Bristol isn't a camping city in itself, but you don't have to go far: Baltic Wharf, right on the harbourside, is a working Caravan and Motorhome Club site inside the city, and a ring of options in the Chew Valley and the Mendips are all within a 30-45 minute drive for anyone happy to commute in for the day.
Camping inside Bristol: Baltic Wharf
Baltic Wharf Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite sits in the redeveloped dockland area of the harbourside, and it's the only site that puts you genuinely inside the city rather than on its outskirts. A passenger ferry along the harbour connects it to the city centre, which is a far nicer way to arrive than driving in and hunting for parking. It's set up primarily for caravans and motorhomes, with limited space for tents, so check current pitch availability for tents specifically before assuming you can turn up with one.
Chew Valley: the closest countryside option
Chew Valley, roughly 11 miles and about 25-30 minutes' drive south of the city, has several smaller campsites clustered around Chew Valley Lake, including family-run sites at the base of the Mendip Hills. This is a good middle ground if you want to camp somewhere quieter than the harbourside but still be able to drive into Bristol for the day without a long journey. Chew Valley Lake itself is worth a visit regardless, for walking and birdwatching around the reservoir.
The Mendips: further out, more scenery
Heading further south towards Cheddar, roughly 18 miles and 40 minutes from Bristol, you're into proper Mendip countryside, with campsites positioned for walkers heading into Cheddar Gorge and the surrounding hills. This is a better base if camping and outdoor activity are the actual point of your trip, with Bristol as a day-trip option from the site rather than the other way round.
What to check before you book
Sites aimed at tents, motorhomes and caravans aren't always interchangeable, since some accept only one or two of the three, and awning and hardstanding availability varies a lot between sites. If you're relying on public transport to get into Bristol from your site, check this specifically before booking, since several of the countryside options assume you have a car and have limited or no bus links.
Getting into Bristol without a car
If you're staying at Baltic Wharf, the harbour ferry and a short walk get you into the centre without needing a car at all; see our Bristol harbour ferry guide for routes and fares. From the Chew Valley or Mendip sites, you'll generally need a car or a pre-arranged taxi, since bus services to these rural spots are infrequent. Our getting around Bristol guide covers onward travel once you do arrive in the city.
Comparing the main options
| Area | Distance from Bristol | Best for | Getting into the city |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baltic Wharf (harbourside) | In the city | Motorhomes and caravans wanting a city base | Harbour ferry, short walk |
| Chew Valley | ~11 miles | A quieter base that's still a short drive in | Car (limited buses) |
| Mendips / Cheddar | ~18 miles | Walking and outdoor activity, with Bristol as a day trip | Car (limited buses) |
FAQs
Is there anywhere to camp inside Bristol itself? Yes, Baltic Wharf Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite is on the harbourside within the city, though it's set up mainly for caravans and motorhomes rather than tents, so check tent pitch availability directly before booking.
How far is Chew Valley from Bristol? Around 11 miles, roughly 25-30 minutes by road, making it the closest rural camping option to the city.
Can I get into Bristol from a countryside campsite without a car? From Baltic Wharf, yes, using the harbour ferry. From the Chew Valley or Mendip sites, it's much harder, since rural bus services in the area are infrequent, so a car is effectively necessary.
Do the rural sites near Bristol take tents as well as caravans? Most do, but availability and pitch type vary a lot by site, so check directly rather than assuming. Some smaller family-run sites are tent-friendly by design, while club-affiliated sites often prioritise caravans and motorhomes.
Is camping near Bristol available all year round? Most sites in the area are seasonal, typically open from spring through autumn, with some closing entirely over winter. Check individual site opening dates before planning a winter trip.
What's the best campsite base for visiting both Bristol and the Mendips? A Chew Valley or Cheddar-area site gives you a workable middle ground: close enough to Bristol for a day trip in, and positioned for Mendip walking without needing to relocate.