To get the VanFam4 seal of approval, not only does the surf need to be suitable for beginners and more advanced surfers alike, but crucially it MUST BE WITHIN SHORT WALKING DISTANCE OF OUR PITCH! This allows for Dan to escape for dawn patrol before having to prise the sleeping teenagers from their pits. Also we can come back after we’ve had enough of a family surf session and leave Dan at the mercy of the ocean for as long as he likes. Here are our top picks (in no particular order) of the UK’s finest campsites with surf beach access.
Ocean Pitch, Croyde
You know Ocean Pitch in Croyde is one of our fave sites that we return to time and time again. Being in North Devon, Croyde makes a shorter journey and superb destination for us Northerners. Well kept campsite, loads of lush food options (including Biffen’s Kitchen of course), a short walk from the main village and crucially a stone’s throw from the beautiful sandy beach. A veritable surfers’ paradise.
Tristram Caravan Park, Polzeath
This is a beaut of a campsite, and with so much on the doorstep you don’t need to move the van. Stunning location with direct beach access for swimming, surfing and sauna’ing (@saunasbythesea) via an easy scramble down the rocks. It’s also right on the coast path, has a cool beach bar with live music @surfside_polzeath and all the restaurants and shops of Polzeath are on the doorstep. What more could you ask for?!
Beachside, Gwithian
A bit too ‘holiday park’ if I’m honest, but you certainly can’t fault the location. Also a great base for Godrevy, St Ives, and up to St Agnes.
Sand Parks, Bude
Sandparks Campsite is a dog friendly, informal and relaxed campsite with direct access to the beach at Widemouth Bay — just a hop, skip and a jump from the centre of Bude (five mins in the car). This back to basics site is directly opposite the beach and there’s a cosy pub next door for whenever you fancy popping inside. Open from 11 April to 1 October.
Hill End, Gower
Just a short walk from one of the finest beaches in the world, Hill End campsite comes highly recommended. Located on the Gower Peninsula, this 3 mile sweep of golden sands is the most breathtaking of all Gower’s beaches, Rhossili Bay.
NewGale, Pembrokeshire
NewGale in Pembrokeshire lived up to its name! My gosh it was exposed and windy, but the surf was epic — and that’s exactly what you come here for. A big open beach break that works on a decent swell, right on the doorstep.
Trefalen Farm, Broadhaven
A very short wetsuit-clad stroll to the iconic Broadhaven South beach — nuff said. Cold water showers only at this one, don’t say I didn’t warn you!
Planning a surf trip? Then check out our family campervan packing checklist — it covers everything from wetsuits to van essentials. And if you’re not sure what kit to bring for surf sessions and wild swims, our family campervan kit list has everything we actually use after eight years on the road.
Final thoughts
We hope you find our suggestions helpful. Remember, this is about location and proximity to the beach for surfing, not about luxurious facilities (so don’t come at me about those showers!). We’re always on the lookout for more sites to recommend, so let us know your favourites in the comments below.
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