Camping for large groups

Group camping trips, whether they are with friends, family or a club, can be fantastic fun when organised properly. If you’re thinking of camping in a large group, this guide will help you prepare, organise and make a success of your trip.

Do campsites take bookings for large groups?

Yes, many sizable campsites take bookings for large groups, with the following stipulations:

• Many sites only take multiple bookings from organised groups.

• Some may make reductions in price for special-interest groups or Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme campers.

• Some sites refuse to take single-sex groups.

• All sites will ask you to adhere to their rules, so your fellow campers are not disturbed in any way. 

Jump to: What campsite rules are there on large groups?

How can you ensure your group will be near each other on a campsite?

• It can be difficult to find campsites that take large group bookings, especially in the more popular locations, so be sure to plan well in advance and book early.

• Do your research: some campsites have secluded or completely private pitch areas for large groups camping together.

• Most site owners will allocate pitches next to each other if they are advised of a group booking ahead of time.

• Some camping and glamping sites can be hired exclusively, ensuring that your group is the only one on site. This means you can all relax without worrying about irritating other campers – a sensible idea if you have lots of kids in your group or party people who like to stay up late.

How can you find campsites that take group bookings?

Pitchup is designed to make it easy to find and book camping breaks of all sorts. To narrow down your search for campsites that accept large groups, search for the location you want, and then select your relevant group type from our filters (for example, single-sex groups or student groups). 

If you do not see an option that reflects your group type, we recommend breaking your booking into smaller groups and booking multiple pitches. Then use the 'special request' box on the booking form to ask to be placed together.

What campsite rules are there on large groups?

There is a great sense of community in camping, but when you’re with a large group of friends or family it’s easy to forget other guests on site. Always remember that the same rules apply for group campers as any other visitors:

• By staying on a campsite you agree to abide by the rules of that particular site and you may be asked to leave if you break them. 

• Keep the noise level down at all times.

• Be especially considerate between the hours of 10pm and 8am, so other people on site can sleep. Sound really carries in the open air, so no loud music, crazy laughter or drinking games please.

• Parents must take full responsibility for their children.

• Leave campsite facilities clean after using them. 

• Whoever makes the group booking may be held responsible for the behaviour of the whole party.

How to organise a group camping holiday

Don’t underestimate the amount of preparation that goes into large group camping holidays. Read on to see how it’s done.

• Decide on your dates and the style of camping. For example: if you decide on tent camping – are you going back to basics or are on-site facilities and activities a necessity? 

• How about glamping, a caravan site or a holiday park? Would you like an on-site bar?

• Do you need a dog-friendly campsite?

• Next, decide on your destination. All of this can take time and patience when you are dealing with a group of people.

• If your group has diverse interests, look for a site near a variety of days out so you can split into smaller groups for days out (perhaps one group goes hiking while another explores a historic town?).

• Put someone in charge of researching and making campsite reservations. Some sites limit the number of campers that they allow to camp together, so always check before booking.

• Make reservations early for big-group camping. Popular sites fill up quickly.

• Make an inventory of what each family/individual should bring to the site, to make sure all necessary equipment is covered. Here’s a useful camping checklist.

• Check whether you can have campfires at your destination site, and if not take some other form of cooking equipment to feed everybody.

• Make sure you have a decent supply of fuel/logs and so on.

• Assign various responsibilities to different people – for example one can be in charge of bringing games while another makes sure basic cooking provisions are supplied.

• Take various forms of entertainment (here are Pitchup’s favourite suggestions), including fireside games, activities and musical instruments for singalongs.

• Make a group guide document for the trip, covering travel directions, arrival times at site, and a list of everybody’s duties when on the site.

• Stick to that checklist – it’ll make life on site much easier.

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FAQs for group campers

Do campsites allow large groups?

Many sizable campsites are happy to accept larger groups, but they will ask that you respect their rules and be mindful of other campers around you.

What is involved in organising a group camping holiday?

As preparation involves a number of people, you’ll need to be extremely organised. Assign roles to individuals and make checklists, schedules and meal plans – then stick to them on site as much as possible.

Can group campers pitch close together on site?

If you let them know ahead of time, most site owners will designate an area of tent pitches, glamping tents or motorhome pitches for your group. Others may have a semi-private area for groups, and still others may allow you to hire their site exclusively.