If you are looking for the best adventure campsite in North Somerset, Mendip Basecamp has everything you need for a simple, comfortable and activity‑packed family holiday. Facilities are practical and designed for real campers, and the on-site adventure centre offers a wide range of activities for all ages. Here are 10 reasons to stay at Mendip Basecamp this summer, plus a sample itinerary to help you plan your visit.
Summary
- Mendip Basecamp is a family-friendly adventure campsite in the Mendip Hills near Bristol, Wells and Cheddar
- This guide outlines ten reasons to stay, including facilities, activities, nature and summer events
- The focus is on convenience, comfort, freedom to pitch, family adventure and relaxed departure times
- The aim is to help families plan an easy, enjoyable outdoor holiday in North Somerset
Reason #1: Simple, Straightforward Family Camping
Mendip Basecamp is designed to make camping easy. Facilities are practical, booking is simple, and everything you need is close by. You can arrive, pitch, relax and make the most of your stay without complicated rules or extra charges. Families appreciate how straightforward the experience is, especially on busy weekends or short breaks.
Whether you’re new to camping or regularly pitch up outdoors, Basecamp is a fantastic site to start your family camping adventures.
Reason #2: Convenient Location
Mendip Basecamp sits on a hill surrounded by ancient woodland with wide views and plenty of space to pitch. It’s easy to reach from the motorway and ideal for quick weekend getaways or longer stays. Bristol, Wells and Cheddar are close by, offering walks, food, culture and family attractions.
Helpful Links
- Walks – Mendip Hills National Landscape
- Food and drink – The Railway Inn at Sandford
- Campsite info – Basecamp facilities
Reason #3: Rustic but Comfortable Camping
Mendip Basecamp was built by people who camp. You get the independence of torchlight navigation and early mornings with the birds, but also hot showers, real sinks, flushing loos and a friendly campsite shop. Breakfast rolls and good coffee are available in the Pavilion. You can choose your level of comfort and adventure each day!
Mendip Basecamp Facilities:
- Hot showers and flushing loos
- Fire pits and BBQs
- Friendly dogs allowed
- Park by your tent
- Campsite shop
- Country pub with food and live music
- Activity centre on-site
- Families only
- Freezer
- USB charging
- Accessible toilets and showers
- Giant sandpit
Reason #4: Pick Your Own Camping Spot
Choose a quiet corner, a woodland edge or a sociable area near other families. Children love exploring and picking their favourite spot! You can bring your own tent or campervan, or book a ready‑pitched bunk tent, bell tent or safari tent. Larger groups might be interested in booking the Cheddar YHA, the perfect adventure base for families, clubs and social groups.
Reason #5: Next-level Family Adventure Activities
Mendip Activity Centre is a short walk from Basecamp. Families can learn to Ski, go Tobogganing, take aim with Air Rifles, play Frisbee Golf or try a wide range of other activities. Some sessions run offsite, such as watersports in Hewish, so check locations when booking. Staff can help with timing and travel questions.
Top Tip
When booking your activities, we suggest you check where your session will take place and leave your family enough time to get from one activity to another. Some sessions run offsite, like our Watersports in Hewish, so if you have any questions about travel timing, please ask a staff member or email hello@mendip.co.uk.
Reason #6: Relax and Connect With Nature
From our point of view, this is one of the biggest reasons to stay at our family adventure campsite in Somerset.
Mendip Basecamp is a place to slow down and enjoy the outdoors. The hilltop campsite, surrounded by trees, birds and wildlife, is home to beautiful sunsets, quiet moments and the chance for families to spend time together without distractions. The Mendip Hills National Landscape encourages exploration, and Basecamp is the perfect place to start.
Reason #7: Campfires Under the Stars
Campfires are part of the Basecamp experience! Fire pits made from repurposed washing machine drums are available to hire, and come with a fire‑starter kit. Firewood, kindling and firelighters are also sold in the camp shop. Watch the stars emerge and bask in the golden-orange glow with a toasty marshmallow (or four).
Reason #8: FREE Activities at Mendip Basecamp
Basecamp offers a schedule of free activities for children and adults. Activities can include Storytelling and Circus Skills, and you’ll find outdoor games around the Pavilion. Plus, the giant sandpit is always popular! Saturdays often feature live music at the Bandwagon, creating relaxed family evenings, and look out for the Mendip Mini Fests, taking place at no extra charge throughout the summer holidays in 2026.
Reason #9: No Check-Out Time
If you’re in a campervan or your own tent, there is no set check-out time at Mendip Basecamp! Is this one of the ultimate holiday luxuries? It just might be. No one likes rushing about on their last day, so in the spirit of holiday freedom, visitors can make their way out in their own time, and depending on the day, we even offer free activities that will keep the kids busy while you pack up.
Reason #10: A Welcoming Community
‘A lovely atmosphere and community feel to a perfect campsite.’
Since Basecamp opened, we have had the privilege of seeing families return each summer and create new holiday traditions. Shared experiences are part of family and community life, and it is fun to have played a role in providing access to nature and activities that promote exploration, adventure and growth.
Why Families Choose Basecamp
- Convenient location
- Comfortable but rustic facilities
- Freedom to pick your pitch
- Wide range of adventure activities
- Nature and wildlife
- Campfires
- Free activities
- No check-out time
- Friendly community
We are sure there are more reasons to come for a family camping trip in Somerset, but this is a great start. We would love to see your family at Mendip Basecamp – you can click here for more information about our adventure campsite and leave a review here if you have stayed with us before.
Your Adventure Camping Itinerary
To help get your planning wheels turning, we have created a 3-day itinerary of things to do at Mendip Basecamp. Click on each day’s heading to find out what fun stuff your family could get up to this summer. With a regular program of free activities, themed weekends and live music on Saturday evenings, there’s something for everyone’s adventure at Mendip Basecamp.
Day 1
- Arrive from 3 pm and settle into your accommodation
- Pitch your own tent or check into a pre-pitched bell tent
- Book some adventure activities if you haven’t already
- Rent a fire pit
- Enjoy a nice cold beverage in the sun.
- Head for a wander around the site to get your bearings.
- Explore the on-site footpaths, or hire one of our bat detectors to go bat spotting
- Light your campfire and get excited for tomorrow’s plans
Day 2
- Enjoy the morning birds with a coffee and a croissant from the Pavilion
- Onsite activities
- Head down to Mendip Activity Centre and take part in Axe Throwing, Air Rifle or another adventure activity
- Lunch in the Alpine Lounge, our lovely cafe overlooking the ski slope
- Rock Climbing in Sandford Quarry – A beautiful 30-minute walk or an easy 10-minute drive from the campsite
- BBQ dinner – we sell a delicious range of locally produced BBQ foods in the camp shop or you can bring your own
- Offsite activities
- Try out the assault course at Hewish, our watersports site
- Enjoy a picnic lunch near the Yeo River
- In the afternoon, choose from a range of watersports including Canoeing, Kayaking, or Paddleboarding
- Enjoy dinner at a pub in one of the surrounding villages, or pop into Weston-super-Mare for a classic fish and chips on the beach experience
Day 3
- Enjoy another onsite activity in the morning, like Skiing or Snowboarding, or check out the local area: farm shops, local walks, pubs, National Trust properties, Bristol or Cheddar
- Create a tasty picnic lunch with farm shop produce or bring your own
- In the afternoon, choose one of our exciting self-led activities, such as Frisbee Golf or Tobogganing
- There’s no set check-out time, so you can make the most of your adventure holiday!
Any questions? Feel free to email us at hello@mendip.co.uk
Basecamp Adventure Campsite Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Mendip Basecamp an adventure campsite?
Basecamp offers a wide range of onsite activities, practical facilities and a family-friendly environment, all easily accessible from the M5 and close to Bristol, Bath and Weston-super-Mare.
Are activities suitable for all ages?
Mendip Activity Centre offers adventure activity sessions for children, teens and adults. The bookable activities do have a minimum age limit, so please check when you are booking your activity.
Can you have a campfire at Mendip Basecamp?
Yes! And we hope that you do. Fire pits are available to hire, and supplies are sold on-site.
Do you need to book activities in advance?
Booking your adventure activities at Mendip Activity Centre in advance is recommended, but staff can help when you arrive.
Are tents available to hire?
Yes. Bunk tents, bell tents and safari tents are available to hire, and campervans are welcome.