Camping in Cirencester

Cirencester itself is not a camping destination in its own right, but it sits within easy striking distance of some of the best camping and glamping country in the Cotswolds, and the Cotswold Water Park just to the south is a particular draw for tents, touring caravans and static lodges alike. As in the rest of England, wild camping is illegal without the landowner's permission, so any stay here means booking into a proper campsite, caravan park or glamping site rather than pitching up on open land. The Water Park's network of lakes brings a handful of sites offering lakeside pitches, some with their own beaches, watersports centres and fishing access, making it popular with families and paddleboarders as much as traditional campers.

The gently rolling limestone countryside around Cirencester itself suits campsites set within working farms and small estates, often within a short drive of Cirencester Park, the Wildlife Park or the town centre for supplies and a meal out. Given the varied terrain, from flat lakeside ground around the Water Park to the more undulating fields further into the Cotswolds, it is worth checking a site's exact setting before booking if you have a preference for one over the other. Glamping has grown quickly in this part of Gloucestershire, with shepherd's huts, bell tents and safari-style lodges offering a more comfortable alternative to a traditional tent while keeping the same rural setting.

April to September is the most reliable stretch for camping here, with long daylight hours and the best chance of dry weather for lakeside days at the Water Park. Many sites open only for this core season and close over winter, so it is worth checking opening dates in advance if you are planning a visit outside the summer months. Weekends around the Cirencester Park polo season and the summer school holidays are the busiest times, so early booking is recommended if you want a pitch close to the water or within easy reach of the town.