With so many people looking for respite from the daily grind, our favourite campsites are being overrun with people. We’re in need of somewhere quiet, somewhere secret. If you are, too, check out our picks for the best Secret Campsite Books in the UK and Europe. Compiled by the team at Camping Things, we’re certain each of these picks will lead to the trip of a lifetime for those of you on the lookout for somewhere a little more off the grid.

Cool Camping Europe:

A Hand-Picked Selection of Campsites and Camping Experiences in Europe by Jonathan Knight

‘The best low-key picks from across Europe.’

From Portugal to the Algarve, this handy little guide covers over 100 low-key locations across 12 European countries. Fall in love with the sprawling woodland of Portugal’s Peneda-Gerês National Park, or stow away on a spit of land in between two of the Black Forest’s most beautiful rivers. Looking for an Italian adventure? Watch out for the woodland site with direct access to the beach bordering the Ionian sea.

Yurts, tipis, safari tents and domes all feature in this edition, which covers rural France and Spain, as well. Leave the crowds behind and set up camp at some of Europe’s most idyllic, personality-rich campsites. The Cool Camping guide is typically entertaining and informative, and each site is backed up with great photography. Also included are a bunch of useful local phrases, to help you get along. Countries featured: Austria, Croatia, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland.

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Cool Camping Scotland:

A Hand-picked Selection of Exceptional Campsites and Camping Experiences

‘A guide to Scotland’s most stunning campsites.’

Essential reading for all lovers of the outdoors, this updated edition of Cool Camping: Scotland features 50 of the country’s best and most hidden campsites. Discover a grassy oasis amid the lunar landscape of the Isle of Harris, hidden sites inside glens, and family farms, neatly tucked away.

From Scotland’s beautiful mess of highland islands, to the Atlantic shore and wild mountains, this is your guide to the most beautiful camping spots in the whole country. Let Cool Camping guide you through new walks and trails, as well as local events, plus how to travel, and where to eat and drink.

This is one of the best Secret Campsite Books we’ve read

Use the ‘At A Glance’ guide to easily find the kind of campsite you’re looking for, including ‘Cool For Campfires’, ‘Stunning Views’, ‘Middle of Nowhere’, ‘Lochside Chilling’, ‘Cool For Camper Vans’ and ‘Dog Friendly’. Highly recommended.

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Wild Guide:

Devon, Cornwall and South West by Daniel Start

‘Get down and out of the way in the UK’s most picturesque corner.’

The one and only wild camping guide to Devon, Cornwall and the South West, features information on where to set up camp, as well as where to find the best food and drink on offer. Visit windy beaches, and woodlands which traverse ancient grounds, as well as gorgeous picnic spots and wildflower meadows. Visit lost ruins, castle, yurts and heritage sites on your way to some of the most secret campsites in the UK.

Engaging and written with great enthusiasm, the Wild Guide to Devon, Cornwall and the South West is a top pick for us at Camping Things.

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Wild Swimming:

Hidden Beaches by Daniel Start

‘Where to swim like the wild beast you are.’

Britain’s beaches aren’t so inviting for swimmers most of the year, and when the sun does come out, the top picks are usually so packed with people, it’s hard to move, let alone enjoy your moment of peaceful tranquility.

Hidden Beaches from Punk Publishing is the ultimate guide to Great Britain’s secret coast. Find low-key alcoves and tiny, deserted beaches, from Devon, to the North-East coast. There are few more comprehensive, and well-photographed guides out there than this one, and we highly recommend it.

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Wilderness Weekends:

Wild adventures in Britain’s rugged corners by Phoebe Smith

‘The ultimate wilderness weekend guide from Britain’s most avid wild camper.’

With practical advice and colour photos to help you along, Smith’s Wilderness Weekends guide takes the hassle out of actually finding somewhere out of the way, freeing you up to get out and enjoy yourself.

One of our favourite Secret Campsite Books

Covering 26 of the wildest weekend camping spots in Britain, from the southern tip of Cornwall to the Scottish Highlands, you’ve got everything you need right here, for a truly wild weekender.

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Best Secret Campsite Books