Campsites Cost: What You’ll Pay and How to Save on UK Camping

If you’ve ever Googled “campsite prices” and got a jumble of numbers, you’re not alone. Costs vary a lot across the UK, and knowing the basics can stop you from blowing your holiday budget on a single night. Below you’ll get the real‑world price ranges, the things that push a site up or down, and quick tricks to keep your wallet happy.

What Influences Campsite Prices?

Location is the biggest driver. A site on the coast or in a national park can charge £30‑£45 a night for a pitch with electricity, while a rural field in the Midlands often sits around £12‑£20. Season matters too – summer weekends are the priciest, and many sites slash rates by 30‑40% in the off‑season. Facilities count as well; full hookups (electric, water, and sewage) usually add £5‑£10 per night compared to a basic dry pitch.

Motorhome size matters. Sites quote rates per axle, per meter, or per vehicle type. A 7‑metre motorhome might be £5‑£10 more than a 4‑metre caravan. If you travel with a pet, expect an extra £1‑£2 per night at most places, but some sites charge a flat £5.

Length of stay can unlock discounts. Many sites offer a “stay three nights, get the fourth free” or a reduced nightly rate after the fifth night. Booking online in advance often nets a 10‑15% discount, while walking in on the day can be more expensive, especially during peak periods.

Smart Ways to Cut Your Camping Costs

Start by searching for “free camping” or “wild camping” zones in Scotland – the Land Reform Act lets you pitch on most uncultivated land for free, as long as you follow the Leave No Trace rules. In England and Wales, look for council‑run sites that charge the lowest fees, usually under £15 for a basic pitch.

Join a campsite membership program. Groups like the Caravan Club or Camping and Caravanning Club give members up to 20% off on hundreds of sites. Even a one‑year membership can pay for itself if you camp a few nights a month.

Plan your route to hit clusters of cheap sites. If you stay near a town with several small pitches, you can hop between them and avoid paying for a single expensive spot. Many sites also give discounts for repeat visits within the same season.

Bring your own water and waste disposal gear. Paying for a full hook‑up adds up, but a portable water tank and a simple waste tank flush system let you use cheaper dry pitches without sacrificing comfort.

Finally, keep an eye on last‑minute cancellations. Some sites post empty spots on their Facebook pages or local forums with heavily reduced rates, sometimes as low as £5 for a night.

Bottom line: campsite costs aren’t a mystery. By checking location, season, facilities, and vehicle size, you can estimate the price before you arrive. Then use memberships, off‑season travel, and smart gear choices to shave off the extra pounds. With these tips, you’ll spend less on a pitch and more on experiences – like a pint at a nearby pub or an extra day on the road.