Camping Cost Guide 2025: How Much Should You Expect?

Planning a getaway and wondering if camping will fit your budget? You’re not alone. Many think a tent under the stars is cheap, but the reality depends on where you camp, what you bring, and how you travel. Below you’ll get a clear picture of the biggest cost buckets, real‑world numbers, and quick ways to stretch every pound.

Where Money Goes: Main Cost Drivers

Campsite fees. A basic pitch at a local council site can be as low as £5‑£10 per night, while a popular holiday park with electric hookups and shower blocks may charge £25‑£40. Luxury glamping sites push the price beyond £80, often including beds, meals, and Wi‑Fi.

Gear and accessories. If you already own a tent, sleeping bags, and a portable stove, the upfront cost is nearly zero. First‑time campers usually spend £100‑£300 on a decent three‑season tent, a sleeping pad, and a compact cooker. A motorhome or camper van adds a big chunk – depreciation, insurance, and annual service can easily top £2,000 a year, but you save on accommodation fees.

Utilities and extras. Many sites charge extra for electricity, water, or waste disposal. Expect £2‑£5 per night for a 13‑amp hook‑up and another £1‑£3 for water. Some parks bundle these into a “full‑service” rate, which can be worth it if you’re traveling with kids or need a hot shower after a long day.

Travel distance. Driving a motorhome burns more fuel than a car, especially on hilly roads. A rough rule is £0.30‑£0.40 per mile for a mid‑size motorhome versus £0.15‑£0.20 for a car. If your route includes several long stretches, fuel quickly becomes a hidden expense.

Seasonality. Peak summer months (June‑August) see campsite fees rise 30‑50% compared with off‑peak (April‑May, September‑October). Booking early often locks in the lower rate; waiting until the last minute can cost you extra.

Saving Money: Practical Tips

Look for council‑run or charity sites – they charge the bare minimum and still provide clean facilities. Wild camping is legal in Scotland and allowed in some English spots with landowner permission; just follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and leave no trace.

If you own a motorhome, consider staying at sites that offer free electricity for the first hour or provide a discount for weekly stays. Many parks drop the nightly rate by 10‑15% when you book a week or more.

Bring your own water and refill bottles at local pumps. It removes the per‑day water charge and cuts plastic waste. Same trick for food: preparing simple meals on a portable gas stove is far cheaper than buying ready‑made dishes at park cafés.

Share a pitch with friends or family. Most sites allow multiple tents on a single plot for the price of one, and you can split the cost of utilities and firewood.

Finally, track your spending. A quick spreadsheet with columns for campsite fee, power, water, fuel, and food will reveal which line item is the biggest drain. Adjusting one of them – like swapping a pricey park for a free wild‑camp spot for a night – can bring the whole trip back into budget.

Camping doesn’t have to be a gamble on your wallet. By knowing where the money goes and planning around the cheaper options, you’ll enjoy the freedom of the road without breaking the bank.