As the name suggests, Mendip Basecamp is the ideal base for adventurous campers looking to explore the Mendip Hills. But, to be honest, it’s also a real attraction in its own right. The campsite is so full of activities that you may never want to leave and when they recently opened their doors to the general public, after years reserved for private scout and school groups, they were overwhelmed by the response. Previously an adventure centre, Basecamp is now also being appreciated for its space, freedom and natural beauty too. And, with over twenty different activities to choose from, it’s guaranteed to be a worthy match for even the most energetic of kids.
Located in the north of the Mendip Hills, an area of outstanding natural beauty just south of Bristol, the spacious campsite is surrounded by ancient woodland on almost all four sides. The style is pleasantly relaxed; there are no specified pitches, just choose a place to pop your tent and settle in (the field is massive, so there are loads of options). The open, relatively flat space is wonderfully sociable in the hight of summer, with kids making friends and parents relaxing by their tents, and the high surrounding trees give good shelter from the cool night breezes of summer. Campfires are allowed, too; their hazy smoke adding the essential scent of camping to the scene.
A short walk from camp, through a beautiful illuminated woodland path, you’ll find the main lodge where there’s a pop-up tavern, serving local ales and ciders, cooked breakfasts, pizzas and more. There’s also a small shop onsite for BBQ essentials and ice lollys. Then, of course, there’s the activity centre: A stay at Basecamp gives you access to a huge range of activities, like rock climbing, dry-slope skiing, canoeing and caving, to name but a few. Instructors are friendly and fully trained and cater to all ages and levels, from experienced rock climbers to those who’d struggle to climb the stairs.
The campsite is handy for those that live in Bristol, but also good for ‘outsiders’ who fancy popping into the city for a day trip. 25 minutes in the car will allow you to walk over Clifton Suspension Bridge, followed by drinks at The White Lion, or explore the quirky bars and restaurants of Gloucester Road. The Somerset coast around Weston-Super-Mare, meanwhile, is also eminently reachable from camp. Though it makes the perfect base for campers wishing to explore, however, with all the options the site has to offer, you may never find yourself getting beyond basecamp at all.
Basecamp is a family-run campsite in the heart of the beautiful Mendip Hills, just outside Bristol, five minutes from the M5. Surrounded by ancient woodland, our spacious campsite is perfect for families, small groups and adventurers.
We are proud of Basecamp's friendly, community-fuelled atmosphere, that has people coming back year after year!
We may be an off-grid, wild campsite - but we still have hot showers, clean flushing toilets, a camp shop and a cosy country lodge which serves great value food and drink. Plus, with a 250 acre activity centre on site you can make your stay a real family adventure camp!
Following the overwhelming success of previous years, we will open once again in 2022 and offer families space, freedom, and adventure.
Facilities
Mendip Lodge: Our licensed country lodge is open until late every day and is just a short walk from camp. Serving the best local ciders and beers, cooked breakfasts, loaded fries and stone-baked pizzas. A cosy retreat with real log fires, comfy lounges and a sunny beer garden.
Toilets and showers The site has two toilet and shower blocks. All purpose-built with individual cubicles accessed from the outside. Our facilities are regularly cleaned throughout the day and night. Toilet roll is not supplied, so please bring your own or buy from our pop-up shop.
Off-Grid We don't have electric hook ups so we recommend bringing battery powered lanterns or fairy lights for your tent and power packs to recharge phones. Regrettably, due to the topography of our land Basecamp is not accessible for wheelchair users or anyone with severe mobility restrictions.
Mendip Activity Centre Our activity and snowsport centre is just a short woodland walk away from camp. With over 20 activities to take part in, there is something here for everyone aged 4 to 94! As a camper, there’ll be exclusive discounts available for you.
Fire Pits We have fire pits available for hire. You’re welcome to bring your own off-ground barbecues or fire pits. We have bricks available to rest them on. Firewood and charcoal are available for purchase from our onsite shop.
Camp shop Our pop-up shop stocks all the essential food, drinks, snacks and camping essentials! We stock great value, locally sourced bread, bacon, burgers, eggs, and sausages. We also have ice creams, ice cold drinks, sweets and snacks.
Water & Washing Up Stations There are plenty of drinking water taps around the site. We’ve also provided a few washing up areas, so if you would like to use these you can.
USB Charging & Ice Block Freezer We have a few USB charging points for essentials. We have a freezer for ice packs only. Please do not use this for anything else.
Recycling & Bins We are passionate about the environment. We have a recycling station at the main entrance to the camp so you can recycle any rubbish.
IMPORTANT NOTE
No caravans, trailer tents or motorhomes Due to low bridge, tight bends, and steep tracks, Basecamp is not accessible to towing vehicles or motorhomes over 2.7m high.
No electric hookups We're an off-grid site so we don't have any electric hook ups. Bring a torch, a battery pack and a sense of adventure. We do have a few USB chargers if you need to charge your phone.
No chemical waste We have plenty of toilets, showers and washing up areas. There's no need for you to bring your own. If you have onboard facilities, please empty them at home.
