Are you looking for the best campsites in the Cotswolds, England? Here are 10 scenic sites suitable for tents, campervans and motorhomes. No better way to relax than to spend a memorable holiday surrounded by the quiet English countryside.
You may already have come across photos of this picturesque region online. After seeing so many on Instagram, I could not wait to explore it for myself, and I was not disappointed. Nestled in the heart of England, the Cotswolds is a haven of rolling hills, charming honey-stone villages and idyllic countryside scenery. It truly is the ideal place to venture on a camping trip and unwind.
Whether you are a seasoned camper or new to the joys of the great outdoors, the Cotswolds offers plenty of beautiful campsites that cater to all types of travellers. From peaceful woodland retreats to family-friendly parks with excellent amenities, this region promises a memorable camping experience with many things to do and see nearby.
So, are you ready to discover the 10 best campsites in the Cotswolds? Let’s pitch your tent, park your caravan or indulge in a bit of glamping, all whilst enjoying the natural beauty of the English landscape.
My Cotswolds experience:
Season Spring
Favourite campsite The Wildings
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Overview: best campsites in the Cotswolds
- The Wildings Campsite: best for central location
- Cotswold View Caravan and Camping Site: best for families
- Abbey Home Farm Campsite: best for back-to-basics
- Cotswold Farm Park: best for farm experience
- Big Skies Campsite: best for sustainability
- Cotswold Camping at Holycombe: best for peaceful experience
- Wolford Wood: best for woodland experience
- Cotswold Hills Country Park: best for caravans & motorhomes
- Far Peak Camping: best for friends & groups
- Croft Farm Water Park: best for watersports
Looking for the best Cotswold villages? Check out this article:
16 Most Beautiful Villages in The Cotswolds
Best campsites in the Cotswolds – Map
Click on the top left of the map to display the list of locations.
The 10 best campsites in the Cotswolds
1- The Wildings Campsite
Best for: central location.
The Wildings Campsite, nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds, offers a quiet and rustic camping experience surrounded by the beautiful English countryside, just a short walk from the charming village of Bourton-on-the-Water.
The site provides spacious tent pitches only (you can choose which one you want) with basic amenities to ensure a comfortable stay and emphasises a back-to-nature approach with its car-free policy and eco-friendly farm shop.
Even if you are limited on time, the Wildings Campsite is the ideal base from which to explore the best of the Cotswolds and is perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat and an authentic connection with nature.
📍 Location: Bourton-on-the-Water
🐶 Dog-friendly: yes
🚐 Campervans: no
💵 Prices: from £25 per night
2- Cotswold View Caravan and Camping Site
Best for: families with children.
Cotswold View Caravan and Camping Site, located near Charlbury, offers a picturesque setting to pitch your tent or set up your caravan, with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
This family-friendly campsite features spacious pitches for tents, campervans and motorhomes, along with modern amenities, including a play area for children and a tennis court.
Its tranquil environment and excellent facilities make it an ideal base for exploring the Cotswolds and enjoying a range of outdoor activities, from meeting the resident donkeys to playing disc golf or exploring the woodland trails.
📍 Location: Charlbury
🐶 Dog-friendly: yes
🚐 Campervans: yes
💵 Prices: from £27.50 per night
3- Abbey Home Farm Campsite
Best for: back-to-basics.
Abbey Home Farm is a family-run and working organic farm located near Cirencester, offering a variety of pitches for tents and small campervans on its Green Field Campsite, as well as a few glamping options such as yurts and shepherd’s huts.
The site provides stunning views over rolling Cotswold farmland with simple and laid-back facilities, including hot showers and toilets and an on-site farm shop and café that provide fresh and organic produce.
Surrounded by beautiful countryside with plenty of peaceful walking trails nearby, Abbey Home Farm is perfect for those looking to connect with nature and enjoy a sustainable and rural retreat.
📍 Location: Cirencester
🐶 Dog-friendly: no
🚐 Campervans: yes
💵 Prices: from £8 per night
4- Cotswold Farm Park
Best for: farm experience.
Animal lovers, this one is for you! Cotswold Farm Park, located near Cheltenham, offers a fun, family-friendly (and dog-friendly) camping experience with a focus on farming and wildlife.
The campsite provides spacious pitches for tents and caravans, alongside glamping options if you are looking for something more luxurious, and plenty of interactive farm activities, animal encounters and educational displays for all ages.
With excellent facilities and a beautiful rural setting, Cotswold Farm Park is perfect for families seeking an engaging and enjoyable countryside retreat. Also, check out their website for the different events they host, like the Flower Festival.
📍 Location: Cheltenham
🐶 Dog-friendly: yes
🚐 Campervans: yes
💵 Prices: from £30 per night
5- Big Skies Campsite
Best for: sustainability.
Big Skies Campsite, located near Cheltenham, is an eco-friendly and family-run glamping and camping site offering an idyllic wildflower meadow with breathtaking views of the English countryside.
The site provides only five off-grid tents and vehicle-free pitches, with an emphasis on a relaxed and back-to-nature atmosphere, and is certified to operate under a Greener Camping Club exemption certificate.
With its beautiful setting and tranquil surroundings, Big Skies is perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat in the Cotswolds. Plus, the campsite is ideally located close to the Cotswold Way for all the walkers out there.
📍 Location: Cheltenham
🐶 Dog-friendly: yes
🚐 Campervans: no
💵 Prices: from £11 per night
6- Cotswold Camping at Holycombe
Best for: peaceful experience.
Cotswold Camping at Holycombe, located in the village of Whichford, offers a unique and peaceful camping experience on the grounds of a historic castle with a water-filled moat.
The site provides a variety of pitches, including areas for tents and campervans, as well as glamping options like yurts and bell tents if you are looking for a luxurious experience.
Known for its tranquil setting, Cotswold Camping at Holycombe also has all the facilities you need for a comfortable stay, making it the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy nature in the heart of the Cotswolds.
📍 Location: Whichford
🐶 Dog-friendly: no
🚐 Campervans: yes
💵 Prices: from £12 per night
7- Wolford Wood Campsite
Best for: woodland experience.
Wolford Wood Campsite, located near Moreton-in-Marsh, offers a peaceful and secluded camping experience set within 200 acres of beautiful private woodland and wildflower pastures.
The site provides spacious non-electric pitches for tents only, allowing you to fully immerse in wild camping with your natural surroundings, promoting a back-to-nature feel. If you prefer, cabins are also available.
With its focus on minimal impact, Wolford Wood is perfect for those seeking a quiet retreat not far from the Cotswolds, surrounded by lush greenery, wildlife and plenty of walking trails.
📍 Location: Moreton-in-Marsh
🐶 Dog-friendly: no
🚐 Campervans: no
💵 Prices: from £20 per night
8- Cotswold Hills Country Park
Best for: caravans & motorhomes.
Cotswold Hills Country Park, located in Chipping Norton, offers a quiet and relaxing holiday experience with stunning views of the Cotswold countryside.
The park features spacious pitches for caravans, motorhomes and tents, along with modern amenities to ensure a comfortable stay, whether you are visiting for a few nights or a week.
With its tranquil atmosphere, beautiful setting and convenient access to local attractions, Cotswold Hills Country Park is the perfect base for exploring the charming honey-stoned villages of the Cotswolds.
📍 Location: Chipping Norton
🐶 Dog-friendly: yes
🚐 Campervans: yes
💵 Prices: from £30 per night
9- Far Peak Camping
Best for: friends & groups.
Far Peak Camping, located near Northleach, offers a variety of camping options, including simple grass pitches for tents, shepherd’s huts and bell tents, set in a scenic woodland and parkland environment.
The site features excellent amenities and plenty of outdoor activities, such as climbing (there is an on-site Climbing and Outdoors Centre), walking and cycling, making it ideal for adventure enthusiasts.
With its beautiful natural setting, range of accommodations and choice of fun activities, Far Peak Camping provides the perfect base for friends and groups exploring the picturesque Cotswolds.
📍 Location: Northleach
🐶 Dog-friendly: yes
🚐 Campervans: yes
💵 Prices: from £30 per night
10- Croft Farm Water Park
Best for: watersports.
Croft Farm Water Park, located near Tewkesbury, is the ideal campsite for those looking for a lakeside experience with plenty of outdoor activities and excellent camping facilities not far from the main Cotswold villages.
The site features spacious pitches for tents, caravans, and motorhomes and has a stunning lake at its centre, perfect for watersports such as kayaking, windsurfing and paddleboarding.
With its well-maintained and family-friendly amenities, Croft Farm Water Park welcomes guests of all ages and provides a fun atmosphere for a camping getaway in the Cotswolds.
📍 Location: Tewkesbury
🐶 Dog-friendly: yes
🚐 Campervans: yes
💵 Prices: from £25 per night
Wild camping in the Cotswolds
Wild camping in the Cotswolds, like much of England, is not permitted as most of the land is privately owned. However, there are a few ways to enjoy a more rustic camping experience:
Ask permission: if you have a specific location in mind, try contacting the landowner and asking for permission to camp on their land.
Use designated campsites: many campsites in the Cotswolds offer a back-to-nature feel and are located in beautiful and secluded areas, providing a similar experience to wild camping.
In addition, remember that it is not legal to wild camp on the Cotswold Way, so use official campsites like the ones listed in this article 🙂
Looking for more UK inspiration? Check out this article:
30 Best & Prettiest Places to Visit in The UK
Best time to visit & camp in the Cotswolds
The best time to visit and camp in the Cotswolds is in late spring (May and June) and early autumn (September and October). These periods offer mild and pleasant weather, fewer crowds compared to the summer months, and beautiful scenery ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Summer (July and August) will be warmer but also busier and is not a time I would recommend due to the number of tourists, especially when the area suffers greatly from overtourism.
So if you can, I would avoid the peak summer season and bank holidays.
Fancy a picturesque walk? Check out this article:
Best Hikes in the UK: 16 Scenic Walking Trails
How long to stay in the Cotswolds
A stay of 3 to 5 days in the Cotswolds is ideal for discovering its charming villages, picturesque countryside and top attractions. This duration will allow you to explore popular places like Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold and Chipping Campden, whilst also having time for walks and visits to historic sites. It is a good option for a weekend getaway as a couple or with friends.
For a more relaxed pace and to experience some hidden gems, extending your stay to a week would be perfect as it allows for a more comprehensive exploration. You can visit more towns, go on longer hikes and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the English countryside (you will not get bored). It is an excellent option for families with children.
Planning a road trip across the UK? Check out this article:
London to Edinburgh Drive: 20+ Best Stops
How to get around the Cotswolds
There are different ways to get around the Cotswolds, depending on your preferences. Here are some ideas:
The easiest way to get around the Cotswolds is by car, which provides the most flexibility and allows you to explore the picturesque villages and countryside at your own pace. Many villages and attractions are also more easily accessible by car, especially those off the beaten track.
Another affordable and eco-friendly way to get around the Cotswolds is by public transport. Several towns, such as Moreton-in-Marsh and Cheltenham, are well-served by trains, making it easy to travel from major cities like London and Oxford. Once there, local bus services connect the main towns and, although less frequent, offer a scenic and relaxed way to explore the region.
For the most courageous, cycling is a great option to explore the Cotswolds! The region is filled with cycling paths and quiet country lanes, making biking a popular and eco-friendly way to travel. Bring your own or rent one in a town, including Chipping Campden and Moreton-in-Marsh.
Finally, there is no better way to fully enjoy the Cotswolds than on foot. The region is famous for its extensive network of public footpaths and trails, including the Cotswold Way, a long-distance route that is perfect for hikers and walkers.
Seeking more time in the outdoors? Check out this article:
The 15 UK National Parks: Complete Guide
Sustainable camping in the Cotswolds
Sustainable travel means exploring the world whilst being aware of your surroundings and having a positive social, environmental and economic impact on the places you visit.
The Cotswolds is a stunning region of England which particularly suffers from overtourism. This means that if not done correctly, tourism can harm the authenticity of a place, degrade the environment and decrease the quality of life of residents.
That is why it is essential to adopt eco-responsible practices on your vacation in the Cotswolds, and it applies to your camping trip! Eco-camping is a way to leave as little impact as possible on the places you stay, being mindful of what you pack and what you do whilst camping.
Here are a few sustainable camping tips to help minimise your impact, whether you are visiting for a short weekend or week-long stay:
- Leave no trace. Do not litter and pick up any trash you encounter, as leftover waste can be extremely harmful to the local ecosystem. So take biodegradable bin bags with you and, of course, leave the place better than you found it.
- Bring reusable, plastic-free items. It will help prevent excess trash during your camping trip. For example, avoid single-use plastic water bottles and prioritise a reusable filtered bottle like this one. You can refill it anywhere from lake to river for clean and fresh water. The same applies to food containers and toiletries.
- Choose eco-friendly toiletries. For your sustainable camping holiday, pack toiletries and cleaning products that are biodegradable and not harmful to the environment. And if you visit the Cotswolds in summer, use a zero-waste and natural sunscreen that does not contain destructive chemicals.
- Pack sustainable gear. Arrive in the Cotswolds prepared by packing items made from natural fabrics to limit the spread of microplastics and reduce your impact. Here are a few of my favourite eco-responsible brands: Merrell, Osprey and Rab.
- Minimise campfire impacts. Only make a campfire if allowed on the land you are camping and always consider your surroundings first, especially in summer when the terrain is dry. If not done correctly, campfires can have a catastrophic impact on wildlife and the environment.
- Respect wildlife. Enjoy watching and learning about wildlife, but do not approach or feed them! Remember that you are only a visitor in their home, so do not disturb their environment, especially during mating and nesting seasons.
- Be considerate of other visitors and locals. When camping in the Cotswolds, chances are you will encounter other people any time of the year. So be mindful of your surroundings, and do not play loud music or make noise late at night. Camping is about reconnecting with nature and appreciating peace – so make the most of it! Also, remember that the region is a place to live and work. Be grateful to the locals for welcoming you and smile 🙂
More inspiration for your green adventures:
- 20 Best Eco-Friendly & Durable Camping Gear
- Best Travel Apps for Exploring Sustainably
- 15 Travel Books to Inspire Your Next Eco-Adventure
- Best Ecotourism Activities Around the World
England travel planning guide
🚑 Should I buy travel insurance to travel to England?
Yes, buying insurance is always valuable when travelling abroad. Enjoy your camping trip in the Cotswolds stress-free with one of my favourite providers, Nomad Insurance.
💧 Can you drink the water in England?
Yes, tap water is safe to drink all over England and the Cotswolds. However, I also recommend travelling with the UltraPress Purifier Bottle, a lightweight filtered water bottle perfect for reducing plastic and staying hydrated.
🚗 Is it easy to rent a car in England?
Yes, renting a car in England is easy and a great way to explore the Cotswolds freely, especially to reach remote areas. I recommend booking yours with Rentalcars.com – they offer a variety of operators for all budgets.
✈️ What is the best site to buy a flight to England?
I recommend booking your plane with Skyscanner. It has been my favourite platform for years, as it allows me to book the cheapest flights whilst lowering my carbon emissions.
Cotswold camping – FAQ
The best time to camp in the Cotswolds is in late spring (May and June) and early autumn (September and October) when the weather is pleasant, there are fewer crowds, and the landscapes are beautiful, perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
No, wild camping in the Cotswolds is not allowed as most of the land is privately owned. However, there are a few ways to enjoy a more rustic camping experience: ask the landowner for permission or use designated back-to-basics campsites.
Yes, the Cotswolds are excellent for camping, offering a variety of scenic and well-equipped campsites that cater to different tastes. With its rolling hills, picturesque villages and tranquil countryside, the region provides an idyllic setting for outdoor enthusiasts.
And you, what is your favourite campsite in the Cotswolds?
Let me know in the comments below!
With love ♡
Lucie
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