Camping Near Bristol
There are some absolutely fantastic camping opportunities in and around Bristol from Wookey Hole to the Slad Valley. Here are a few of our favourites.
CAMPSITES
Wookey Farm Campsite, near Wells. Lovely low key campsite with campfires and swimming in the River Axe.
Batcombe Vale Camping. Camp under the trees and among the streams and ponds with great views. Rowing boats, fishing and walks to local pubs.
Stowford Manor Farm. Family-run campsite with the bonus of river swimming just down the road. Beware the campsite gets very busy in the summer so book in advance or even better go outside of peak times.
WILD CAMPING
Wild Camping is camping outside of designated campsites. These areas in and around Bristol are gaining popularity for wild camping…
Herefordshire Beacon (Malvern Hills) Grassy mountain top which is made all the more unique - and beautiful - due to sinuous earthworks which sculpture the hill. Some of Britain's best views
Slad Valley, Gloucestershire Camping spots with great views from tops of hills or for more shelter some lovely hidden wooded valleys
Brecon Beacons Camp above the treeline. Hundreds of miles of footpath
King Arthur’s Cave in the Wye Valley. Large cave in the woodland. Unofficial camping but can be popular in summer
The Ridgeway is supposed to be Britain’s oldest road. 85miles of path. Grim’s Ditch is a wooded stretch perfect for hanging a hammock
The River Avon There are places to wild camp along the river’s tidal foreshore between the Severn Estuary and Bristol. Access along the Severn Way or the River Avon Trail. Try the Old Sea Bank or Hencliffe Wood. The Avon Gorge is National Trust land so be sure to get permission first.
Exmoor The Exmoor National Park Authority owns much of Exmoor and does not object to wild camping. The River Exe is navigable almost the entire wayfrom north of Exebridge to south of Exeter. There are 965km of path including the Two Moors Way and Exe Valley Way.
Quantocks Quantock Forest is owned by the Forestry Commission so camping is not officially allowed. Try the rocky shoreline at low tide. The River Parratt is navigable and is tidal beyond Bridgewater
Avoid National Trust and Natural England areas along these routes, there may be by-laws in place to restrict sleeping.
KAYAKING & WILD CAMPING
Navigation and access to the towpath of the Kennet and Avon Canal is managed by the Canal and River Trust. Subject to approval from lock masters the best camping is around the North Wessex Downs, west of Brimpton Lock. The quieter parts are easier reached by kayak.
MORE ADVENTURES
