Swindon families are spoiled for weekend escapes: the Vale of White Horse rises minutes to the east, the Marlborough Downs to the south and the Cotswold Water park to the west. Most of the sites in this guide are within 40 minutes of the town.
Ye Olde Swan's island campsite at Radcot and Evelyn's Garden on the Ridgeway are the classic quick escapes: 20 minutes out yet a different century once the fire is lit. For full facilities, head for the Water Park and Hoburne Cotswold.
The 8 closest sites in our guide, road distances are approximate
5 miles
££
Oxfordshire
Bourton, near Shrivenham, Wiltshire border
About 8 miles from Swindon. A small, peaceful smallholding campsite on ancient ridge-and-furrow pasture, with campfires and big Vale views.
12 miles
££
Wiltshire
Marston Meysey, Wiltshire
About 9 miles from Swindon. A family-run touring park on the very young Thames, minutes from the Cotswold Water Park's beaches and trails.
16 miles
£££
The Cotswolds
South Cerney, Gloucestershire
About 12 miles from Swindon. Indoor and outdoor pools, lakeside beach, clubhouse and endless activities in the Cotswold Water Park.
3 miles
££
Oxfordshire
Longcot, near Faringdon, Oxfordshire
About 12 miles from Swindon. A friendly fire-pit campsite behind Farmer Gow's activity farm, with the White Horse on the skyline.
26 miles
££
Wiltshire
Little Lype Farm, Charlton, near Malmesbury, north Wiltshire
About 14 miles from Swindon. A working beef farm near Malmesbury where kids meet the cows, raid the play barn and you get proper hot showers.
10 miles
£
Oxfordshire
Sparsholt Down, near Wantage, Oxfordshire
About 15 miles from Swindon. Six quiet paddock pitches on a 100-acre organic farm just 300 metres off the Ridgeway, with chickens and huge views.
4 miles
£
Oxfordshire
Radcot Bridge, near Faringdon, Oxfordshire
About 16 miles from Swindon. Camp on a Thames island beside the oldest bridge on the river, with a proper pub a short stumble from your tent.
19 miles
£
The Cotswolds
Cirencester, Gloucestershire
About 17 miles from Swindon. Organic farm camping with campfires, a legendary farm shop café and not an electric hook-up in sight.
Ye Olde Swan's riverside campsite at Radcot, Evelyn's Garden on the Ridgeway near Uffington, Hoburne Cotswold in the Cotswold Water Park, Second Chance Touring Park at Marston Meysey and Blackland Lakes near Calne are all roughly a 20 to 35 minute drive from Swindon.