Camping in Mendip Hills AONB

With limestone cliffs, dramatic gorges, and ancient caves, this AONB is an all-natural adventure playground.

97% (2001 reviews)

United Kingdom
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England
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Mendip Hills AONB

97% (2001 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Mendip Hills AONB

Community favorites in and near Mendip Hills AONB

Stories from the community

1 night at Cwmffrwd Farm Campsite

Such a great site! Nestled on the mountainside, very natural setting, fire pits and special flat areas for vans. Host was so very welcoming and friendly. Exactly what I'd hoped to find. The walks directly from camp were stunning, lots of different routes to choose from. For families there were self-guided nature activities on site too. Will definitely be going back!

2 nights at Riverside Restful Relaxing Campsite

Firstly I must say what a lovely person Andy is. A great host, so kind and friendly and couldn’t do enough to ensure we had a fantastic stay. The site is just beautiful! So peaceful and quiet, immaculately kept and all the creature comforts you could need. Super clean facilities and very well stocked. The fishing in the river that runs through the site was amazing! I caught 4 pike in just a few hours on simple jig head tactics. We had such a good time that we extended the stay by an extra 3 days!! Thank you Andy for your hospitality, absolutely first class and we can’t wait to come back!

4 nights at Pytingwyn Woods

Lovely hosts. Easy to find. Peaceful place. Woodland and grass pitches. A compost toilet. River running through the woodland. Absolutely enjoyed my stay and will return. A wonderful campsite.

4 nights at Pytingwyn Woods

Very nice camp site quite and relaxing, also very friendly host, lovely.

1 night at Pytingwyn Woods

An absolutely beautiful spot, I'll definitely be back!

1 night at Pytingwyn Woods

Best camp site around. David was so friendly and so nice to be close to woodland and such a nice river. Can’t wait to return

Weekend Trip to Pytingwyn Woods

Absolutely beautiful spot. The river running through was the cherry on top. Feels very wild with only a couple of other campers which we barely saw. 100% recommend :)

2 nights at Cwmffrwd Farm Campsite

We loved camping here! Pridie was super friendly and very informative about her land and surroundings. She took the time to chat with us and made us feel very welcomed. The Land is beautiful and can’t wait to come again the summer.

1 night at Pytingwyn Woods

What a wonderful, peaceful camp- all to ourselves! Dreamy. A proper wild camp, no running water and a compost toilet but so peaceful and George the horse is gorgeous

Christel

2 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Woodlands Camping

Very quiet, peaceful and beautiful site. Pitches are clearly marked and spacious. Facilities are basic so if you want flushing toilets and luxury showers, this is not it. Host was very friendly and helpful.

Weekend Trip to Penn Meadow Farm

A lovely camp site, a large field where you can conveniently chose where and when you stay with no fuss. Toilet and shower facilities available and free wood. Although you should bring an axe as the wooden logs are rather big for a campfire. We stayed for two nights and it was a busy weekend with plenty of friendly and lulemined families. A very enjoyable time.

Weekend Trip to Panpwnton Campsite

Great site! Really peaceful loverly views and the river winding through. Also short walk into town which was not too far for the younger children with a play park at the end of the route. Facilities where clean and Roxanne was a great host would definitely stay again.

4 nights at Cwmffrwd Farm Campsite

Oh my goodness. This site was simply magical. We were blessed with beautiful weather, but I’m sure no amount of rain could take away from this beautiful place. Pridie clearly loves and cares for her land. The pitches are large and well laid out, maximising privacy, it was quiet when we were there but I imagine it never feels “busy.” A fire pit is a great addition and the wood bundle was brilliant value for money. The composting loos were fab, the shower facilities basic but clean and hot! Washing facilities were great with eco-friendly washing up liquid provided. Plugs with USB in the Byre (where washing facilities are) for charging your tech (but hardly any signal - bliss.) We missed Pridie’s walk but overheard a bit of one and chatting with her she is clearly extremely knowledgeable about the land she cares for and I would definitely sign up for a walk next time we go. So many beautiful walks on your doorstep, with helpful walks highlighted in the Byre for you to explore, which was really helpful and led to us discovering some stunning walks nearby. This will be one of the very rare sites which we will revisit.

Weekend Trip to Panpwnton Campsite

Lovely location with friendly hosts and a nice onsite pop up coffee/ food van. Easy walk into town and some good hills to take on if you have the energy!

Weekend Trip to Panpwnton Campsite

Great campsite, facilities were fantastic with nice hot showers. Great scenic spot for camping with a nice walk into the village. The on site food van served delicious ice cream as well! Would visit again.

4 nights at Penn Meadow Farm

What a gem of a campsite. The owners and operators were so helpful and you can tell there is a lot of care going into running this site. The showers were clean and the rustic, laidback attitude in camping made for an amazing experience. Kids loved the neighbouring horses, alpacas, pigs and sheep. And there are several public footpaths nearby to enjoy, including one very short walk to the Royal Standard Pub. Couldn’t recommend the place more. Thank you Frankie!

Weekend Trip to Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe

A lovely campsite with good facilities, however the church bells in the local village ring during the night, there are earplugs available at the campsite but just be mindful if you are a light sleeper

Weekend Trip to Riverside Restful Relaxing Campsite

We really enjoyed our stay. Andy was very friendly and helpful, even to the point of rescuing us when our car broke down! Lovely riverside pitch where we saw lots of birds, including a kingfisher and a heron. Very peaceful, would definitely stay again.

Weekend Trip to Penn Meadow Farm

Friendly site, responsive hosts and warm showers. I can imagine the site gets busier in the summer but had plenty of space on a sunny April weekend. Will be returning to this spot.

2 nights at Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

Planned to spend a week traveling from North Norfolk to Cornwall and decided to book this site as a stop over for one night to break up the journey. We never made it to Cornwall 😆 We were so blown away with this site and area we just kept booking extra nights and ended up staying here for five days, and then another night on our way home. It's access to one of the prettiest valleys in England is amazing, you are right in it. So much to discover between the viaduct and the Dam. Stunning fairy water pools tumbling down the moor. We had our cold water therapy, luckily in beautiful weather with spectator views everywhere, not many people to have to share it with. Peaceful stunning nature. Vibrant yellow April gorse. Wild Dartmoor ponies greeting us at the camp site whilst we were cooking over a wood firepit in the evenings. The sound of the streams to send you to sleep at night. We were so very fortunate to have this site to ourselves which gave us the very wild experience. We completely connected with nature. It felt like we had been to a rerteat for a week. It is a 2.5 mile walk/bike ride along the granite way to Oakhampton if you do need more provisions, we can recommend the butchers near the supermarkets. Lovely steaks to cook on your fire pit. There is also a swimming pool if you really feel you need a shower. Amongst other eateries and shops. We can not recomend this campsite enough. Enchanting. Track to it is very narrow would not recommend wide vehicles.

Dog-friendly getaways

100%

(24)

Girt Down Camping

11 units · Motorhomes, Tents20 acres · Combe Martin, Devon, South West England

Set the edge of Exmoor, we have unrivalled coastal views, direct access to the South West Coast Path and Combe Martin bay is just a little walk away (perfect for paddle-boarding and dolphin spotting!). Choose your pitch, settle down by a fire pit and watch the sun set across Combe Martin bay. With pizza’s available on some weekends, breakfast baguettes for breakfast and a selection of farm produce available - we have everything you could need, we are campervan friendly too. With footpaths from the farm in all directions you can join the South West Coast Path or just ramble down to the village where there are shops, cafes and pubs a plenty. With full flushing toilets and hot showers, as well as a washing up area, there is even an old railway carriage with electric plugs to charge your phone or dry your hair, with a fridge and freezer to look after your supper too. We are a small site focusing on that quiet get-away. There is no road noise, just the farmer going about his day job, who’s more than happy to chat about the wildlife, birds and weather!

100%

(38)

Wild Camping in the Cotswolds

2 units · Motorhomes, Tents110 acres · Aldsworth, England

Nearly wild camping with acres of space hired on an exclusive basis

99%

(140)

Teddy's Farm

95 units · Glamping, Tents18 acres · Hampshire, South East England

Family-friendly pop-up camping in the heart of the New Forest.

100%

(12)

Berry's Ground Lane Campsite

40 units · Motorhomes, Tents40 acres · Martinhoe, England

Lovely wild camping pitches on the North Devon coastline. You will be one of a maximum of 6 pitches in a large field on the beautiful North Devon coast with incredible sea views. We can provide a firepit to borrow and you can purchase logs onsite so you can stargaze and chatter around the fire - back to nature! We are based just outside the pretty hamlet of Martinhoe in North Devon, a stone's throw from the SW Coast Path. There is a historic Roman Beacon closeby and plenty of wildlife around, we'd be surprised if you didn't see deer in the neighbouring fields! There is a compost loo and a water point, but no electricity / wifi - delightfully off-grid. Situated on an organic working farm this is the perfect place to escape!

100%

(132)

Secret Spot Camping Saunton

12 units · Tents2 acres · Devon, South West England

Finding this exclusive Devon spot is like making it on to the best VIP guest list in town

Under £50

83%

(24)

Stowford Manor Farm Campsite

51 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents25 acres · Trowbridge, England

We are a family run farm situated in the beautiful Frome valley. The farm has a range of interests from the traditional Jersey milking cows to a community of workshops used by local craftsmen. The cafe serves cream teas from Easter to the end of September and pizzas are sold in evenings during the summer months. Ours is a small family run camp site with the River Frome on one side, next to the medieval buildings of Stowford Farm. The river is suitable for fishing, boating, swimming and paddling. Historic Bradford-on-Avon is only a 5 minute drive and the City of Bath 15 minutes. For those who enjoy more rural pleasures, 200 metres from the campsite Farleigh Hungerford boasts the only river swimming club in the country, and you can become an instant member for a very small fee.

95%

(109)

Primrose Fields Campsite

30 units · Motorhomes, Tents11 acres · Wareham, England

Back-to-basics camping in a Dorset hay meadow

96%

(12)

Knotted Roots eco-stay camping

1 unit · Tent10 acres · Tenbury Wells, England

KNOTTED ROOTS ECO STAY An insight to your stay… A peaceful & idillc 10 acre organic orchard, set in the Shropshire’s rolling hills. Nestled away on a quiet country lane & located just a short walking distance from Tenbury wells known as ‘the town in the orchards ‘ . You’ll wake up and unwind to the sound of bird song through the trees. our orchard boasts a wide array of native wildflowers, birds and wildlife. regular sightings of Buzzards, red kites, merlin, owls, deer, foxes and badges. And Being nestled on a hill surrounded by ancient trees, on a clear night it creates the perfect dark setting for star gazing. We welcome you to light a evening fire, howl to the moon, and listen out for the resident owls ‘twittwoo’ in to the night sky… Or maybe just relax and Sway in the summer breeze, as you read a book in one of our cozy hammocks. don’t forget to Watch the sun setting over the hills from our swinging bench…..The perfect end to a summers day. Our pitches are well spread out to ensure families feel safe and private. We sell firewood & grow a lot of our own produce on site and Eggs, apple juice and fresh vegetables are often available to purchase. We have avalible for hire a beautiful hand made cob pizza oven. We highly recommend spending an evening Making your own delicious pizza. Please note we charge £15pp per night

98%

(30)

Old Litten

1 unit · Tent8 acres · Steep, Hampshire, South East England

Nestled atop a serene hill, this idyllic field offers a perfect escape for campers. Blanketed in lush, green grass, the field stretches out under a vast, clear sky, providing panoramic views of the South Downs National Park. Wildflowers in vibrant hues dot the landscape. As the sun goes down, the sky transforms into a canvas of twinkling stars, untouched by city lights. This remote haven, far from the hustle and bustle, is a sanctuary for those seeking tranquility and a deep connection with nature.

85%

(123)

The Old Airfield

114 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents30 acres · Hampshire, South East England

A New Forest airfield that's been overtaken by nature, less than 10 minutes' drive from the coast

12 top campsites in Mendip Hills AONB

99%

(130)

Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

5 units · Motorhomes, Tents8 acres · Okehampton, Devon, South West England

Seriously simple but beautiful wild camping beside a lake on Dartmoor

89%

(165)

Penn Meadow Farm

50 units · Motorhomes, Tents145 acres · Beaconsfield, England

Penn Meadow Farm is a beautiful 145 acre, family farm, nestled perfectly into the Chiltern Hills area of outstanding natural beauty. We’re just a 5 minute walk across our grassy fields to the oldest free-house pub in England (The Royal Standard of England) Say hello to our resident alpacas, sheep, pigs, pigmy goats, flock of 250 sheep and of course our lovely boarder collies. We aim to be a very relaxed spot to be able to rest for a few nights and maybe enjoying a nice camp fire in the evening. The site includes; Showers and Toilet block with toilet paper stocked. Open family pitches for you to choose where you want to set up Running drinking water Shared open kitchen Fires allowed BBQ's allowed To ensure everyone’s enjoyment and safety, please follow these rules: Supervise children: Always supervise your children and ensure they do not wander off alone. Clean up after yourself: Dispose of all waste properly in the designated bins and leave no trace behind. Wash any items you use and return them to where you found them. Respect other campers: Be courteous to fellow campers and respect their privacy and space. Pets: If you bring pets, ensure they are well-behaved, kept on a leash or have impeccable recall, and cleaned up after. Do not allow your pet to enter another camper's space. Quiet time: Maintain quiet hours between 11pm and 7am. All music must stop by 10pm, and noise should be minimal after 11pm. Campfires: Penn Meadow Farm allows fires; please use existing scorched areas if possible rather than creating new ones. Never leave any fires unattended and ensure they are completely extinguished when finished. Wipe your feet prior to entering the Bell tents to remove any coal that may have become attached. Cars/vehicles: Cars and vehicles can be on the field but should move minimally and always under 5mph. Car stereos should not be used for music entertainment. Drugs and Alcohol: Drug use is prohibited, and violators will be asked to leave. Consume alcohol responsibly, and do not drive or move your vehicle after consuming alcohol. We do not typically book Large non-family groups unless they are seeking a calm and peaceful stay. These groups must have authorization prior to the visit.

93%

(265)

Sweet Hill Farm

10 units · Motorhomes, Tents6 acres · Dorset, South West England

Simple, almost-wild, seaside camping on the Isle of Portland

99%

(310)

Cwmffrwd Farm Campsite

28 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents22 acres · Crickhowell, Wales

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

99%

(97)

Panpwnton Campsite

10 units · Motorhomes, Tents10 acres · Knighton, England

A riverside campsite on Offa’s Dyke Path near Knighton

97%

(76)

Pytingwyn Woods

8 units · Motorhomes, Tents4 acres · Brecon, Powys, Mid Wales

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

95%

(177)

Abbey Home Farm

21 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents1600 acres · Cirencester, Gloucestershire, South West England

Eco-camping for real. Cooking on an open fire. Unspoilt natural beauty.

95%

(86)

Southover Woods and Camping

16 units · Glamping, Tents60 acres · Dorset, South West England

Nearly wild camping in a vast Dorset woodland

89%

(273)

Radcot Leisure on Thames

50 units · Glamping, Tents1 acre · Oxfordshire, South East England

A Thames’ island campsite in the Oxfordshire countryside – with a lovely pub just over the bridge

97%

(76)

Woodlands Camping

10 units · Motorhomes, Tents200 acres · Ropley, England

A back-to-basics campsite in the South Downs National Park

98%

(263)

South Dean Camping

70 units · Motorhomes, Tents12 acres · Barnstaple, Devon, South West England

Clifftop camping with epic sea views, right next to Exmoor National Park.

95%

(126)

Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe

14 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents5 acres · Warwickshire, England

Think Countryfile meets Time Team. Camping in six-acres of unspoiled Cotswold countryside, built in the grounds of a Norman castle.

Star Hosts in Mendip Hills AONB

98%

(64)

Spring Hill Wild Camping

15 units · Tents13 acres · Andover, England

Spring Hill Wild Camping is a camping site set in the beautiful Hampshire village of St Mary Bourne. Within easy walking distance of the two local pubs, the well stocked village shop and a pick-your-own fruit farm with cafe and play areas. The campsite aims to be a low impact, environmentally friendly site, providing only the basic necessities for camping; well maintained toilets and clean water. If you are looking for hot showers and a pool, this is not the campsite for you. If you are looking for beautiful views, countryside walks and open fires Spring Hill Wild Camping is the campsite for you.

97%

(126)

Brig's Farm

21 units · Glamping, Tents1 acre · Bridport, Dorset, South West England

Family camping with campfires near Charmouth, with sea views and a couple of quirky glamping lorries

98%

(131)

Snelling Farm Campsite

70 units · Motorhomes, Tents30 acres · Wareham, England

An amazingly green, natural feel and care-free atmosphere near the Dorset coast

98%

(106)

Cider Farm Orchard Campsite

14 units · Tents20 acres · Dorset, South West England

Adult-only camping amid the apple blossom of an award-winning cider orchard

100%

(19)

Spring Field Dark Skies Eco Camp

37 units · Motorhomes, Tents5 acres · Shrewsbury, England

Secluded Eco Campsite, blessed with elevated views over the Shropshire Hills AONB. Red Kites, Buzzards and Kestrels soaring overhead and Sparrow Hawks flashing by. Owls are very active at night. Wild Deer, Pheasants, Rabbits and Hares, all regular visitors to our fields. Nature is very close here. We are in a "Dark Skies" zone so star watching is a must. ** NEW modern gender separate ladies and gents hot shower block and toilets now open. Large communal wash-up sink. Disposal for Elsan chemicals and Grey water. Fresh water and Solar Eco Generated Eco 6A and 16A points around the field. FREE WiFi covers the site. Shelter POD for all to use in bad weather with Phone charging point and reading lights. We now offer Pre-Booked options of early arrival from 11am on your day of arrival and late departure on your last day up to 6pm. A micro "Eco Friendly Site" with a low carbon target. Back to basic camping with modern touches. FREE WiFi. All power here is generated from Solar-PV and distributed to our camping field. The camp has open plan pitches to enhance the views and you can generally choose your preferred spot. Families and children very welcome. Well behaved dogs (Max 2 per pitch) MUST be on leads at all times. All Weather 365 Hardstanding pitches with hard road access. Great for winter or bad weather. If the weather turns bad you can upgrade after arrival (subject to availability) PLEASE NOTE; Due to recent incidents, Privately owned Fire-Pits/BBQ will no longer be permitted at the pitch. They maybe used in the central firepit area. ONLY approved Fire-Pits are available for hire mat be used at the pitch. Hire a canoe from James our Camp Host for that special River Severn or Attingham Park with the gentle Tern river experience for ages. **Highly recommend Check-in is between 3pm and 7.30pm unless early arrival is pre-booked The entire campsite may be booked for private parties, filming and events.

Available this weekend

100%

(83)

Twitey's Camping & Glamping meadows

50 units · Glamping, Tents14 acres · Wellesbourne, England

A family-friendly site with secluded, individual pitches hidden among the long grass and campfires permitted

99%

(139)

Hamperley Hideaways

6 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents5 acres · Church Stretton, England

Almost wild camping and rustic glamping in the Shropshire Hills, with campfires and compost loos

100%

(13)

Gurt Yurts

9 units · Glamping, Tents4 acres · 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.

99%

(90)

68 Degrees West

10 units · Glamping, Motorhomes1 acre · Cradoc, Wales

Pod glamping and family camping on the edge of the Brecon Beacons, with a handy location near Brecon town and sunrises you'll never forget.

99%

(35)

Glynmarch Farm Camping

15 units · Motorhomes, Tents15 acres · Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire, South Wales

A quiet, relaxed, riverside campsite with acres of Carmarthenshire countryside to explore

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping in Mendip Hills AONB guide

Overview

Limestone bluffs, rocky plateaus, and grassy steppes blanket the landscapes of the Mendip Hills, providing plenty of scope for outdoor adventures. Hike beneath towering cliffs in the Cheddar Gorge, explore natural caves, and climb windswept tors for views that stretch as far as Wales. Camping is just as adventurous—pitch your tent at secluded campsites surrounded by nature or enjoy glamping in a bell tent or remote shepherd’s hut. The forests, lakes, and gorges are accessible year-round but bloom with wildflowers in spring and summer. Winter camping and hiking is possible with all-weather gear, although it’s best to leave the tent behind.

Where to go

Cheddar and Around

Jagged cliffs and rocky ravines carve out the Cheddar Gorge, where explorers can enjoy hiking, rock climbing, and caving. After taking in the AONB’s star attraction, hike up Black Down Hill for a view from the region’s highest point or cycle the scenic Strawberry Line. Don’t miss a visit to the town of Cheddar to sample Somerset’s famous cheese and cider.

Northeast Somerset & the Lakes

Sweeping gorges give way to forested valleys and lowland lakes in the northern part of the Mendip Hills. Enjoy nature walks, bird-watching, and lakeside picnics at the Chew Valley or Blagdon Lakes, or escape the crowds at a peaceful country campsite. To the north, the UNESCO city of Bath and the Cotswolds AONB are within day-trip distance.

South Mendip Hills

Hiking, cycling, and horseback riding trails traverse the southern stretch of the Mendip Hills. Adrenaline seekers should head to the Wookey Hole caves, where caving excursions incorporate abseils and Via Ferrata climbs. A short drive south, Glastonbury turns into a hippy haven each summer during the massive Glastonbury music festival, and the nearby Glastonbury Tor is both a historic landmark and a popular viewpoint.

West Mendip and the Somerset Coast

Winscombe is the gateway to the west Mendip Hills, home to some of the area’s lesser-explored hiking trails. Continue west to the coast, where sandy beaches, cliff-top walks, and lively seaside towns dot the shores of the Bristol Channel. Weston-Super-Mare, Burnham-On-Sea, and Clevedon are Somerset’s flagship beach resorts, where summer campers have a choice of seafront camping grounds.