Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions about Batcombe Vale Campsite:

Booking with us

When are you open?

We are open from the end of April/beginning of May, depending on the year, to the end of September. Exact dates can be found on the home page of the website.

What units do you accept?

We take motorhomes, campervans and caravans up to 7m in length and tents up to 7m x 5m in size. For any tent greater than this, please get in touch directly as we may be able to accommodate you if we have space during low season.

If you are coming with a caravan, please be aware that the drive down to the campsite is a single track and fairly steep. There is a moderately tight turning circle just before the reception hut. Caravans up to 7 metres are fine but we do not accept anything larger.

Is there a minimum booking period?

We have a minimum booking period of 3 nights for Bank Holidays and 2 nights at all other times.

Bringing kids?

Children are welcome on the campsite. We encourage children to reconnect with nature in our beautiful vale. There’s lots to explore and children love it here but please be aware that the campsite is positioned by a series of lakes. Please keep an eye on your children to make sure that they stay safe and out of trouble. Your children are your responsibility, not ours.

Our guests come principally to enjoy the peaceful surroundings.  We ask that parents and their children respect the serenity of the location and observe standard campsite etiquette so as not to disturb other campers. Loud, unruly or inappropriate behaviour ruins the experience for others who are looking for a restful and peaceful getaway - the very reason people come to our sleepy location.

Do you allow dogs?

Yes, we love dogs and are a dog friendly site. You can bring up to 2 well-behaved dogs (3 by prior arrangement if we are not busy). There is a small charge of £3 per day per dog.  Dogs must be kept on leads at all times and exercised away from other campers. Please clean up after your dog right away and use the bins in the recycling area. Thank you.

How do I book?

We want to book a pitch next to our friends, can we do this?


Yes, of course, as long as you let us know ahead of arrival and as long as we are able. When booking online via our website, please state your friends’ surname(s) in the “Any Questions?’ box on our booking form. If you do this, we will know to pitch you together.

Can I book more than one pitch?

Yes, each pitch can be booked separately using our booking system on the website. Simply complete your first booking and the booking system will then ask you if you would like to make a second booking and so on. You can book up to 3 pitches.

Can I make a group booking?

We are happy to accept small groups of up to 3 units. Larger groups would be by prior arrangement only. Please do not book online without getting in touch with us first. We do not take big group celebrations, Stag or Hen parties.

Arriving and Checking-in with us.

Will my SatNav take me to you?

Yes, if you have an up-to-date SatNav, it will take you to the top of the campsite drive which is clearly signposted. Simply take the drive down the hill to reach the campsite.

What time can we check-in?

Check-in is after 2pm and before 8pm.

Can I arrive earlier than 2pm for my pitch?

You will not be able to check-in or pitch before 2pm. Please do not arrive early as we don’t have a parking area where guests can wait prior to check-in.

Can I arrive later than 8pm?

If you want to arrive later than 8pm, please call first to check that this will be ok.

What do we do when we first arrive?

Please stop at the reception hut to be welcomed, checked-in and be shown to your allocated pitch. If there is no one at reception, please call the main number (01749 372373). Please never proceed onto the campsite without checking-in, even if you are staying with others who have already arrived. 

Staying with us

What is your policy on noise?

We are a small and quiet campsite and we are very keen to preserve the tranquillity of our secluded location for the enjoyment of our guests.

Out of respect for all our guests, we do not allow boisterous, loud or inconsiderate behaviour or any amplified music at any time from adults or children. We have a strict ‘no noise after 11pm and before 7am’ policy, so that fellow campers can have a restful night’s sleep. Please be considerate, especially if you are part of a group of friends or family. We want everyone to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and to ensure a relaxing holiday for all campers.

If you want to stay up late partying, then this will not be the right campsite for you.

Can I park my car by my tent?

We’re happy to confirm that, subject to the size limitations mentioned above, all our pitches have room for your accommodation and your car on them.

Do I have to pay for the showers?

Our hot showers are free and operate on a push-button system.

Do you allow fire bowls and BBQs?

We allow fire bowls and BBQs as long as they are sufficiently raised off the ground to not burn the grass. If you have a fire bowl or BBQ that is low to the ground, please ask to borrow bricks from us on arrival.

You can also rent a fire bowl from us. The cost of a fire bowl, a bag of logs and kindling is £15 in total for the first night and thereafter the fire bowl is free. If you need to buy wood, the cost of a bag of kiln-dried ash is £7.  When you depart, there is no need to empty or clean out your fire bowl. Simply return it to where you got it and we will do the rest!

We don't allow disposable BBQs and we don't have our own BBQs onsite.

Do you hire freezer packs?

We have a freezer near the washing up points at the shower block, where you can freeze your own ice packs.

Do we need to reserve the rowing boats and what is the cost?

We’re happy to say that the use of the boats is free and there is no need to reserve. It is on a first come basis. We have life jackets available and children must be supervised by their adults at all times. The boats and oars must be used responsibly. You must not stand up in the boats (other than to get on or off) and loud, unruly behaviour is not acceptable.

Where are some good walks?

There are countless walks starting from the campsite. Please ask at reception to borrow maps or get directions.

Can we swim in the lakes or bring our own paddleboards, kayaks or boats?

Bathing, paddling or getting in the water is not allowed. Guests' paddleboards, kayaks or boats are not allowed on any of the lakes.

Can we go fishing?