Start a small field campsite
Open a few tent and campervan pitches on spare land and welcome campers for the summer season.
- £3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
3,343 UK companies in this field, 17% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 55300 “Recreational vehicle parks, trailer parks and camping grounds”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
A simple, small campsite on land you own or rent, with a handful of pitches, a toilet and water point, and a welcoming host. Many open only in the warmer months.
Your first three steps
- Check with your local council's planning team what permission you need for your land and how many days a year you can open
- Price up toilets, a water supply, waste arrangements and a simple booking page, then set your nightly rate against nearby sites
- List on a camping booking site and tell local walking, cycling and tourism groups you are opening
Who pays
Couples, families and groups on tent or campervan trips, plus walkers, cyclists and festival or wedding guests staying nearby.
How it makes money
A nightly fee per pitch or per person, with optional extras such as firewood, fresh eggs, electric hook-up or a breakfast hamper.
Skills that help
- Friendly, welcoming host
- Basic groundskeeping and upkeep
- Online listings and bookings
- Keeping things clean and safe
Watch out for
- Planning permission or permitted-use rules for temporary camping, which vary by area, so check with your council
- Whether you need a site licence, and rules on toilets, waste water and drinking water
- Public liability insurance that specifically covers a campsite
- Fire safety, especially if you allow campfires or barbecues
- Weather and seasonal demand, so income can be uneven
- Tell your landlord or mortgage lender if the land is rented or mortgaged
Deep research report · UK
Everything you need to start: small field campsite
Researched with live web search for United Kingdom: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a small campsite in the UK?
Startup costs are estimates, typically around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on your land, facilities such as a toilet and water point, and how many pitches you open. Get quotes for your own site before committing.
How much can a small field campsite earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around £500 to £4,000, depending on how many pitches you offer, your pricing and the season. Many campsites open only in warmer months, so weather and seasonal demand can make income uneven.
Do I need planning permission to run a campsite?
Check planning permission or permitted-use rules for temporary camping, which vary by area, with your council. Also check whether you need a site licence, the rules on toilets, waste water and drinking water, and insurance that covers a campsite.
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Photo: MAKY_OREL on Pixabay