Which UK Camping Sites Offer Stunning Views and Wild Swimming Opportunities?

From loch-view pitches at Port nan Gael in the Inner Hebrides to a French-style Roulotte in Hay On Wye in Wales, the UK offers some seriously scenic spots for summer camping. As temperatures rise, the best camping locations are those with access to open water, allowing you to enjoy the refreshing benefits of wild swimming. Here, we share top recommendations for campsites that offer stunning landscapes and water activities. Embrace these travel tips for your next adventure, whether you seek solo travel experiences, budget travel options, or a blend of food and travel delights.

Embrace Blue Health Benefits
If you’re eager to experience the “blue health” benefits of wild swimming, James Warner Smith, editor of Hipcamp UK, reveals the best places to stay that have lakes, rivers, and beaches nearby. These sites offer more than just a place to pitch your tent—they provide opportunities for stargazing, fishing, watersports, and basking in natural beauty.

Port nan Gael Campsite, Isle of Mull, Scotland
With breathtaking views of lochs and mountains, Port nan Gael Campsite on the Isle of Mull offers a truly picturesque setting in the Inner Hebrides. This special spot features spectacular sunsets and stargazing, where you might even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. The campsite offers both hard and grass pitches, camping pods, and an on-site pub. From here, you can launch kayaks and paddleboards directly into the loch, enjoy fly fishing, or watch local wildlife, including the island’s famous white-tailed sea eagles.

Oakhill Ponds, Somerset
Located on the edge of the Mendip Hills in Somerset, Oakhill Ponds provides a luxurious glamping experience at their enchanting site. The site features two large ponds on different levels with a waterfall between them. The lower pond is being developed for wildlife, while the upper pond is dedicated to leisure activities, with five inflatable kayaks and two paddleboards available for hire. This setting offers a perfect blend of tranquility and adventure for nature lovers.

Ro Dama, Camborne, Cornwall
For a more connected and regenerative way of exploring Cornwall, Ro Dama offers a unique model for tourism where profits from camping are invested in nature regeneration efforts. Here, you can immerse yourself in nature, with a wild willow glade and a rushing river that meets the sea at Godrevy beach. This site allows you to experience Cornwall in a way that promotes sustainable travel and deepens your connection with the environment.

The Enchanted Wilderness, Yelverton, Devon
At The Enchanted Wilderness, a back-to-basics campsite on the edge of Dartmoor, you can enjoy wild swimming and camping in a truly natural setting. Located on the Devon side of the River Tamar, this 22-acre site is being farmed for nature, inviting guests to camp with only the simplest facilities. The riverside setting provides a peaceful escape, with opportunities for paddleboarding, kayaking, or simply launching into the river for a refreshing swim.

These camping spots across the UK offer some of the best opportunities for wild swimming and outdoor adventure. Whether you’re planning a solo travel journey, looking for budget travel options, or seeking a blend of food and travel experiences, these destinations provide a perfect escape into nature. Embrace the beauty of the outdoors and the rejuvenating power of wild swimming at these exceptional camping locations.