Campsites by waterfalls near Cheddar, Somerset

The Somerset village of Cheddar is best known among the culinary crowd for its eponymous cheese, but nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts know it for the spectacular Cheddar Gorge and the Cheddar Caves. Cheddar has a couple of places to camp—a well-equipped caravan park as well as a campsite with cabin accommodation—and its location at the foot of the Mendip Hills AONB affords additional camping options. While campers can enjoy the peace and quiet of this rural area, Cheddar is also conveniently close to the small cities of Bridgwater and Taunton, as well as the larger centres of Bath and Bristol.

You don’t have to use too much imagination to think of the most popular things to do in Cheddar.

Firstly, there’s saying “cheese” at the gorge, and then there’s gorging yourself on cheese! A ticket to visit the Cheddar Gorge tourist attraction includes entrance to a three-mile cliff-top walk around the top of the gorge; the Museum of Prehistory; and Gough’s Cave, where Cheddar Man, the oldest complete skeleton in Britain was discovered. The soaring Cheddar Gorge walls reach 400 feet in places, and the show caves are just a taste of what lies beneath the Mendips, making climbing and caving popular activities here.
In the village of Cheddar, at the lower end of the gorge, the Cheddar Gorge Company shares information about the cheese-making process for Britain’s best-loved cheese.
Walking, cycling, and horse riding are good ways to enjoy the landscape and terrain.
Another show cave and more family-friendly attractions can be found at nearby Wookey Hole.
Further afield, Wells, Glastonbury, Longleat Safari Park, and Bath are all within an hour’s drive and easily visited on days out during a camping holiday in Cheddar.

99% (37)

Top-rated campgrounds near Cheddar

The Somerset village of Cheddar is best known among the culinary crowd for its eponymous cheese, but nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts know it for the spectacular Cheddar Gorge and the Cheddar Caves. Cheddar has a couple of places to camp—a well-equipped caravan park as well as a campsite with cabin accommodation—and its location at the foot of the Mendip Hills AONB affords additional camping options. While campers can enjoy the peace and quiet of this rural area, Cheddar is also conveniently close to the small cities of Bridgwater and Taunton, as well as the larger centres of Bath and Bristol.

You don’t have to use too much imagination to think of the most popular things to do in Cheddar.

Firstly, there’s saying “cheese” at the gorge, and then there’s gorging yourself on cheese! A ticket to visit the Cheddar Gorge tourist attraction includes entrance to a three-mile cliff-top walk around the top of the gorge; the Museum of Prehistory; and Gough’s Cave, where Cheddar Man, the oldest complete skeleton in Britain was discovered. The soaring Cheddar Gorge walls reach 400 feet in places, and the show caves are just a taste of what lies beneath the Mendips, making climbing and caving popular activities here.
In the village of Cheddar, at the lower end of the gorge, the Cheddar Gorge Company shares information about the cheese-making process for Britain’s best-loved cheese.
Walking, cycling, and horse riding are good ways to enjoy the landscape and terrain.
Another show cave and more family-friendly attractions can be found at nearby Wookey Hole.
Further afield, Wells, Glastonbury, Longleat Safari Park, and Bath are all within an hour’s drive and easily visited on days out during a camping holiday in Cheddar.

99% (37)

Top-rated campgrounds near Cheddar

1. Oak & Ash & Thorn in the Cotswolds

100%

(47)

61km from Cheddar · 9 units · Tents

Secluded almost wild camping spots in an ancient woodland in the Cotswolds

2. Wellstone Camping

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(16)

146km from Cheddar · 21 units · Tents, Glamping

Authentic Mongolian yurts and camping in a laid-back Pembrokeshire site with scenic views and friendly alpacas.

3. Cuddfan - The Hiding Place

100%

(14)

69km from Cheddar · 2 units · Glamping

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

4. Wortha Farm

121km from Cheddar · 4 units · Glamping

Wortha Farm, the main house being late Regency in style constructed around the 1830’s, has picturesque views to the west overlooking Brentor Church. The farm is set in 42 acres and sits on the edge of West Blackdown, where wild moor meets the north-eastern edge of the Tavistock/Tamar Valley pastures. The fields from the house slope gently down to the River Burn. Beyond which the fields rise up to the world-renowned St Michael De Rupe church which has sat atop Brentor since the original structure of 1130AD. This landmark dominates the landscape. At Wortha Farm, the sun rises over the wild moorland to the east and sets behind the silhouetted church to the west.

5. Camp at Nantgwynfaen Organic Farm

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(12)

141km from Cheddar · 5 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Five private camping pitches on an organic farm in the Teifi Valley

6. Oakhill Ponds

96%

(13)

18km from Cheddar · 8 units · Glamping

A uniquely peaceful Somerset glamping site set around two ponds in its own beautiful wildlife garden.

7. Yurt and Walled Garden

100%

(2)

18km from Cheddar · 2 units · Glamping

Unique & enchanting a lush walled garden on the edge of a quiet village provides the perfect place to relax & recharge. Unwind in a wood-fired hot tub or around the fire in the spacious & comfortable yurt. Cook up a feast in the well-equipped outdoor kitchen. Explore the adjoining historic land; meadows, waterfalls & swimming ponds. Book the off-grid spa with horse-box sauna & Swedish hot-tub. Take a dip or paddle-board & enjoy spotting deer. Enjoy great food at the local pub just a short walk away Then explore Somerset. Enjoy staying in a beautiful organic 21 ft yurt nestled in a magical walled garden exclusively for your use. Your stay includes: A beautiful garden with pizza oven, bbq, hand-made swing, reclining chairs, fire pit A wood- fired ‘dip-tank hot-tub for two (or 2 adults and a child) A fully equipped outdoor kitchen A further indoor kitchenette with fridge-freezer, toaster & oven A monsoon shower & 2 flushing toilets A further garden room with double-bed and electricity A 21 ft Yurt with king-sized bed, sofa, dining table, vinyl collection with turntable & blu-tooth. A wood-burning fire with a complementary basket of logs Quality linen, towels, and toiletries, Eye-masks & dressing gowns Sleeping arrangements are flexible for four people as there is an extra double bedroom in the garden room on the terrace or extra beds can be put in the yurt. The walled garden sits away from but has access to The Brew Somerset with 25 acres of private land. The Brew Somerset is a glamping and retreat site arranged around the spring-fed ponds. These ponds once served the Oakhill Brewery. Stout was first brewed in the village of Oakhill in 1767, using water which comes down from the Mendip Hills. In the 18th century Oakhill Stout was thought to have ‘magical‘ healing properties. Now you can take a dip in these waters. The beady-eyed can spot kingfisher, heron, buzzard, kite, cormorant & much more in the way of wildlife. Walled garden guests have access to this larger site in the afternoons, between 1pm and 5pm. The retreat site is not suitable for young children. Coming soon: Don't miss the uniqueness of the pop-up off-grid spa with horse-trailer sauna, wood-fired hot tub and treatment tent. Enjoy a sauna or hot-tub whilst watching deer browse.....seriously! Booking essential. All of this is just a leisurely stroll away from an excellent pub. Relax, unwind, enjoy - a breathing space.

8. Wild Wellingtons Glamping

100%

(1)

148km from Cheddar · 3 units · Glamping

Eco-friendly glamping 10 minutes from the beaches of Cardigan Bay, with great facilities for parents and acres of wild space for kids

9. Camp Cynrig Glamping Retreat Brecon

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(1)

83km from Cheddar · 4 units · Glamping

Riverside glamping in the Brecon Beacons with wild swimming, woodland walks and mountain hikes on the doorstep.

10. Finnant Wood Wild Camping

122km from Cheddar · 4 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Near Carmarthen, South Wales. A compact and accessible wood with a balance of commercial crops, mature broadleaves, and recent planting, it is set in a sheltered location overlooking the Towy Valley with stunning views. Ffinnant Wood is a mixed woodland, partly commercial and partly broadleaf, with a steep-sided broadleaved valley, Cym yr Abbey, a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The wood designations include restored ancient woodland and plantations on ancient woodlands. The SSSI designation arises as this is one of few localities in South Wales that has yielded well-preserved trilobite fossil specimens. The wood comprises a stand of mature mixed Sitka spruce and Douglas fir. These trees have been managed to put on height and volume. The area of recent (2021) coniferous clear felling and some nearby thinning yielded approximately 1,800m3, approximately 635 tonnes/ hectare, showing that this is a productive site. Following harvesting, these areas were replanted with 50/50 Sitka spruce/Douglas fir and a Sm edge of broadleaves adjacent to the B4300. It has been weeded and is growing well. A small area (c. 0.4 hectares, see map) remains to be replanted with 960 trees (Sitka spruce, 90%, oak, 5%, mixed broadleaves, 5%). RIGHTS OF WAY There are no footpaths on the property. This gives the wood an extra element of privacy. DIRECTIONS Drive east on the B4300 from Carmarthen. After 4 miles, you will pass the turn-off for the B4310. Keep on the B4300; after 800m, Ffinnant Wood is on your right-hand side, rising up the slope. There are two points of vehicular access to the wood from the B4300. For viewing, as the B4300 straightens, pull over to the right and park adjacent to the metal double gates, from there you can enter the woodland on foot. You can also enter the site through the smaller wooden gate c.l00m west.

11. Brue Field, Gladwill Farm

33km from Cheddar · 1 unit · Glamping

Reconnect with nature in a peaceful escape away from the hecticness of life. Exclusive to a family group or friends sharing a well equipped field kitchen & dining area in an organic meadow by the River Brue. Wildlife teems in the meadow and the surrounding Stourhead woodlands offering adventures in nature. There are 5 unique living pods with proper beds and creative interiors. A booking includes 2 days use of a natural swimming pond. This is a journey into simple living - not a party venue.

Camper favorites near Cheddar

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Yurt and Walled Garden

100%

(2)

18km from Cheddar · 2 units · Glamping

Unique & enchanting a lush walled garden on the edge of a quiet village provides the perfect place to relax & recharge. Unwind in a wood-fired hot tub or around the fire in the spacious & comfortable yurt. Cook up a feast in the well-equipped outdoor kitchen. Explore the adjoining historic land; meadows, waterfalls & swimming ponds. Book the off-grid spa with horse-box sauna & Swedish hot-tub. Take a dip or paddle-board & enjoy spotting deer. Enjoy great food at the local pub just a short walk away Then explore Somerset. Enjoy staying in a beautiful organic 21 ft yurt nestled in a magical walled garden exclusively for your use. Your stay includes: A beautiful garden with pizza oven, bbq, hand-made swing, reclining chairs, fire pit A wood- fired ‘dip-tank hot-tub for two (or 2 adults and a child) A fully equipped outdoor kitchen A further indoor kitchenette with fridge-freezer, toaster & oven A monsoon shower & 2 flushing toilets A further garden room with double-bed and electricity A 21 ft Yurt with king-sized bed, sofa, dining table, vinyl collection with turntable & blu-tooth. A wood-burning fire with a complementary basket of logs Quality linen, towels, and toiletries, Eye-masks & dressing gowns Sleeping arrangements are flexible for four people as there is an extra double bedroom in the garden room on the terrace or extra beds can be put in the yurt. The walled garden sits away from but has access to The Brew Somerset with 25 acres of private land. The Brew Somerset is a glamping and retreat site arranged around the spring-fed ponds. These ponds once served the Oakhill Brewery. Stout was first brewed in the village of Oakhill in 1767, using water which comes down from the Mendip Hills. In the 18th century Oakhill Stout was thought to have ‘magical‘ healing properties. Now you can take a dip in these waters. The beady-eyed can spot kingfisher, heron, buzzard, kite, cormorant & much more in the way of wildlife. Walled garden guests have access to this larger site in the afternoons, between 1pm and 5pm. The retreat site is not suitable for young children. Coming soon: Don't miss the uniqueness of the pop-up off-grid spa with horse-trailer sauna, wood-fired hot tub and treatment tent. Enjoy a sauna or hot-tub whilst watching deer browse.....seriously! Booking essential. All of this is just a leisurely stroll away from an excellent pub. Relax, unwind, enjoy - a breathing space.

Wild Wellingtons Glamping

100%

(1)

148km from Cheddar · 3 units · Glamping

Eco-friendly glamping 10 minutes from the beaches of Cardigan Bay, with great facilities for parents and acres of wild space for kids

Camp Cynrig Glamping Retreat Brecon

100%

(1)

83km from Cheddar · 4 units · Glamping

Riverside glamping in the Brecon Beacons with wild swimming, woodland walks and mountain hikes on the doorstep.

Finnant Wood Wild Camping

122km from Cheddar · 4 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Near Carmarthen, South Wales. A compact and accessible wood with a balance of commercial crops, mature broadleaves, and recent planting, it is set in a sheltered location overlooking the Towy Valley with stunning views. Ffinnant Wood is a mixed woodland, partly commercial and partly broadleaf, with a steep-sided broadleaved valley, Cym yr Abbey, a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The wood designations include restored ancient woodland and plantations on ancient woodlands. The SSSI designation arises as this is one of few localities in South Wales that has yielded well-preserved trilobite fossil specimens. The wood comprises a stand of mature mixed Sitka spruce and Douglas fir. These trees have been managed to put on height and volume. The area of recent (2021) coniferous clear felling and some nearby thinning yielded approximately 1,800m3, approximately 635 tonnes/ hectare, showing that this is a productive site. Following harvesting, these areas were replanted with 50/50 Sitka spruce/Douglas fir and a Sm edge of broadleaves adjacent to the B4300. It has been weeded and is growing well. A small area (c. 0.4 hectares, see map) remains to be replanted with 960 trees (Sitka spruce, 90%, oak, 5%, mixed broadleaves, 5%). RIGHTS OF WAY There are no footpaths on the property. This gives the wood an extra element of privacy. DIRECTIONS Drive east on the B4300 from Carmarthen. After 4 miles, you will pass the turn-off for the B4310. Keep on the B4300; after 800m, Ffinnant Wood is on your right-hand side, rising up the slope. There are two points of vehicular access to the wood from the B4300. For viewing, as the B4300 straightens, pull over to the right and park adjacent to the metal double gates, from there you can enter the woodland on foot. You can also enter the site through the smaller wooden gate c.l00m west.

Brue Field, Gladwill Farm

33km from Cheddar · 1 unit · Glamping

Reconnect with nature in a peaceful escape away from the hecticness of life. Exclusive to a family group or friends sharing a well equipped field kitchen & dining area in an organic meadow by the River Brue. Wildlife teems in the meadow and the surrounding Stourhead woodlands offering adventures in nature. There are 5 unique living pods with proper beds and creative interiors. A booking includes 2 days use of a natural swimming pond. This is a journey into simple living - not a party venue.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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.

S

Sarah

August 2025

Tent

With kids

3 nights at Wellstone Camping

Beautiful surroundings. Nice and quiet and by a lovely little stream that we could play in. The facilities were great too. Clean shower block and washing up area, there was even a kettle and a fridge! We loved our stay here.

K

Kath

August 2025

Tent

Group trip

3 nights at Wellstone Camping

Great little site with good facilities. Would definitely recommend!

M

Matthew

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Wellstone Camping

An absolute gem of a campsite. Beautiful location by a stream and among trees. Clean facilities. Totally frictionless booking and Comms

Jo

June 2025

2 nights at Oakhill Ponds

Beautiful location, we loved staying in the Shepherds Hut. Loads of thought has been put into the space, lovely individual garden with seating, hammocks, so nice to eat outside in the sunshine & to be able to use the outdoor hot tub after a swim. The spa was fab & swimming in the pond was tonic for the soul. Amanda & Rob were great hosts, & they have definitely achieved what they have set out to do - provide people with an incredible place to slow down, appreciate nature & reset. Thank you

A

Alice

June 2025

With kids

5 nights at Cuddfan - The Hiding Place

Great location, secluded but close to crickhowell. Amazing bird song. Nice river. Loved the ease of camping we without putting up a tent. We stayed in the wild camp bell tent.

I

Ines

May 2025

Weekend Trip to Cuddfan - The Hiding Place

Quiet and beautiful camp spot, perfect for hiking in the black mountains. One WARNING, there is a gas stove but no cooking equipment provided contrary to listing so plan ahead if you want to cook. Still great value and would recommend

A

Anna

May 2025

5 m Class B

With pets

Weekend Trip to Camp at Nantgwynfaen Organic Farm

We spent two nights in our van on the Love at First Site pitch. It was perfect - totally private, absolutely beautiful and so peaceful, could just hear birdsong. The site had its own outdoor shower, with leaves as the ‘roof’, just magical, and its own washing up area. A little wander down a grassy track to the compost loo (very clean) and farm shop to get lovely organic supplies, just dreamy. The whole farm was incredibly beautiful, with stunning views of rolling hills and valleys. We had a lovely walk through the valley on the last morning. Ken was very friendly, and Amanda very helpful when I needed to make date changes. All in all, an a wonderful site that we very much hope to revisit :)

T

Thomas

May 2025

Weekend Trip to Cuddfan - The Hiding Place

The camp site is great! Hot shower hit the spot! Fire pit was awesome! Tranquil sound of running water from the river! Overall a very good spot! Would recommend!

R

Runa

October 2024

With kids

3 nights at Wild Wellingtons Glamping

Lovely place to visit. Beautiful beaches nearby. The dome was comfortable and the kids loved it. Communal kitchen and fire pit were everything we needed. Sinead and Tom exceptional hosting.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Campsites by waterfalls near Cheddar guide

Where to go

Cheddar Gorge & Cheddar Caves

Unless you’re visiting Cheddar for its cheese, you’re likely coming to check out the Cheddar Gorge or the Cheddar Caves, the star attractions just outside town. The caves are a family-friendly subterranean network of caverns full of prehistoric rock formations, while the limestone Cheddar Gorge is a magnet for walkers, climbers, cavers, and sightseers—some hiking routes are steep but provide great views through the gorge and across the Somerset landscape. It’s no surprise that camping is a popular way to stay nearby.

Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Cheddar is right on the edge of the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), a range of limestone hills in Somerset’s northeast. Hidden within the hills are deep gorges, rocky outcrops, and the pretty lakes of the Chew Valley. Cheddar is a good camping base for checking out the AONB, or there are camping, glamping, and caravan sites dotted around the Mendip Hills, although wild camping isn’t allowed.

Quantock Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Southwest of Cheddar lies England’s first AONB, Quantock Hills, a relatively small area of heath, woodlands, parklands, and agricultural land. Campers staying in Cheddar can easily visit the Quantock Hills on a day trip for hiking, cycling, and wildlife-viewing adventures. There are also many campsites at the base of the hills that allow visitors to access the AONB on foot or by bike.

When to go

Summer is the best time to visit Cheddar, when the weather is generally warm and pleasant and the days long—ideal for tent or caravan camping and outdoor adventures. Campers visiting outside of summer should be prepared with cold-weather and waterproof gear, or stay in cabins rather than unheated tents or caravans.