The monumental rush of scoring your tickets has subsided, you’ve stocked up on toiletries, tinnies and plenty of spare socks, and already begun repetitively checking the weather forecast. It can only mean one thing – Glastonbury weekend is almost here.
But, where are you going to pitch your tent, and create a homely – if not slightly cramped – little space for yourself and your mates for the duration of this mega weekend? That’s where we come in.
We’ve scoured blogs, info pages, the depths of Reddit and our own experience to compile this snappy list of Glastonbury’s public campsites (check out the official map here and app here), whether you’re going for the headliners, the party, to avoid the FOMO or all of the above.
Glastonbury’s public campsites: a complete guide
Lime Kiln Ground – This spot is great to drink in some views of the Glastonbury site, but if you plan on being a regular at Shangri-La, we’d give this one a miss – it’s the furthest-away campsite.
Nearest gate: A
Hitchin Hill Ground – Arriving late? Hitchin Hill Ground could be your best bet. It’s on a slope but doesn’t fill up quite as quickly as other north site camping spots, so even if you arrive on Thursday (or even Friday) there could well be space.
Nearest gate: A
Spring Ground (accessible camping) – Equipped with a wheelchair ramp and mobility scooter charging points as well as accessible sinks, toilets, showers, medication fridges, this campsite is for disabled festival-goers and their carers, and requires registration in advance.
Nearest gate: A
Dairy Ground – This is one of the larger campsites at Glastonbury, so another solid option if you’re arriving late, as there should be space left.
Nearest gate: D
Paines Ground – This campsite fills up pretty pronto, and the Park Stage, Arcadia and Cineramageddon are all close by – you’ll probably need to arrive early on Wednesday for a spot here.
Nearest gate: D
Park Home Ground – For proximity to Arcadia, Park Home Ground is your best bet. The nearby late-night venue will have music (and pyrotechnics) going until 3am, and you won’t have far to roll back to your tent afterwards. Early bird? Camp elsewhere.
Nearest gate: D
Pennard Hill Ground – With Arcadia on one side and the festival’s south east corner (Shangri-La) on the other, this is a great spot for partying, but it’s also one of the most popular spots at Glastonbury, so if you’re keen for a spot make sure you pitch-up early.
Nearest gate: D
Big Ground – This is the place to be if you plan on plonking yourself in front of the Pyramid Stage all weekend, as it’s got hands down the best view (and sound). It’s popular, but only loud when the headliners are performing.
Nearest gate: B
Bushy Ground – In 2025 half of this site will be used for crew camping, and you’ll need to walk around Park Farm farmhouse (not part of the festival site) to reach the stages. However, this could be a good one if you’re keen to spread out a bit.
Nearest gate: D
Michael’s Mead – A steep one, but also a solid option if the acts on the Pyramid stage are your priority. The area at the bottom of this bit, alongside Hawkwell, is known as Webb’s Ash, and is a slightly flatter alternative.
Nearest gate: A
Rivermead – This campsite is a 50-50 split between punters and crew members, but (the clue is in the name) it’s next to the nearby river which means, if the weather’s looking damp, it might be best avoided.
Nearest gate: A
Lower Mead – Nice and flat, and Woodsies and Silver Hayes aren’t too far away, just be aware that music will be pulsing out of San Remo until 3am. It can also be a bit noisy due to the traffic from the site’s nearby main access road.
Nearest gate: A
Kidney Mead – Over here you’ll be near to food stalls, the Cider Bus, Acoustic Stage and the Pyramid Stage – ideal – but it’s not one for light-sleepers. Oh, and you will face some pretty dire toilet queues.
Nearest gate: B or C
Darble – The entire west side of the site is less busy than the east side, and Darble is a solid spot, especially if you’re arriving by public transport – the bus and coach stations are right next door.
Nearest gate: A
Oxlyers – This is where you’ll get the best views of the Other Stage, but it fills up pretty damn fast so arrive early if you’re keen for a spot. It’s also one to avoid if the weather is against you, as due to its flat level and huge footfall, Oxlyers can get muddy. The vibes are great though.
Nearest gate: D
Hawkwell – A particularly steep spot, right at the top of the site by Worthy Farm. However, it’s within a great proximity to the Pyramid Stage, so another solid option if you’re gunning to see the headliners.
Nearest gate: A or B
Back House – This is the much smaller neighbour to Dairy Ground which used to be cordoned off until other campsites were completely full. In 2025, it looks like it will be available immediately alongside all the others.
Nearest gate: D
Rig’s Field – Nestled right at the western edge of the site, this more remote spot is a decent option if you don’t mind a walk, are arriving late, or would like some quiet at night.
Nearest gate: D
Baileys – Also one of the last to fill up, Baileys is great if you don’t get to Glastonbury until Thursday or are looking for enough space for a big group.
Nearest gate: D
South Park 1 – Way down in the southwest corner of Glastonbury is this campsite, which is a bit of a walk but great if you’re keen for some kip.
Nearest gate: D
South Park 2 – Pitching at the southernmost campsite means it can take up to an hour to walk to the Pyramid Stage, so make sure you leave plenty of time if this is where you end up.
Nearest gate: D
Cyclists camping – Why not avoid all the traffic, eh? More and more punters are being encouraged to arrive at Glasto on two wheels, and if you do so you’ll get a secure lock-up and your own campsite. There’s even the option to – for a small fee – make the most of return delivery services for your rucksack from pre-arranged drop-offs in Bristol and around Somerset.
Nearest gate: A
Family Camping
Cockmill Meadow Family Camping – If you don’t mind a little buzzing from the Pylons, this is a great option for families (and also if you’re keen to camp with friends who don’t have kids themselves, as there’s no outlined adult-child ratio). It’s close to the Kidz Field.
Nearest gate: B
Ash Tree Family Camping – This is another smaller family campsite right next to Cockmill Meadow, at the northeast corner of the site. It might be a little less crowded than it’s bigger neighbour.
Nearest gate: B
Wicket Ground Family Camping – This one is an exclusive for families, and you’ll have to get approval from on-site stewards to camp here. However, there are fences around Wicket Ground, so it’s ideal if you’ve got some hyper kiddos.
Nearest gate: A
General camping tips from Time Out
Even if you’ve finessed your spot, we think there are a couple of things first-timers might find useful to know. Here are some tips from us:
- Not sure which campsites are full up already? The stewards who greet you on arrival should have up-to-date information on the crowding situation, so ask them.
- What3Words is a decent tool so you never get lost going back to your tent. Alternatively you can find a natural landmark, and memorise it.
- If you’re pitched on a slope, make sure your tent is facing downhill.
- Don’t pitch too close to the loos – that smell will only get more pungent over the course of the fest.
- Don’t be the goon who brings a gazebo – you won’t make any friends.
For all the latest festival info, check out our complete guide to Glastonbury 2025.
ICYMI: ‘I’ve been to 109 music festivals – this is everything I’ve learnt’.
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