Camping In Wiltshire: Best Campsites, Wild Camping, Things To Do & More!

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Last updated on July 3, 2023 by Wandering our World

With its dazzling and diverse landscape, stunning wide valleys and the best-known prehistoric monument in Europe – Stonehenge – it’s little surprise camping in Wiltshire is such an ideal holiday for an outdoor enthusiast.

This county boasts some of the prettiest villages in the UK and has incredible Neolithic sites. Whilst located just an hour and a half from London means Wiltshire is the perfect staycation weekend away for those living and working in the capital.

Whether you are planning to hike, cycle, visit on a day-trip, or are just looking for an inexpensive way to visit this region, camping in Wiltshire can be a cost effective and fun way to do that. It’s also a truly unique opportunity to lose yourself in the quiet scenery that makes this place so special.

There are several campsites in Wiltshire to choose from. We give some thoughts on our top picks below, alongside our recommendations for where to visit near each. Then we show you some of our favourite walks and things to do in Wiltshire, and also look at weather and wild camping in Wiltshire later on in this article too.

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/nortonrsx

Camping In Wiltshire

A Wiltshire holiday is guaranteed to live up to expectations, with wildlife spotting opportunities, beautiful walking trails, historic towns and cities, and the chance to visit the mysterious stone circles that were built here – such as Avebury, the largest prehistoric stone circle in the world!

There are some great campsites to choose from that are located close to some of those historic sites, ancient landmarks and main walking routes in Wiltshire – we give some of our favourites below.

A good quality walking in Wiltshire book – like this one – can help you plan what area you may want to visit and walk in, and therefore what campsites might be of interest to you.

However if you’re wanting to discover some of the best campsites in Wiltshire, we have you covered!

Photo via Unsplash+

Camping In Wiltshire: Some Of The Best Campsites In Wiltshire

Devizes Camping & Caravanning Club Site

If you are looking for a tranquil, well-maintained campsite with quick and easy access to some of the UK’s most significant prehistoric sites, Devizes Camping & Caravanning Club Site is a great choice.

Located in the heart of Wiltshire by the peaceful Kennet & Avon Canal, this campsite has many walking and cycling routes nearby. The tree-lined site will give you a sense of seclusion, but the playing field and play area here will also keep children entertained.

The lovely tow path to Trowbridge and Devizes is situated just a few minutes walk from the site. We loved visiting the nearby quaint Wadworth Brewery while visiting. There you can learn about the brewing process and how Shire horses delivered beer to local inns for over 125 years. That’s horse power (and pints)!

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/welcomia

Stowford Manor Farm

This charming family run campsite is open from April to the end of October and offers great views of the River Frome which flows beside Stowford’s medieval buildings.

The town of Bradford-on-Avon – which can trace its origins to the Roman period – is home to historic buildings, shops and nice restaurants and is only a 5 minute drive away. The site is also conveniently situated close to the famous Longleat Safari Park and the old city of Bath.

Kids, as well as adults, will enjoy the chance to go fishing, boating, swimming and paddling at the river swimming club which is 200 yards downstream of the campsite too.

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/m_gucci

Salisbury Camping and Caravanning Club Site

Located next to Hudson’s Field – a wide expanse of land that is used for sports, picnics, and walks – and situated a mile from historic Salisbury, this campsite is a perfect base for exploring the city and surrounding region. An added bonus here is that you can bring you four-legged friend along!

Open almost year-round, this campsite is a leisurely 1.5-mile walk along the riverbank to the famous Salisbury Cathedral which is home to the 1215 Magna Carta manuscripts. The city’s fascinating 14th century clock – the oldest working mechanical clock in the world – is worth a visit too.

The renowned UNESCO World Heritage site of Stonehenge is only 9 miles from Salisbury as well.

Photo for illustrative purposes only. iStock.com/photoschmidt

Stonehenge Campsite & Glamping Pods

If you want to be even closer to the world’s most architecturally sophisticated prehistoric stone circle, then this campsite will be perfect.

Stonehenge Campsite & Glamping Pods boast a secluded, semi woodland setting – which is perfect to recharge your batteries and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Do make the most of some family time around their campfire in the evening!

This multi-award winning campsite has a perfect location close to Stonehenge, has well-kept facilities, and offers a variety of accommodation options – including five Glamping Pods for a luxury camping experience.

The site also has easy access to walks, two local pubs and a lovely farm and village shop so you can stock up on groceries and grab a pint of local ale.

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/g-stockstudio

Wild Camping In Wiltshire

DISCLAIMER: Below we give general advice, but we always recommend staying in an official campsite. If you choose to go wild camping/dispersed camping, then make sure you do so with someone who already knows the area where you’re planning on camping for your own safety.

Like other areas of England, wild camping in Wiltshire isn’t officially allowed. Although campers are allowed to pitch their tent if they have the permission of a landowner.

However as this area is a popular walking area with amazing natural beauty, outdoor enthusiasts do sometimes wild camp here. If you are planning to wild camp in Wiltshire – and can’t be swayed to stay in a campsite instead – we’ve compiled the following guidelines to help keep you out of trouble and camp in a considerate manner:

  • You should camp in the same place for one night only, and pitch your tent discretely and in a remote place which will not be easily seen. Therefore don’t camp in or near settlements, someone’s farm or on cultivated land. If you think you’re on private land, always seek out the landowner and ask permission. They may request a small fee.
  • Campers should set up their tent at dusk, and take it down at dawn. A tent that is discreet, blends in with the landscape, and pitches quickly is best. Therefore a lightweight walking tent like this one would be a great investment for someone planning to wild camp in Wiltshire.
  • If you are walking a trail, make sure you choose to camp in a place that won’t be in any other hiker’s or walker’s way.
  • When wild camping in Wiltshire, you must never make a campfire. Instead of building campfires, you could use a storm cooker for cooking – but check local laws first. Then there is much less wildfire risk and you can cook knowing that the fire is contained. We believe the best ones on the market are Trangia storm cookers. Portable solar ovens, like this one by GoSun, are also a good fuel-less option.
  • Take any rubbish with you, and leave your camping spot exactly the way you found it.
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Eshma

Some Of The Best Places To Visit When Camping On Wiltshire

Castle Combe

The exceptionally pretty village will mesmerize anyone who visits.  Known as the ‘prettiest village in England’, this stunning settlement is featured regularly as a film location.

Here you can visit the Market Cross and St Andrew’s Church which dates back to the 13th century. This historical church is home to one of the oldest working clocks in the country too.

Studley Grange Butterfly World & Craft Village

Located near Swindon, this great family day out will have you stepping into a tropical climate as you explore the butterfly house which includes exotic plants, fish pools and vibrant free-flying butterflies.

There’s also cute meerkats, otters, a giant tortoise and even a raccoon here – a perfect family day out.

Photo via Unsplash+

Stonehenge

This atmospheric man-made stone circle is one of the world’s most famous prehistoric monuments and is Wiltshire’s main attraction.

Built 5,000 years ago in the late Neolithic Age, this majestic monument took over 1,000 years to build, and together with Avebury circle, forms the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Camping In Wiltshire: The Weather & Best Months To Visit

With mild to warm temperatures, spring is the perfect time to visit Wiltshire as families can make the most of a full day exploring the nature reserves and historic sites. Temperatures range from 5°C to 16°C, and visitors can see flowers in full bloom and birds can be spotted during walks.

Summer is a great time to visit as Wiltshire’s daytime temperatures range between 15°C and 21°C. It’s also a perfect time to undertake relaxing walking trails as the land will be dry and walkers can enjoy longer daylight hours.

With milder temperatures during autumn – ranging between 4°C to 18°C – it’s a fantastic time to avoid the peak summer tourist season, go on hikes, take in the majestic medieval monuments, and enjoy the beautiful landmarks here. In particular, we love the atmosphere when visiting Avebury at this time of year.

Winter brings the shortest daylight hours and coolest temperatures, ranging between 1°C and 8°C, but visitors can enjoy the crisp air during walks on the different trails around the area.

Recommended For Camping In Wiltshire

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  • Wandering our World

    Hi and welcome to Wandering our World! This article was written by one of the Wandering our World team - a team of travel enthusiasts who live around the globe.