Top 10 Wet ‘n’ Wild Campsites

Location is the biggest draw for us when it comes to campsites – usually either with direct access to the beach or lake. That way one of us can escape for dawn patrol or a sunrise dip while the kids are still tucked up and snoozing. With our diesel heater and leisure battery-powered fridge we can survive a good few days without electric hook-up, and the portapotti and shower tent mean we’re pretty self sufficient. I’ve selected a few of our favourite campsites below. Each title hyperlinks through to the campsite webpage or booking site so that you can find out for yourselves whether they are dog friendly, kid friendly, granny friendly or whatever you need. Be warned though, this is generally a luxury free zone.

Waterside House, Lake District

Gorgeous campsite on the shores of Ullswater with non-electric hardstanding pitches right on the water’s edge. Try wakeboarding or wakesurfing with Ullswater Wake and Surf – hours of fun! If that’s a bit high octane then they hire out paddle boards too. You can always take your own of course or just jump in the lake for a swim. There’s a little cafe serving hot drinks and cake to warm up afterwards. The toilet blocks are also pretty swish if that floats your boat.

Ullswater holds a special place in our hearts as it’s where we spent our honeymoon – we stayed in the Duke of Portland Boathouse you see in the bottom picture. Wasn’t brave or stupid enough to venture into the water back in those days though!

Watermouth Valley Camping Park, Devon

This place. We spent the most gorgeous week here with friends last summer, you know, back when it was legal to do that kind of thing. It’s a clifftop site overlooking the stunning Broad Sands Beach – but you’d be forgiven for imagining you were on a remote Thai island! The pitches with views are up a pretty steep hill, and the access down to the beach is via some very steep steps – you have been warned – but oh my goodness it’s so worth it. Out of this world.

Sandparks Campsite, Widemouth, Bude

Informal camping opposite a great surf beach, beaut sunsets, fab beach bar/restaurant and fresh fishmonger. A real no frills campsite. A water tap, a waste disposal point – that’s your lot, but what more do you need?!

Trefalen Farm Campsite, Pembrokeshire

Basic site right on the iconic Broadhaven Beach. No hot water so great if you’re trying to channel your inner Wim Hof!

Barafundle Bay, Stackpole Quay, Bosherston Lily Ponds and St Govan’s Chapel are all within walking distance, or you can take advantage of the National Trust shuttle service between the NT Stackpole Estate sites – free for members.

Penmon Point, Anglesey

Not really a campsite but a stunning and remote overnight wild camping spot accessed via a private lane (charges apply). No facilities here, just the lighthouse, the remote and rugged beach, and the seals. The currents are strong here so swimming is not advised.

Nant-Y-Big, Abersoch

Direct access to Porth Ceriad, perfect for dawn patrol. A little outhouse toilet and that’s about it. Just you and the view. There are two other camping fields lower down with electric hook up, and washroom facilities, but it’s not worth the compromise on the view for us.