Car camping in the UK
First of all you might ask why car camping…why not camping in a tent?
Since lockdown I’ve been avoiding campsites as they became too popular and noisy. Wild camping is great but I don’t feel as much safe sleeping in a tent. Hence the idea that sleeping in my car might be safer and better alternative to traditional camping.
Once I purchased best car for car camping, I started exploring destinations. I used to explore the Highlands of Scotland with my tent, but now switched to touring the rest of the UK, wherever the weather seems better. Also, now I travel with the dog so had to forget about long term travel, exotic destinations and staying close to home instead. Which is quite an adventure because of car camping itself!
Here are my best places for car camping in the UK I have explored in the Summer of 2022, rated from my least favourite to top one. I am not including park up details but you can explore a bit and find them easily on parking apps. If it’s your first experience, check a list of my car camping essentials to make the trip easier.
As for 2026, this blog will be updated more regularly so if you would like to be updated, subscribe by mail, or give me a follow on my instagram.
5. Lytham by St Annes
Since we have never been to Blackpool , I thought we could stop there for one night on the way to Cornwall. Lytham is a small seaside town south of Blackpool. The town is very peaceful and less touristy with free parking spaces which makes it one of the best places for car camping in this area.
What to do while in Lytham:
- visit the town centre for shopping or a coffee
- walk the promenade in Lytham
- see the sand dunes in St Annes
- visit famous town of Blackpool !
4. Newquay, Cornwall
Surfers’ paradise town in the north coast of Cornwall. I didn’t know what to expect until we arrived in the early evening. We found free overnight parking with a good view over the bay and short walk to the Fistral Beach. This beach is busy, very windy and dog friendly! I loved everything about Newquay and our dog was a real celebrity in the town. In general, whole Cornwall is very dog friendly but Newquay specifically. It is also best place in Cornwall to visit with teenagers ( according to my child! ).
My top things to do in Newquay:
- eat authentic Thai street food from the food shack parked next to Berties nightclub;
- play old school arcade games at RetroBlast Coffee;
- visit Fistral Beach, dog friendly all year round, there are toilets and showers at the beach.
Sadly, it takes a very long drive from Edinburgh to Cornwall, but at least I felt like I am visiting the Mediterranean.
3. Torquay, Devon
While Newquay is very laid back and relaxed, Torquay in Devon is more traditional seaside town known as the English Riviera. More expensive too, but we found car park near the beach where we could park for around £10 for 24hours.
What to do in Torquay:
- visit Meadfoot beach with a cafe, colourful beach huts, card operated toilets and outside shower with water. Dogs are not allowed on the west part of the beach;
- or go crabbing at the harbour, you can purchase a crabbing kit from local vendors.
2. East coast, Scotland
Previously I was recommending East Lothian in Scotland, however recent overnight parking ban on coastal parkings in East Lothian made me to review. Since I discovered new coastal area in Angus, which is great for car camping, I am now recommending the whole east coast, from St Abbs to St Cyrus. Free toilets, safe park ups, hiking trails and views over the sea make this area my top places to car camp in the UK.
Belhaven Bay in Dunbar during low tide
Things to do on the East Coast:
- hike St Abbs Head National Nature Reserve
- take paddleboarding lesson with Coast2coast surf school in Dunbar;
- hike Arbroath Cliffs
- visit the Dunnottar Castle near Stonehaven
important : there are many signs in East Lothian banning overnight stay at popular car parks, including the one at the Belhaven Bay, so stay respectful
1. Bamburgh, Northumberland
Bamburgh is a small village on the coast of Northumberland with an amazing castle and beautiful sandy beach. It is quite small, very busy during the day and quiet in the evening. You won’t find any grocery shops or takeaway food in Bamburgh but for any supplies or entertainment you can take a short trip to Seahouses.
I mean, just look at this view I had from my car camping spot :
Top things about camping in Bamburgh are:
- good ice-cream and butchers serving fresh bacon rolls in the morning;
- amazing sandy beach you can walk with dogs all day;
- free parking and toilets open 24h;
- food from Creel & Reel Seafood Trailer , check their facebook page for opening hours as they change weekly.
Honestly, it is a little paradise and I make trips there every Summer since it’s only 2 hour drive from Edinburgh.
How to find best places for car camping in the UK
Finding good parking spaces is somehow easy but people with anxiety ( like myself ) might find it more challenging to decide where is it safe to stay overnight. If you are looking to stay somewhere safe and with facilities the best option would be searching for campsites that allow car camping. You can also keep an eye on parking spots on your regular drive. Lastly, you can use camping apps – Park4night, StayFree, Searchforsites. I must be honest though, some of the places became so popular it might not be easy to find a spot there, or it could have been banned already. No matter where you decide to car camp, remember to leave no trace so we can enjoy car camping as long as we can. Sadly I can see more and more parking areas not allowing an overnight stay anymore.
Stay tuned for an updated list of my car camping places and follow on instagram for updates.