Camping Costs UK: What You Really Pay to Camp in Britain

When you think about camping costs UK, the total expense of staying overnight in a campsite or wild location across the United Kingdom. Also known as campsite fees, it includes everything from pitch rentals to electricity, waste disposal, and sometimes even booking charges. It’s not just about the site fee—you’re paying for space, water, toilets, and sometimes Wi-Fi, but you might also be paying for silence, space, and stars. And if you’re towing a motorhome or pitching a tent in the wild, the rules—and the price tags—change fast.

Not all camping is the same. A motorhome camping, the practice of staying overnight in a self-contained vehicle at a designated or legal wild location. Also known as RV camping, it often requires dedicated facilities like hookups and emptying points. costs more than pitching a tent on a farm field. Sites in the Lake District or Cornwall can charge £30–£50 a night for a motorhome pitch with electric. But in quieter corners of Scotland or Wales, you might find spots for £15–£25. Then there’s wild camping UK, camping outside official sites, often on public or private land without facilities. Also known as free camping, it’s legal in parts of Scotland but restricted or banned elsewhere. If you’re doing it right, it’s free. But if you get caught in a no-camp zone, you could face a fine. And don’t forget the hidden costs: fuel to get there, water refills, gas for cooking, and waste tank emptying. These add up fast.

Season matters. Summer isn’t just busy—it’s expensive. Prices jump 40–60% between June and August. If you camp in October or March, you’ll save big. Some sites drop rates by half. Even better, many offer weekly or monthly discounts if you stay longer. And if you’re planning to stay put for a few weeks, look into annual pitches. They’re rare, but they exist. You’ll pay upfront, but you’ll save over time. Don’t forget discounts: members of the Camping and Caravanning Club or the Caravan Club get lower rates at hundreds of sites. And if you’re using a motorhome, check out membership swaps like The Camping Club’s site exchange program. You can stay for free if you host someone else.

There’s a difference between paying for comfort and paying for convenience. A site with showers and a shop costs more than one with just a toilet block. But if you’re hauling a family, or you’ve got a dog, or you’re cooking meals every night, those extras aren’t luxuries—they’re necessities. And if you’re trying to cut costs, know this: the cheapest spot isn’t always the best value. A £10 site three miles off the main road with no water and no Wi-Fi might save you cash, but it’ll cost you time, energy, and stress. Pick smart. Look at reviews. Check what’s included. Ask if there’s a discount for booking direct.

What you’ll find below isn’t a list of prices. It’s a collection of real stories, real costs, and real tips from people who’ve been there. From how much it costs to camp at Lopez Lake to whether you can legally sleep on a beach in the UK, these posts cut through the noise. You’ll see what actually works, what doesn’t, and how to avoid the traps most first-timers fall into. Whether you’re new to motorhoming or you’ve been camping for years, you’ll find something that saves you money—or at least saves you a headache.