There’s nothing quite as soothing as falling asleep to lapping waves, the rumble of the ocean and other sounds of the seaside. The problem is that many agree on this, which often makes shoreside holiday accommodation expensive. Luckily there’s a great alternative: hire a motorhome and pitch up on these best campsites near the beach for a calming coastal camping holiday.
The beauty of spending the night on these seaside campsites is that you’re as close to the beach as you can get. Furthermore, you’re directly surrounded by nature, instead of being built in by the walls of your room, the hotel, more hotels, and so on. Simply crack the campervan window and let the ocean air flow right into your bedroom.
1. Sandy Acres, Cornwall
Sandy Acres, road, Hayle TR27 5BA, England
50.203330428594015, -5.408601770740728
Cornwall is a long-time favourite coastal destination in the UK, and with good reason! The beaches here can make you feel like you’re miles away from home, like in these unbelievably un-English-looking spots along the cornish coastline.
One of our all-time favourite campsites near the beach on this stretch of coastline has to be Sandy Acres. Located in the dunes behind stunning Godrevy beach, nothing but a short sandy walk lays between your motorhome pitch and the waves.
Breathe in the fresh Atlantic air, try your best at surfing in beginner-sized waves in the summertime — bring a longboard if you have more experience — and stretch out the old muscles during one of the beach yoga classes organised by the campsite.
Are you planning on exploring the UK’s most southwestern county for a little while longer? Check out more of our recommended campsites in Cornwall.
2. Clachtoll Beach Campsite, Sutherland
134, Clachtoll, Lochinver, Sutherland IV27 4JD, Scotland
58.19104668756308, -5.334765347893262
Many motor all the way up to Scotland for the mountains, but the Scottish coast has to be equally magnificent. Take Clachtoll Beach Campsite. This stunning seaside site is the one for you if you need to reconnect with nature or are in need of some saltwater therapy.
The coastal campsite is situated on the Stoer peninsula and looks across the sea to the isles of Skye, Lewis and Harris. It has access to a shallow and safe beach, with dunes that have walkways for easy access to the sand.
Spot dolphins, seals, otters, minke whales and even the occasional orca, pass along the coast here. Or take to the water yourself by trying your luck at some bodyboarding, sailing and water skiing.
If you’ve made it all the way up here, we highly recommend you spend more time in the northernmost area of mainland Scotland. We’ve already rounded up the best campsites in the Highlands for you.
3. Camping Opatija, Croatia
Poljanska cesta 16, 51414, Ičići, Croatia
45.31570139534165, 14.285528106484612
Croatia’s coastline stretches out over more than a thousand miles along the Adriatic Sea, which makes it one of the most incredible countries to explore by motorhome if you plan to hug the coast. If you’re driving from north to south (or in reverse) and are starting (or ending) your road trip in Istria, Opatija Camping is not to be missed.
While you park up in shaded woodland after arrival, shimmers of cerulean blue through the trees will lure you right to the sea. The beach is somewhat a hundred meters away from your pitch, which means you get to soak up the captivating view of the coast from sunrise to sunset.
Can’t get enough of the glistening Adriatic Sea? Then you’re in luck, as we’ve selected more of the best motorhome campsites on the coast of Croatia for you.
4. Eype House Holiday Park, Jurassic Coast
Mount Ln, Eype, Bridport DT6 6AL, England
50.7180984640078, -2.783624274846057
Epic coastal views are guaranteed when parking up at Epye House Holiday Park. This seaside campsite is perched at the top of Epye Beach, a lengthy pebbled beach which is dog-friendly year-round, so a great option if you’d like to bring your pup on your motorhome holiday.
The quint village of Eype is small, but only a stone's throw away from the site and home to a couple of great places to eat such as the Smuggler’s Bar, the Down House Farm Cafe and The New Inn.
Be aware that due to the narrow access lane, this campsite is not suitable for very large motorhomes (6m+ in length), but smaller campervans can park up on their terraced pitches overlooking the sea without a problem.
Staying on the Jurassic Coast for a while? We’ve rounded up more of the best motorhome campsites on the Jurassic Coast if you’d like to move around a little.
5. Camping La Paz, Spain
Playa de Vidiago s/n, 33597, Asturias, Spain
43.400927541374934, -4.65170655997487
Spain’s Mediterranean Coast is a top favourite holiday destination among us Brits, and rightfully so. But while the guaranteed sunshine of the Costa del Sol is tempting, we’d like to make a stand for Spain’s more northern coastline.
Perfectly perched in between the Picos de Europa mountain range and the wild beaches of the principality of Asturias, the views from Camping La Paz never fail to amaze. Distant snow-capped peaks, a scented forest of eucalyptus trees and the roar of the Atlantic Ocean all add to the allure of this beauty of a campsite, which has access to not one, but two tidal beaches.
Be aware that the entrance road to the campsite is quite the steep one, but nothing a large motorhome can’t handle. Are you a little nervous about making the climb? Here’s how you drive a motorhome up a steep slope.
6. Sango Sands Campsite, Sutherland
Sangomore, Durness IV27 4PZ, Scotland
58.56977682953237, -4.741335009628616
Yet another Scottish gem on this list of the best seaside campsites is Sango Sands. If you’re driving the North Coast 500 itinerary (lucky you) definitely stop and spend the night here. Park your campervan right on the cliffs overlooking the sandy beaches of Durness and the rugged northern coastline of Scotland.
Depending on whether you’re here during the best times to spot the Northern Lights in Scotland, you may even catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis whilst you’re here. There’s very little competing light in the area, which makes it a great place to spot the magical natural phenomenon.
7. Camping de Porsévigné, France
Porsevigne, 29810 Plouarzel, France
48.42885872290141, -4.782228959518187
There are plenty of great motorhome sites in France, and a lot of them are near the beach. But with ‘camping cars’ so popular in this country, some of them can feel quite cramped and crowded. If you’re looking for something a little more off the beaten path, head to Camping de Porsévigné on the west coast of Brittany.
Don’t expect too much of the facilities of this campsite, as ‘basic’ may be putting it a little nicely. Fortunately, it’s not the simple camping set-up you’re driving to the far end of Britanny for. It’s the beaches. With water so bright blue and sand so pale white, you’ll have difficulty convincing yourself you’re in northern France and not on some southern European island.
If this campsite has left you wanting more, you’ll likely love these small, secluded campsites just as much.
8. Tyddyn Isaf Camping and Caravan Park, Wales
Lligwy Bay, Dulas, Amlwch LL70 9PQ, Wales
53.362671423100835, -4.275655003496985
Tyddyn Isaf Camping and Caravan Park is first up on our list of best motorhome campsites on Anglesey, and it has won this spot fair and square. This Welsh site has a footpath that leads directly onto Lligwy Beach, allowing your toes to touch the sand within minutes.
The campsite is very family-friendly and so is the golden sand beach, making this a relaxing seaside destination if you’re travelling with the little ones. Reviews rave about the lovely staff, fantastic facilities and the sites’ cleanliness, so if you’re looking for a comfortable stay without fuss, this is the spot for you.
9. Kennemer Duincamping de Lakens, The Netherlands
Zeeweg 60, 2051 EC Overveen, The Netherlands
52.40612578042231, 4.553400984023111
If you’re travelling through the Netherlands and are looking for a great campsite near the beach but not too far from the action, head to Kennemer Duincamping de Lakens. Situated right behind the dunes of Beach Bloemendaal, whose lively beach cafes are a favourite among the Dutch, the location of this campsite couldn’t be better.
Park up between the dunes, take the leisurely stroll to the beach (only a couple yards away), indulge in a ‘bittergarnituur’ when grabbing a beer in one of many beach cafes (veggie options plenty) or go to a party or even concert at the area’s renowned beach club Woodstock Bloemendaal.
10. Treen Farm Campsite, England
Treen, St Levan, Penzance TR19 6LF, England
50.04928308836718, -5.643734307929132
If you think of the UK’s coastline, it’s likely your mind wanders to the wild and windswept southwest fairly quickly. That’s why we started this blog in Cornwall, and why we’re ending this blog in Cornwall. At the far, far end of it, to be exact.
If you’ve been to or near Land’s End, you may have also paid a visit to Porthcurno and Pedn Vounder Beach, which aren’t far from there. If you have, you’ll know that these spectacular beaches are some of the most pristine in the UK. Now, what if we said you could camp right at the top of them?
If the thought sounds alluring, pay a visit to Treen Farm Campsite. This quiet, family-run campsite has pitches for motorhomes (no larger than 6,7 meters), most of which with sea view. The site is a short little stroll away from the outstanding beaches, and only a couple of fields away from the South West Coast Path, the UK’s longest and beloved coastal trail.
Photo by Scott Fisher on Cornish Drone Photography.
Looking for the perfect motorhome in which to depart for your new favourite seaside campsites? Look no further. We have vehicles of all shapes and sizes on our platform, whether you’re travelling with your partner, family or pet.
