Camping in Martock

Martock sits in flat, fertile country on the edge of the Somerset Levels, and while the surrounding fields and lanes look inviting, wild camping is not legally permitted anywhere in England without the landowner's explicit permission, and this part of Somerset is almost entirely farmed or private land. The good news is that the area has a genuine, well-run touring site close by: Southfork Caravan Park, set between Martock and South Petherton, welcomes tents as well as caravans and motorhomes, and also has glamping pods for those who want a roof without pitching canvas. It makes an ideal base for walking the Parrett Trail or exploring Ham Hill, both within easy reach.

The terrain around Martock is gentle and low-lying, part of the wider Somerset Levels drainage system, which means pitches tend to be flat and easy to reach, though the ground can turn soft after sustained rain given the area's history of seasonal flooding, so it is worth checking site conditions in the wetter months. Ham Hill itself, a former quarry and Iron Age hillfort a short drive away, offers a change of scenery with more elevation and views across the Levels, though camping there is not permitted; it is best visited as a day trip from a nearby site.

Summer and early autumn are generally the most reliable seasons for camping in this part of Somerset, with drier ground and long evenings well suited to sitting out. Spring can be attractive too, with the Levels' hedgerows and wildlife at their best, but pack for changeable weather. For those who want the countryside setting without the logistics of a tent, glamping pods at Southfork Caravan Park and other sites in the South Petherton and Ham Hill area offer a comfortable middle ground, with proper beds and heating alongside the same rural views.