Campsites with swimming in Forest of Dean

Set up your tent in the Forest of Dean and dive straight into wild swimming—over 320 campsites here offer direct access to water. You’ll find everything from secluded riverbanks to woodland ponds, perfect for cooling off after a hike or spotting dragonflies. Average stays run around £100 a night, but you can pitch up for as little as £9 if you’re quick. The region’s top spots, like Cwmffrwd Farm Campsite (185 reviews), Hamperley Hideaways (79 reviews), and Pytingwyn Woods (70 reviews), are favourites for wild swimmers. Facilities often include campfires, showers, and pet-friendly rules. Swimming spots here double up as wildlife-watching hideouts and fishing holes, and you’ll find plenty of walking trails weaving through ancient woodland. Bring your togs, your walking boots, and a bag for your rubbish—locals like to keep the water clean.

98% (676)

Top-rated campgrounds

Set up your tent in the Forest of Dean and dive straight into wild swimming—over 320 campsites here offer direct access to water. You’ll find everything from secluded riverbanks to woodland ponds, perfect for cooling off after a hike or spotting dragonflies. Average stays run around £100 a night, but you can pitch up for as little as £9 if you’re quick. The region’s top spots, like Cwmffrwd Farm Campsite (185 reviews), Hamperley Hideaways (79 reviews), and Pytingwyn Woods (70 reviews), are favourites for wild swimmers. Facilities often include campfires, showers, and pet-friendly rules. Swimming spots here double up as wildlife-watching hideouts and fishing holes, and you’ll find plenty of walking trails weaving through ancient woodland. Bring your togs, your walking boots, and a bag for your rubbish—locals like to keep the water clean.

98% (676)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Pytingwyn Woods

97%

(136)

8 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Brecon, Powys, Mid Wales

Almost-wild camping on the banks of the River Honddu, edging the Brecon Beacons

2. Pentwyn Dingle and Lodge Field Camp

97%

(54)

30 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Hay On Wye, Wales

Almost wild camping with good views, near the River Wye and Brecon Beacons

3. The T Barn

99%

(90)

17 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Cirencester, Gloucestershire, South West England

Bell tents and shepherd’s huts with hot tubs on a picturesque Cotswolds farm near Cirencester

4. The Yellow Submarine!

100%

(1)

1 unit · Glamping · England

Stay in the only Yellow Submarine Glamping in the UK! Our Yellow Submarine is comfy and cosy and lots of interactive fun. Its a unique, magical (and totally land-based!) experience! The Yellow Submarine is complete with Radar, Giant Octopus Detector, Shark Warning System, Anti-Whale-Bump technology and a special cool space for Mums' wine. There are buttons to press, and knobs and dials and gauges and lights and real portholes. Look through the Periscope to check for any Sharks, Whales, Dolphins and Sea Monsters lurking nearby. There's a Galley Kitchen with Hob, Fridge, Sink, Crockery, Cutlery, and all the bits and bobs you'll need. Outside you'll find a BBQ & Firepit. When not deep under the Ocean, you'll find the Yellow Submarine at Petruth Paddocks - the best fun Free-Range Camping in Somerset. The vibe is as chilled as a rather good Prosecco thanks to the cucumber-cool Jules and the team there. There's a Family Field with an activity area where kids are free to clamber on old cable reels, sleepers, tractor tyres and an old Land Rover. You’ll find a great food shack serving delicious Paninis, Loaded Chips, Baked Potatoes, and brekky rolls in the morning and get your caffeine hit with proper coffee, or great tea, iced milkshakes and hot choccy! Veggy / dairy free available too! ‘Kev the Ice-Man’ has the most delicious flavours of Marshfield’s Ice Cream, and the most wonderful Stone-Baked Pizzas are on Friday evenings from June - end August with Vegan & dairy-free options available. A small shop in Reception sells the essentials - drinks, snacks, toiletries and a few other bits and bobs! In the Village nearby; 6 great Restaurants 5 lovely Take-aways (some deliver) 8 fabulous pubs plus lots more a short drive away Local stores, farm shops, supermarkets In the area; Buses, Bike / E-Bike hire, Taxis, Trains 9 Gorgeous Beaches Marshes, Lakes, Cheddar Gorge, Wookey Hole, RSPB / Nature Reserves, Animal Parks and Zoos, Landscaped Gardens, Culture, Historical Landmarks and the Paranormal! Whooooooo! Local activities; A Shooting Range, Yachting, Kayaking, Horse Trekking, Alpaca Experiences, Activity Centres, Ballooning, Gliding, Racing, Karting, a Steam Railway Walking, Running, Cycling, River activities, Wild Swimming, Carboot and Local Market, Cakery, Softplay, Gym and Leisure Centre… Phew!

5. Bredon-Vale Caravan and Camping

99%

(47)

3 units · Glamping · Evesham, England

Laid-back glamping near Evesham, overlooking Bredon Hill and the Malverns.

6. Cuddfan - The Hiding Place

100%

(14)

2 units · Glamping · Crickhowell, Wales

A secluded, riverside bell tent in the heart of The Black Mountains

7. Woodside Country Park

98%

(150)

75 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Ledbury, Herefordshire, West Midlands

Glamping pods, Scandinavian lodges and first-class camping and caravanning in 25-acre's of Herefordshire countryside, covered by pockets of woodland

8. Penylan Cider Farm

96%

(24)

3 units · Motorhomes, Glamping · Pontrilas, Wales

Pitches and tiny home glamping on a cider farm in Herefordshire

9. Paddington Farm

93%

(29)

20 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Glastonbury, Somerset, South West England

A simple campsite at the foot of Glastonbury Tor

10. Cwmffrwd Farm Campsite

99%

(355)

30 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Crickhowell, Wales

Simple, eco-friendly camping with epic views at the foot of a famed Welsh mountain range

11. Red Sky at Night Campsite

99%

(35)

11 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Monmouth, Wales

If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see at least one of the amazing sunsets at Red Sky at Night Campsite near Monmouth – but if you don’t, there’s mighty compensation in the shape of the spectacular views from just about everywhere on the site. And of course, on clear nights, the night skies are diamond-bright with stars - we are under one of Wales' Dark Sky Reserves! This family-run camping field on a livestock farm is managed on very laidback lines. Pitch up wherever you like and feel free to park by your tent (weather permitting). Raised campfires are allowed and you can hire firepits and grills (the owners sell local eggs & sausages) and buy bags of wood & kindling. You can bring your dogs too (take them for walks in the adjoining woods) but just be sure to keep them on a lead. Kids are certainly carefully looked after here. Get a fact sheet on arrival and join mini-campers in wildlife hunts through the trees, looking out all the while for buzzards and red kites. Round and about the site, your offspring can entertain themselves on rope swings, making dens and following a mini-tractor course across the camping field. There’s also a football pitch. Wild camping this may be (there’s no electricity on site, please note) but there are two nicely designed compost loos and a covered sink areas with fresh water tap. So bring your guitar, light that fire, break out the barbecue and enjoy the chilled vibe.

12. Park Farm Campsite

98%

(24)

3 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Malmesbury, England

Off-grid pitches on an organic farm – with a sauna on site

13. Gurt Yurts

100%

(23)

9 units · Tents, Glamping · Churchill, England

Off the beaten track on top of the Mendips in an area of outstanding natural beauty. A mixture of four acres of wild woodland, orchard and field set on a hillside. Our Yurt is set up in the trees giving you peaceful seclusion and a clear view across the sea to Wales and the mountains of the Brecon Beacons. A huge range of activities are possible or you can lie in the hammock with a good book. We have very friendly dogs and rescue chickens who may come and visit. Wild deer wander past in the early morning mist and the odd buzzard picks an argument with a bunch of crows but nothing much else should disturb you. We moved here after an 18 month search 8 years ago. It was close to everything we wanted and we've spent some time getting a bit closer.

14. Great Cotmarsh Farm

100%

(13)

6 units · Tents, Glamping · Swindon, England

Nature isn't tidy so expect some wilderness when you visit. We manage Great Cotmarsh Farm in a way that helps nature flourish and our small campsite, with panoramic views of the Marlborough Downs, is managed to the same philosophy. Small and quiet, tucked away in the Wiltshire countryside our campsite is arranged around pathways and pitches mown into one of our fields for Spring and Summertime. Come and stay in one of our luxury tipis or bring your own tent, to share our little slice of heaven. Sleep under canvas and enjoy the pleasures of campfires and proper outdoor cooking. We have our own delicious 100% pasture fed lamb and beef to buy for hearty evening meals and can arrange an essentials hamper of locally sourced, organic produce for some starter supplies. When you visit you can say hello to our stunning native breed cattle and sheep and explore our wonderful, species diverse pasture. If you are after the kind of holiday where you can have fun outdoors, nourish yourself with delicious food and discover your connection to nature - Great Cotmarsh Farm is the perfect place to come and stay. Whether you're an outdoor adventurer, foodie fanatic or love touring historic homes and gardens, Wiltshire and the surrounding area has tons on offer and we will provide you with a welcome pack full of useful information. If you want to keep your stay super local, there are footpaths leading off the farm into local meadows and up onto the Marlborough Downs, including access up onto the White Horse Trail. Within walking or quick cycling distance of the farm is the fantastic Broad Town Brewery and Hop Garden where you can enjoy locally brewed ales and street food vendors at the weekends.

15. Wydale Farm Tipis

100%

(8)

3 units · Glamping · Weston Super Mare, England

Grown-up glamping in riverside tipis with views of the Mendip Hills

16. The Real Campsite at Park Farm

98%

(21)

9 units · Tents · Faringdon, England

Back-to-basics camping in rural Oxfordshire with big views

17. White House Glamping in Wye Valley

100%

(6)

7 units · Glamping · Hereford, Herefordshire, West Midlands

Secluded tipi glamping in the Wye Valley set on a working, riverside, dairy farm

18. Stargazer Glamping

100%

(40)

3 units · Glamping · Ross On Wye, England

Luxury bell-tent glamping for couples and families in the serene Wye Valley.

19. Romantic Country Glamping

91%

(11)

2 units · Glamping · Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, South West England

A pair of self-contained glamping getaways in Wiltshire

20. Cosy Couple's Log Cabins + Hot Tubs

100%

(5)

3 units · Glamping · Hereford, Herefordshire, West Midlands

A stylishly simple and secluded cabin for two in the Wye Valley

Camper favorites in and near Forest of Dean

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Gurt Yurts

100%

(23)

9 units · Tents, Glamping · Churchill, England

Off the beaten track on top of the Mendips in an area of outstanding natural beauty. A mixture of four acres of wild woodland, orchard and field set on a hillside. Our Yurt is set up in the trees giving you peaceful seclusion and a clear view across the sea to Wales and the mountains of the Brecon Beacons. A huge range of activities are possible or you can lie in the hammock with a good book. We have very friendly dogs and rescue chickens who may come and visit. Wild deer wander past in the early morning mist and the odd buzzard picks an argument with a bunch of crows but nothing much else should disturb you. We moved here after an 18 month search 8 years ago. It was close to everything we wanted and we've spent some time getting a bit closer.

Great Cotmarsh Farm

100%

(13)

6 units · Tents, Glamping · Swindon, England

Nature isn't tidy so expect some wilderness when you visit. We manage Great Cotmarsh Farm in a way that helps nature flourish and our small campsite, with panoramic views of the Marlborough Downs, is managed to the same philosophy. Small and quiet, tucked away in the Wiltshire countryside our campsite is arranged around pathways and pitches mown into one of our fields for Spring and Summertime. Come and stay in one of our luxury tipis or bring your own tent, to share our little slice of heaven. Sleep under canvas and enjoy the pleasures of campfires and proper outdoor cooking. We have our own delicious 100% pasture fed lamb and beef to buy for hearty evening meals and can arrange an essentials hamper of locally sourced, organic produce for some starter supplies. When you visit you can say hello to our stunning native breed cattle and sheep and explore our wonderful, species diverse pasture. If you are after the kind of holiday where you can have fun outdoors, nourish yourself with delicious food and discover your connection to nature - Great Cotmarsh Farm is the perfect place to come and stay. Whether you're an outdoor adventurer, foodie fanatic or love touring historic homes and gardens, Wiltshire and the surrounding area has tons on offer and we will provide you with a welcome pack full of useful information. If you want to keep your stay super local, there are footpaths leading off the farm into local meadows and up onto the Marlborough Downs, including access up onto the White Horse Trail. Within walking or quick cycling distance of the farm is the fantastic Broad Town Brewery and Hop Garden where you can enjoy locally brewed ales and street food vendors at the weekends.

Wydale Farm Tipis

100%

(8)

3 units · Glamping · Weston Super Mare, England

Grown-up glamping in riverside tipis with views of the Mendip Hills

The Real Campsite at Park Farm

98%

(21)

9 units · Tents · Faringdon, England

Back-to-basics camping in rural Oxfordshire with big views

White House Glamping in Wye Valley

100%

(6)

7 units · Glamping · Hereford, Herefordshire, West Midlands

Secluded tipi glamping in the Wye Valley set on a working, riverside, dairy farm

Stargazer Glamping

100%

(40)

3 units · Glamping · Ross On Wye, England

Luxury bell-tent glamping for couples and families in the serene Wye Valley.

Romantic Country Glamping

91%

(11)

2 units · Glamping · Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, South West England

A pair of self-contained glamping getaways in Wiltshire

Cosy Couple's Log Cabins + Hot Tubs

100%

(5)

3 units · Glamping · Hereford, Herefordshire, West Midlands

A stylishly simple and secluded cabin for two in the Wye Valley

Stories from the community

P

Paul

1 week ago

4 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Pytingwyn Woods

I only stayed two night on my own but will definitely come back.

C

Chris

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Pytingwyn Woods

Lovely little basic campsite, nice and close to Brecon town. Will definitely be staying here again in the near future

J

James

October 2025

5 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Pytingwyn Woods

A really beautiful little spot for the night. Lots of places to pitch and the river flowing through provides a really nice backdrop.

g

ginger

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Cwmffrwd Farm Campsite

Lovely and welcoming people and great camping pitches along with stunning views and perfect walks

P

Paul

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Pytingwyn Woods

We had a great time during our stay at the site. We chose to camp by the small river that runs through the property and it was beautiful, almost like in the wild. Highly recommend!

J

Jonpaul

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Pytingwyn Woods

I was really impressed with the location and secondly the peace and quiet at the time of my camp. With the lovely sound of the river nearby it was an excellent stay. A great find.

6m Stargazer Tent + 3m Lotus Belle AirBud

K

Karina

September 2025

Group trip

3 nights at Stargazer Glamping

Really happy with our stay for 5. Would definitely recommend a stay here!

A

Ashik

September 2025

2 nights at Cuddfan - The Hiding Place

Thanks Mark for the lovely stay! The area is secluded and picturesque, which really gave us the feeling of living a nomadic life with just the basic amenities. A few tips for future visitors: Bring a hanging light or headlamp, as it gets very dark and there’s no lighting provided. There’s a gas stove and cooking area, but you’ll need to bring your own utensils. Pack warm duvets and thick jackets if you’re visiting in autumn, as nights can get very cold. 🚗 Important: Do not drive your car down to the tent. Park just after entering the gate and walk down instead. I missed the host’s message about this, got stuck trying to drive back up, and had to be rescued by a farmer with his tractor (thankfully the host responded quickly and was super helpful!). Despite that little adventure, I absolutely loved the stay and would highly recommend it if you’re looking for a unique experience without the hassle of putting up a tent yourself.

L

Lee

September 2025

5 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Red Sky at Night Campsite

Brilliant site if you want minimal and peaceful, with great views. Chloe was super helpful and fast to respond, and attention to detail on the site is impressive (I loved the washing up shed!) . Will go back!

M

Mark

September 2025

Tent

2 nights at Pytingwyn Woods

The camp was in a lovely setting and was so peaceful. Agreat place to camp, and so close to Brecon town and local activities. We had a great time :)

N

Niome

August 2025

Tent

With pets

3 nights at Red Sky at Night Campsite

brilliant campsite went for 2 nights, was ment to be 3 but had no clothes left, but anything you needed chloe was there within the hour, peaceful feild with brilliant views, brilliant for dogs that are well behaved. The kids loved all the stuff they could do including tree swings,playground and the mud kitchen, the forest walk is so lovely to walk through brilliant campsite would recomend only 2-3 days just coz theres no showers but still a very good campsite, would defuntely go again

l

lauren

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Pytingwyn Woods

Second time here. Beautiful spot, highly recommended.

E

Emma

August 2025

With kids

2 nights at The Yellow Submarine!

My 2 boys (13 and 9) and I stayed 2 nights in the Yellow Submarine and it was great fun! The controls and labels and various flashing lights were hilarious and the hatches and portholes were brilliant, all very authentic. My boys were convinced it had been a real sub once and totally loved the ‘history’ section of the welcome pack. The beds and sofa bed had comfy mattresses and it was good to have a little sink, fridge and hob inside. Really well stocked with sheets and duvets, plates, cutlery and pan and there was a lovely care package including tea coffee cereal boxes and marshmallows for the fire. There was even a heater/cooler so we didn’t get cold at night. Toilets are in the nearby wash block which was kept nice and clean and the showers were great. We didn’t use the BBQ and instead grilled over the top of our fire drum (tip - bring a grill if you have one, or they sell them in the excellently stocked campsite shop). The bunk bed was a bit too small for my tall 9-year old so he slept in the big bed with me and the sofa bed was comfy but narrow for my 13 yr old so 2 nights was about right. Sleeping would’ve been tricky if there’d been another person. The site was excellent and we’d love to come back - maybe to check out the school bus! Cheddar village is in easy walking distance and the site itself has lots of room for playing and football. Loved it!

D

Damian

August 2025

Tent

With kids

2 nights at Paddington Farm

This was good trip. The campsite is large and open so you can pick any spot you like. There is a place for a campfire in the middle of the field with some seats. There is drinking water on site and the toilets are very decent with toilet paper and soap provided. There is a shop where u can get wood, vegies, cold drinks and other bits (soft drinks only) The staff running the site are very friendly. There is showers on site with hot water and fairly good pressure. There is lots of green fields and a few local attractions. We did the Glastonbury Tor. I recommend doing it in the evening when the sun goes down. Be careful tho, it's quite steep so wear good shoes. On the farm itself you can see rabbits, lamas and goats. If you walk up the hill a bit you might see larga large herd of bulls who turned out to be very friendly (if you feed them some grass, but be careful, it's a bull). We were also lucky to see army planes and helicopters doing a very low fly by above the camping site. Very impressive. Overall we had a good time and it was a cheap little holiday.

j

jamie

August 2025

4 m Class B

With pets

1 night at Pytingwyn Woods

We loved our stay, plenty of room, lovely walks. Our dogs loved the river. The peace & quiet was just what we all needed. Will definitely recommend & revisit.

H

Hannah

August 2025

Tent

2 nights at Pytingwyn Woods

What a gem! Had such a lovely time at this little campsite - so much so that we extended our stay twice. Beautiful bit of land, quiet and calm, within easy driving distance to the best of Brecon Beacons. Lots of site options in the field and in the woods so that everyone can get their pick of a great spot with a fire pit. The creek is crystal clear and was lush to swim in during the hot days we were there. About as close to wild camping as you can get, with a very well maintained compost toilet but no other amenities. No complaints here though, we love a true outdoors experience! David was a welcoming host and came around to make sure everything was well. Will definitely come again the next time we are in the area.

P

Patryk

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Cwmffrwd Farm Campsite

It was my first time at a campsite and it was a great experience. The pitches are far apart from each other so you get a lot of privacy. Each pitch is leveled and comes with a firepit. The views are gorgeous. I wish there were more toilets as often we had to wait. The toilet is not separate from the shower so if someone is showering the toilet becomes unavailable. I was happy to use the compost toilet but my girlfriend preferred the flushable one. Would definitely camp here again.

F

Fiona

August 2025

5 m Class B

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Pytingwyn Woods

Basic in that there isnt drinking water and only a single compost loo, but perfect for those who care more about the surrounds than creature comforts. The river is clean (and cold! But rejuvenating!) and David is very welcoming. George the horse is a little fickle but worth the effort.

A

Alex

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Cwmffrwd Farm Campsite

Really well organised and well communicated camp. Lovely pitch and loads of space so you can't hear your neighbours at a respectful level which everyone was. Lovely views, lovely hosts, lovely time.

J

Joe

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Pytingwyn Woods

Brilliant time away, David came by and spoke to us advised us of the best walks to go on near! Campsite was well maintained and a beautiful spot!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

With goshawks whizzing through the branches of tall trees, wild boar and deer snuffling in the undergrowth and bluebells carpeting the floor in spring, it can feel timeless. But it’s also a place of adventure and activity with walking, mountain biking and kayaking fantastic ways to explore. We’ve brought together the best places for camping and glamping in the Forest of Dean to help you explore this tempting part of Gloucestershire.