A 'Summer on a Shoestring Index' has been created to show the best-value places to camp in the upcoming months, and the winning destination has some of the country's best beaches as well as inexpensive spots to pitch up.
Devon beat competition from Cornwall, the Scottish Highlands, and many other beautiful UK regions to be named the UK's best-value destination for a campervan staycation this summer.
The index, put together by Camplify UK, took into account factors including the price per day for a caravan pitch, tourist board ratings, nearby activities, and the proximity of inexpensive places to eat. Devon also topped the list thanks to its number of National Trust Properties, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and National Parks, all of which offer inexpensive days out for families.
Camping pitches in Devon can be found for as little as £14 a night, and according to Camplify, 85% of campsites in the county offer stays for under £20 a night while still maintaining a rating of at least 8.5. For rural escapes, Dartmoor National Park is an incredible choice, offering untamed open moorland and deep river valleys where wild ponies roam.
Devon destinations include the beach towns of Woolacombe and Croyde, and National Trust sites such as Baggy Point and Lydford Gorge make for inexpensive days out. There's also the North Devon National Landscape to explore, an area of outstanding natural beauty that includes rocky coves, waterfalls, and soft sand dunes.
A recent ranking of the Best Beaches in Europe for 2026 included three in Devon. These included Woolacombe Beach at number 8, which beat beaches in the Canaries and Portugal to get a top ten ranking. Trebarwith Beach came in at number 17, while Bigbury Beach in South Devon ranked at 23.
Coming second on Camplify's list was neighbouring county Cornwall, which also has lots of free and inexpensive days out for families. Like Devon, it's also known for its spectacular beaches, with some compared to the Caribbean. Kynance Cove on the Lizard Peninsula, with its turquoise waters and white sands, could easily be found on a far-flung island.
For outdoorsy breaks, Cornwall is famous for surfing, especially towns such as Newquay whose beaches are considered some of the best in the UK in which to catch a wave.
Rounding off the top three was the Scottish Highlands, the perfect spot for camping among wild scenery, and waking up to views of mountains and glacial valleys. You'll find plenty of well-equipped campsites in the region, although unlike England, wild camping is legal in Scotland if you're in a small tent and ensure you leave no trace when you pack up the next day.
Those camping in motorhomes or bringing caravans still need to ensure they book a pitch at a campsite or other designated area. Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) offer a stay the night scheme, where self-contained campers can park cheaply overnight in their car parks, with spaces on a first come, first served basis.
