RV Camping in the UK: The Simple Guide for 2026
RV camping is having a moment in the UK, and it’s not hard to see why. You get your own bed, your own kettle, your own pace. You can chase weather, avoid crowds, and still be home in time for a proper brew.
It also suits how many of us travel now. Short breaks. Long weekends. A few days that feel bigger than they should. And if you work remotely, you already know the temptation. One more email, then a walk to the cliffs.
Choosing your RV: keep it honest
The “best” RV is the one that fits your real life. Not the fantasy version where you cook a three course meal every night and never forget the levelling blocks.
Motorhomes
Motorhomes are the all in one option. Drive, park, live. They’re popular because they’re simple on the day. Class A rigs are the big tour bus style ones, roomy, plush, and not always friendly on narrow lanes. Class B campervans are compact and nimble, ideal if you like spontaneous detours. Class C motorhomes sit in the middle, with the over cab sleeping area and more space for families.
If you’re not sure, renting first is smart. It’s a low drama way to learn what matters to you, like whether you need a shower on board, or whether a campsite block is fine.
Travel trailers
Trailers suit people who like flexibility. You tow it to the pitch, unhitch, then use your car for exploring. The big rule here is weight. Check your tow rating, then check it again. Trailers come in loads of layouts, so you can go simple or go full “tiny flat on wheels.”
Fifth wheels
Fifth wheels connect to a hitch in a pickup bed, and they feel more like a small home. You’ll often see separate sleeping zones, proper kitchens, even slide outs. They’re great for long stays. They’re also not the easiest match for many UK roads, so be realistic about where you want to take it.
Pop up campers
Pop ups are light, budget friendly, and easy to store. They fold down small, then expand into a cosy setup. They’re great for weekend trips and first timers who want a taste of RV life without going all in.
Truck campers
Truck campers slot into a pickup bed and lean into the rugged side of travel. They’re brilliant for back roads and quieter spots. Space is tight, but clever. If you like minimal gear and big landscapes, they make sense.
Plan your first RV trip without making it a project
Planning helps. Overplanning ruins it. The sweet spot is “prepared enough that nothing is stressful,” with a bit of slack left for surprise beaches and farm shops.
Pick a destination that forgives mistakes
For your first trip, choose somewhere fairly close to home. Not because you’re timid, but because it makes everything easier. If something feels off, you can head back without turning it into an ordeal.
Check basics before you book. Water. Hook up. Waste disposal. A flat pitch. That’s the difference between a relaxing first night and a mild argument about why the sink won’t drain.
Book early, especially in peak season
The best sites go fast in school holidays and sunny stretches. If you want Dorset, Devon, the Lakes, or the Highlands in summer, you’ll need to book ahead. Read the rules too. Some sites have size limits, adults only zones, or strict arrival times.
Plan a route, but don’t clamp it down
Use RV friendly route planning and avoid tight lanes where possible. In the UK, “it’ll be fine” can turn into a hedge shaped regret very quickly. Still, leave room for detours. The best parts of RV trips are often the bits you didn’t plan.
Do a quick pre trip check
Before you go, check tyres, lights, fluids, and brakes. Then check the living side. Water system. Gas. Heating. Power. It takes twenty minutes and saves hours of hassle later.
10 UK RV camping spots worth the drive in 2026
These are the kind of places that feel like a proper break, not just a place to park.
South Lytchett Manor, Dorset
A solid base for the Jurassic Coast, with roomy pitches and a dog friendly setup that’s genuinely well thought out. Handy transport links make days out simple too.
Back of Beyond Touring Park, Dorset
Adults only and quietly brilliant. Woodland feel, good facilities, and a calm vibe that suits slow mornings and long walks.
Old Oaks, Somerset
Near Glastonbury, adults only, with eco minded facilities and a nice “stay a while” atmosphere. It’s the sort of site that makes you cook dinner instead of rushing out again.
Ballyness Caravan Park, Northern Ireland
Close to the Causeway Coast and ideal for families. Green space, a peaceful setting, and plenty to explore without constant driving.
Ludlow Touring Park, Shropshire
Good access to a brilliant market town and nearby walking. It’s convenient without feeling busy, which is a rare combo.
Bath Chew Valley Caravan Park, Somerset
Adults only, next to the lake, and a great option year round. If you like quiet pitches and scenic walks, this one lands well.
Llandyn Holiday Park, Denbighshire
Leafy, riverside, and peaceful. A good base for the Dee Valley, with that “small details done right” feeling.
Red Kite Touring Park, Powys
Adults only, big views, and a relaxed pace. It’s a good pick if your idea of a great day is a walk, a pub meal, and an early night.
Green Acres, Cumbria
A calm site with strong facilities and easy access to bigger landscapes. Great if you want the Lakes within reach without sitting in the thick of it.
The Old Brick Kilns, Norfolk
Award winning, well set up, and a smart base for the Norfolk coast and countryside. Useful if you want variety without moving every day.
What to pack so the trip feels easy
There’s a fine line between “prepared” and “carrying half your house.” Aim for the first one.
Must have RV gear
Bring the boring stuff. Fresh water hose. Waste disposal kit. Levelling blocks. Gloves. A torch. These items aren’t fun, but they stop small problems from becoming long evenings.
Safety kit matters too. A first aid kit. A fire extinguisher. A way to charge your phone if things go sideways.
Kitchen kit that earns its space
A few decent pans, a chopping board, and a sharp knife do most of the work. Add containers for leftovers and you’re set. A small barbecue is a good shout for warm evenings, but only if you’ll actually use it.
Personal essentials
Pack layers. The UK loves a mood swing. Bring waterproofs even if the forecast looks kind. You’ll also want sunscreen, insect repellent, and any meds you can’t replace easily.
Outdoor extras
Chairs make a big difference. So does a good pair of walking shoes. If you like fishing, bring the gear. If you like doing nothing, bring a book and defend your quiet time like it’s a hobby.
Helpful tips that stop small annoyances
RVs drive differently. Practice somewhere quiet before your first big run. Parking, reversing, and tight turns feel odd at first, then suddenly feel normal.
Learn the basics of your system. Water pump. Gas shutoff. Hook up procedure. Waste tanks. You don’t need to be an engineer, but you do need to know where the switches are.
Manage waste properly. Empty black first, then grey. Clean up after. Follow site rules. It’s not glamorous, but it keeps sites open and pleasant.
Respect quiet hours and fire rules. This is where the “good atmosphere” comes from. Nobody wants to be camped next to the late night Bluetooth speaker person.
Power your trip smartly
If you’ll be off grid, power becomes a bigger deal than people expect. Phones, lights, laptop charging, maybe a small fridge, it adds up. A simple plan helps. Know what you want to run, and for how long, then choose your setup from there.
Some people keep it minimal and rely on hook ups most nights. Others build a more independent system with solar, a battery, and a proper inverter. Neither is “better.” It depends on your travel style and your tolerance for faff.
Conclusion
RV camping in the UK is freedom with a kettle. It’s comfort with a view. It can be peaceful, messy, funny, and surprisingly grounding, sometimes all in the same afternoon.
Choose the right RV for how you really travel. Plan enough to stay relaxed. Pack what you’ll use. And then let the trip breathe a bit. That’s usually when it gets good.
FAQs
Yes, RVs are allowed in the UK. Overnight parking rules vary a lot by area, though. To avoid fines, use designated campsites or places that clearly allow overnight stays.
A campervan is usually smaller and based on a van conversion, often best for couples or short trips. A motorhome is larger and more like a purpose built home on wheels, better for longer travel or families.
You can park overnight at licensed caravan and motorhome sites with facilities like hook ups, water, and waste disposal. Some service areas allow short stays, but always check signs and local council rules.
