If you want the best places to pitch a bell tent, the UK alone offers strong options: Nantcol Waterfalls in Wales, Woodfire in Sussex, Petruth Paddocks in Somerset, and Fidden Farm on the Isle of Mull. Each site offers something different, from waterside pitches and coastal access to off-grid simplicity and year-round availability.
For those willing to travel further, destinations like White Sands in New Mexico, the treehouse campsites of Oregon, and the glaciers of Norway offer camping experiences far outside the ordinary. Whether you prefer comfort or adventure, knowing where to go before you book saves time and sets the right expectations.
Four UK Sites Worth Booking Early
Bell tent camping has grown steadily across the UK over the past few years. More campsites now welcome them alongside standard tents and campervans. The four sites below stand out for accessibility, atmosphere, and variety of activities.
Nantcol Waterfalls, Llandbedr
Nantcol Waterfalls sit in North Wales and open from March to October each year. The site works well for families, with waterside pitches close to natural swimming spots and clearly marked walking trails, including a child-friendly route.
On-site facilities include bathrooms, toilets, a dishwashing area, and a launderette. You also get access to a hill farm covering around 400 acres. Holiday cottages are available on the property if you want more shelter without leaving the site.
Woodfire, South Downs, Sussex
Woodfire is a small, owner-run campsite in the heart of the South Downs. The setup is deliberately simple: wide open green space, no electronic distractions, and campfires encouraged.
Activities on and around the site include fishing, cycling, wildlife watching, hiking, stargazing, and surfing nearby. The site opens from Easter through the end of September, covering weekends and school holiday periods. If you have not visited the South Downs before, this site gives you direct access to the national park.
Petruth Paddocks, Somerset
Petruth Paddocks sits a few minutes from Cheddar Gorge in Somerset and opens year-round, making it one of the few UK sites where you can camp in winter. The fields are spacious, with running water, hot showers, and toilets available on-site.
The Gorge is the main draw here: cliffs, caves, and a full visitor attraction right on the doorstep. Petruth Paddocks also accepts pets, which cuts out the stress of finding alternative arrangements for your dog.
Fidden Farm, Isle of Mull
Fidden Farm has been a family-run site since the 1950s. The current third-generation owners keep it open from 1 April to 30 September. The site sits along Mull’s coastline, with direct access to the sea and shallow beaches suitable for children.
The terrain is open and flat, making it straightforward to find a good pitch. Bell tents, caravans, and campervans are all welcome. The scenery here is uninterrupted: no crowding, no noise, just coastline and open sky.
Five Places to Pitch Your Bell Tent Outside the UK
If you are planning a trip further afield, these five destinations offer camping experiences that go well beyond a standard field or forest.
White Sands, New Mexico
White Sands National Park sits in southern New Mexico and holds the largest gypsum dune field in the world. The landscape is stark white and completely unlike anywhere else in the United States.
Backcountry camping is available at designated sites within the park. You pitch your tent among the dunes and wake to sunrise across the white sand. Temperatures vary sharply between day and night, so check the weather before you go.
Treehouse Camping in Oregon
Oregon has several locations across the state where you can sleep in a treehouse above the forest floor. These sites vary in setup, from basic platforms to more structured builds with beds and covered roofs.
If you want a night in the canopy without roughing it entirely, this is a workable option. Most sites require booking, especially during summer and autumn.
Big Sur, California
Big Sur runs along the rugged central California coast and offers some of the most dramatic beach camping in the US. Several campgrounds sit on bluffs overlooking the Pacific, with redwood forest access behind you and ocean views ahead.
The weather along this stretch can shift quickly, so bring layers. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and Kirk Creek Campground are two established sites worth researching when planning your visit.
Volcano Camping in Iceland
Iceland allows camping on the flanks of some of its volcanic landscapes, though guided tours are strongly recommended for safety. The terrain can be unstable in certain areas, and conditions change fast.
If you go with a reputable tour operator, you get the experience of camping in active geological terrain without taking unnecessary risks. This is one of the more unusual camping options available anywhere in the world.
Glacier Camping in Norway
Norway offers guided glacier camping experiences in areas like Jostedalsbreen, the largest glacier in mainland Europe. You spend the night on ice, surrounded by near-silence and extreme cold.
This type of trip requires proper equipment and a certified guide. It is not a casual weekend option, but for experienced campers looking for something genuinely remote, it is hard to match.
What to Bring for Any of These Sites
Your tent choice matters as much as your destination. Bell tents are well-suited to most of the UK sites listed above, where flat ground and calm weather are the norm. For more extreme destinations like Iceland or Norway, you will need a four-season tent rated for low temperatures and high wind.
Check each site’s current rules on tent types, fires, and pets before you book. Opening dates, facilities, and availability change from year to year, so confirm directly with the site.
