10 beautiful UK campsites perfect for Instagram

Many campsites here are wasted if you use them as simple stopovers, because many of them are destinations in their own right. They’re the kind of places where the views are so good you’ll want to linger, the kids have space to run around, and you can snap a photo that’ll make your friends swear you’ve hopped on a plane.

To help you plan your next escape, we’ve rounded up ten of the most beautiful and unusual campsites across the country. There’s a mix here of family-run independents, those from the Camping & Caravanning Club, and those from the Caravan and Motorhome Club.

So, let’s get on with the list…

1. Llyn Gwynant Campsite, Snowdonia (Independent)

There’s something otherworldly about camping on the shore of a Welsh mountain lake. Llyn Gwynant sits right at the heart of Snowdonia National Park, with pitches running right down to the water’s edge and peaks towering all around the site. On still mornings, the mist rises from the lake and the reflections of the mountains can appear so perfect they almost look staged.

Families love it because there’s plenty to do in the immediate area, like boat hire, swimming (the water is tested regularly for safety), paddling or even just skimming stones. You can be as active or as laid-back as you like. It’s wild enough to feel adventurous but still has hot showers, a little shop and firepits you can hire.

Shot inspiration: Sunrise over the lake with your van in the frame.

2. Bay View Farm, Cornwall (Independent)

Bay View Farm is a tiny clifftop site with sweeping views over Looe Bay, so it’s one of those hidden spots you can’t believe isn’t on every postcard. You get a proper panorama of the sea from your pitch with the coastline stretching off in both directions.

Don’t expect a big holiday park vibe, as this campsite is quiet and peaceful. Kids will love the coastal path walk down to the beach for rockpooling, while grown-ups will love simply enjoying the view.

Shot inspiration: Golden hour light catching the cliffs and bay.

3. Invercoe Caravan & Camping Park, Glencoe (Independent)

Glencoe is the kind of place that makes your jaw drop, and this campsite lets you stay right at the foot of it. Invercoe has pitches looking across Loch Leven with the mountains looming behind. It feels cinematic, and indeed it is: James Bond fans will recognise the Glen Etive area from Skyfall.

There’s space for the kids to roam, and plenty of trails start nearby. You can head into the village for a cosy pub meal after a long day of exploring. It’s dramatic, yes, but it’s also practical for families who want a taste of the Scottish Highlands without being too cut off

Shot inspiration: Your motorhome framed against the famous Glencoe peaks.

4. The Quiet Site, Ullswater (Camping & Caravanning Club)

The Lake District Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has no shortage of stunning views, but The Quiet Site has something extra: It’s an eco-award-winning site with a zero-waste shop and its own bar, so you can feel good about staying somewhere sustainable.

Families appreciate the kid-friendly touches, from the playground to the wide-open space.

Shot inspiration: Hobbit holes glowing at dusk.

5. Trewan Hall, Cornwall (Independent)

Pitching up in the grounds of a 17th-century manor house isn’t your everyday camping experience. Trewan Hall mixes woodland pitches with a pool, evening entertainment, and a relaxed, slightly magical atmosphere.

The estate feels like a storybook setting with its ancient stone walls and huge trees. Kids love exploring, adults love the slightly nostalgic feel, and everyone loves the outdoor pool when the sun’s out.

Shot inspiration: Your camper framed against the manor walls and old trees.

6. Yellowcraig Caravan & Motorhome Club Site, East Lothian

If your idea of a perfect shot is dunes, sweeping sandy beaches, and lots of bird life Yellowcraig is the one. Just over half an hour from Edinburgh, this site feels worlds away once you’re on the coast.

The big draw is the view across to Fidra Island, which inspired Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island. But don’t miss the Scottish Seabird Centre that offers a Gannet Experience sound and light show.

Closer by, there are trails through the woods and dunes, and kids will happily spend hours in the rockpools.

Shot inspiration: Lighthouse silhouette at sunset.

7. Burrs Country Park, Bury (Caravan & Motorhome Club)

Sometimes it’s not just the view, it’s the atmosphere. At Burrs Country Park, you can pitch up right by the East Lancashire Railway and watch heritage steam trains puff past. Built around the remains of two cotton mills, it’s a site that mixes history with riverside walks and open space for families.

The trains are the real showstopper of a scene, but you’re also close to countryside trails and a short drive from the Pennines. For parents, it’s nice knowing the kids are entertained before you’ve even left the pitch.

Shot inspiration: Motorhome with steam train in the background.

8. Cae Du Campsite, Llwyngwril (Independent)

Few places feel as raw and beautiful as Cae Du. The pitches head down towards the sea on the edge of Cardigan Bay, with nothing between you and the waves. It’s simple, stripped-back camping with no frills, and that’s exactly why people love it.

Families come here for space and scenery. On a good day you might even spot dolphins offshore, while kids play on the rocks or explore the shoreline. It’s the kind of site that’s soundtracked by the sea.

Shot inspiration: Kids playing on the beach while dolphins leap in the distance.

9. Slapton Sands Camping & Caravanning Club Site, Devon

Slapton Sands is dramatic in its contrasts: three miles of shingle beach backed by a freshwater nature reserve. The campsite sits just behind, with easy access to both.

It’s one of those spots where you can swim in the sea in the morning and go birdwatching in the afternoon. The long, sweeping beach is perfect for family walks or just lounging the afternoon away with a picnic.

Shot inspiration: Wide shot of the beach and reserve stretching into the horizon.

10. Kinlochewe Caravan & Motorhome Club Site, Wester Ross

If you want to feel like you’ve travelled to another planet without leaving the UK, Kinlochewe is the answer. Set in the Torridon mountains, this is one of the most remote-feeling sites you’ll find, and it’s part of a Dark Sky reserve.

Families who come here are rewarded with some of the best stargazing in Britain. In the daytime, the mountains dominate every view; at night, the Milky Way blazes overhead. It’s quiet and unforgettable.

Shot inspiration: Camper under a sky full of stars.

Tips for planning your own picture-perfect trip

Scrolling through these sites, it’s easy to see why #vanlife has become such a big trend online. To make the most of your time away, here’s a few tips that mix campervanning with photography in order to help you get the perfect shot:

• Pitch for the light: When you check in, look at the sun path and wind direction before you commit. If sunrise matters, angle the sliding door so morning light spills into the van. For long exposures, use a hedge or bank as a wind break.
• Do a mini recce: Walk the site with your phone’s compass and level tool. Mark two or three “return later” spots for sunrise, blue hour and astro. This saves faffing in the dark and stops you setting up next to a path where head-torches will streak your frame.
• Use the van as a giant light modifier: Park so the van throws shade where you want soft portraits of the kids. Open the sliding door to create directional side-light; a silver windscreen sunshade becomes a bounce reflector. For harsh midday sun, shoot under the awning edge for natural negative fill.
• Beat condensation: Moving from cold air to a warm van fogs lenses. Keep your camera in a zip bag before stepping inside; let it warm gradually. A hand warmer on the lens barrel clears stubborn fog outside without finger prints or breath marks.
• Check for signal: Most of these sites have Wi-Fi or decent 4G, but coverage can change even within the same field. If staying connected matters (for sharing photos or streaming a film with the kids), wander round with your phone before you commit to a pitch. Saves you from the dreaded “buffering” tantrums later.

Final thoughts

As you can see, there are many campsites in the UK with potential to be the perfect Instagram backdrop.

If this has got you planning, you might like to take a look at our Bailey of Bristol caravans, motorhomes and campervans. All are built with families in mind, with space for bikes, paddleboards, and all the kit that makes trips like these possible.

Or head to our blog for more ideas on where the road could take you next.