The UK’s 15 National Parks (and the Best Campsites)

From towering mountains and misty moorlands to sunlit coastal cliffs and peaceful lakes, the UK’s National Parks showcase the very best of Britain’s natural beauty. 

Whether you’re a seasoned caravanner, motorhomer, campervanner or tent-pitching adventurer, these parks promise unforgettable landscapes and top-class campsites. 

This guide lists ALL fifteen UK National Parks, and includes links to campsites, plus other essential leisure vehicle information.

National Park Campsites

1. Cairngorms National Park (Scotland)

What Makes It Special:

Welcome to the UK’s biggest National Park – a vast wilderness of ancient forests, snowy peaks, and mirror-like lochs. The Cairngorms is the closest thing to true alpine terrain in Britain. Lucky visitors may see red deer roaming heather hills, golden eagles soaring overhead, plus an assoertment of charming Highland villages. In winter, it’s the UK’s best destination for skiing and snowboarding. In summer, it’s heaven for hikers and mountain bikers looking to lose themselves in nature’s grandeur.

Cairngorms National Park (Scotland) Top Campsites: 

Tips for Visiting:

  • Prepare for sudden weather changes, even in summer.
  • Look out for reindeer and osprey around Loch Garten.
  • Scenic roads can be narrow. Plan your route for motorhome-friendly access.

2. Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park (Scotland)

What Makes It Special:

A patchwork of wooded glens, glistening lochs, and rugged hills. Loch Lomond is the jewel in the crown – Scotland’s largest inland stretch of water – perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, or cruising. The Trossachs, often called ‘the Highlands in miniature,’ offer scenic walks, heritage steam train rides, and stunning villages like Callander and Aberfoyle. It’s also one of Scotland’s most accessible parks, making it a favourite for weekend getaways.

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park (Scotland) Top Campsites:

Tips for Visiting:

  • Book lochside activities and water sports early.
  • Stop by Balmaha for iconic views and local food.
  • Use designated lay-bys and parking for campervans.

3. Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park (Wales)

What Makes It Special:

This is Wales at its wildest and most majestic. Snowdonia is home to Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), the highest mountain in Wales, and the region’s backbone of rugged peaks and glacial valleys is a magnet for climbers and walkers. But it’s not just about altitude, as there are peaceful lakes, fairytale villages like Beddgelert, and a rich cultural history rooted in Welsh language and legend. Ride the mountain railway, chase waterfalls, or stargaze under some of the darkest skies in the UK.

Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park (Wales) Top Campsites: 

Tips for Visiting:

  • Avoid peak trails by hiking early or choosing quieter routes.
  • The Snowdon Mountain Railway is great for non-hikers.
  • Llanberis and Betws-y-Coed are well set up for motorhome parking.
Snowdonia National Park

4. Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) National Park (Wales)

What Makes It Special:

Think rolling green hills, gushing waterfalls, and a landscape steeped in mystery and myth. The Brecon Beacons is a walker’s paradise, with trails ranging from gentle riverside ambles to summit scrambles on Pen y Fan. The park is also famous for its caves and underground adventures, making it a hit for families and thrill-seekers alike. Its International Dark Sky Reserve status means it’s also one of the best places in the UK for spotting constellations.

Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) National Park (Wales) Top Campsites: 

Tips for Visiting:

  • Bring a head torch and stargazing apps for clear nights.
  • Waterfall Country near Ystradfellte is a must-see.
  • Avoid smaller roads in large vans — stick to A roads for main routes.

5. Pembrokeshire Coast National Park (Wales)

What Makes It Special:

The UK’s only fully coastal national park is all about dramatic cliffs, secluded coves, and colourful seaside towns like Tenby and St Davids. Walk the famous Pembrokeshire Coast Path and spot dolphins, puffins, and grey seals as you go. With a strong maritime heritage and some of the best surf beaches in Britain, it’s ideal for water lovers. The sunsets here are unforgettable and best enjoyed from a clifftop campsite with a hot drink in hand.

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park (Wales) Top Campsites: 

Tips for Visiting:

  • Wear good boots for coastal walks – some cliff paths are narrow.
  • Boat trips to Ramsey or Skomer Island are wildlife highlights.
  • Use official coastal car parks with facilities for campervans.

6. Lake District National Park (England)

What Makes It Special:

Poetic, picturesque, and utterly timeless, the Lake District is where the beauty of the British landscape inspired Wordsworth, Beatrix Potter, and generations of outdoor lovers. England’s highest peaks and deepest lakes meet in a patchwork of valleys, stone villages, and serene fells. Whether you’re hiking Scafell Pike, boating on Windermere, or simply relaxing by a tarn with a flask of tea, this UNESCO-listed National Park has a way of soothing the soul.

Lake District National Park (England) Top Campsites:

Tips for Visiting:

7. Yorkshire Dales National Park (England)

What Makes It Special:

With its drystone walls, grazing sheep, and limestone cliffs, the Yorkshire Dales feel like the quintessential English countryside brought to life. Waterfalls like Aysgarth and Ingleton rival any in the UK, while caves and potholes invite deeper exploration from experienced folk. The area is also steeped in culture – think Wensleydale cheese, real ale pubs, and traditional market towns like Hawes and Grassington. It’s perfect for a laid-back rural retreat with plenty of fresh air and hearty food.

Yorkshire Dales National Park (England) Top Campsites: 

Tips for Visiting:

  • Explore local markets and sample regional cheeses.
  • Take advantage of the extensive network of walking and cycling trails.
  • Visit historical sites like Bolton Castle and Fountains Abbey.

8. North York Moors National Park (England)

What Makes It Special:

From wild moorlands that turn purple with heather in late summer to the fossil-strewn cliffs of the Jurassic-era coastline, the North York Moors packs variety into every square mile. Steam railways chug through scenic valleys, ancient abbeys rise from the hillsides, and seaside villages like Robin Hood’s Bay offer nostalgic charm. It’s a great destination for walkers and cyclists, and the dark skies make it ideal for a romantic or stargazing escape.

North York Moors National Park (England) Top Campsites: 

Tips for Visiting:

  • Ride the heritage steam train for a scenic journey through the moors.
  • Visit coastal towns like Whitby for fresh seafood and maritime history.
  • Enjoy stargazing in this designated Dark Sky Reserve.

9. Peak District National Park (England)

What Makes It Special:

Britain’s first National Park is still one of its best-loved. Split into the rugged Dark Peak and gentler White Peak, this landscape has something for everyone: dramatic gritstone edges for climbers, lush limestone dales for family walks, and historic towns like Bakewell and Buxton to explore. Its central location makes it a favourite for weekenders from all over the UK. Don’t miss the Monsal Trail or the towering views from Mam Tor.

Peak District National Park (England) Top Campsites: 

Tips for Visiting:

  • Explore the extensive network of trails suitable for all levels.
  • Visit historic sites like Chatsworth House and Peveril Castle. 
  • Enjoy local delicacies in traditional pubs and tea rooms.
UK National Park

10. South Downs National Park (England)

What Makes It Special:

Rolling chalk hills, ancient woodlands, and windswept ridges, the South Downs is southern England’s green heart. It’s made for relaxed walking and cycling, with vineyard tours, quaint villages, and country pubs never far away. The South Downs Way offers 100 miles of trail from Winchester to Eastbourne, with dramatic clifftop finishes at Beachy Head and Seven Sisters. It’s also a designated Dark Sky Reserve, ideal for romantic nights under the stars.

South Downs National Park (England) Top Campsites: 

Tips for Visiting:

  • Walk sections of the South Downs Way for panoramic views.
  • Visit vineyards and sample local English wines.
  • Explore historic towns like Arundel and Lewes.

11. New Forest National Park (England)

What Makes It Special:

Where else can you spot wild ponies trotting past your campervan? The New Forest is one of the UK’s most unique landscapes and is a former royal hunting ground that’s now home to ancient oak woods, open heathland, and picturesque thatched villages. Gentle cycling trails and wildlife walks abound, and kids will love spotting deer and pigs (yes, pigs!) roaming freely. It’s ideal for families, and close enough to the coast for day trips to the seaside.

New Forest National Park (England) Top Campsites: 

Tips for Visiting:

  • Respect the wildlife; do not feed or approach the ponies.
  • Use the extensive network of cycle paths for safe exploration.
  • Visit the New Forest Heritage Centre for insights into the area’s history.

12. Dartmoor National Park (England)

What Makes It Special:

Windswept moors, craggy granite tors, and misty valleys; Dartmoor feels wild and elemental. It’s one of the few places in England where wild camping is legally allowed (in designated areas), and the park’s legends – from ghost stories to Sherlock Holmes – add to its mysterious allure. It’s perfect for hikers and history buffs alike, with prehistoric stone circles, medieval villages, and curious myths at every turn.

Dartmoor National Park (England) Top Campsites: 

Tips for Visiting:

  • Check local guidelines for wild camping regulations.
  • Be prepared for sudden weather changes; carry appropriate gear.
  • Explore historical sites like Grimspound and ancient stone circles.

13. Exmoor National Park (England)

What Makes It Special:

A hidden gem tucked between Devon and Somerset, Exmoor offers a diverse mix of wooded valleys, moorland ponies, and towering sea cliffs. It’s quieter than many other parks, making it ideal for escaping the crowds. The Exmoor ponies are an iconic sight, and the Exmoor Coast offers some of the best coastal hiking in the UK. As a designated Dark Sky Reserve, Exmoor is unbeatable for stargazing or just finding peace under a vast sky.

Exmoor National Park (England) Top Campsites: 

Tips for Visiting:

  • Bring binoculars for wildlife spotting, including red deer and Exmoor ponies.
  • Enjoy stargazing in the Dark Sky Reserve; check for local events.
  • Explore the South West Coast Path for stunning sea views.

14. Broads National Park (England)

What Makes It Special:

A network of tranquil waterways and reed-fringed lakes, the Broads is a paradise for boaters, birdwatchers, and anyone seeking a slower pace of life. Hire a dayboat or bring your own kayak and explore at water level, spotting herons, marsh harriers, and even otters. The area is flat and perfect for easy cycling, with lots of traditional pubs and windmills to discover along the way. It’s the UK’s wetland wonderland – peaceful, picturesque, and perfectly relaxing.

Broads National Park (England) Top Campsites: 

 Norfolk Broads Club Campsite (Caravan and Motorhome Club) 

 West Runton (Camping and Caravanning Club)

Tips for Visiting:

  • Hire a boat to explore the waterways at your own pace.
  • Visit nature reserves like Hickling Broad for birdwatching.

15. Northumberland National Park (England)

What Makes It Special:
England’s least visited (and most tranquil) National Park is a true hidden treasure. Northumberland is wild, remote, and spectacular and home to the brooding Cheviot Hills, dramatic stretches of Hadrian’s Wall, and vast star-filled skies. This is the only park with both a National Trail (the Pennine Way) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Add in castles, Roman forts, and breathtaking dark skies, and you’ve got a destination that feels like stepping into another world.

Northumberland National Park (England) Top Campsites: 

Tips for Visiting:

  • Bring a stargazing guide – this is Europe’s largest Dark Sky Park.
  • Hadrian’s Wall Path is ideal for motorhome touring.
  • Remote spots have limited signal and shops — stock up beforehand.