The best campsites by the beach in the UK

There’s something timeless about camping by the sea. Mornings begin with salty air and soft light, days revolve around tides rather than clocks, and evenings end with sunsets over open water.

Across the UK, there are campsites where the beach isn’t a drive away, it’s right there. From Cornwall’s golden bays to the rugged Welsh coast and far-flung island shores, these are some of the best campsites in the UK where you can stay just steps from the beach.

Three Cliffs Bay Holiday Park, Gower, Wales

Overlooking one of the UK’s most iconic beaches, Three Cliffs Bay Holiday Park sits high above sweeping sands and limestone cliffs. A short walk leads straight down to the beach, where dunes, rock pools and wide-open views make it feel wonderfully wild.

It’s ideal for families, couples and walkers, with the Gower Peninsula’s coastal paths right on your doorstep.

Ocean Pitch, Croyde Bay, North Devon

Just yards from the surf at Croyde Bay, Ocean Pitch is one of the UK’s best beach campsites for surfers and active travellers. Wake up, grab your board, and be in the water within minutes.

With hot showers, glamping options and food vendors on site, it blends beach culture with comfort, which is perfect for a high-energy coastal break.

Bay View Farm Camping, Croyde, North Devon

Close to the same famous sands but with a quieter, more laid-back feel, Bay View Farm Camping is a family-run site just a short walk from Croyde beach.

Spacious pitches, good facilities and a relaxed atmosphere make it popular with families and groups who want beach access without the buzz.

Woolacombe Sands Holiday Park, Woolacombe, Devon

Woolacombe’s three-mile stretch of golden sand regularly ranks among the best beaches in the UK, and this campsite puts you within easy reach of it.

With full holiday-park facilities nearby, it’s ideal for families looking for classic seaside days, long walks and plenty of space to unwind.

Aberafon Holiday Park, Llyn Peninsula, North Wales

Set beside a quiet pebble beach, Aberafon Holiday Park offers sweeping sea views across Cardigan Bay. On calm days, dolphins are sometimes visible from the shore.

It’s a peaceful base for exploring the Llyn Peninsula and Snowdonia, with sea swimming, kayaking and coastal walks all close by.

Shell Island, Gwynedd, North Wales

Shell Island is unlike anywhere else in the UK. With miles of beach spread across a privately owned peninsula, campers can pitch close to the sea and enjoy a truly open, untamed coastal environment.

Facilities are simple, but the sense of freedom, and space, is what keeps people coming back year after year.

Beachside Holiday Park, Hayle, Cornwall

Tucked into the dunes of St Ives Bay, this Cornwall favourite offers direct access to long sandy beaches backed by rolling coastline.

It’s particularly popular with families, walkers and anyone keen to explore the South West Coast Path without straying far from the sea.

Woodhill Park, North Norfolk Coast

Overlooking the cliffs between Cromer and Sheringham, Woodhill Park offers easy access to Norfolk’s wide, peaceful beaches.

This part of the coast is known for big skies, gentle tides and traditional seaside towns, ideal for slower, quieter beach camping.

Troytown Farm Campsite, St Agnes, Isles of Scilly

For a true bucket-list camping experience, Troytown Farm sits beside white sands and turquoise water on the Isles of Scilly.

Reaching St Agnes takes a little effort, but the reward is camping beside some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK, with unforgettable sunsets and near-total peace.

Lepe Beach Campsite, Hampshire

Located right on the Solent shoreline, Lepe Beach Campsite offers tent camping just metres from the water, with views across to the Isle of Wight.

It’s a simple, nature-focused site that’s perfect for paddleboarding, coastal walks and short seaside breaks.

Ardnamurchan Campsite, West Highlands, Scotland

Located on the UK mainland’s most westerly peninsula, Ardnamurchan Campsite offers direct access to quiet pebble beaches and expansive Atlantic views.

This is a place for campers who want dramatic landscapes, dark skies, and a true sense of escape. Wildlife sightings are common, from sea eagles to otters along the shore.

Beadnell Bay Camping & Caravanning, Northumberland

Northumberland is home to some of England’s most underrated beaches, and Beadnell Bay Camping sits right next to one of the best. Wide sands, rolling dunes and open skies define this stretch of coast.

It’s a brilliant base for exploring nearby castles, wildlife reserves and quiet coastal villages, all without crowds.

Ross Park Campsite, Tain, Scottish Highlands

Overlooking the Dornoch Firth, Ross Park Campsite offers beach access, sea views and regular dolphin sightings from the shoreline.

It’s a peaceful, scenic option that combines Highland landscapes with coastal charm, perfect for slower-paced beach camping in the north.

Photos: Getty

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