Relaxing by the pool while the kids play in the water is an essential part of vacation for many, but it's not something that's limited to a vacation abroad. There are many campsites across the UK that have their own swimming pool, making them an affordable and eco-friendly alternative to traveling abroad or a great option for a short break. Plus, many of the places listed below have additional recreational facilities on-site, so you can keep everyone entertained without having to travel too far.
Of course, the UK isn't blessed with the kind of climate you'd find in Mediterranean countries, so it's always worth finding out what kind of pool there is locally (indoor, outdoor, or a customizable pool with a retractable cover). and check the dates of the opening hours before booking. All this information is available on the Pitchup Camp page and you can search for suitable locations using the selection filters to find the facilities and style of camp that best suits you.
10 of the best UK campsites with swimming pools
Indoor pools, outdoor pools, water slides, kiddie pools, hot tubs and even a swimming lake – we've rounded up some of the best UK campsites with pools here. All of the sites listed below have been tried and tested and have passed unbiased reviews from previous Pitchup customers.
Trewan Hall Camp
St Columb Major, Cornwall
TR9 6DB
Because here? This Cornish spot is set in a fabulous setting, built around a 17th century manor house between Padstow and Newquay on a property that boasts 85 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and woodland. The facilities are fabulous too, including a well-stocked shop, large playing field, play barns and a society barn where local bands provide entertainment on summer nights. The highlight for many, however, will likely be this pool: here's a 25-meter outdoor pool, with heated water and a dome for inclement weather, and it's open for holiday swimming throughout the months of July and august.
most important facilities:Outdoor pool, playground, playground, summer entertainment, laundry, toilets, showers, dogs allowed
One last thing...With so much space here, you can choose your own plot, either in a family-friendly area close to all facilities, or a more secluded plot for quieter stays.
Make reservations for Trewan Hall Camp
Morfa Bichan amusement park
Llanfarian, Aberystwyth
Ceredigion, SY23 4QQ
Because here?Morfa Bychan Holiday Park has a stunning seafront location, perched on a cliff overlooking Cardigan Bay and with direct access to its own shingle beach for fishing, surfing and rockpooling. However, as this is the west coast of Wales, some visitors may find the sea a bit too cold for proper swimming, and that's where the on-site pool comes in handy. The outdoor heated pool here is open in the summer, with a large grassy area and adjacent picnic tables where parents can enjoy a cuppa while supervising children from a safe distance.
Main facilities:Outdoor pool, playground, game room, laundry, restrooms, showers, dogs allowed
One last thing...It's an easy walk from Morfa Bychan, as the Welsh Coast Path skirts the edge of the park; from here it is about four miles to the seaside town of Aberystwyth.
Book Morfa Bychan Holiday Park
Ninham Country Holidays
Granja Ninham, Shanklin
Peso Insel, PO36 9PJ
Because here?There's plenty to do on the Isle of Wight - it's only a small island, but it's packed with beaches, historic buildings and family attractions to fill your days. And that means you'll probably be very grateful for a pitch at Ninham Country Holidays - this beautiful, peaceful site offers plenty of space to relax between walks and a good collection of facilities including a games room, children's playground and heated outdoor pool. free. free, open all summer and available to guests through a regulated reservation system.
Main facilities:Outdoor pool, game room, recreation area, laundry, restrooms, showers
One last thing...A lot of effort has gone into making this place as eco-friendly as possible: there is a strict recycling policy in place, along with technologies like solar water heating and rainwater toilets.
Book a holiday to Ninham Camp
Manor Wood Country caravan park
Mill Lane, Coddington
Chester, Cheshire CH3 9EN
Because here?Cheshire's Manor Wood Country Caravan Park is a great place for a family holiday, with many activities close by and a wide range of leisure facilities on site. The outdoor pool (heated and with jet shower) is probably the highlight, but you can spend hours on-site with time at the tennis courts, fishing lake, playground, or game room. Even catering is simple here, as the park has a cafe that serves breakfast, snacks, and light lunches, along with the lovely touch of a special menu just for dogs.
Main facilities:Outdoor pool, fish pond, cafeteria, playground, tennis courts, showers, toilets, dogs allowed
One last thing...The beautiful city of Chester is a 25 minute drive from here and day trips are made even easier as you can purchase Chester Zoo tickets locally before you leave.
Reserve Manor Wood Country Caravan Park
Twelve Oaks Farm Rolling Home Park
Teigngrace, Newton Abade
Devon TQ12 6QT
Because here?You can be sure that the water at Twelve Oaks Farm Caravan Park is always pleasantly warm: the outdoor pool at this Devon location is connected to an eco-friendly biomass system, providing you with hot water at all times. And that's not all to keep you entertained at this working farm - it also has a children's playground and a few fishing ponds and is close to a large country park, a family-friendly cycle path and the Templer Way trail.
Main facilities:Outdoor pool, fishing lakes, playground, laundry, restrooms, showers, dogs allowed
One last thing...This is a quiet, rural farming location, but with easy access to the main local roads, it is easy to get around Dartmoor National Park or along the coast around Dawlish and Torquay.
Book the Twelve Oaks Farm caravan park
musical water park
Rumford, Padstow
Cornwall PL27 7SJ
Because here? You may need to pack a lot of swim gear for a stay at Music Water Touring Park; This Cornish campsite not only has its own outdoor swimming pool, but is also just a few miles from the North Cornish coast for days on the beach and surfing adventures. Conveniently, there's a laundry room here if you prefer to keep the packing list short, and it's part of a long list of facilities that also includes a recreation area, family bar, well-equipped games room, and two toilet blocks.
Main facilities:Outdoor pool, playground, bar, games room, laundry, showers, toilets, dogs allowed
One last thing...In addition to all of its static features, the park also has a petting area where you can cuddle with cute ponies, a feature that animal-loving kids are sure to enjoy.
Book Music Tourist Water Park
Landguard Holiday Park
Landguard Manor Road, Shanklin
Insel Wight PO37 7PJ
Because here?Don't worry about game-interrupting rain at Landguard Holiday Park on the Isle of Wight, as the park has indoor and outdoor pools to ensure the showers can happen whatever the weather. Both are equally attractive: the outdoor area has a shallow kiddy pool and plenty of loungers on the sides, and the indoor area has a winding waterslide to slide down. When it's time to dry off, there are children's activities, a playground and attractions to keep the little ones entertained, as well as a bar, restaurant and takeaway to keep everyone fed and hydrated.
Main facilities:Outdoor pool, indoor pool, bar, restaurant, children's playground, kids' club, laundry, toilets, showers, dogs allowed
One last thing...The park hosts family shows at night during high season; During quieter times, guests can head to the adjacent park for year-round entertainment.
Book Landguard Holiday Park
Waldegraves Holiday and Leisure Park
Calle Mythop, Weeton
Preston, Lancashire PR4 3NJ
Because here?Swimming enthusiasts of all ages will have a great time at Waldegraves Holiday and Leisure Park on Mersea Island in Essex, which has a large outdoor heated swimming pool, a lake for boating and fishing, and access to its own private sandy beach. . All of this makes it a great place for an overall family vacation, and that's before you add the added attractions of the clubhouse with a licensed bar, children's play area, crazy golf, driving range, sports field and parlor games to the antics of the site's mascots, Bonnie and Sammy.
Main facilities:Outdoor pool, playground, sports facilities, mini golf, fishing, bar, toilets, showers, dogs allowed
One last thing...Mersea Island is known for its oysters, making it one of the best places in Britain to try them; If that's not your taste for seafood, there are plenty of places for fish and chips in nearby West Mersea.
Reserve Waldegraves Holiday and Leisure Park
Typical Cornish public holidays
Tregildran-Steinbruch, Trelill
Polzeath, Cornwall PL30 3HZ
Because here?Here's a wonderful spot for those who like to swim on the wilder side - not really an outdoor pool at Cornish Tipi Holidays, but a beautiful lake with crystal clear water where you can take a dip or hire canoes and rowing boats to paddle on the surface. The lake is also stocked with brown trout that you can try if you bring your fishing gear. Next door is a fabulously cozy and peaceful place owned by genuine Cornish native Elizabeth, whose family have lived and worked here for 11 generations.
Main facilities:Fishing/swimming pond, cafeteria, showers, toilets
One last thing...There can be no stronger recommendation for the attractive atmosphere of this place than the fact that at least one marriage proposal has been made here every year since 1997...
Book a typical Cornish holiday
Whitehill Country Park
Stoke Road, Paignton
Devon TQ4 7PF
Because here?The pool area at Whitehill Country Park is a real winner - in addition to the heated pool, there's a children's pool with fountains to play in, and a hot tub for adults to soak in the fresh air. In fact this whole park is a real winner - it's in a great location just a few miles from the South Devon beaches and has a fabulous 100 acre wilderness area to explore, with a treasure trail to explore and lots of wildlife to watch out for. . for. A snack bar, cafeteria and shop are some of the amenities that make local life nice and easy.
Main facilities:Outdoor pool, leisure areas, games room, cafeteria, laundry, toilets, showers, dogs allowed
One last thing...If this beautiful scenery inspires you to paint or draw, you can do so at the park's Shire Craft Center, which also offers children's activities like pottery and face painting.
Reserva Whitehill Country Park
The campsites listed here are just some of the options you can book through Pitchup - we've got all kinds of campsites with swimming pools across the UK, Europe and beyond. Click on the links below to see all the websites to choose from.
Book campsites with an outdoor pool
Book campsites with indoor pool
FAQs
What state has the best campsites? ›
Wyoming stands out with the third-highest total campground, state, and national park acreage. Delaware has the biggest share of highly rated campgrounds, while North Dakota boasts the best average consumer rating of campgrounds and Safety record.
Why are tent campsites so expensive? ›Campground Facilities and Amenities
Some campgrounds charge more due to the amenities they offer. Campgrounds and RV parks that have all the bells and whistles such as dog parks, fancy playgrounds, pools, hot tubs, etc., cost the RV park money for upkeep, management, replacement.
However, not all campgrounds offer full hookups. Some will provide only water, while others will provide water and electricity. Some locations don't offer any hookups at all. This is called dry camping, and you have to supply your own power from solar panels and batteries or a generator.
What is the #1 campground in the US? ›1. Assateague State Park | Assateague Island, MD. This island has it all: beach camping, swimming, surfing, crabbing, kayaking and, oh yeah, tons of wild horses just roaming the grounds.
What is the number 1 campground in America? ›INDIAN RIVER, MI - A camping spot in Michigan has just received some big national accolades. It beat out every single other camping site in the entire country for number one in Campspot's annual Awards for 2023. Campspot has Indian River RV Resort in the top spot on its list of the 10 Best Campgrounds in America.
What is the cheapest way to go camping? ›- Rent or Borrow Equipment. ...
- Check Out Thrift Stores and the REI Garage Sale. ...
- Use What You Have at Home. ...
- Camp Close to Home. ...
- Fill Up On Cheap Gas. ...
- Cook Simple Meals Over the Campfire. ...
- Make a Meal Plan.
Find the Perfect Site
Look for an area that's free of protruding roots, rocks, and other vegetation. Finding flat land with nearby trees can protect your campsite from high winds while providing additional shade.
On a map, look for places that are: Flat, where your odds of finding a level campsite are best. Within convenient proximity of firewood and water. Off-trail, so you don't disrupt another backpacker's wilderness experience. Not at the bottom of a valley or canyon, where the air would be coldest and most humid.
What is luxury camping called? ›“Glamping,” short for glamorous camping, has become a mainstay of outdoor recreation over the past decade. If your essentials list contains things such as a real mattress, running water or an actual toilet, you can still find numerous options that bridge the gap between traditional camping and the comforts of home.
What is the most popular type of campground? ›Frontcountry camping: Frontcountry camping is perhaps the most popular type of camping. This is when campers rent a spot on a family campground and pitch a tent or stay in a cabin. Campsites may have many amenities to offer campers, including restrooms, fire pits, potable water, and even Wi-Fi.
What does full hook up mean at a campground? ›
If an RV park has a full hookup, it means that you will have access to fresh water, electricity, and sewer. There are also partial hookup RV parks, and as the name would suggest, they would only offer some of those services, but not all.
Where do you fill up water when camping? ›- Freshwater Hookups at Campground. One common way to fill your freshwater tank is at a campground. ...
- RV Dump Station. Many RV dump stations are going to provide access to potable water. ...
- Travel Centers. ...
- Rest Stops. ...
- National and State Parks.
A good rule of thumb is to bring two gallons of water, or about seven and a half liters, per person per day of camping. This amount might sound like a lot of water to you, but remember that it isn't only for drinking.
Are there free campsites in the US? ›Typically you are allowed to camp for free in US National Forests & Grasslands unless otherwise marked. Each national forest has slightly different rules, so check ahead of time, but generally speaking, you are allowed to camp anywhere outside established recreation areas and developed campgrounds.
What's the biggest campground in the United States? ›- United States.
- New Mexico (NM)
- Cimarron.
- Cimarron - Things to Do.
- Philmont Scout Ranch.
Best U.S. States for Camping Overall
Overall, Rhode Island is home to the best camping in the United States. The size of the smallest state was a contributing factor, accounting for a diverse experience in a singular camping road trip.
- Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Canyon, Texas.
- Chimney Rock State Park, Asheville, North Carolina.
- Castle Rocks State Park, Almo, Idaho.
- Island Beach State Park, Seaside Park, New Jersey.
- Palouse Falls State Park, LaCrosse, Washington.
- Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Michigan.
California has the most state parks in the country, with 270. There are a total of 3,729 state parks in the United States, with 11 states having more than 100 state parks each. Rhode Island comes in last with just 15 state parks.
What is the number one rule of camping? ›Put your fire out: Because you can endanger those around you, this is one of the most important camping rules, regardless of where you go. Be sure to put out your fire before bed, before heading out for the day, or when you leave the site at the end of your stay.
What states have the most free camping? ›...
- Arizona. ...
- Utah. ...
- New Mexico. ...
- Wyoming. ...
- Colorado. ...
- Texas. ...
- 7. California. ...
- South Dakota.
What is free camping called? ›
What is dispersed camping? Also known as free camping, pirate camping, boondocking, or just plain roughing it… whatever you call it, the rules in the US for vehicle camping in designated Forest Service Land are a godsend for any budget-minded traveler.
What should you not do in a campsite? ›- Forget to Bring Bug Spray: ...
- Not Bring Enough TP: ...
- Leave Food Sitting Outside: ...
- Fail to Give Someone your Camping Itinerary: ...
- Assume There Will be Clean Drinking Water: ...
- Trusting your GPS: ...
- Start a Fire with Gas: ...
- Set Up Camp in the Dark:
- Look for Level Ground. ...
- Check Your Campsite's Drainage. ...
- Choose Your Door Orientation. ...
- Make the Most of Sun and Shade. ...
- Check Your Proximity High Traffic Areas. ...
- Fun things For Kids to Do at the Campsite. ...
- Check for Unhealthy Trees. ...
- Watch for Sharp Objects.
Today, there are several different types of camping, but the main camping methods are backpacking, car camping, and glamping. These top 3 types of camping styles provide options for every level of camper!
What does the R mean at a campsite? ›By selecting. view by available dates on www.recreation.gov for a particular campground. A calendar will come up with all of the sites and their status. FF means it has become a first come first serve site, A means available, R reserved.
What is the campsite rule? ›The "campsite rule" includes things like leaving the younger or less experienced partner with no STDs, no unwanted pregnancies, and not overburdening them with emotional and sexual baggage.
How do you look pretty when camping? ›- Pack lots of versatile clothing items. Tops, bottoms, skirts, dresses all work well in any situation. ...
- Wear loose, layered clothing. ...
- Bring a swimsuit. ...
- Pack comfortable shoes. ...
- Wear light makeup. ...
- Style your hair.
Where Are the Most Expensive RV Parks? Depending on the season you travel, the most expensive RV park in America might be Disney's Fort Wilderness, Buena Vista Coastal RV Resort in Alabama, or Bluewater Key RV Resort in Key West.
How much do most campgrounds cost? ›State park campgrounds can often be just as nice as National Park campgrounds. They are also an inexpensive way to go camping and enjoy beautiful scenery while in nature. Fees for state park camping are usually more expensive than national park campgrounds. Expect to pay $25-$45 a night for campsites.
What is the max length for most campgrounds? ›Approximately 98% of national park campgrounds can accommodate RVs up to 19 feet long. You still have a good selection if your RV is smaller than 25 feet more than 90% of parks permit that length. The number of available campsites drops if your RV is 29 to 32 feet long since about 80% of parks will let you in.
What is cowboy camping? ›
Cowboy camping is simply sleeping without a shelter. You'll still need a groundsheet (most thru-hikers use Tyvek), a sleeping pad, and a sleeping bag. You should also still bring a tent or tarp in case of unexpected weather. Cowboy camping is camping in its simplest form.
What is stealth camping? ›Stealth camping is the act of camping in an urban area that is not necessarily meant for overnight camping. While there are no “campsites” when you stealth camp, there are plenty of legal places to park overnight in your van without drawing attention to yourself.
What's the difference between campsite and campground? ›Therefore, a campground consists typically of open pieces of ground where a camper can pitch a tent or park a camper. More specifically a campsite is a dedicated area set aside for camping and for which often a user fee is charged. Campsites typically feature a few (but sometimes no) improvements.
What is the difference between Boondocking and camping? ›Boondocking is camping without any hookups outside developed campgrounds. Federal agencies refer to boondocking as dispersed camping. Other terms used to describe boondocking include dry camping and off-grid camping.
How long can you stay in RV without hookups? ›Many “professional” dry campers are able to last 10-14 days without refilling water or needing to dump their tanks. This may be longer than you ever plan to dry camp, but with practice, most could easily last three or four nights. Dry camping may seem overwhelming and difficult if you have never tried it before.
Are campsite hookups male or female? ›Campsite mains hook up cable
The mains cable will have a 3-pin electric hookup male end socket to plug into the power bollard.
Because there's no expectation of a monetary tip, this is completely up to you. The campground host will likely reject any form of monetary payment, but they'll appreciate the gesture. You can never be too generous when it comes to tipping, so go for whatever you feel is appropriate.
How do you purify water when camping? ›Boiling Water
Boiling is the surest method to kill disease-causing organisms, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Bring water to a full rolling boil for 1 minute (at elevations above 6,500 feet, boil for 3 minutes), then allow it to cool before use.
The Best Places to Fill Up
Depending on where you're parked, the first place to check for a water fill station is the campground or area that you're staying in. If the location doesn't have one, there may still be a nearby RV or public dump site that also allows you to fill your tank up.
Water. Water is the most important survival need, and a rule of thumb is to drink 2 liters of water a day or more, especially if you are in very hot climates.
Why should you camp 200 feet from water? ›
Camping 200 feet (70 adult steps) away from the water's edge is recommended because it allows access routes for wildlife. Be sure to obey regulations related to campsite selection.
How much water does a shower take when camping? ›Even the largest portable showers hold a maximum of five gallons of water. For amateur campers, this is typically enough for one person to take a relatively decent shower with enough time to soap up and rinse off. More experienced campers might be able to stretch those same five gallons to two or even three showers.
How long do you boil water when camping? ›Without being able to tell its temperate, how long do you need to boil water before it's safe to drink? The short answer is that you only need to boil it for one minute at sea level or three minutes at high altitudes. This comes straight from the CDC.
Which state has the best state park system? ›Which States Have the Most State Parks? California has the most state parks in the country, with 270. There are a total of 3,729 state parks in the United States, with 11 states having more than 100 state parks each. Rhode Island comes in last with just 15 state parks.
What state is the safest to camp in? ›Texas is the safest state for a camping trip, with a safety score of 7.82, and it has 10% of America's highest-rated campgrounds.
What state has the most free camping? ›Wyoming. There is free camping almost everywhere you go in Wyoming, and it's easy to find a beautiful area with few people around. While the most popular part of the state is near Yellowstone National Park, you can continue to travel south into the Wind River Range and see snow-capped peaks for much of the year.
What 5 states have no national parks? ›In fact, 20 states don't have any national parks at all. These include Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin.
Which U.S. national park is 95% water? ›Biscayne National Park is 95% water.
What is the only U.S. state without a national park? ›Delaware is the only state in the country without a National Park, but maybe not for long. National parks showcase natural beauty like Yosemite and historic venues like Independence Park.
Where in the US can you camp year round for free? ›Typically you are allowed to camp for free in US National Forests & Grasslands unless otherwise marked. Each national forest has slightly different rules, so check ahead of time, but generally speaking, you are allowed to camp anywhere outside established recreation areas and developed campgrounds. What is this?
What is the best age to go to summer camp? ›
Before sending your kid to summer camp, you need to evaluate their maturity and willingness to go, as well as your own of letting go. This can be anywhere from age 5 or 6 for day camps to 7 to 18 for sleepaway camps.
What month do most people go camping? ›The summer months from mid June to mid August tend to be the more popular months to go camping for a lot of people.
What states do people camp the most? ›There are a lot of great camping and outdoor destinations across the United States — camping is abundant at national and state parks, forests, wilderness areas, and preserves. Each US state has a unique appeal for campers, but these five stand out from the rest: Colorado, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, and New York.
Where is the best place to set up camp overnight? ›- Flat, where your odds of finding a level campsite are best.
- Within convenient proximity of firewood and water.
- Off-trail, so you don't disrupt another backpacker's wilderness experience.
- Not at the bottom of a valley or canyon, where the air would be coldest and most humid.
Wild camping in the United States
The US term for camping in the wild is dispersed camping. It is permitted on BLM lands (Bureau of Land Management), WMA (Wildlife Management Areas), national grasslands, and state forests. It is free, often remote, and may have some restrictions.