Farm Camping with Campspace UK
Campspace is a platform connecting van lifers with farmers who let you camp on their land. Here is the honest review.
What Is Campspace?
Campspace (campspace.com) is the Airbnb of camping. Farmers list a field or a corner of their land for £10-25 per night. You get a pitch, usually with basic facilities (water, sometimes a toilet). No electric hookup, no showers (usually), no frills. Just a field.
How It Works
- Download the app or use the website
- Search your route — UK coverage is good in the South West, Wales, and Scotland
- Read the listing: facilities, access notes, what the farmer expects
- Book and pay through the app
- Arrive, find your spot, text the farmer if you need anything
Why Van Lifers Like It
- Reliability: You have a guaranteed pitch. No hunting for a layby at 8pm.
- Price: £10-25/night is cheaper than most campsites (£25-40).
- Space: You get a whole field to yourself. No neighbours 2m away.
- Wild camping feeling: You are on farmland, under the stars, with permission.
- Farmers are friendly: Many leave eggs, milk, or firewood for guests.
The Downsides
- No showers: Most are basic field-only. Bring a solar shower or use a gym.
- Mud: Farm tracks get muddy. In winter, some fields are impassable for vans.
- Animals: You might wake up with cows staring at you. Some people love this, some do not.
- Toilets: Some have a portaloo or compost toilet. Some have nothing.
- Signal: Many are in rural areas with poor phone signal.
Campspace vs Park4Night
| Feature | Campspace | Park4Night |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | £10-25/night | Free or paid |
| Booking | Required (app) | Optional |
| Reliability | Guaranteed spot | First come, first served |
| Facilities | Listed clearly | Variable |
| Cancellation | 24-hour policy | None needed |
| Coverage | 500+ UK spots | 10,000+ UK spots |
Best UK Campspace Listings
- Cwmffrwd Farm (Pembrokeshire): Field overlooking the coast. £18/night. Basic but beautiful.
- Hill Top Farm (Lake District): Near Coniston. £22/night. Water + toilet. Sheep wander through.
- Balmoral Estate (Scotland): Yes, the royal estate. £15/night. Field camping on the edge of the Cairngorms.
- Treveddoe Farm (Cornwall): Near the Eden Project. £20/night. Flat field, tap, compost toilet.
- Ty Rhos Farm (Snowdonia): Views of Snowdon. £16/night. Very basic but incredible location.
Verdict
Campspace is excellent for van lifers who want a guaranteed spot without paying campsite prices. It bridges the gap between wild camping (free, stressful to find) and campsites (expensive, crowded). Use it on long trips to break up wild camping stints.
