The best campsites with fires
We love a good campfire. Being sat around a cauldron of flames on a summer evening or the smell of wood smoke & coffee drifting in the air on a chilly morning. For us, nothing beats it. Here we have rounded up our favourite campsites that allow fires across the UK.
While we know that campsites with campfires are definitely not for everyone, for those of us that do love a fire, finding good campsites that allow fires is like gold dust.
We’ve been to nearly all of the sites we have listed here & any we haven’t we aim to visit as soon as possible because they just look ace! So don’t forget to check back regularly, or subscribe to our newsletter as we will be adding to this list over time.
All of these campsites are suitable for tents, campervans, motorhomes and dogs unless we explicitly let you know that they aren’t.
But without further ado read on for the best campsites which allow fires in the UK and as a bonus we’ve included what is hands down the best portable fire pit for camping!
Should I use a fire pit for camping?
Mostly yes you should use a fire pit for campsites.
Campsites will usually ask you to keep your campfire contained within a fire pit so as not to damage their ground and contain any risk of the fire spreading. This is more than fair and the safest option so please do as asked, and assume this is the case unless specifically told otherwise.
Even when wild camping in a suitable area, the responsible thing to do is to have your fire in a pit so that you can truly leave no trace.
If the weather has been especially hot and/or dry then avoid lighting any fires as the risk of wildfires, even in comparatively damp countries like the UK, grows exponentially and it is completely unsafe to have a fire even in a fire pit.
The best portable fire pit for camping
biolite firpit
This portable camping fire pit from BioLite is hands down the best of the bunch – and we’ve, ahem, burnt through (sorry) a lot of fire pits in our time so we should know. But discover our full review of portable camping fire pits here.
It’s small, compact, fuel efficient and kicks out a ton of heat. The BioLite FirePit+ can be used with wood or coal and comes with a removable grill on top so you can cook on it. We like to cook over coals for our barbecue and then just add wood straight on top once we’ve eaten. And there we have ourselves a lovely campfire for the evening.
The legs fold down when not in use so that it can be shoved into a corner somewhere in your boot for traveling.
The BioLite power bank can be used to inject air into your fire from a load of tiny jets – allowing you to get your fire up and running quicker & hotter with far less smoke.
When you’re not using the power source to inject air into your fire you can use it as a power bank to charge your phones, tablets or whatever – a great option to have whilst camping.
So yes – it is an expensive fire pit but we’ve had ours for over two years now, it’s been through a lot and it is as good now as they day we bought it.
Final point – BioLite have a great company ethos and spend a lot of time and money doing good in the global community – if that’s not worth supporting we’re not sure what is!
Campsites which allow fires in Wales
Llyn Gwynant Campsite
Llyn Gwynant campsite is our favourite campsite in North Wales without a shadow of a doubt.
It sits right on a lake and a river and you can launch your own vessels from the site.
If you don’t own any SUPs or kayaks then don’t worry as they are available to hire from the site.
The site has a really, really good food cabin where you can get excellent stone baked pizzas or hot breakfasts – ideal.
Surrounded by the majestic mountains of North Wales and ancient towns and villages nestled in the valleys a weekend here will fly by before you even know what’s hit you. You’ll leave already planning your next visit!
Towyn Camping, Whitesands
We may be biased on this one as we used to go to Towyn campsite every year with friends back when we were in school. We spent our days exploring the coast before drinking white wine around a massive campfire.
Don’t expect any facilities here, it’s just a gently sloping field sat a short walk up from Whitesands beach.
However if you want a cheap weekend away in West Wales and to rediscover true freedom you can’t go far wrong.
Fairview Camping
Fairview Camping is a great little camping site tucked away in rural Pembrokeshire.
12 acres of open field, camp fires allowed and just a 10 minute drive from the superb Pembrokeshire coastline featuring beaches such as Newgale and Whitesands bay.
Charming Welsh villages also dot this stunning coastline including Solva, St Davids and Little Haven.
The campsite itself has no set pitches – just set up where you like and includes all your necessary amenities such as hot showers, compost toilets, mains water and, perhaps more importantly, epic views and wide open, starry skies to gaze at to the sound of your very own campfire crackling.
Campsites which allow fires in Scotland
Balloch o'dee Campsite
It’s probably criminal that Balloch O’Dee campsite has gone under our radar for years.
It looks, in a word, perfect.
Probably right at the top of our must visit campsites Balloch O’Dee looks and sounds from the rave reviews that we’ve heard like absolute bliss.
Tents, campervans and dogs are all welcome. Choose between a cosy communal area to meet fellow campers and while away the evenings, or a solitary campfire at your pitch if you so wish. All of this set in the surrounds of the Galloway Forest and Hills just sounds too good to be true.
We are itching to get up there and write a proper review once we’ve been.
Campsites which allow fires in Somerset
Petruth Paddocks campsite
Petruth Paddocks campsite sits just south of the Mendip Hills and a mere stones throw from Cheddar Gorge. So you won’t be short of options for exploring.
A spacious site comprised of several large fields you should have plenty of room here to enjoy yourselves.
It does get busy in the summer so we’d fully recommend booking well ahead of time to ensure they can get you in.
When we visited they were very busy but ensured that everyone had plenty of space and we weren’t crammed in at all!
We absolutely loved Petruth Paddocks and as we are from Bristol it is just down the road and we’ll be back soon for sure!
Ebborways Farm campsite
Ebborways farm campsite advertises itself as ‘real camping’ and we couldn’t agree more.
This back to basics site is perfect for really relaxing without all the buzz and hectic noises of modern life.
Set in the Mendip Hills AONB there is plenty of outdoor options here to keep you entertained and to ensure that by the time you flop beside the evenings campfire you will be well and truly worn out.
Well worth stopping by for provisions for your stay here is the Priddy Good Farm Shop, a well stocked farm shop and cafe that we often stop off at on our way South.
Campsites which allow fires in Oxfordshire
Valley Farm Campsite
We visited Valley Farm Campsite in Oxfordshire years ago before we had our campervan and we had an absolute blast (check out our guide to a weekend in Oxfordshire here).
A smallish site set out over a field or two you will probably be greeted by a friendly owner upon arrival at the little entrance office who will be able to answer any questions you have.
This little gem is within a short taxi drive from the City and a short walk from the Thames – so whether you are after a rural escape or a city break you’ll be fixed just right here.
And at the end of the day you can of course relax around your very own campfire and watch the stars come out.
The Pig Place
The Pig Place is a wonderfully peculiar site that is 100% worth a visit to.
Small holding with animals on-site – check, farm shop and outdoor bar – check, lovely setting on a canal – check.
The main field is a little sloping so if you’re in a campervan make sure you’ve brought your leveling chocks with you and all will be well.
Quick note on this site – they don’t permit you to have fires at your pitch but there is a communal space with sofas etc. by the bar & canal where fires are allowed. This has created a really lovely communal feel to the campsite and a great place to unwind.
Campsites which allow fires in Shropshire
Monstay Farm and Campsite
Monstay Farm Campsite is to be found down a long, narrow and potholed drive – but take your time and it’ll all be good.
The campsite is made up of two medium sized fields and a number of hardstandings that you can walk straight into the Shropshire hills from.
The site also boasts cracking views down into the valley, is close to the market town of Ludlow and some outstanding Shropshire countryside.
Campsites which allow fires in Herefordshire
Burhope Farm Campsite
Burhope Farm campsite is a great little site tucked away in rural Herefordshire.
If you’re into fishing then you’ll be right at home here as this campsite features a lake. Accommodation comprises of a choice between the camping field or the hardstandings with EHU available.
Nearby is the river Wye for water enthusiasts, the Forest of Dean which hosts the Cannop mountain bike trails. Or if old market towns is your game then Abergavenny, Hereford, Monmouth & Ross on Wye are all within a stones throw.
Campsites which allow fires in Norfolk & Suffolk
The Hollies Camping and Leisure Resort
The Hollies camping and leisure resort is another great site literally right on the Suffolk coast – a larger and a little more established than Sea Breeze just further North.
This is the place for you if you fancy a few more modern luxuries and structure to your holidays but still want direct beach access and a lovely campfire to finish off the evenings.
Breck Farm
Breck farm has been immediately bumped up to one of our favourite ever campsites after our recent visit in May.
Acres of space, woodland to explore in abundance, all the camping facilities you’d need, a small shop for the essentials and a refreshingly laid back approach to camping.
On weekends food trucks arrive at the site to save you the hassle of cooking.
Pitchup where you like, choose from two massive campfire fields or the fire free EHU field and make yourself comfortable.
If you choose to stay on site you’ll have plenty of space for games and activities, or if you choose to go off and explore the Norfolk Broads aren’t too far away and the wonderful Norfolk coast is just up the road.
We’ll be back for sure just as soon as we can.
Campsites which allow fires in Cambridgeshire
Mad Hatters Campsite
Mad Hatters campsite located just North East of Cambridge is a truly unique campsite.
This site is a nature lovers delight with a number of pitches carved out in a meadow. During the summer you will be able to buy local produce lovingly grown by the site owners.
Campsites which allow fires in Yorkshire
Hobground campsite
Hobground campsite is definitely one of our favourite campsites.
We stayed here during a long weekend trip to visit the North York Moors – perfectly placed for access up onto the moors but without so much of the drastic change-able weather.
Read more about this site on our guide to a long weekend on the North York Moors.
Usha Gap Campsite
Usha Gap campsite is one of the campsites on this list that we unfortunately haven’t yet had a chance to visit but we can’t wait to get up there and see what it’s all about.
Situated in the Yorkshire Dales but also within a sensible distance of the Lake District and the North Penines this is truly the outdoorsman’s paradise offering up outdoor pursuits of all varieties.
The campsite itself looks to have cracking views of the rolling hills & dry stone walls of the Dales. It is within walking distance of local villages and pubs so you’ll not go hungry or thirsty on your stay here – what’s not to like?
Why not check out our full guide to camping in Yorkshire including campsites, pub stopovers and an action packed itinerary?
Campsites which allow fires in Devon & Cornwall
Ashbourne Woods
Ashbourne woods campsite is a really unique site set in some woodland just on the edge of Dartmoor. Great walks are available from and through the site as it is carved out of a forest and being right on the edge of Dartmoor national park the campsite provides perfect access up onto the moors!
There were some site renovations & improvements going on when we visited in February 2020 so we’re excited to make a return visit at some point and check it out again.
There is a really outstanding olde-world pub within walking distance that does the best burgers!! It is a walk down a small lane so make sure to take a torch!
Carne Camping
Carne camping is as back to basics camping as it’s possible to get. No booking in advance, just a field, some toilets and plenty of space for a campfire.
Situated almost as far south west as it’s possible to get in Cornwall this site is a real treat for those who prefer something more basic!
Campsites which allow fires in Dorset
Primrose fields campsite
Primrose fields campsite in Dorset is a real treat.
A huge, flat field with bags of room this site is just perfect for those who want a little more space and to not feel crammed in.
An ideal base for exploring Dorset and the magnificent Jurassic coast we have been here several times and enjoyed every visit.
pilsdon view/Charside campsite
Pilsdon view/Charside campsite has got, probably, the loveliest owners of any campsite that we have ever been to, and we’ve been to quite a few. So that speaks volume.
These guys spared no effort in making sure we had everything we needed and had the best time.
Pilsdon view is the main campsite with full facilities etc. and Charside is the cheaper option only open for a few weeks each year when the livestock moves out! How cool is that.
Whichever option you go for we guarantee that owners Terry & April will be excellent hosts.
Oh, also, it’s in Dorset, one of our favourite places in the UK. You won’t be short of things to do here, for a few ideas check out our guide to 12 must see places in Dorset!
Summary
Did you notice that we love, love, love campsites which allow fires?
Do you know of other campsites that allow fires that you think we need to visit?
Or perhaps you own a campsite that allows fires and want us to come visit and add you to the list?
Either way – leave a comment below, get in touch with us here or drop us a message on social media using the icons below!
Now Go Explore! With Fire!
