Campsites near Swindon

This historic market town has heritage trails, AONBs, and UNESCO sites right on its doorstep.

96% (1629 reviews)
96% (1629 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Swindon

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12 top campsites near Swindon

98%
(31)

The Meadow @ Waples Mill

12 units · Tents8 acres · Dunmow, England
Spacious grass pitches in the green Essex countryside A 15-minute drive to Chelmsford; 40 minutes to Audley End Tractor rides on site; firepits provided for campfires. Rural walks, How about proper farm activities like tractor rides (ask site staff for details)? The place to find all this is The Meadow at Waples Mill, an Essex farm site between Chelmsford and Dunmow (and about 15 minutes’ drive from both). This family-friendly site is handy for walks on the Essex Way and other local footpaths, and tractor and trailer rides around the farm are organised on alternate days to give guests a glimpse into agricultural life. Activities complete for the day, it's time to chill out, and that should be easy here – all pitches have access to toilets and hot showers in a trailer close by, and firepits are provided so you can have a safe campfire (with wood available to buy on site and a great farm shop 10 minutes’ drive away for fireside snacks). Pitches themselves are large, well kept and well spaced within a meadow that backs onto the River Roding. Dogs are welcome, and there are plenty of places to take them for a walk nearby. London folk looking for a quick escape to the countryside, this is a place to bear in mind – it’s only about an hour and quarter by road from the city.
Campfires
Showers
from 
£24
 / night

Under £50

Star Hosts in Swindon

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Campsites near Swindon guide

Overview

While the crowds make a beeline for nearby Oxford and Bath, the Wiltshire market town of Swindon makes a strategic basecamp for in-the-know campers wanting to explore the region’s headline acts. Check into a quiet farm campsite or caravan park and enjoy easy access to the surrounding cities and AONBs. Browse the shops and markets in the Old Town, enjoy a picnic by the lakeside in Queens Park, or stroll around the woodlands and landscaped gardens of The Lawns. Swindon also lies along the Great West Way heritage trail, and a highlight is the Great Western Railway at STEAM Museum.

Where to go

North Wessex Downs

South of Swindon, the verdant hills of the North Wessex Downs AONB have miles of trails for hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders. Marvel at the Wiltshire White Horses, giant chalk drawings etched onto the hillsides; explore the ancient stone circle at Avebury; or cruise along the Kent & Avon Canal. Stop by the market towns of Marlborough, Hungerford, and Pewsey, where you’ll find traditional pubs and local artisan shops.

The Cotswolds

England’s most idyllic slice of residential countryside is the Cotswolds AONB. Hire a campervan for a road trip along the winding country lanes, stopping to explore the pretty stone villages, walk or cycle through rolling farmlands, or spot celebrity residents in villages like Castle Combe, Broadway, and Bourton on the Water. The Cotswolds adds a touch of glamor to camping, too—there are some great glamping options, and you’re never far from a gastro-pub.

Salisbury Plains

An hour’s drive south of Swindon, the enigmatic ruins of Stonehenge lie high on the Salisbury Plains. Visit the UNESCO site at sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic views, take a hike through the hills, then head to nearby Salisbury to admire the mediaeval cathedral. To the south, quiet hiking trails and backcountry campsites await in the Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs AONB.

When to go

If you’re visiting in peak season between July and August, Swindon makes a smart choice to dodge the crowds, and there’s also a busy calendar of summer events and festivals. Wiltshire weather is best from May through September—plan a hiking trip in late spring to see the countryside blossoming with wildflowers, or in fall for autumnal walks through the Cotswolds.

Know before you go

  • Swindon has several camping and outdoors stores where you can pick up supplies for your camping trip. 
  • Swindon has public transport links to many of the surrounding towns and attractions, but it is handy to have your own transport, especially if staying at rural campsites.
  • Most campsites require advance booking, and many ask for the full payment upfront. Be sure to check opening dates, as some campsites close in the winter months.
  • Wild camping is illegal throughout Wiltshire.

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