Camping In The Cotswolds: The Best Campsites to Consider
Are you thinking about camping in the Cotswolds and are looking for the best campsites in the region? Find out our top picks for campsites in the Cotswolds as well as all the best places for glamping in the Cotswolds.
The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is one of England’s most popular areas and for great reason. From quaint villages consisting of hundreds-of-year-old stone cottages to delicate streams and rolling hills that dissect the landscape, the Cotswolds is an area everyone should visit at one point in their lives.
Nothing quite trumps a weekend escape to road trip through these pretty villages and exploring the cute cottages, tiny, winding streets, local pubs and outdoor activities. While there are many hotels, inns and bed and breakfasts located in the area one of the best ways to experience the local beauty is by camping in the Cotswolds.
*This ‘camping in the Cotswolds’ post contains affiliate links meaning I might make a small profit if you choose to book at no extra cost to you. This helps me to keep providing you with top quality content for free.
Camping really has come a long way in recent years. Gone are the days when it’s purely limited to pitching a small, cramped tent that you can’t stand up in in a muddy, windy field. We no longer have to put up with walking hundreds of metres to the nearest bathroom in which there are only cold showers which are dirty and in need of a face-lift.
Nowadays, there are so many different camping options available from luxury yurts to eco pods to your standard tent pitch to glamping in the Cotswolds even. The camping bar just got raised and if you have yet to experience what camping today has to offer you’re in for a treat.
Camping in the Cotswolds, in this area of stunning beauty, greenery and historical villages that are quintessentially English is a real treat. In this area of South-Western England, you’ll find a special variety of options to suit all needs from romantic glamping getaways to family holiday parks.
They are the perfect places to base yourself as you explore the beautiful surrounding area of the Cotswolds. You can either choose to base yourself at one campsite, returning there each night after a day of exploring or it’s also possible to road trip the whole area choosing a different one each night.
Here are the most beautiful campsites/glamping experiences you should definitely consider for your Cotswolds trip.
In need of the perfect Cotswolds Itinerary? Check out The Ultimate Cotswold Itinerary for the Perfect Weekend Trip (including Oxford and Bath)
Where are the Cotswolds?
Firstly let’s clarify exactly where the Cotswolds are. The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Beauty is a large area in Southwestern England. The Cotswolds Area stretches all the way to Stratford-Upon-Avon in the north, Oxford in the east, Bath in the south and Gloucester and Cheltenham in the West.
The Cotswolds is quite a large area and is composed of rolling green hills, and pretty, historic villages with the occasional, larger market town between them. It’s the perfect place to spend a weekend, a week or even two.
The Best Time of Year to Visit the Cotswolds
The best time of year to visit the Cotswolds is between May-September. At this time you can expect to see less rain, sunnier and warmer days. Days during this time of the year are much longer too allowing you to really make the most out of your day.
Visiting the Cotswolds in early spring on late autumn might also be possible but you’ll need to wrap up quite a bit when camping. I’d suggest staying in a yurt or pod at this time of year for added comfort.
During the winter many campsites close down and it’s generally a little too cold and wet to camp.
How Long Should You Spend in the Cotswolds?
In all honesty, you could spend a whole month or two in the Cotswolds and never get bored. There are so many lovely villages to discover; some well-known and some hidden gems.
My advice would be to spend as much time as you can in the area. If you only have a weekend or a few days I’d choose one campsite and one area of the Cotswolds to explore instead of trying to drive everywhere in just a weekend.
If you’ve got a week then you’ll definitely have more time to spend in different parts of the Cotswolds Area.
The Best Campsites when Camping in the Cotswolds
#1 Campwell
Located just northeast of Bath, Campwell is the perfect place to stay if your goal is to retreat to and reconnect with nature.
This sustainable, eco-friendly woodland plot provides a gorgeous natural setting to get you more engaged with the outdoors. Forget your tent, Campwell is the ultimate definition of glamping in the Cotswolds and has several, off-grid cabins, huts and yurts for all tastes, groups and budgets where you can experience nature right on your doorstep.
Opt for one of the yurts, shepherd’s hut, roundhouse or cosy cabins and enjoy a stay full of privacy and pure nature. On-site you can also access the secret lake hidden in the Cherry Wood as well as massages, fitness activities and yoga classes. This really is one of the most magical places you can go camping in the Cotswolds.
Find out more on their website here. Located in Cherry Wood, Oakford Ln, UK. Open all year, except New Years.
.
#2 Notgrove Holidays
At the very heart of Notgrove Estate, you’ll find the lovely Notgrove Holidays Pods and Clamping Tents.
Surrounded by rolling green hills and the resident grazing animals such as sheep, donkeys and alpaca, these pod hideaways make the perfect Cotswolds escape.
Choose between the cosy wooden pods, which come with a double bed, sofa bed and adjacent kitchen or the luxurious 3-bedroom Safari tents, perfect for larger families and groups. Nearby you’ll find the slow-flowing river Windrush and the estate also rents out bicycles if you want to explore the area further.
As an added bonus this property is only 3 miles from Bourton-on-the-Water and close to Upper and Lower Slaughter- some of the most beautiful villages in the Cotswolds.
Find out more on their website here. Located in Notgrove, Cheltenham. Open all year.
Wondering which Cotswolds Villages to Visit? Discover The Prettiest Cotswold Villages | 5 Unmissable Villages You Have To Visit
#3 Beckford Lake Yurts
For camping in the Cotswolds with an element of luxury and romance, then you might not want to give Beckford Lake Yurts a miss.
Located in the North-West corner of the Cotswolds Area, on the border of Gloucestershire and Worcestershire these yurts are all stylishly decorated, located right around a peaceful lake and many include features such as a hot tub and sauna with amazing lake views.
They are the ideal place for a couples retreat due to their seclusion and peaceful surroundings and they’re also dog-friendly. After a long day of exploring the Cotswolds villages, there’s nothing better than to watch the sun go down sipping champagne in the hot tub with the sound of nature all around you.
Find out more and book here. Located in Beckford, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire.
#4 The Real Campsite at Park Farm
If you’re dying for a true camping experience without all the glamping, the luxury and a solid roof over your head, then The Real Campsite, as its name suggests, might be the one you should consider.
They pride themselves on being a real camping experience in its most ‘boutique’ sense and while you won’t be pitching randomly in a crowded field right next to someone else, staying in a glamorous yurt isn’t an option either.
Here, you’ll have the opportunity to pitch your tent in a wide-open field with gorgeous views over the hills. You’ll have your own private toilet facilities, picnic bench and campfire area and they also have many animals on site including chickens and sheep.
Find out more on their website here. Located just outside Farringdon, Oxfordshire, just outside the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Beauty.
#5 Cotswolds Camping
A simple, no-fuss campsite in Oxfordshire that’s large, spacious and green. Pitch your tent in a gorgeous green meadow and wake to the sounds of the wood pigeons cooing and the birds singing but if staying in a tent isn’t for you then they also have cute glamping pods available to sleep couples.
Things at this campsite and well-run and organised and you’re guaranteed to have a great stay (weather is unfortunately not guaranteed). Caravans and motorhomes are also allowed at this campsite and you have access to all the facilities you might need including bathrooms, washing up areas and kitchen. There is also plenty of eating and drinking options in the town of Charlbury nearby.
Find out more on their website here. Located outside of Charlbury, Oxfordshire, in the North-East part of the Cotswolds Area. Open from March-October.
#6 Far Peak Camping
Located on the Gloucestershire side of the Cotswolds, Far Peak provides a lovely escape or staycation. The campground is surrounded by miles of countryside, perfect for day walks and cycles.
Far Peak Camping has a range of simple grass pitches, electric hook-ups for vans and caravans, domes, shepherds huts and even bell tents. It’s the perfect spot for everyone as you’ll find accommodation to suit your needs. Facilities are also top-notch and kept really clean.
Onsite you’ll find a cafe outdoors center and my favourite, a climbing wall where you can test and learn new climbing skills. There’s also a pub within walking distance for evening meals and drinks.
Check their website here for more information and to book.
There is a sink with hot running water, a kettle and basic kitchen equipment. It has a 2 ring electric hob and a small fridge, perfect for cooking or preparing light meals.
Check rates and availability here.
#7 Burford Caravan Club Campsite
Located on the northeastern side of the Cotswolds just outside the beautiful village of Burford, Burford Caravan Club Site is a great spot to base yourself to explore the surrounding villages. With popular Cotswolds villages like Bourton-on-the-Water, Lower and Upper Slaughter, Blockley and Chipping Norton located in the area there’s no shortage of things to do and see.
The village of Burton is equally lovely too with a beautiful high street full of quaint, story-book English cottages, cafes, pubs and little bookstores. Right opposite the caravan park you’ll find the Cotswold Wildlife Park, for which you can get discounted tickets at the campsite reception.
Burford Caravan Club Campsite has many electric hook-ups spaced out across pretty, well-cared-for lawns. There are also a few spaces for tent pitches. The facilities are sparkling clean and they have everything you need for a comfortable stay. Dogs are welcome too.
Check here for more information.
#8 Cotswold Carp Farm
Cotswold Carp Farm is a lovely, family-run caravan site located right on the outskirts of Bourton-on-the-Water. They are a small, low-key site with lovely green lawns and a lake on the property. Tent pitches have lakeside positions making them tranquil and picturesque.
They also have some electric hook-ups for vans as well as a small shared toilet and shower block. They are also dog-friendly but pitches are adult-only.
This is a great choice for those wanting to camping in the Cotswolds without a car. Being just outside Bourton-on-the-Water means you can easily come and go from the village on foot.
Check their website here for more details.
READ MORE: The Cotswolds Best Villages You Simply Must Visit
#9 Cotswold View Camping and Caravan Park
Cotswold View is a beautiful plot of land overlooking the Wychwood Forest and Evenlode Valley just outside Charlbury. Surrounded by rolling green hills, Cotswold View has plenty of activities pitches and even a working farm to keep you entertained through our stay. Camping in the Cotswolds couldn’t be more enjoyable here.
With many different tent pitch areas both hard pitches and grass, electric hookups for vans and even pods for up to 6 people, this site is perfect for families or larger groups.
You’ll also find a fully stocked shop for all your camping needs, a picnic area, an onsite cafe, games room, tennis courts and plenty of walking trails around. In my opinion, this is one of the best campsites in the Cotswolds.
Bonus: Glamping in the Cotswolds
So if raw and rough camping isn’t quite your thing and you like being around nature but also a touch of luxury, you’ll be please to know that glamping in the Cotswolds is also a popular activity. With many places to stay, you can opt for a luxury tent, spacious yurt with furniture and an actual bed. The sturdier rooftop is also an extra reassurance against the good old English weather.
Apart from Campwell, Notgrove Holidays and Beckford Lake Yurts which also provide glamping in the Cotswolds, check out one of our favourite glamping listings below.
#10 Holycombe Camping
For a glamourous stay in a luxurious yurt at Holycombe camping and retreat centre, make sure to check out this fabulous listing. Located surrounded by nature in a warm and cosy yurt that sleeps 5, this great option has a double bed and a single futon as well as a wood-burning stove, a beautiful Indian wall hanging, kelim rug and bedside tables.
It’s the perfect camping glamping experience for those wanting a more lux adventure.
Camping in the Cotswolds Top Tips
↠ Make sure you have what you need. Campsites and even luxury listing for glamping in the Cotswolds all include and exclude different things. Some sites might include bed sheets, others don’t. Some might include kitchen facilities, others don’t. Make sure to read the listings thoroughly before booking or after booking to prepare what you’ll need for your trip.
↠ Bring a car. The Cotswolds is a region of England that isn’t particularly well-served by public transport, and if you plan on accessing campsites and village hoping you’ll really need a car to make the most of your trip. I always use RentalCars to find the best deals on cars where you can find deals from London for as little as £80 per day (during summer).
↠ Pack for all seasons. No matter if you’re camping in the summer, there’s still a chance of rain and low temperatures. Make sure to pack a warm sleeping bag if you need one, plenty of layers and a good waterproof.
For some things to do in the Cotswolds while camping check out the best tours below:
Do you have any comments or questions about camping in the Cotswolds? Any questions about glamping in the Cotswolds? Leave them below, I’d love to hear from you and answer any questions you may have.
Planning a trip right now? These are just some of my favourite websites I use to book everything from hotels to rental cars!
Rentalcars.com for quick and easy car rentals worldwide
Booking.com for great deals on hotels
Agoda also for great deals on hotels
Get Your Guide and Viator for tours and adventures around the world
Related posts you might like:
Oxford in One Day | The Perfect Day Trip Itinerary
Southern England Itinerary | Your Guide To An Epic British Road Trip
Things To Do in Wells, Somerset, England | A Short Travel Guide
10 Epic Driving Tour Ideas of England | Road Trips For This Summer
LIKE IT? PIN IT FOR LATER
