Private campsites in the UK
A private campsite means the land is someone's own — a farmer, a smallholder, an estate — and they let it to one party at a time or to a small number of pitches. It is the opposite of a holiday park: fewer people, more space, and a host you actually speak to.
Exclusive use versus a small site
Some hosts let the whole field to one booking, which is what most people mean by a private campsite: no strangers, no pitch markers, and space for a group to spread out. Others run three or four pitches with generous gaps between them.
The listing states the pitch count and whether the booking is exclusive. If you need the field to yourselves for a birthday or a small gathering, check that before booking rather than assuming — and tell the host the group size.
Why landowners let private pitches
Permitted development rules in England and Wales let landowners run temporary campsites for a limited number of days a year, which is why so many private sites are seasonal, small and personal rather than year-round commercial parks. It also explains the variety: each host sets up their corner of the farm differently.
What private usually does not include
Privacy often comes at the cost of infrastructure. Plenty of private sites have no shower, no electric hookup and no shop, and the nearest supplies may be a drive away. That is a fair trade for many people, but check the amenity list rather than expecting a serviced pitch.
Before you book: a quick checklist
- Exclusive use. Confirm whether the booking takes the whole field or one pitch.
- Group size. Tell the host your numbers — many sites cap parties and vehicles.
- Facilities. Shower, loo, water and hookup vary widely; assume nothing.
- Noise and neighbours. Working farms have livestock, tractors and early mornings.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a private campsite?
- A campsite on privately owned land, let by the owner, usually with only a handful of pitches — sometimes the whole field to one booking.
- Can I book a whole field for a group?
- On listings that offer exclusive use, yes. The listing states the pitch count and party limit; message the host with your group size before booking.
- Are private campsites cheaper than holiday parks?
- Often, but not always. You are paying for space and quiet rather than facilities, so an unserviced private pitch is usually cheaper and a fully equipped one can cost more.
- How do I book private campsites on live 1 life?
- Search private campsites uk on live 1 life, open a listing, pick your dates on the availability calendar and choose how to book. You can pay a 25% deposit to lock the dates immediately, or send the host a free request to book and wait for them to confirm. Either way you get a confirmation page with your booking reference and the dates that are now held.
- Do I pay the full amount up front for private campsites?
- No. live 1 life takes a 25% deposit at checkout to secure the dates; the balance is settled with the host. A 5% booking fee is added to eligible bookings and paid by the guest on top of the host's nightly rate; hosts do not pay it.
- Can I book private campsites for a single night?
- Often yes. Minimum stays are set by each host — many accept one night midweek and ask for two nights at weekends or bank holidays. The calendar on the listing shows the minimum stay before you reach checkout.
- What happens after I send a booking request?
- The host is notified straight away by email and can approve or decline from their dashboard. When they approve, you receive a booking confirmation email with the locked dates, the pitch address and directions, plus your booking reference.
Keep exploring
Thinking about wild camping instead?
The rules differ across Scotland, Dartmoor, England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Our guide explains where you can pitch legally, where you need the landowner's permission, and how to camp responsibly.