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How to plan a low-cost family camping holiday

Holidays are meant to be relaxing, but worrying about how much they’ll cost can be more of a dampener than an English summer shower. Fear not, camping holidays are the perfect low-cost way to have fun with all the family, without breaking the bank.

Read on to find out why camping holidays continue to be a firm family favourite, and discover our top camping picks that save on cash but deliver on fun.

A view of the camping and touring pitches at St Ives Bay. There is views of the sea in the background.

Key Takeaways

UK camping breaks from just £36 a night—perfect for fun-filled, low-cost family getaways.
Scenic, family-friendly parks across the UK, including Cornwall, Isle of Wight, and Dorset, with pools, play areas, and beach access.
Pet-friendly sites mean you can bring the dog and skip kennel costs.
Free and cheap activities like beach days, nature walks, and on-site fun keep everyone entertained.
Save on meals with picnics, BBQs, and self-catering options.
Pitches for tents, campervans, and caravans, plus electric hook-ups and great amenities.
Budget hacks like borrowing gear and choosing free fun activities makes camping affordable and easy.

Why choose a camping break for your budget-friendly holiday?

Camping holidays are the UK's answer to budget-friendly trips away with the family. Say goodbye to stuffy hotel rooms—pitching up a tent means you can snuggle up with your loved ones under the stars. From little kids to big kids (we’re looking at you, Dad), there’s plenty of fun to be had, whether you’re toasting marshmallows on a campfire or taking part in on-site activities.

Got a four-legged friend that doesn’t want to miss out on the action? Dog-friendly holiday parks mean you can bring along your pooch, saving them from their own expensive holiday to the kennel. With pitch hire starting at just £36 a night, you can secure your own idyllic spot.

Budget-friendly camping holiday parks

Away Resorts offers a range of budget-friendly camping sites with something for everyone. From tent adventures to campervan escapades, we’ve got camping spots that’ll make your wallet happy across loads of our parks.

With fantastic family facilities, scenic settings, and entertainment thrown in for good measure, it's your ticket to outdoor bliss without the hefty price tag. The only splashing out you’ll be doing is at the beach! Check out our top budget-friendly parks:

Whitecliff Bay (Isle of Wight)

Whitecliff Bay is a camper’s paradise, with superb on-site facilities to make your holiday unforgettable:

Pitch up on spacious grass pitches (sleeping six, dog‑friendly)
Dive into fun at the indoor heated pool, featuring a flume and toddler splash area, plus a seasonal outdoor pool and sun deck
Kids can explore the nautical playground, soft‑play, adventure golf, arcade, bike hire and Aqua Run
Evenings come alive at The Nab Bar (with great views and grub) and The Culver Club, featuring live shows, DJ nights, bingo, and kids’ theatre.
Top it off with stroll-down access to your own sandy beach.
We’ve even teamed up with Wightlink and Red Funnel to offer exclusive savings on Isle of Wight ferry crossings!

Outside the park, you can:

Hike from Whitecliff Bay to Bembridge and Culver Down, taking in coastal cliffs, WWII fort remains and stunning sea views
Explore Bembridge Ledge at low tide—we’re talking rock-pooling, paddling and spotting RNLI lifeboat launches
Take a scenic drive to The Needles & Alum Bay, complete with chairlift rides, multi‑coloured sands, and boat trips

A hot summer's day overlooking our outdoor pool at Whitecliff Bay. Come see for yourself when you visit the Isle of Wight on your next caravan holiday.

Appletree (Lincolnshire)

Appletree in Lincolnshire has loads to keep campers smiling:

Pitch up on spacious touring or camping spots.
Stay cool with the splash pad and adventure playground for the kids.
Challenge your crew to a round of foot‑golf, hit the Top‑Tracer driving range, or try the scenic 9‑hole golf course.
Grab bikes from the hire shack and explore the countryside together.
Head to the Six West Restaurant & Bar (dogs welcome!) for a tasty meal.

Explore nearby sites, like:

Adventures at Wolds Wildlife Park: meet lions, tigers, and leopards on a family day out.
Discover WWII aircraft at the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre on a disused airfield.
Meet farm animals, jump on inflatables and ride tractors at Rand Farm Park, great for little ones.

East Fleet Farm (Dorset)

East Fleet Farm in Dorset is a camper’s dream, with lots to do on and off-site:

Pitch your tent, caravan, or motorhome on spacious grass or hard‑standing sites.
Overlook the stunning Fleet Lagoon and Jurassic Coast footpath.
Family and accessible showers, laundry, dishwashing areas, and a well-stocked shop.
Fenced play area and adventure barn, perfect for keeping little feet busy.
Unwind at The Lady of Loretto bar and restaurant, complete with a log burner.

Make the most of nearby attractions:

Wander the Jurassic Coast path steps from your pitch, where you can enjoy the lagoon views and try your hand at fossil spotting.
Visit the nearby historic Portland Castle or Swanage Railway for steam train rides.
Take a day trip to Durdle Door & Lulworth Cove: iconic coastal landmarks with family-friendly walking trails, and plenty of beach space to go wild!

A bright sunny day overlooking our East Fleet Farm holiday park in Dorset. There are vast areas of countryside and a river to the horizon.

St Ives Bay (Cornwall)

St Ives Bay in Cornwall is a camping gem with plenty of on-site fun:

Pitch your tent, caravan, or motorhome on spacious grass or electric hookup pitches right across the dunes.
Splash about in the large indoor pool or splash pad for little ones, then hit the crazy golf, arcade games, and multiple play areas.
Grab a bite or cheeky cocktail at Sands Bistro/Bar or the family-friendly Dynamite Bar, complete with tapas and nightly entertainment.
Enjoy direct access to a 3-mile sandy beach and even a surf school!

Whilst staying at St Ives Bay, why not:

Relax and explore Gwithian Towans, a stunning beach with sandy dunes, and (if you’re lucky) you might even see some dolphins.
Visit the Cornish Seal Sanctuary nearby, and give kids of all ages the chance to learn about rescued seals in a hands-on way.
For bigger kids why not take a pottery class at Tate St Ives, before celebrating your masterpieces with fish and chips by the harbour.

Mersea Island (Essex)

Mersea Island in Essex is a top choice for campers craving seaside chill and a cosy village vibe:

Pitch your tent on grassy plots (tent-only).
Enjoy free use of an indoor heated pool with stunning estuary views.
Little ones run wild in the outdoor play area or at the arcade.
Enjoy refreshing pizzas at the Muddy Duck Clubhouse bar, complete with BBQs and seasonal entertainment.
With direct beach access to the Blackwater Estuary and nearby nature walks through Cudmore Grove, it's a family-friendly, all-weather escape.

In the area, you can get up to all sorts of adventures:

Enjoy wildlife and walks at Cudmore Grove Country Park, play in the playground, and stroll along the beach.
Try your hand at crabbing off West Mersea shore for a fun, free activity with a pinch!
Visit the Mersea Island Museum to unlock the area’s secrets- kids go free!

Moffat Manor (Scotland)

Moffat Manor in Scotland is a peaceful countryside escape perfect for campers:

Enjoy spacious grass or electric-hookup sites, with handy access to water, showers, and laundry facilities.
The on-site Lakeside Tavern serves drinks, pizzas, snacks, and even welcomes dogs!
Kids can burn off energy in the outdoor play area, with swings, slides, zip wire, and a nest swing.
Wander 80 acres of scenic lochside landscape with family-friendly trails.

Keep the whole family entertained with these local spots:

Hike to the dramatic Grey Mare’s Tail waterfall, a 60m drop in a beautiful nature reserve.
Explore Devil’s Beef Tub—a scenic valley just north of Moffat, ideal for easy exploring.
Have fun at the Moffat Museum (local history & model railway) or enjoy the waterfront Dock Park in town.

Cheap holiday activities for families

If you’re in search of easy, breezy fun, camping holidays offer just that. Here are just a few of the affordable things you can get up to on your next camping break:

Scenic walks and drives

Ready to stretch your legs or hit the road? Explore stunning scenic walks and cheeky little drives near our Away Resorts parks! Cruise coastal roads on the Isle of Wight or in Cornwall (windows down, tunes up), or roll through the New Forest. You might spot wild ponies strutting their stuff! Prefer to wander on foot? Hike leafy trails, picnic with the fam, or get creative building dens in the woods. Nature’s calling, so you better answer!

Heritage sites and museums

Step back in time with a day out to historic houses, local heritage sites and museums near our parks! From epic castles and grand stately homes to hands-on museums packed with child-friendly fun, there’s loads to explore, rain or shine. Many offer free entry or discounts for kids, making it a great value adventure, too. Perfect for curious minds (and grown-up history buffs), these spots mix learning with play for a fun-filled family day out.

Trips to the beach

Sun, sand, and sea: what more could you want? Away Resorts camping pitches are perfectly placed near some top-notch beaches. Head to Sandown or Shanklin on the Isle of Wight, chill at Barmouth Beach near Barmouth Bay, or enjoy the golden sands of Newquay and Perranporth in Cornwall.

Over in Essex? Don’t miss Brightlingsea Beach! Whether it’s sandcastle building or a sunset stroll, beach days are always a win, especially if you’re hankering for a Mr Whippy.

Best tips for camping on a budget

Camping on a budget? Easy! You can save some extra cash with these top tips:

Bring your own food and enjoy tasty BBQs or picnics- way cheaper (and more fun) than eating out every night.
Pack snacks, drinks, and breakfast bits to avoid pricey pit stops.
Choose free or low-cost activities like beach days, forest walks, or nature trails.
Many campsites offer free kids’ entertainment too!
Share camping gear with friends or borrow bits you don’t use often.

Remember, with stargazing nights and being out in nature, it’s the simple stuff that makes camping magical and affordable.

Explore budget camping holidays with Away Resorts

Ready to roll out the sleeping bags without rolling over your budget? With Away Resorts, you can enjoy brilliant budget-friendly camping holidays from as little as £40 a night, depending on the park and pitch type.

Whether you’re rocking up in a campervan or going full Bear Grylls with a tent, we’ve got grassy, electric, and hard-standing pitches across the UK.

Enjoy pools, playgrounds, pubs and more, right on your doorstep (or in this case, just outside your tent). With beach days, forest walks and campfires all thrown in for free, it’s proof you don’t need to break the bank to have big fun!

Want to find out more about camping and touring holidays with Away Resorts? Get in touch today to chat to our Holiday Heroes and to find out more about our offers.