Campsites with swimming in Mendip Hills AONB

Swimming spots are everywhere in the Mendip Hills AONB, and with over 430 campsites that put you close to the water, you’ve got options. Wild swims in spring-fed pools, lazy afternoons in rivers, and hidden quarry dips—locals know the best sites fill up quick. Prices range from as low as £11 a night, with an average closer to £100, so there’s something for every budget. Expect campfires, pets welcome, and toilets at most spots. Top picks? Cwmffrwd Farm Campsite (185 reviews) is a regular favourite, while Frome Meadow Campsite (62 reviews) and Snelling Farm Campsite (46 reviews) also rank high with swimmers and wildlife-watchers. Bring your kit, respect the local wildlife, and don’t forget to sort your rubbish—this is one of Somerset’s finest outdoor playgrounds.

94% (802)

Top-rated campgrounds near Mendip Hills AONB

Swimming spots are everywhere in the Mendip Hills AONB, and with over 430 campsites that put you close to the water, you’ve got options. Wild swims in spring-fed pools, lazy afternoons in rivers, and hidden quarry dips—locals know the best sites fill up quick. Prices range from as low as £11 a night, with an average closer to £100, so there’s something for every budget. Expect campfires, pets welcome, and toilets at most spots. Top picks? Cwmffrwd Farm Campsite (185 reviews) is a regular favourite, while Frome Meadow Campsite (62 reviews) and Snelling Farm Campsite (46 reviews) also rank high with swimmers and wildlife-watchers. Bring your kit, respect the local wildlife, and don’t forget to sort your rubbish—this is one of Somerset’s finest outdoor playgrounds.

94% (802)

Top-rated campgrounds near Mendip Hills AONB

1. 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

2. Hardyes Countryside Camping

98%

(43)

35 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Weymouth, Dorset, South West England

Camping in a Dorset field between Dorchester and the Jurassic coast.

3. Penylan Cider Farm

96%

(24)

3 units · Motorhomes, Glamping · Pontrilas, Wales

Pitches and tiny home glamping on a cider farm in Herefordshire

4. Higher Roddon Farm

1 unit · Glamping · Wiveliscombe, England

Duncan and Alexis live here with their young family and we want to continue to improve the biodiversity of the farm alongside building a sustainable farm business incorporating luxury rural accommodation and grass-fed beef and lamb. We are lucky enough to have a wide variety of wildlife on our farm including tawny and barn owls, deer, buzzards, pheasants, swallows, bullfinches, fieldfares and numerous bats, butterflies and beetles! Take a look at our Wildlife page. We follow a grass-fed, low input, regenerative agriculture philosophy. This means that (apart from our bulls, rams and boars which have to be bought in to prevent in-breeding) all of our animals are born on the farm. They stay with their mothers’ as long as possible growing well on their mothers’ milk and our beautiful grass. Apart from our pigs, all of our animals are only fed grass from the farm or hay (from our species rich hay meadows) in winter. We believe this is more sustainable, gives us a minimal carbon footprint and provides our animals with the best possible lives.

5. Buckland Farm Camping

95%

(21)

12 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Somerset, South West England

Dog-friendly camping on the edge of the Blackdown Hills

6. Park Farm Campsite

98%

(24)

3 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Malmesbury, England

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

7. 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

8. Bowhayes Farm - Glamping & Camping

98%

(20)

12 units · Tents, Glamping · Sidmouth, Devon, South West England

Nearly-wild camping in a Devon cider orchard, 5 miles from the Jurassic Coast

9. Paddington Farm

93%

(29)

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

A simple campsite at the foot of Glastonbury Tor

10. Cuddfan - The Hiding Place

100%

(14)

2 units · Glamping · Crickhowell, Wales

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

11. 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.

12. Romantic Country Glamping

91%

(11)

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

A pair of self-contained glamping getaways in Wiltshire

13. Frome Meadow Campsite

93%

(167)

114 units · Tents · Dorset, South West England

A magical riverside retreat near Dorset’s Jurassic Coast

14. Harry's Field New Forest

92%

(60)

63 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Fordingbridge, Hampshire, South East England

Family-friendly, traditional New Forest camping with a pub next door and footpaths leading directly from the gateway

15. Snelling Farm Campsite

99%

(140)

70 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Wareham, England

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

16. Bredy Farm

87%

(63)

31 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Bridport, England

Back-to-basics camping on a Dorset farm with a party vibe at weekends

17. 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.

18. Harry's Meadow

97%

(73)

63 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Fordingbridge, Hampshire, South East England

Back-to-basics camping with campfires in a spacious wildflower meadow, set on a beautiful New Forest estate

19. Fire Beacon Camping

95%

(11)

16 units · Tents · Sidmouth, Devon, South West England

Set in a peaceful, rural location in the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Fire Beacon Camping is a fabulous location for a countryside escape, 1.5 miles along a traditional Devon country lane, when you arrive the views of Devon countryside, will not disappoint! Perfectly situated for stunning sunsets and the best starry night skies, how many shooting stars will you see? (weather permitting) This is a tranquil, off grid nearly wild campsite, with a strong eco ethos with views across to Exmoor, composting toilet facilities, and recycling facilities. the wildlife is abundant, all the pitches are extremely generously sized and a Fire Pit provided for each one. It's a 10 minute drive to Sidmouth with its beautiful beaches and wide range of Independent shops, Cafes and pubs, and 10 minutes drive in the opposite direction to Ottery St Mary, which also boasts a wide range of Independent shops, there are also plenty of Farm Shops in the area. There is no end of wonderful beaches to explore along the Jurassic coastline. From Fossil hunting in Lyme Regis to the East, the quaint fishing village of Beer to massive golden sandy beaches in Exmouth to the west. With lots of woodland walks on the 'doorstep' the East Devon Way is a 5 minute walk away, 15 minutes walk to the Fire Beacon Nature Reserve and for keen hikers, we're close to the South West Coast Path. For mountain bikers, there are some great routes in the local woodlands and bike routes are also close by with the challenging River Exe Loop and family bike routes along the Otter river less than 15 minutes’ drive away.

20. 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.

Camper favorites in and near Mendip Hills AONB

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Frome Meadow Campsite

93%

(167)

114 units · Tents · Dorset, South West England

A magical riverside retreat near Dorset’s Jurassic Coast

Harry's Field New Forest

92%

(60)

63 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Fordingbridge, Hampshire, South East England

Family-friendly, traditional New Forest camping with a pub next door and footpaths leading directly from the gateway

Snelling Farm Campsite

99%

(140)

70 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Wareham, England

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

Bredy Farm

87%

(63)

31 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Bridport, England

Back-to-basics camping on a Dorset farm with a party vibe at weekends

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.

Harry's Meadow

97%

(73)

63 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Fordingbridge, Hampshire, South East England

Back-to-basics camping with campfires in a spacious wildflower meadow, set on a beautiful New Forest estate

Fire Beacon Camping

95%

(11)

16 units · Tents · Sidmouth, Devon, South West England

Set in a peaceful, rural location in the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Fire Beacon Camping is a fabulous location for a countryside escape, 1.5 miles along a traditional Devon country lane, when you arrive the views of Devon countryside, will not disappoint! Perfectly situated for stunning sunsets and the best starry night skies, how many shooting stars will you see? (weather permitting) This is a tranquil, off grid nearly wild campsite, with a strong eco ethos with views across to Exmoor, composting toilet facilities, and recycling facilities. the wildlife is abundant, all the pitches are extremely generously sized and a Fire Pit provided for each one. It's a 10 minute drive to Sidmouth with its beautiful beaches and wide range of Independent shops, Cafes and pubs, and 10 minutes drive in the opposite direction to Ottery St Mary, which also boasts a wide range of Independent shops, there are also plenty of Farm Shops in the area. There is no end of wonderful beaches to explore along the Jurassic coastline. From Fossil hunting in Lyme Regis to the East, the quaint fishing village of Beer to massive golden sandy beaches in Exmouth to the west. With lots of woodland walks on the 'doorstep' the East Devon Way is a 5 minute walk away, 15 minutes walk to the Fire Beacon Nature Reserve and for keen hikers, we're close to the South West Coast Path. For mountain bikers, there are some great routes in the local woodlands and bike routes are also close by with the challenging River Exe Loop and family bike routes along the Otter river less than 15 minutes’ drive away.

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.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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

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!

a

andrew

August 2025

Tent

With kids

3 nights at Snelling Farm Campsite

A very spacious campsite with well-maintained composting facilities. The scenic drive down to the site is beautiful, and the clear night skies make it perfect for stargazing. Martins and owls were active both day and night, adding to the atmosphere. On some alternate nights, music played nearby from around 10 pm to 4 am. While noticeable, it was at a consistent and tolerable volume, and importantly, it wasn’t accompanied by disruptive behaviour.

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

Carree

August 2025

5 m Class B

With kids

Weekend Trip to Snelling Farm Campsite

Fantastic campsite, heavenly amount of space, great atmosphere and brilliant facilities 😊👍

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.

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.

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.

E

Edward

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Cwmffrwd Farm Campsite

Perfect. Quiet with excellent views. Friendly and helpful

Carree

August 2025

5 m Class B

With kids

2 nights at Paddington Farm

Paddington farm is amazing, such a beautiful place with a great ethos and purpose, met some truly lovely people, facilities were brilliant, will be returning ❤️

C

Charlotte

August 2025

5 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Park Farm Campsite

Absolute gem of a place. Zoe was so welcoming and sorted me out with some wood for the fire pit as well. Clean facilities and beautiful views. Felt very safe as a solo camper. Will definitely be back!

O

Owen

August 2025

Tent

With kids

4 nights at The T Barn

We had a really lovely stay at the T-Barn! The site is in a peaceful, beautiful location with a thoughtful layout that offers a real sense of privacy. The facilities were clean, well-maintained, and perfectly in keeping with the relaxed, off-grid feel of the place. We really appreciated the light-touch hosting style – it made the experience feel calm and connected to nature. A real highlight for our kids was watching the cows wander past each day – such a treat and a unique part of the stay. One thing to note: the listing currently says “no pets,” which was one of the main reasons we chose it (as a family with small children, we specifically look for dog-free sites). However, there were several dogs on site during our visit, and one in particular was quite disruptive. It didn’t change how much we enjoyed our time overall, but it felt important to mention for others who might be relying on that detail. All in all, T-Barn is a beautiful, welcoming place, and we’d happily recommend it – and hope to return again ourselves.

C

Catherine

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Frome Meadow Campsite

We had a lovely time camping on Sam's land. It was great to be next to the river frome - the kids had a great time with the rubber rings and our paddleboard. The compost toilets were really well kept and the always hot showers a real luxury. Would definitely come again!

B

Bridgette

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Cwmffrwd Farm Campsite

Absolutely loved our camping weekend. Such a beautiful site and so peaceful. Really well maintained and well thought out pitches, really well spaced out! The kids loved it too and happy running through the meadow and space to be kids. Pridie was a fab host and really helpful and friendly. We’ll definitely be back!

D

Deb

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Red Sky at Night Campsite

Amazing views. Family friendly. Chloe was so accommodating. Thank you

V

Vladislav

August 2025

Tent

Group trip

2 nights at Snelling Farm Campsite

Beautiful setting, camp fires allowed, not too busy!

S

Sarah

August 2025

1 night at Park Farm Campsite

Our first family camping experience and I can't think of anything I would change! Beautiful quiet site (apart from the sound of our children and their new friends playing on the old go karts and in the sandpit!). Lovely clean shower and loo block with washing up facilities. Fire pits are available and they sell wood for £10 a bag. Gorgeous spot for watching the moon and sunrise. Will definitely be back! ☺️🌅

B

Barry

August 2025

Tent

3 nights at Frome Meadow Campsite

Very relaxed, easy going campsite. Uncrowded. Lovely river swim.

J

Joshua

August 2025

4 m Class B

With kids

1 night at Hardyes Countryside Camping

Great site and local knowledge from the host Chris. Amenities very clean and organised and a nice addition with optional baked goods for breakfast. Add in the walk to the local pub Highly recommend