Dog-friendly camping in River Avon

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From the grassy banks of the Wiltshire countryside to the urban riverbanks of Bath and Bristol, the River Avon is witness to some of South West England’s most impressive scenery. Whether you choose to set sail on a sightseeing cruise, navigate its canal ways on a narrowboat, or pitch your tent by the riverside, there’s plenty to explore along the river. In Wiltshire, escape the crowds for tranquil waterfront walks or bike rides, and stop by the mediaeval village of Lacock. Further west, the UNESCO city of Bath and Bristol both have iconic bridges spanning the river—the Pulteney Bridge and the Clifton Suspension Bridge.

95% (1.6K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Red Sky at Night Campsite

3. 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.
Potable water
Campfires
Cooking equipment
from 
£13
 / night
Camping5Acres

5. Camping5Acres

93%
(15)
24 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Taunton, Somerset, South West England
As you'd expect from a site with such a name, there's a whole lot of space in which to relax and explore at 5 Acres, a large grassy site in the Somerset Levels. Kids and dogs are both welcome on site here, and there's plenty of scope for them to run about and play games safely away from barbecues and campfires (which are also permitted to keep you warm and fed in the evenings). Facilities on site include firepits, a toilet and shower block and outdoor sinks with mains water. Dogs must be kept on leads at all time. We class ourselves as a quite site so no amplified music. The premier pitch is fully enclosed so dogs can be let off the lead. There is a maximum of six people allowed on this pitch at any one time. Visitors are allowed as long as the total number of people doesn't exceed six and they are chargeable at the overnight rate and must leave by 18:00 - Sorry, had the envelope pushed a bit! Mains hook ups are 6Amp max rated. Pitches are approximately 16m x 20m. The flag, firepit and pitch number line up in the centre of your pitch. The surrounding Somerset Levels aren’t just out in the sticks – they also produce them. Willow cane has been cultivated the traditional way in this part of the county for hundreds of years and can be seen growing within a mile of 5 Acres. The Levels are also a wildlife haven, making them an all-round top choice for country walks along the many trails nearby. And while this may be a rural retreat, it's also one that's easy to get to as it's just off the A378 (no winding country lanes to negotiate for this one…) Taunton town centre, with its wide range of shops and supermarkets, is a 15-minute drive away. The closest pub and coffee shop are five minutes away by road.
Potable water
Campfires
Showers
from 
£12
 / night

From the grassy banks of the Wiltshire countryside to the urban riverbanks of Bath and Bristol, the River Avon is witness to some of South West England’s most impressive scenery. Whether you choose to set sail on a sightseeing cruise, navigate its canal ways on a narrowboat, or pitch your tent by the riverside, there’s plenty to explore along the river. In Wiltshire, escape the crowds for tranquil waterfront walks or bike rides, and stop by the mediaeval village of Lacock. Further west, the UNESCO city of Bath and Bristol both have iconic bridges spanning the river—the Pulteney Bridge and the Clifton Suspension Bridge.

95% (1.6K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Red Sky at Night Campsite

3. 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.
Potable water
Campfires
Cooking equipment
from 
£13
 / night
Camping5Acres

5. Camping5Acres

93%
(15)
24 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Taunton, Somerset, South West England
As you'd expect from a site with such a name, there's a whole lot of space in which to relax and explore at 5 Acres, a large grassy site in the Somerset Levels. Kids and dogs are both welcome on site here, and there's plenty of scope for them to run about and play games safely away from barbecues and campfires (which are also permitted to keep you warm and fed in the evenings). Facilities on site include firepits, a toilet and shower block and outdoor sinks with mains water. Dogs must be kept on leads at all time. We class ourselves as a quite site so no amplified music. The premier pitch is fully enclosed so dogs can be let off the lead. There is a maximum of six people allowed on this pitch at any one time. Visitors are allowed as long as the total number of people doesn't exceed six and they are chargeable at the overnight rate and must leave by 18:00 - Sorry, had the envelope pushed a bit! Mains hook ups are 6Amp max rated. Pitches are approximately 16m x 20m. The flag, firepit and pitch number line up in the centre of your pitch. The surrounding Somerset Levels aren’t just out in the sticks – they also produce them. Willow cane has been cultivated the traditional way in this part of the county for hundreds of years and can be seen growing within a mile of 5 Acres. The Levels are also a wildlife haven, making them an all-round top choice for country walks along the many trails nearby. And while this may be a rural retreat, it's also one that's easy to get to as it's just off the A378 (no winding country lanes to negotiate for this one…) Taunton town centre, with its wide range of shops and supermarkets, is a 15-minute drive away. The closest pub and coffee shop are five minutes away by road.
Potable water
Campfires
Showers
from 
£12
 / night

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Dog-friendly camping in River Avon guide

When to go

Summer (June through August) is the best time to get on the water, and events and festivals are often held along the riverfronts in Bath and Bristol. Boat tours and cruises typically run from mid-March to mid-October, although winter visits are still possible for private groups. Many campsites stay open year-round, but be sure to check for seasonal closures.

Know before you go

  • The River Avon (or Bristol Avon) rises in South Gloucestershire and flows through Wiltshire, Bath, and Bristol, before connecting to the Kennet and Avon Canal and the Kennet Navigation. 
  • Sightseeing cruises or multi-day boat cruises along the River Avon are possible from Bath and Bristol. 
  • Most campsites in South West England require advance booking, and you may need to pay the full amount before arrival.