Best campsites near theme parks

Simple answer – because they are fun! And there’s genuinely something for everyone – more sedate rides for little ones and the fastest rides and the highest drops for the adrenaline junkies of the group. For anyone who’s ever had a day out at a theme park you’ll know it’s sometimes hard to fit all the action into one day, so keep the full-on fun going by staying a few days and making a return visit.

You’ll also be right in, or close to, the heart of the action, so you can be there at the front of the queue when the gates open!

For a top theme park holiday it’s great to be able to pitch up right near the action. Several theme parks have their own campsites, meaning you can pitch up on their doorstep and be first in line when the doors open in the morning.

There are theme parks with camping and touring across the UK, in Devon, the Midlands and northern England, for example. Even if the theme park you want to visit doesn’t offer camping on site, there will be plenty of campsites near to the theme park to choose from instead.

Theme parks in themselves are not particularly cheap, so if you are camping nearby and need to pay for entry into the theme park, it is essential that you keep a keen eye out for special offers. There are often two-for-one ticket offers and you can also get cheap tickets online.

Crealy Theme Park campsite

Surrounded by beautiful Devon countryside and being right next door to Crealy Theme Park, this is the perfect place to set up camp or book glamping accommodation and guests receive discounted entry to the rides and attractions of Crealy. There is a campsite clubhouse serving food and drink that also provides evening entertainment. There are plenty of facilities on the campsite, and although the family dog can’t attend the theme park, dog kennels can be booked for the day while you visit the theme park.

Woodlands Caravan and Camping

Located in beautiful countryside and only a short drive from the picturesque waterside town of Dartmouth in Devon. The camping and touring area is a short walk from the theme park, and thanks to trees and hedging it feels a world away from the action of the rides. There's a campsite general store and guests benefit from free entry into Woodlands Family Theme Park and Falconry Centre with stays of two nights or more. Adults can enjoy a relaxing discounted midweek break here, too!

Chertsey Camping and Caravanning Club site

This is an attractive, well-sheltered campsite. However, it is its location that makes it highly recommended for theme park campers. This campsite is right on the doorstep of Thorpe Park but is also handy for Legoland and Chessington, making it an ideal base if you want to spend a week or so hitting the different theme parks.

As all three parks are run by the same company, Merlin, it’s possible to buy a season ticket that would make multiple visits a much more affordable prospect.

Hurley Riverside Park

With plenty to do on and off the campsite, there is enough to keep the whole family occupied. There are nature trails alongside the River Thames and wildlife to see, along with a play area. As well as being around 11 miles from Legoland, Hurley is also close to Marlow, Oxford and Henley, plus local pubs and restaurants.

Laleham Camping Club

Around 20 minutes' drive away from Chessington, Laleham Camping Club, which is run by its members for its members and fellow campers, manages the campsite. Temporary membership is included in site fees. The club runs social events and entertainment throughout the year, open to all campers.

Cars are only allowed onto the campsite for unloading and loading equipment. Laleham village has a shop and nearby Chertsey has supermarkets as well as pubs that serve food. London is only 30 minutes away.

Waleswood Caravan & Camping Park

Set in 12.2 acres of the 750-acre Rother Valley Country Park, Waleswood is an ideal location for everyone, with excellent facilities; two heated shower/toilet blocks, licensed coffee shop, spacious pitches all with electric hook-up, super fully serviced hardstanding pitches, extra-large pitches for motorhomes and RVs and a tent field overlooking the country park lakes.

Alton, The Star Camping and Caravanning Club site

The campsite's pitches are spread over two fields, with the top field catering for tents. Most of the campsite is on a slope, although there are a few flat pitches and the views over the surrounding countryside are spectacular. As well as the location being little over a mile from Alton Towers’ main gate, a big attraction is the well-equipped children’s playground, which is located right in the heart of the campsite.

If you want to explore more than just the theme park, the campsite is ideal as a base for visiting the Peak District National Park.

Kingsbury Water Park Camping and Caravanning Club site

Open all year, this waterside oasis is only 10 minutes from Drayton Manor. The site itself has pitches for all unit types and a modern, heated facilities block. You can walk directly from the campsite along several canal towpaths and access nearby pubs. If you fancy exploring away from the theme park then Tamworth is great for families thanks to its historic castle and indoor SnowDome.

Wicksteed Park campsite

With picturesque pitches overlooking the lake and waking up right next to the park action, it is a great place to stay to enjoy Wicksteed to its fullest! There's even a second-day discount on wristbands, making a whole weekend of fun possible.

Blackpool South Caravan and Motorhome Club site

Ideal when visiting the pleasure beach, this campsite is only a 10-minute drive away. It has a playground on the campsite and horse riding based around the corner, to entertain the family. As well as the sights of Blackpool, there is also the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Park to see and many shops, restaurants and walks to explore.

Facilities include a toilet block, family washroom, WiFi, laundry, dishwashing area, dog walk on the campsite, electric hook-up available and accessible facilities.

Flamingo Land Theme Park campsite

With substantial facilities for tents, touring caravans and motorhomes, the on-site campsite at Flamingo Land is a great way to easily enjoy the theme park and zoo. There's a leisure complex with swimming pools and café, plus an entertainment venue and mini-supermarket.