Adult Only Camp Sites and Caravan Parks

When I first started to look for camps and caravan parks which were adults only I had the shameful feeling that I was doing something furtive and terrible. I imagined neighbours, friends and relatives reeling with shock should they discover my guilty secret closely followed by universal ostracism. However, with surprise I found that I was far from alone. There were plenty of others like me who liked the idea of peacefully reading a book in the sun without footballs ricocheting off their heads or a constant background noise of high pitched screams and bed time tantrums. I’m not anti-children or a spoil sport – I just like my tranquil times to be, well……tranquil.

A few years ago adult only sites were few and far between – they were out there but finding them was difficult and often accidental. This was partly due to the reluctance of adult only sites to advertise their status – they too must have feared a public outcry if it was discovered that they had a ban on allowing holiday maker’s little darlings onto the site. However, times have changed, and it is not now so socially unacceptable to admit that you want a child-free holiday. In fact there are those who positively demand it and as a result not only have the adult only sites come happily out of the closet but many sites, seeing the lucrative market, have jumped on the band-wagon.

There are now 100s of sites across the UK but some areas seem to have a greater concentration of this type of site than others. For example, in Wales and even more so in Scotland, they are still fairly thin on the ground while the South West counties and those of East Anglia have a huge variety to choose from. New sites however, do seem to spring up all the time.

The continent is a whole different ball game – France and Spain particularly. Adult only sites do exist but you can count them on one hand. Perhaps that too will change in time.

What are adult only sites like?

They are as different and varied as any camp or caravan park but they are usually blissfully quieter and obviously devoid of such things as children’s play grounds. Some sites are very sociable, offering opportunities for like minded people to get together, while others offer complete privacy and isolation.

Some adult only sites offer entertainments and activities geared to adults but as a general rule most of these sites are trying to offer a peaceful environment in natural surroundings.

Parks range from functional and basic to 5 star and some have a host of accolades which range from David Bellamy Conservation park status to national newspaper and tourist board awards.

Are any children allowed?

No, not usually, even as visitors but do check on the minimum age. Most sites which list themselves as ‘adult only’ have a minimum age of 18 but there are some which have a lower age limit of 14, 15 or 16.

How can I find adult only sites?

Just type in ‘adult camp and caravan’ into a search engine on the Internet and prepare to be amazed at the results. There are some websites which are dedicated to listing adult only sites while other search results will bring you directly to specific camp sites.  ‘UK Campsite’  has perhaps the most comprehensive list of UK and continental sites with links to individual websites but there are others such as ‘Adult Campsites’ and ‘Tranquil Touring Parks’.

Also, many websites which list all general camp and caravan parks have a filter for ‘adult only’ sites.

I am now a fully confessed adults only site fan, happy in the knowledge that I can barbecue my burgers without being invaded by a marauding trail of eight-year olds or suddenly discover a frisbee in my well-earned fry-up. Kids are great – but kid-free camp sites are bliss.