Camping with friends is a great way to get together and have fun, while also keeping to a budget as campsites can be much cheaper than renting a cottage in the countryside for a weekend. However, tents are natural amplifiers and groups can get a bit noisy, so you need to find somewhere where you can have a good time without upsetting the neighbours. Bigger campsites often have separate areas for families or designated “quiet fields” where playing your guitar at 2am is not welcome, so make sure you tell the owner you’re part of an adult group when you book.
The best campsites for groups of friends have great pubs nearby, and plenty of activities like surfing, cycling or walking that everyone can enjoy. At some point you’re going to want to get some sleep, so don’t forget your earplugs!
Wine and camping – what’s not to love? This Devon vineyard is halfway between Dartmoore and Exmoor, and has a 1-acre field for camping. There are only ten camping spots, so you’ll need to be an early bird if you want to book – seven of the spots are allocated for your own tents or camper vans, and the other three are unfurnished bell tents that sleep up to six, so great for a group. The onsite Wine Shack sells wine, apple juice and local Devon crafts and produce. Read more about this campsite and book here.
This Cornish campsite is adults only, and great for a group trip if you’re looking for somewhere a bit quirky. Campervans, tents, caravans and motorhomes are all fine, and they’ve got a few vintage caravans for hire too. Dogs are very welcome and anyone who arrives by bike or on foot gets a 25% discount! There are many lovely walks, cycles and pubs nearby, and they actively encourage you to light a campfire and get back to nature. Read more about this campsite and book here.
This lovely campsite on a traditional Welsh hill farm is well worth the trek to Snowdonia, and is brilliant for a group getaway. It has a couple of bunkhouses too if you don’t fancy sleeping under canvas, and there’s lots to do nearby, from hiking or mountain biking to high speed zip wire adventures at Zip World just a few miles up the road. The site accepts tents, caravans or motorhomes, with great pubs nearby too. Read more about this campsite and book here.
If cost isn’t a barrier, the brilliant Airstream caravans at Vintage Vacations are a pretty cool way to spend a weekend with friends, dotted around a field with their own picnic table and plenty of space. If a vintage Airstream isn’t your thing, there are a range of converted shacks that each offer a unique holiday experience, all sleeping anything from two to six people. The Isle of Wight is a great place to go for a break with friends, with loads to do and plenty of countryside and coastline to explore. Read more about this campsite and book here.
This working veg farm is a great spot for a wild camping break. They’ve allocated a separate field for groups so you won’t bother any of the families and couples who have also discovered this lovely location. The camping is a bit wild and rural and the facilities are rather basic (running water, but no showers), but there’s plenty of space and they don’t mind if you have a campfire. There’s lots to do nearby too – the village of Mells is well worth the 7km walk, and Frome is a gorgeous Somerset market town with lovely pubs and restaurants. You can read more about this campsite and book here.
Now your campsite is picked out, it’s time to shop for your tent and accessories!
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