Find the perfect last-minute campervan pitch
Inspiration
How to find a last-minute campsite for your campervan adventures
Summer is here and you’re planning to hit the road in your campervan in the next few weeks. But what if you haven’t booked a UK campsite yet? Pitches are filling up fast all over the country, and you might be worried that you’ve left it too late and you won’t be able to find somewhere that suits.
But don’t panic! It’s not too late to get a last-minute booking on a brilliant campsite… in fact you might even land yourself a bargain.
Here are our top tips for landing a last-minute campsite, whether you're a couple seeking a tranquil escape or a family looking for fun-filled site packed with facilities and things to do.
Iain Duff Content Editor: Campervan/Camping
Iain Duff Content Editor: Campervan/Camping
1. Be flexible with your location
It sounds obvious, but narrowing your initial campsite search down to one region or area of the UK makes it a lot easier to find a last-minute campsite, rather than searching the whole country. And being open to different areas can increase your chances of finding a site with last-minute availability.
You might have to resign yourself to the fact that you won’t be able to find somewhere in one of the holiday hotspots like Devon, Cornwall, the Lake District or the Scottish Highlands. Instead, consider less well-known areas as they might have more openings.
2. Be flexible with dates
Wider availability is often found on campsites midweek rather than weekends, so if you can adjust your holiday times slightly then it could make it easier to find a campsite with vacancies.
3. Search online for potential campsites
When you’ve decided on the area you want to go to it’s time to start searching for sites. There are plenty of resources online, but we would suggest you start by having a look at our own Premier Parks to pick somewhere that you fancy in the right area.
All the Premier Park campsites undergo a rigorous selection process, and are personally assessed by the Premier Parks team, ensuring high-quality facilities and a fantastic overall atmosphere.
4. Check campsite websites and social media
Many campsites offer last-minute availability information on their own websites, so when you have identified sites you like the look of, go online and check availability or look out for updates on their social media pages. Even if the booking page shows it’s full on the dates you want, it can be worth giving them a call, just in case there have been any late cancellations.
Many holiday parks and campsites also offer discounts on short-notice bookings so there is a chance that you could save some money as well.
5. Be happy to compromise on campsite facilities
You might really want a site with state-of-the art facilities but, when time is tight, to help find an available pitch maybe you could aim for a slightly less well-equipped campsite. Heated floors in the shower block might be nice to have, but are they essential?
While you can be flexible on the quantity of the facilities on offer, it’s important not to compromise on the quality. Make sure the site has good shower and toilet facilities, especially if you don’t have a washroom in your campervan. If you’re not travelling with kids, go for an adults-only site, especially during the school holidays.
6. Check your inbox
We often send out emails with information about last-minute availability at individual campsites, so make sure you check your inbox regularly. If you don’t already receive our campsite emails, it’s really easy to sign up.
Just click below and update your preferences – it’ll only take a couple of minutes to do.
7. Consider smaller, independent sites
These may be more likely to have last-minute availability than larger holiday parks. Sites that don’t offer sectioned-off pitches can also be more flexible – as can those that have pitches without electric hook-up.
8. Look for late availability on Club sites
The Camping and Caravanning Club and the Caravan and Motorhome Club both have sections on their websites which spontaneous campers can search to find out if there is late availability on specific campsites.
9. Live on the edge!
If you’re willing to take a chance, simply head to an area you’d like to stay in, have a look around for a campsite, pop in and check if they have any availability. You might get lucky first time or you may have to make three or four visits before you find somewhere.
Of course, there’s the risk that you might not be able to snag a pitch anywhere, in which case you’ll need to have a plan B. The best way to secure a first come, first served pitch is to show up early on the day you want to start your stay and the wardens will be able to let you know pretty quickly if there are likely to be any pitches available.
The easy way to find a last-minute campsite
Heading off on a road trip this summer but don't know where you'll be staying?
Campsite Finder is our database of the best campsites in the UK, which you can filter by country, location and using keywords to ensure your site has the adequate facilities. Discover your next favourite campsite on Campsite Finder!
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