5 Best Camping Destinations in the UK for 2025 Adventures

Why Camping in the UK Keeps Growing

 

Camping in the UK isn’t just about pitching a tent anymore. People are heading outdoors with camping cookware, large garden tents, inflatable dome shelters, and even sites that offer a private hot tub after a long hike. Families love it because it’s affordable, sociable, and a chance to reconnect. Couples head to coastal escapes with a gazebo or UV-proof instant tent for picnics by the sea. Solo adventurers bring nothing but a rucksack, a compact stove, and a fishing rod.

No matter your style, the UK has a camping spot that will suit you — especially if you’re prepared with the right camping essentials kit and outdoor gear.

 

1. Lake District, Cumbria – The Ultimate Outdoor Playground

 

The Lake District remains the UK’s number-one camping region. Between the fells, shimmering lakes, and welcoming villages, it’s a place that truly comes alive when you’re outdoors.

 

Why You’ll Love It

 

• Access to England’s tallest peak, Scafell Pike.

• Paddling, kayaking, or fishing on Windermere and Derwentwater.

• Family campsites that welcome both large tents and small backpacker pitches.

 

Recommended Gear for the Lakes

 

Because the weather changes quickly, it’s smart to bring a waterproof UK-rated tent and camping cookware for hot meals after a wet hike. Many families opt for a Vango outdoor set that combines sturdy person tents with extras like a porch or inflatable roof for added comfort.

 

Top Spots

 

• Great Langdale Campsite – Ideal for fell walkers.

• Low Wray Campsite (National Trust) – Lakeside pitches, perfect for SUP boards or fishing.

 

2. Snowdonia (Eryri), North Wales – Adventure Central

 

Snowdonia is where adventure seekers thrive. With mountains, lakes, and coastline all in one park, it’s a natural magnet for campers.

 

Why You’ll Love It

 

• Climbing Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) or one of the quieter peaks.

• Family-friendly sites where you can set up a large garden tent or compact instant camp shelter.

• Lakeside campsites that allow fishing and picnics with a backdrop of mountains.

 

Gear Tip

 

Bring an essentials kit including UV protection gazebo accessories for picnic areas, because North Wales weather can switch from blazing sun to heavy rain in minutes. A sturdy inflatable dome tent makes setting up faster after a long drive.

 

Top Spots

 

• Llyn Gwynant Campsite – Lakeside, fires allowed.

• Tyn Cornel Campsite – Great for watersports on Bala Lake.

 

3. Scottish Highlands – Wild Freedom and Starry Nights

 

If you want to feel small in nature, the Scottish Highlands are unbeatable. With the “right to roam,” you can wild camp almost anywhere, from lochside clearings to mountain valleys.

 

Why You’ll Love It

 

• True wilderness, often with nobody else around.

• Wild swimming, stargazing, and fishing in some of the UK’s cleanest waters.

• Opportunities to try luxury options like sites offering a private hot tub after a day of hiking.

 

Gear Tip

 

Because you’ll likely be far from shops, pack a full camping essentials kit including camping cookware for hot meals. A Vango outdoor set or waterproof UK-rated inflatable dome tent will give you shelter against sudden Highland storms.

 

Top Spots

 

• Loch Lomond & The Trossachs – More accessible, with serviced pitches.

• Glen Coe – Dramatic mountain scenery.

• Isle of Skye – Combine camping with exploring beaches and fishing villages.

 

4. Cornwall – Coastal Charm and Surf Culture

 

Cornwall offers a different type of camping: sunshine, surfing, and seaside living. Families love its wide beaches, while couples seek out cliff-top escapes.

 

Why You’ll Love It

 

• Some of the UK’s sunniest weather.

• Surfing, paddleboarding, and beach picnics.

• Campsites often allow family-sized man tents and inflatable dome roof gazebos for shade.

 

Gear Tip

 

Bring camp accessories for picnic days, including a UV-resistant gazebo to escape the midday sun. For a touch of comfort, some campsites offer glamping pods or pitches with access to a hot tub.

 

Top Spots

 

• Treen Farm Campsite – Incredible cliff-top views.

• Beacon Cottage Farm – Family-friendly with access to beaches.

 

5. Peak District, Derbyshire – Easy Access for Families

 

Right in the heart of England, the Peak District is perfect for those who want to camp without travelling too far. With rolling hills, limestone dales, and historic villages, it’s easy to see why it remains so popular.

 

Why You’ll Love It

 

• Perfect for families who want instant camp setups without long journeys.
  
• Plenty of rivers and reservoirs for fishing.
  
  
• Good choice of campsites for both small backpack tents and large family garden tents.

 

Gear Tip

 

The Peak District is accessible, but weather can be damp. Pack a waterproof UK-made tent, plus camping cookwareand a lightweight essentials kit. If travelling with children, an inflatable dome person tent or quick-pitch Vango outdoor set can save stress on arrival.

 

Top Spots

 

• North Lees Campsite – Surrounded by gritstone edges.

• Upper Booth Campsite – Base for Kinder Scout hikes.

 

Extra Tips for a Successful UK Camping Trip

 

• Choose the right tent size – A large family man tent is perfect for groups, while solo travellers may prefer a compact waterproof design.

• Bring proper cookware – Lightweight pans, a stove, and a kettle make a big difference.

• Think comfort – Accessories like a dome roof gazebo, chairs, and mats turn a basic pitch into a cosy camp.

• Entertainment matters – Many campers bring a fishing rod, board games, or even a portable speaker.

• Leave no trace – Always clear up, respect the land, and keep the countryside beautiful.

 

Which Destination Will You Choose?

 

• For epic mountains → Snowdonia or the Scottish Highlands.

• For family fun → Peak District or Lake District.

• For beach life → Cornwall.

 

Each destination shines when matched with the right camping essentials kit, from UV-proof gazebos to camping cookware for cooking hearty meals after a long day outdoors.

 

Gear Up for Your Next Adventure

 

The UK is packed with incredible camping spots, but the experience depends as much on your preparation as on the location. Whether you choose the Highlands, Cornwall, or the Lakes, make sure you’re ready with waterproof UK-rated tents, instant camp shelters, and practical camp accessories.

Planning your next trip? Browse our outdoor and camping collection. From durable backpacks to camping essentials kits, we’ve got everything to make your trip more comfortable, memorable, and hassle-free.