Best caravan and campervan pitches in 2022

If you've spent time in your campervan, you’ll know the UK is blessed with legions of wonderful, campervan-friendly campsites. These range from basic – a toilet and a shower block – to pampering, with onsite restaurants, kids' playrooms and more.

Here are just a few of our favourites from around the UK.

Any of these would make a great holiday for you and your campervan crowd this year.

Just make sure your UK campervan insurance is up to date before you go and, if you're planning a long journey, have a read of our tips for driving your campervan at night.

South West

Minnows Touring Park

Tiverton, Devon

This beautiful touring park offers a nice mix of isolation and amenities. Minnows' 59 all-weather pitches are set in five landscaped acres beside the Grand Western Canal, and just a short stroll from the pretty Devon village of Sampford Peverell. So far, so bucolic.

However, there's also plenty to do within easy reach – the village itself boasts two pubs, a post office, convenience and farm shops, tennis courts and a nine-hole golf course. The towpath that runs beside the canal, meanwhile, forms part of the Sustrans National Cycle Network, and offers safe, off-road cycling for all ages and abilities.

Bikes can be hired locally, while the campsite hires out canoes for those who want to explore the canal.

Back of Beyond Touring Park

Bournemouth, Dorset

This is definitely one for seekers of peace and quiet. Set in 30 acres of secluded Dorset countryside, Back of Beyond is just for adults – meaning that some over-exuberant birdsong may well be the loudest thing you hear during your stay.

There's plenty of space to explore, with 18 acres of woodland and private lakes to explore just beyond the campsite itself. They've also got a keen wildlife focus here, with many wild plants left to thrive.

Meanwhile, both the New Forest and the beaches and attractions of Bournemouth are within easy reach. A little further away (but still easily reachable) is the incredible geological formation of Durdle Door – as featured in our list of best places to watch the sunrise in your campervan.

South East

Harry's Meadow

New Forest, Hampshire

Set in its own historic New Forest Estate and ribboned by an avenue of majestic trees, there's a sense of occasion about Harry’s Meadow. Campers and campervan owners also have more than 40 acres of pristine pasture land to choose from.

This campsite is particularly recommended for swimmers (some great beaches are nearby) and lovers of a good pub – the award-winning Horse & Groom is a mile's stroll away.

Meanwhile, if you can't face leaving the idyllic site, there are various tempting pop-up food trucks onsite.

Stud Farm

Lewes, East Sussex

We'd recommend Stud Farm, in particular, to fans of back-to-basics camping. This is probably not the place to come if you want a bar, luxury shower block, pop-up food truck and other civilised touches on site. No, the atmosphere at Stud Farm is a little more unfussy – and, for its legions of fans, all the better for it.

It's situated just off the amazing South Downs Way, meaning that you have plenty of options for big, strenuous walks over the Sussex downland with sea views in the distance.

The coast is 20 minutes' walk away, and a nice little beach perhaps ten minutes further along. There's a shower and toilet block on site, plus drinking water and a washing up area.

Plenty of creature comforts for some – especially when the setting is so gorgeous.

North West

Meadow Falls

Carnforth, North Yorkshire

This small, family-run camping, glamping and caravanning site is on the edge of the pretty village of Ingleton. Nearby is the famous Ingleton Waterfalls Trail, which leads walkers through some of England's most spectacular woodland and waterfall scenery.

In fact, this is a very attractive area for walkers, as the so-called Yorkshire Three Peaks (Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen-y-ghent) are also nearby.

The village of Ingleton itself has both shopping and eating out options, while the diverse attractions of Kendal, Skipton, Lancaster and the Lake District are all within easy reach.

Delamere Forest

Northwich, Cheshire

This campsite takes its name from the forest that surrounds it – which happens to be the largest area of woodland in Cheshire. You can already get a sense, then, of the peace and seclusion that awaits you.

The 950-hectare forest features almost limitless walking and cycling paths, some of them leaving direct from the campsite. Nearby Delamere itself features a range of attractions, including Abbeywood Gardens with its wildlife walk. Or head to Northwich for a boat trip along the River Weaver.

Motor racing fans, meanwhile, may want to make a beeline for the circuit at nearby Oulton Park.

Central

Ludlow Touring Park

Ludlow, Shropshire

This is one well-equipped touring park, with everything from a laundry via an adults-only area to Wi-Fi across the site. The fact that the beautiful town of Ludlow, once dubbed by Poet Laureate John Betjeman "the most perfect town in England", is just on your doorstep merely adds to the site's many charms.

These days, Ludlow is also something of a foodie paradise, so this will make a great destination for the gourmets among you. The bus into town leaves from just outside the touring park gates, so you can leave the campervan at the site for the day.

Accidents and theft can still happen onsite though, wherever you are. That’s why you should remember to pack your UK campervan insurance before you go.

Barn Farm Camping

Matlock, Derbyshire

When it comes to good, honest family camping, they know what they're doing at Derbyshire's Barn Farm. The campsite has been awarded the maximum five pennants by the AA Camping and Caravanning Scheme: it's also found a place on best camping lists in both The Guardian (top 10 campsites for wildlife) and The Telegraph (top 5 family sites).

And it's not hard to see why.

The facilities (including kids' adventure playground and games room) are excellent, and the wildlife (badgers, fallow deer) are much in evidence. Several wonderful walks pass close by, while the historic town of Bakewell is just seven miles to the north.

East

The Old Brick Kilns

Fakenham, Norfolk

Norfolk has some truly outstanding beaches, and this friendly site is extremely well placed for some of the best of them. Indeed, the beach at Holkham – famous for its huge expanses of golden sands – is some ten miles away. Similarly nearby is the wildlife-rich headland at Blakeney Point, a great spot for seal-spotting.

The Old Brick Kilns itself is a peaceful spot, with shrubs and hedges dividing each spacious pitch and making for maximum privacy. Wildflowers grow in abundance, while the wildlife pond attracts birds, tadpoles and newts. Idyllic – and also, with its bar, shop and four heated wash blocks, well-equipped.

Chigborough Farm

Maldon, Essex

There's both plenty to do, and a blissful sense of calm and contemplation at this upmarket campsite in Essex's Blackwater Estuary. Apart from its camping options, Chigborough Farm and its surrounding lakes also host some excellent fly-fishing, a Michelin-recommended restaurant, and an award-winning salmon smokehouse. There's a tea room and deli, too.

There are various accommodation options, including bell tents, pods, and of course pitches for tents and campervans. The tent and caravan meadow is near to the farm's various lakes, which can be explored via row boat and pedalo. There's also a games room, playground and dining / kitchen space.

All you need, right on site.

Scotland

Ardnamurchan Campsite

Lochaber, Highlands

With its mix of dramatic volcanic landscapes, secluded beaches and tranquil coves, West Ardnamurchan is one of Scotland's most beguiling regions. It's also a haven for bird and marine life, as well as a place to lose yourself in miles of unspoilt wilderness.

Suffice to say, then, that the Ardnamurchan Campsite is pretty well placed.

The site's on a gentle slope (albeit on flat terraces, perfect for tents and campers), so the views to the Isle of Mull and beyond are breathtaking.

You're also right on top of a stunning beach, with plenty of opportunities for paddling, rockpooling or simply whiling away some idle hours.

Red Squirrel Campsite

Glencoe, Highlands

There has been camping at the Red Squirrel site, in Scotland's dramatic Glencoe valley, since 1914 – and those early campers were onto a good thing here. As well as the stunning woodland and river valley scenery, there's plenty for nature lovers here.

You have a good chance of spotting deer, foxes, ducks and woodpeckers as they wander around the campsite, while the eponymous red squirrels may be glimpsed in the surrounding woodlands. Elsewhere, take a dip in the bracing River Coe just beside the campsite, or hike the Lost Valley Trail, which is just a mile away.

When your exertions are finished, you can snuggle up by one of the campsite's own fire pits. Bliss.

Cashel Campsite

Loch Lomond, Dunbartonshire

Most of the 160 camping spaces at Cashel Campsite enjoy unobstructed views of the serene Loch Lomond, on whose gentle banks the campsite is situated. When you've finished marvelling at the views, there's plenty to do here.

You've got access to a children's play area and fishing spots without even leaving the site, while some wonderful walks around the loch are within easy reach. Nearby, meanwhile, is the Trossachs National Park, home to mile upon mile of undisturbed woodland and river valley, and full of opportunities for fishing, orienteering, hill walking and much more.

We toured the Trossachs in a little more detail in our guide to Scotland's beautiful Heart 200 driving route. Definitely a great destination for a longer touring holiday – get your UK campervan insurance up and ready, and away you go.

Wales

Tyddyn Isaf Caravan Park

Anglesey

This family-run touring park overlooks Anglesey's Lligwy Bay, and scores very well for open space. There are plenty of walks in and around the campsite, including a footpath leading directly down to the beach with its wide sandy expanses at low tide. There's also a large adventure playground for kids, plus a shop for all your essentials.

All pitches feature a 16-amp electric hook up: some also have a fresh water tap and grey waste drainage. Most of them are also blessed with stupendous sea views.

And we must mention the toilet and shower blocks here, which have won awards – including, recently, a Platinum medal in the Loo of the Year awards.

Pencelli Castle

Brecon

Set within the Brecon Beacons National Park, Pencelli is an ideal base for those who want some great open-air experiences. The Beacons themselves offer some dramatic walks, with expansive views across tracts of mid Wales and the English Borders.

There are also plenty of opportunities for mountain biking, pony trekking, birdwatching, and canoeing the nearby Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal. The site itself caters for caravans, motorhomes, campervans and tents in three beautiful fields: there's also a well-maintained children's play park on site.

Need a pub? The attractive, traditional Royal Oak Inn is just 150 yards away.

Northern Ireland

Curran Caravan Park

Larne, County Antrim

You won't be short of things to do at Curran Caravan Park, which is situated on the edge of the pretty Ulster town of Larne. The site itself has a shop, children's area and some inviting dog walking. Takeaway deliveries from various local restaurants can be arranged for those evenings when you fancy a night off from the cooking.

There's a putting and bowling green nearby, and a leisure centre some five minutes' walk away. We also recommend driving the Coast Road from Larne northwards to Ballycastle, where the views start out beautiful and just keep getting better.

Check your UK campervan insurance is up to date before you set off.

Rushin House

Enniskillen, County Fermanagh

Nestled on the shores of Lough MacNean, a large freshwater lake on the Northern Ireland/Eire border, Rushin House makes a great base for exploring southern Ulster. Sited on a family farm and boasting good facilities, the site fully deserves its five-star classification from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.

Belleek Pottery and Marble Arch Caves Geopark are two very popular attractions within a short distance of the campsite, while intrepid walkers will want to head for the Ulster Way Walking Path. If you do choose to venture southward into Eire – and there is plenty to tempt you – you can relax in the knowledge that your UK campervan insurance will provide the minimum third-party cover to drive in EU countries, of which Eire is one.

And, if you have a fully comprehensive policy, it's worth checking with your UK campervan insurance provider whether this extends to Ireland.

UK campervan insurance from Lancaster

Whether you're heading for a posh campsite or something a little more unfussy, we hope you're in for some amazing campervanning and caravanning adventures this year. Wherever you're booked in, make sure you get there safely – and are covered against any eventuality – with some specialist UK campervan insurance.

Contact us today to arrange your UK campervan insurance cover.