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How do you choose quieter family campsites after a difficult first trip?

103 replies

PaperLanterns · 20/08/2026 17:38

We’ve just been on our first camping trip as a family of four - I’ve got 2 DS (7 and 5) and it was a nightmare. We’ve hired motorhomes around Scotland and Norfolk and glamped in a couple of places and really enjoyed the vibe so I bought a tent off eBay (Berghaus 4XL) and kitted up.

The problem wasn’t the kit.

It was the other campers. People were staggering about drunk around the play area, smoking, the amount of shouting and swearing that was going on (from the adults and even more alarmingly, the young kids) made me cringe - my kids aren’t used to this. People just camped where they liked, ignored the rules about gas and bbqs due to the drought and a dog in the field behind barked all day and all night. We paid for four nights and we stuck with it - going for big days out on day 2 and 3 but it’s made me really concerned about going again.

I know this makes me sound snobby but I’m a DDSL in a school and spent the whole time wondering if I should be reporting people.

I guess what I’m asking is - is there a hack to choosing campsites? We went for this one because it had a play area, electric (first time campers making it easier) and walking distance of a National Trust and heritage railway. There was also a 10pm noise shutdown (didn’t happen) and wardens were meant to patrol.

It was just disappointing as it took loads to convince DH to come along with this and then was a disaster!

OP posts:
cuckoolodger · 25/08/2026 20:04

Llyn gwynant in wales is absolutely beautiful, never over full as they cap numbers in peak times, and as is water sport / outdoor activity based people are there for a reason and not just to get bladdered. I go every year and just came back yesterday and I barely heard a single swear word. Camp site rules say silent after 11 but tbh it’s pretty quiet from 9.30 ish.

StandardLampski · 25/08/2026 21:42

I'm going to buck through trend here anD suggest The Greener Camping club. Stayed on loads, no issues with behaviour.

We know what we like,so take ages looking for the right site and reading multiple reviews.
Not GCC but This year's winner was The Croft in Suffolk. Nice mix of Social side to the site but no bar or rowdiness. Good facilities and lovely owners.

miserablecat · 26/08/2026 08:05

Clearinguptheclutter · 23/08/2026 09:28

L’Atlantique near Fouesnant

No complaints at all about behaviour and clientèle (plenty of British and Irish).

This was one of our favourite ever holidays. (Kids were 8 and 12) the beaches near there were amazing and also very quiet!

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