Perfect places to pitch in the Cotswolds

Camping & Touring in the Cotswolds

​​

By James Long

Local Cotswolds tour guide and editor of Cotswold Insider

Published: 4 January 2026

​

Camping and touring offer one of the most flexible and affordable ways to stay in the Cotswolds, particularly for travellers who prioritise the outdoors, walking, and freedom of movement over comfort or facilities.

 

This category includes traditional campsites, touring parks, campervan and motorhome stopovers, and a small number of basic caravan sites. It suits visitors who enjoy being close to nature and are happy planning their days around weather, light, and local conditions.

 

This guide explains when camping and touring work best in the Cotswolds, where these sites tend to be located, and what to think about before choosing one.

 

When Camping or Touring Works Best

 

Camping and touring tend to suit trips built around outdoor activity rather than sightseeing volume.

 

They work particularly well if:

​

• You’re visiting in late spring, summer, or early autumn

• Walking, cycling, or outdoor time is a priority

• You’re travelling by campervan or motorhome

• Budget flexibility matters

 

They are less well suited to short winter breaks or trips focused on dining and town-hopping.

 

Camping vs Glamping

 

Camping and glamping are often grouped together, but they offer very different experiences.

 

Camping and touring sites

 

These are typically:

​

• Simple and practical

• Focused on pitches and facilities rather than design

• Better for walkers, cyclists, and touring travellers

 

Comfort depends largely on your own equipment and preparation.

 

Glamping sites

 

Glamping tends to be:

​

• More fixed-location and design-led

• Higher cost

• Better suited to short, contained stays

 

If convenience and comfort matter more than flexibility, glamping may be a better fit.

 

Where Camping and Touring Sites Are Found

 

Camping and touring sites in the Cotswolds are usually:

​

• On the edges of villages

• In rural valleys and farmland

• Close to walking routes rather than towns

 

This makes them ideal for countryside exploration, but less convenient for evening dining or public transport access.

 

Checking access roads, pitch types, and nearby services is especially important before booking.

​

Practical Considerations Before Booking

​

Camping and touring stays benefit from a bit of forward planning.

​

It’s worth checking:

​

• Pitch types and hook-up availability

• Shower and toilet facilities

• Shop and pub access

• Arrival and departure times

• Seasonal opening dates

​

Sites vary widely, and small details can have a big impact on comfort.

​

Camping & Touring Compared With Other Accommodation Types

​

Camping and touring are often compared with:

​

• Glamping, which offers more comfort at a higher cost

• Hostels, which provide budget indoor accommodation

• Cottages or self-catering, which suit longer or less weather-dependent stays

​

The right choice depends on season, tolerance for weather, and how self-contained you want to be.

​

For a broader overview of where different accommodation types work best — including hotels, cottages, B&Bs, glamping, and hostels — see our Sleep in the Cotswolds guide.

​

Finding the Right Camping or Touring Site

​

If you’re ready to explore specific locations and site types, our camping and touring guides focus on where sites work best rather than listing every option.

​

Featured camping and touring guides will appear here as the site expands.

​

What to Read Next

​

→ Hotels in the Cotswolds
→ Cottages in the Cotswolds
→ Bed & Breakfasts in the Cotswolds
→ Self-Catering & Holiday Homes in the Cotswolds
→ Glamping in the Cotswolds
→ Hostels in the Cotswolds