Looking for a proper beach camping holiday without spending a fortune ? You’re in the right place. Summer by the sea doesn’t have to mean emptying your savings account, but you need to know where to look and when to book.

The trick is simple really : avoid peak August prices, compare offers properly (sites like https://www.camping-promo.fr can help you spot decent deals early), and pick locations that give you beach access without the tourist-trap markup. Let me walk you through ten solid options that won’t have you checking your bank account every five minutes.

Why Seaside Camping Beats Hotels Every Time

Honestly ? The cost difference is massive. A decent hotel room near the beach will set you back £80-150 a night easy. A camping pitch ? You’re looking at £15-35, even in summer. That’s your holiday budget sorted, basically.

Plus there’s something about waking up with the sound of waves that just hits different. No carpeted corridors, no breakfast buffet stress, just you and the coast.

When to Book (This Actually Matters)

Book in January or February for summer and you’ll save 20-30% compared to last-minute bookings. Not kidding.

Peak season (mid-July to end August) is pricey everywhere. If you can swing early July or September, do it. Same beaches, half the crowds, better prices. September especially – water’s still warm, kids are back at school, and you’ll actually find a spot on the sand.

The Top Picks That Won’t Ruin Your Budget

1. Cornwall’s Smaller Sites (South Coast)

Skip the massive holiday parks. The smaller, family-run sites near Penzance or around the Lizard Peninsula offer beach access for £20-28 a night. You won’t get fancy pools, but you’ve got the actual sea right there. Check sites near Kennack Sands or Praa Sands.

Book early though – these spots fill up fast because locals know they’re good value.

2. Pembrokeshire Coast, Wales

Seriously underrated. The Pembrokeshire beaches are stunning and the campsites are properly affordable. Look for spots near Broad Haven or Freshwater West. Expect to pay £18-25 per night for a pitch with electric hookup.

Weather’s a gamble, obviously – it’s Wales. But when it’s good, it’s spectacular.

3. Norfolk Coast (Hunstanton to Wells-next-the-Sea)

Massive beaches, way less crowded than Cornwall, and cheaper too. Sites here run £16-22 in peak season. The coastline’s flatter, so it’s brilliant for families with young kids. Wells is lovely, Holkham Beach is massive.

Downside ? It’s a longer drive from most places. But that’s partly why it stays affordable.

4. Scottish Highlands (West Coast)

If you want dramatic scenery and don’t mind the midges, the west coast of Scotland offers incredible value. Campsites near Arisaig or around the Isle of Skye give you beach access for £12-20 a night.

The water’s freezing, let’s be honest. But the views ? Unbeatable. And it stays light until 10pm in summer which is wild.

5. Northumberland Coast

Bamburgh Beach, Alnmouth, Beadnell – this stretch is gorgeous and still flying under the radar. Campsites here are £15-23 a night, you get proper sandy beaches, and it never feels overcrowded even in August.

The castles are a bonus if you need a rainy day backup plan.

6. Brittany, France (North Coast)

Quick ferry over and you’re sorted. The northern Brittany coast (think Côte de Granit Rose or around Saint-Malo) has tons of municipal campsites for €15-25 a night. Great beaches, cheaper wine, decent bakeries.

Book the ferry early though – that’s where costs can creep up if you’re not careful.

7. Dorset’s Jurassic Coast

Yes it’s popular, but if you avoid Weymouth and look at smaller sites near Lulworth or West Bay, you can still find pitches for £20-30. The coast here is properly special – those cliffs are something else.

Durdle Door gets rammed at weekends, but midweek it’s manageable.

8. Kent Coast (Deal and Sandwich Bay)

Close to London, which makes it convenient, and the beaches are proper and sandy. Not the cheapest on this list at £22-32 a night, but you save on petrol if you’re coming from the southeast.

Deal’s got a nice vibe. Sandwich Bay is quieter and better for kids.

9. Galicia, Northwest Spain

If you fancy going further, the Rías Baixas coastline in Galicia is stunning and genuinely affordable. Campsites run €12-20 even in summer. The beaches are incredible, the seafood is fresh and cheap, and it’s way less touristy than the Mediterranean coast.

Long drive or flight though, factor that in.

10. Devon’s South Coast (Salcombe Area)

Salcombe itself is pricey, but campsites just outside the town give you access to the same beautiful coastline for £24-35 a night. The South West Coast Path runs right through here if you’re into walking.

Book really early for this one – Devon’s hugely popular and fills up quick.

Practical Tips That’ll Save You Money

Electric hookup : Only worth paying extra (usually £3-5 a night) if you genuinely need it. If you’re in a tent with no gear, skip it.

Shower tokens : Some sites charge per shower. Bring a timer or you’ll spend a fortune. Or just use the beach shower after swimming – it’s free.

Shop local : Don’t buy everything at the campsite shop. Find the nearest Lidl or Aldi and stock up. Massive price difference.

Book direct : Sometimes booking through the campsite’s own website is cheaper than third-party platforms. Always worth checking both.

What to Avoid

Holiday parks with entertainment teams and pools sound great but cost double. If you want the beach, you don’t need all that extra stuff. Save your money.

Sites that don’t show clear prices online are usually expensive. If they make you call for a quote, it’s probably not a bargain.

Booking for August weekends specifically is the most expensive thing you can do. Literally any other time will be cheaper.

Final Thoughts

Beach camping on a budget is absolutely doable, you just need to be a bit smart about it. Book early, avoid peak weeks, pick locations that aren’t plastered all over Instagram, and you’ll have a brilliant summer holiday without the financial stress.

The best spots aren’t always the ones everyone talks about. Sometimes it’s worth going somewhere less obvious – you get better value and actually enjoy your holiday instead of fighting for beach space.

Where will you pick ? Whatever you choose, book it soon. The good value spots don’t stay available forever.