Family Camping Costs: What to Expect and How to Save

Planning a family camping adventure is exciting, but the price tag can feel confusing. Are you wondering how much you’ll spend on a weekend getaway versus a two‑week road trip? Below you’ll find a clear breakdown of the main expense areas and simple tricks to keep the budget under control.

Campsite Fees and Motorhome Parking

In the UK, a typical family campsite charges between £15 and £35 per night for a pitch that includes electricity and water. If you’re travelling in a motorhome, add a small surcharge of £5‑£10 for larger space or extra power. Look for sites that offer family discounts or early‑bird specials – many farms and council grounds lower rates for bookings made more than a month ahead.

For motorhome owners, fuel will be a big part of the budget. A midsize motorhome averages about 12‑14 miles per gallon, so a 500‑mile holiday costs roughly £100‑£130 in diesel (based on current rates). To stretch your fuel further, plan a route that avoids unnecessary back‑tracking and keep your speed under 55 mph on motorways.

Food, Gear and Kid‑Friendly Extras

Eating out every night adds up quickly. Instead, bring a portable fridge, a basic gas cooker and a few reusable containers. Buying groceries in bulk before you leave can cut food costs by up to 40 %. A simple menu of pasta, fresh veg, and one‑pot stews feeds a family of four for under £30 a day.

Don’t forget the small gear that makes life easier: a portable power station (around £150) can keep phones, lights and a small fridge running without hunting for campsite electricity. If you’re camping with a baby, a warm sleeping bag rated for 0 °C costs about £45 and keeps the little one cozy without extra heating fees.

Entertainment for kids can be as cheap as a deck of cards or a nature scavenger hunt. Many campsites provide free playgrounds, swimming ponds, or organised activities that cost nothing extra. Budget £10‑£20 for a few paid extras like bike rentals or a guided walk.

Putting all these numbers together, a three‑night family camping trip in a motorhome typically totals between £350 and £500, depending on site choice, fuel price and food preferences. If you stay at a cheaper tent‑only site and cook everything yourself, you can bring the cost down to under £250.

Quick savings checklist: book early for discounts, fuel‑plan your route, shop for groceries before you go, use a power station instead of pricey site electricity, and choose free or low‑cost kid activities. With a little planning, a fun family camping break won’t break the bank.