Camping Rules

• Pitching tents: There is over 400 acres of land to choose from when camping, we do not allocate pitches. Campers must be 15 metres of another tent. The sand dunes provide natural privacy—use them considerately.

• Trees: Cutting down or damaging trees is strictly forbidden. Shell Island is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest. Offenders will be prosecuted and removed from site.

• Fires: 16/07/26 WE CURRENTLY HAVE BAN ON ALL DISPOSABLE BBQS, THIS INCLUDES ON THE BEACH

  • Open ground fires are not allowed. Fires must be raised off the ground in a fire bin.

  • Ensure all ash is dampened before disposal into ash bins provided next to the skips.

  • Campfires are permitted on the main beach only—please clean up afterwards and ensure all ambers are extinguished thoroughly.

• Barbecues: Please ensure BBQ's are raised off the ground to prevent grass damage. Fully extinguish and dispose of barbecues responsibly. 16/07/26 WE CURRENTLY HAVE BAN ON ALL DISPOSABLE BBQS, THIS INCLUDES ON THE BEACH

• Rubbish: Always take rubbish to the skips/recycling area. Do not leave bin bags outside tents (birds will scatter them). Report untidy pitches to Reception with vehicle details. Before leaving, tidy your site and place all rubbish into skips/recycling area.

Dogs

• Dogs must be kept on leads or tethered at all times, and owners must clean up after them. Doggy bins are available around the site.

• Dogs are not permitted in certain fields—please follow the signs.

• On the main beach, dogs must remain on leads. Off-lead exercise areas are available: past the last bin on the main beach, or in the dog field near the football pitch. These areas are clearly marked on the site map. 

• Free doggy bags are available at the Toll Gate.

• Under the Control of Dogs Order 1992, all dogs must wear a collar and ID tag showing their owner’s name and address.

• XL Bully Ban: Due to UK law, XL Bully dogs are classed as dangerous and are not permitted on Shell Island, even if licensed or registered as assistance dogs.

• Any owner not following these rules may be asked to leave the site.

Noise & Safety

• Noise: Radios and other noise must be kept at a reasonable level at all times, and switched off by 10pm.

• Generators: Not permitted anywhere on site.

• Fireworks, lanterns & drones: Strictly prohibited. Anyone caught using them will be asked to leave.

• Road safety: Normal road rules apply. Drink-driving will be reported to the police.

  • Speed limits must be observed (20mph across the Island; 10mph near main buildings).

  • No “boot riding” or irresponsable driving, don't do anything you wouldn't do on a motorway. 

  • No driving on sand dunes or the beach.

• Cycling: Helmets are strongly recommended.

Prohibited Items

• Caravans, teardrop trailers, mini caravans, motorised scooters, jet skis, quad bikes, go-peds, and mini motorbikes are not allowed.

• Road-legal motorcycles are permitted for transport (conditions apply). Off-road/trial bikes are not allowed.

• Power kites: Allowed only with valid insurance, and only 400m south of the main beach car park. Buggy kites require prior arrangement.

Campsite Policy

• Shell Island is for families and couples only—groups are not accepted.

• Breaking any rules may result in your party being asked to leave, with a possible site ban.

• The management accepts no responsibility for damage caused by weather—please assess conditions yourself prior to arrival. Weather forecasts are displayed in Reception and updated regularly.

Facilities & Services

Shops

• Supermarket:

  • Main season: 8am – 8pm | Low season: 9am – 5pm

  • Stocks fresh bread, fresh local meat, milk, frozen food, snacks, drinks, toiletries, and camping essentials.

• Camping Shop:

  • Main season: 8am – 8pm | Low season: 9am – 5pm

  • Ice pack hire, camping gear, fishing equipment/bait, gas, fire bins, logs, kindling, charcoal, postage stamps, clothing, batteries, official Shell Island clothing, and phone charging.

• Gift Shop:

  • Main season: 8am – 8pm | Low season: 9am – 5pm

  • Ice cream, fudge, beach toys, souvenirs, shells, badges, toys, jewellery, gifts, magnets and teddies.

• Snack Bar:

  • Main season: 8:30am – 8:30pm | Low season: 9:30am–3pm & 5pm–7pm.

  • Serving an array of food choices, including full breakfast, jacket potatoes, childrens meals, burgers, fish and chips etc all food is avaiable to eat in or takeaway. 

• Tavern Bar:

  • Main season: 11am – 11pm | Low season: 12pm – 11pm (Sun until 10:30pm).

  • Beers, wines, and spirits at competitive prices.

• Coffee on the quay:

  • Main season: 8.30am – 6pm | Low season: 9am – 4pm 

  • Serving a selection of hot and cold drinks,cakes and food including local Ffa Da coffee, ice coffee, frappes, milkshakes, a wide selection of cakes, cheese cakes,doughnuts, toasties and pizza twists. 

Other Facilities

• Laundrette: Open 24 hours, next to the supermarket.

• Showers: 7am–1pm (closed for cleaning), reopen 3pm–10pm. Disabled showers accessible with radar key.

• Toilets: 6 toilet blocks across the site (5 with accessible toilets). Baby baths and changing units available.

• Water Supply: Taps throughout site for filling containers (not for washing dishes).

• Dishwashing: Dedicated area behind shower block.

• Elsan/Grey Waste: Chemical disposal point at the main toilet block; drive-over grey waste available.

• Car charging : We have 3 car charging points at Reception, these are charged at 51p per KW. Payment to be made in Reception. 

Camping Conditions

• Arrivals: 8am – 8pm (9pm Fridays). No entry outside these times. Late arrivals after 9pm will be directed to the Exit Field.

• Departures: Pitches must be vacated by 3pm. Extensions cannot be guaranteed—book your full stay in advance.

• Fees: Payable on arrival or in advance online. No refunds. Long stays must be paid two weeks at a time.

• Security: Onsite patrols operate, but campers are responsible for their belongings. Report suspicious activity to Reception or the Toll Gate.

• Emergencies:

  • First aid at Reception and Toll Gate. Campers should bring their own kits.

  • Fire extinguishers are located every 100m. In case of fire: raise the alarm, evacuate, then use equipment if safe.

  • Emergency services should be directed via Reception/Gate House (airfield access if tide is up).

Additional Information

• Tides: Shell Island is accessible via a tidal causeway. Always check safe crossing times (posted around site and on the website).

• Mail: Deliveries for campers are not accepted.

• Boats: Owners use at their own risk. Insurance required for trailers.

• Children: Under 17s may not camp onsite without parental supervision or an accompanying vehicle.

• Bookings: During school holidays and weekends, booking online in advance is strongly advised. No credit notes will be issued for late arrivals or reduced party sizes unless 48 hours’ notice is given.

For information about our cancelation policy and booking policy please visit our booking terms page