Family Holidays Camping in the UK: Best Spots, Tips & Gear

Camping is one of the most rewarding ways for families to reconnect with nature, spend quality time together, and take a break from screens and busy schedules. Whether you're a seasoned outdoor family or you're used to luxury family holidays or even the best all-inclusive resorts for families, camping offers a refreshing and affordable alternative that's flexible, fun, and packed with adventure.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best times and places for family camping holidays in the UK in 2025, practical planning tips, must-pack essentials, eco-friendly practices, and how Jackery solar power station can power your next off-grid adventure—whether you're after a budget break or a more comfortable, high-end camping experience.

Best Time for Family Camping in the UK (2025)

Planning your family holiday around the school calendar ensures everyone can enjoy the break together. Here are the key dates to mark in 2025:

1. Summer Holidays 2025 (England & Wales):

o   Start: Friday, 25 July 2025

o   End: Monday, 1 September 2025

o   This is the prime window for longer camping trips, especially for families wanting to explore multiple locations or enjoy extended stays.

2. August Bank Holiday:

o   Monday, 25 August 2025

o   A perfect opportunity for a long weekend getaway before the school term begins. Expect high demand, so plan and book well in advance.

3. Autumn Half Term (England):

o   Typically, from 20 October to 31 October 2025

o   While the weather may be cooler, this is a magical time for camping amidst colourful foliage and seasonal events like Halloween trails or forest walks.

These periods are peak camping times in the UK, with many families choosing to head to the countryside, coast, or mountains for a memorable break. Whether you’re planning a week-long retreat or a spontaneous weekend trip, aligning your holiday with these school breaks ensures the whole family can unwind together.

Tips for Booking

• Reserve campsites early to avoid disappointment—many sites fill up months in advance.
• Consider mid-week stays or less touristy areas for a quieter and often cheaper experience.
• Think about the weather: Summer offers long days and mild nights, while autumn is beautiful but can be unpredictable—pack accordingly.
• If your schedule allows, look for off-peak periods just before or after school holidays to balance good weather with better availability and pricing.

Top Family-Friendly Camping Spots in the UK

The UK is blessed with incredibly diverse landscapes—from dramatic coastlines to tranquil forests and rugged mountains. Here are five of the best family camping destinations in 2025, each offering its own unique charm and appeal for families seeking both adventure and comfort:

1. Lake District

With its shimmering lakes, gentle hills, and well-maintained walking paths, the Lake District is a dream for outdoor-loving families.

• Activities: Family hikes around Derwentwater, lake kayaking, boat rides, visits to The World of Beatrix Potter.
• Top Campsites: Castlerigg Hall, Keswick Camping & Caravanning Club, Low Wray Campsite (with glamping pods).
• Why it works for families: Safe trails, local shops, nearby restaurants, and top-tier facilities.
• Bonus: Ideal for introducing kids to gentle adventure, while parents can enjoy a glamping option for added luxury.

2. Cornwall

Sun, surf, and sandy beaches make Cornwall a top spot for camping holidays.

• Activities: Beach days, surfing lessons in Newquay, visiting the Eden Project, cliff walks.
• Top Campsites: Trewan Hall, Trevornick Holiday Park, Polruan Holidays.
• Great for: Seaside fun, younger kids, and combining nature with educational attractions.
• Family Tip: Many sites offer kids' clubs and pools—great alternatives to all-inclusive resorts for families.

3. Wales (Snowdonia & Pembrokeshire)

Wales is ideal for families looking to mix mountains with coastlines.

• Activities: Hiking in Snowdonia, beachcombing and coasteering in Pembrokeshire, exploring Harlech Castle.
• Top Campsites: Aberafon, Caerfai Bay, Llyn Gwynant Campsite.
• Added bonus: Rich wildlife, educational value, and wide-open spaces for safe roaming.
• Why it stands out: A perfect balance of natural wonder and adventure—suitable for families with children of all ages.

4. Scotland (Loch Lomond & The Cairngorms)

Scotland offers a more remote and wild experience—perfect for stargazing and disconnecting from everyday life.

• Activities: Paddleboarding on Loch Lomond, wildlife watching, visiting dark sky parks, scenic train rides.
• Top Campsites: Cashel Campsite, Rothiemurchus, Glenmore Campsite.
• Best for: Older kids, adventurous families, and those seeking serenity.
• Tip: Consider glamping cabins or luxury safari tents to blend wilderness with comfort.

5. New Forest (Hampshire)

A paradise for younger children, with flat trails, wildlife encounters, and easy navigation.

• Activities: Cycling, wildlife spotting (look out for deer and ponies), family picnics, visiting Peppa Pig World nearby.
• Top Campsites: Hollands Wood, Ashurst Campsite, Sandy Balls Holiday Village.
• Budget tip: This area provides a more affordable alternative to high-end family resorts yet offers ample charm and convenience.
• Why it appeals: Accessible for families new to camping; well-equipped and centrally located.

Luxury Tip: If you love the comfort of luxury family holidays, consider glamping in any of these regions—many offer bell tents, treehouses, and hot tubs for a high-end outdoor escape without compromising on nature.

Family Camping Guide: Essentials for 2025

A successful family camping trip is all about preparation. Whether you're planning a back-to-basics weekend or a full-on glamping getaway, these essentials can make or break your experience.

1. Packing

Start with the basics: a durable tent suited to UK weather (rainfly and groundsheet are musts), cosy sleeping bags, and weather-appropriate layers for everyone in the family. Don't forget:

• Extra tarps or windbreaks for added shelter
• Portable first aid kit
• Torches or headlamps with spare batteries
• Insect repellent, sunscreen, and hats for sun protection
• Entertainment for downtime: colouring books, puzzles, travel games
• For families with young kids: baby wipes, nappies, collapsible bathtub, nightlight
• A compact clothesline for drying wet clothes or towels

2. Meals Made Easy

Good food keeps spirits high on a camping trip.

• Plan easy, low-prep meals like hot dogs, one-pot pasta, veggie foil packets, and breakfast wraps.
• Pre-marinate meats at home and freeze them for use later in the trip
• Pack high-energy snacks: trail mix, granola bars, crackers, fruit pouches
• Use a powered or well-insulated cooler for perishables
• For fun: bring a portable grill or marshmallow roasting forks for the kids
• Don’t forget eco-friendly plates and utensils to cut down on waste

3. Safety & Comfort

Comfortable kids make for happier campers.

• Show your kids the camp layout early—identify bathrooms, your pitch, and safety zones
• Keep young children within sight or sound at all times; whistles are great tools for quick alerts
• Prepare for nighttime temps: fleece blankets, hot water bottles, and thermal layers are handy
• Foam tiles or camping mats add comfort and insulation under sleeping bags
• Store a flashlight or lantern by the tent door for easy access in the dark

4. Eco-Friendly Camping

Teaching children to care for the environment is part of the camping experience.

• Follow “Leave No Trace” principles: dispose of rubbish properly, avoid picking plants or disturbing wildlife
• Bring reusable kitchenware and cloth towels instead of paper products
• Opt for biodegradable soap and wash at least 30m from any water source
• Choose solar-powered lights, speakers, and chargers—especially useful when paired with Jackery power solutions

Note: Whether you’re on a budget trip or enjoying a luxury family holiday in the woods, having a reliable power source helps keep devices charged, food fresh, and everyone comfortable.

How Jackery Powers Your Family Camping Trip

Modern family camping no longer means going completely off-grid. Whether you're planning a cheap family vacation with minimal gear or seeking a luxury family holiday that rivals the best all-inclusive resorts for families, power access can significantly elevate your comfort and safety during your outdoor escape.

Jackery’s portable power stations are designed with families in mind—combining convenience, durability, and eco-friendly innovation. Here’s how the Jackery portable power station in the UK can transform your camping holidays in 2025.

1. Jackery Explorer 240 v2 Portable Power Station

Ideal for families on shorter getaways, road trips, or budget camping holidays, the  Jackery Explorer 240 v2 Portable Power Station offers a surprising amount of functionality in a compact, backpack-friendly design.

Key Features for Family Camping:

• Ultra-Portable & Travel-Friendly: With a 256Wh capacity and weighing less than most 300W competitors, the Jackery Explorer 240 v2 Portable Power Station features a foldable handle and secure buckle, making it easy to pack for spontaneous weekend trips or lightweight car camping.
• 1-Hour Emergency Flash Charging & USB-C Ports: Supports USB-C input/output with 100W PD two-way fast charging—perfect for quickly topping up phones, tablets, kids’ devices, and emergency lighting.
• Longer Battery Life (3,000 Cycles): Thanks to its upgraded LiFePO4 (LFP) battery, this power station offers over 10 years of daily household use or countless camping trips with zero degradation worries.
• Ultimate Safety with 52 Protection Mechanisms: From smartphones to mini air pumps or fans in your tent, run your essentials smoothly and securely with ChargeShield™ 2.0, IEC safety certification, and FCC Class-B EMI compliance.
• Eco-Friendly Solar Charging: Recharge in just 3 hours using solar panels (sold separately) with zero emissions and ultra-quiet 42dB operation. Ideal for eco-conscious families who want sustainability without sacrificing convenience.
• Smart App Control via Bluetooth/WiFi: Adjust settings, monitor battery life, and optimize performance remotely—great when you're relaxing with the kids or busy cooking by the campfire.
• Reliable UPS (≤20ms Switching): Protect laptops, routers, or smart devices even during blackouts—your files and children’s online learning sessions remain safe and uninterrupted.

Perfect For:

• Weekend camping trips
• Cheap family vacations with tech convenience
• Tent campers and glampers alike
• First-time camping families seeking peace of mind

2. Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station

If your ideal camping trip includes electric grills, mini-fridges, or working remotely from the wild, the  Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station delivers premium performance for serious outdoor comfort.

Standout Features for Luxury Camping:

• Massive Power in a Small Package: With 1070Wh capacity and 1500W output, this is the smallest and lightest 1kWh LFP power station on the market—perfect for powering larger setups without bulk.
• 1-Hour Super Fast Charging: Charge fully in just one hour—a lifesaver for busy families. Spend less time waiting and more time exploring.
• Whisper-Quiet 22dB Operation: Let babies nap or enjoy quiet evenings under the stars without noisy generators disturbing the peace.
• Unmatched Safety and Longevity: Boasting 4,000 charge cycles, ChargeShield™ 2.0, and 62 layers of internal protection, this unit ensures dependable power for up to 10 years of daily use.
• Solar Ready with Zero Emissions: Ideal for long off-grid stays or eco-luxury holidays, pair with Jackery’s SolarSaga panels for silent, sustainable charging—perfect for environmentally conscious families.
• True UPS for Critical Devices: With IEC 62040 UPS certification and ≤20ms seamless switching, your router, laptop, or portable CPAP machine stays protected—even off-grid.

Perfect For:

• Long-term camping holidays
• Luxury family holidays in nature
• Glamping setups, campervans, and off-grid cabins
• Families with high power needs or medical devices

Jackery for Every Family Adventure

From budget breaks to luxury glamping escapes, Jackery helps families stay connected, safe, and stress-free. Whether your kids need their tablets powered during rainy afternoons or you're blending smoothies in the forest (yes, it’s possible), Jackery makes modern camping possible without compromising the essence of nature.

Quick Comparison:

Table 1: Jackery Explorer 240 v2 vs Explorer 1000 v2

Final Tips & Booking Resources

Make planning easier with these resources and final recommendations:

Booking Platforms

• Pitchup: Filter by family-friendly, dog-friendly, glamping, and more
• Hipcamp: Curated campsites across the UK
• National Trust: Combine camping with heritage site visits

Apps for the Road

• Met Office Weather: Real-time weather forecasts
• OS Maps: Navigation and route planning
• Park4Night: Find camper van and tent spots across the UK

Budget to Luxury

• Many sites offer pricing tiers, from basic pitches for a cheap family vacation to fully furnished glamping tents perfect for those used to all-inclusive resorts for families.
• Look for family discounts, loyalty programs, and off-peak deals.

Conclusion

Whether you’re escaping the city for a weekend or planning an extended summer retreat, camping is a wonderful way to bond as a family and explore the natural beauty of the UK. From the mountains of Wales to the beaches of Cornwall, there’s a camping experience for every family—no matter your style or budget.

With the right gear, a bit of planning, and a reliable power solution like Jackery, your 2025 family holiday can be both adventurous and comfortable. So pack your bags, pick your spot, and power up your next unforgettable family escape.

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