Camping in Bristol

Bristol is unusual among English cities in having a genuine campsite within its own boundaries: Baltic Wharf, tucked into the redeveloped docks a short walk or ferry ride from the harbourside, lets you pitch up within sight of SS Great Britain and be in the city centre in minutes. For those happy to travel a little further, the countryside south of Bristol around Chew Magna and the Chew Valley opens up quickly, with rolling farmland, a large reservoir popular with birdwatchers and anglers, and campsites that trade city convenience for genuine rural quiet, still only a 20 to 30-minute drive from the centre.

Camping near Bristol suits a different kind of visit to a hotel stay: it works well for families wanting space for children to run around after a day in the museums, for cyclists using the Bristol to Bath railway path, which passes close to several sites, and for those visiting the Balloon Fiesta or other summer festivals who want a budget base without sacrificing easy access to the city. Facilities vary considerably, from the Camping and Caravanning Club's serviced pitches at Baltic Wharf to smaller family-run sites in the Chew Valley with simpler amenities and a slower pace.

Most sites in the area cater well for tents, caravans and motorhomes alike, and dogs are welcome at all three featured below, making this a practical option for those touring the wider West Country rather than staying put in one place. Given the popularity of the Balloon Fiesta weekend in August and half-term holidays, advance booking is strongly recommended for any of these sites during peak season, while quieter weekends can often be booked at short notice.