 minutes from Black Hill
• Pub within walking distance; firepits provided per pitch

Hazel Meadow Camping

• Wild-camping site a five-minute drive from Great Torrington
• Bideford 15 minutes’ drive; Westward Ho! 25 minutes
• Resident animals; free-range eggs and meats to buy; individual firepit

North Cornwall Campsite @Pool Cottage

• Simple off-grid Cornwall site on a smallholding near Camelford
• Port Isaac, Tintagel and Polzeath beach within 20 minutes' drive
• Dog-friendly site with private bathrooms; easy access from A39

Manor Farm Caravan Park

• Adults-only site with llamas, alpacas, horses and Shetland ponies
• A five-minute drive from fishing lakes
• A 15-minute drive to Bridgewater and 45 minutes to Glastonbury

Sunnyside Eco Caravan

• Solar-powered vintage caravan at a rural South Yorkshire site
• Yorkshire Sculpture Park and Cannon Hall within 20 minutes' drive
• Reflexology and Indian head massage available to book on site

Abbotstone Wood Camping

Fenham-le-Moor Campsite

• Seaside pitches on a farm opposite the holy island of Lindisfarne
• A 20-minute drive from Bamburgh and Seahouses
• In an excellent location for birdwatching and spotting seals