With thousands of campsites in the UK from which to choose, it should be easy to find one close to your preferred holiday destination but how can you be sure you're not going to be pitching your tent on boggy ground, so close to the neighbouring tent that you can hear its occupants snoring, or worse, find your tent ransacked and your belongings missing? Your travel insurance should cover you for such eventualities but wouldn't you rather it hadn't happened in the first place?

Schemes such as the AA "pennant" scheme exist to give campers information about the standard of campsites in the UK, with a single pennant representing the minimum standard expected such as dry, level, well-spaced pitches with reasonable basic facilities; increasing in stages to five pennants for the highest level of amenities, such as swimming pool and restaurant combined with top level security. Note that even in campsites with the best possible security, it is vital to lock valuables safely in the boot of your vehicle. Travel insurance companies may not pay out for stolen items if you have not taken reasonable care of them.

Various tourist bodies also have similar "star" ratings systems for campsites. Not all campsites subscribe to these ratings systems and there are many campsites with excellent facilities that have never been rated by anyone (except past customers who go back again and again). Everyone has their own ideas as to what constitutes their ideal campsite. Some like them peaceful and close to nature, others prefer lively sites with lots to do. The following are our suggestions for the top ten campsites in no particular order:

1. Most southerly camping in mainland Britain: Henry's, Cornwall.

Set in the beautiful Lizard landscape in garden-like surroundings with strategically placed sculptures and artworks.

2. Eco friendly camping: Eweleaze Farm, Dorset.

With its own private shingle beach on a particularly lovely stretch of the south west coast. Solar powered showers, waste re-cycling, low CO2 emissions, organic food and local firewood.

3. Low bother camping: Sussex Tipis, East Sussex.

One of an increasing number of campsites offering accommodation in ready-pitched Tipis furnished in this case with mattresses, blankets, cushions, coffee table and outside gas stove with utensils, plates and cutlery. All you need to take are sleeping bags and towels. (Check your travel insurance will cover you for damage or loss of hired tipis and equipment).

4. Historic camping: Stowford Manor Farm, Wiltshire.

A small site beside the medieval Stowford Farm, close to Bradford-on-Avon, Bath and the medieval Farleigh Castle. The craft workshops are a particular attraction but make sure your travel insurance covers activities that may be considered dangerous, such as glass-blowing.

5. Get-away-from-it-all camping: Stonethwaite, Cumbria

A 4x4 vehicle is required to reach this one and there is no mobile signal unless you scale one of the surrounding peaks. (Don't leave the phone up there as one camper did; their travel insurance covered the loss but it was a major inconvenience! ) There are no showers and water potability is questionable but it's worth it.

6. Limestone pavement camping: Gordale Scar, North Yorkshire

Situated at the mouth of the spectacular, 100m deep Gordale Scar at the northern end of Craven Fault running all the way from Cumbria and featured in the BBC1 Series "The British Isles: A Natural History". There are lots of climbing, scrambling and walking opportunities nearby but watch your step, you don't want to be carted home in a plaster cast before your holiday has ended even if it is covered by your travel insurance!

7. Woodland and wildlife camping: Kelling Heath Holiday park, Norfolk.

250 acres of woodland and heathland in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, five stars from Enjoy England, David Bellamy Gold Conservation award, say no more!

8. Riverside camping: Hollybush Camping, Hay-on-Wye.

Camp right on the banks of the river Wye beside the Hollybush Inn. Tipis available for hire with coconut flooring and chimneas (take care with these, you don't want to have to claim on your travel insurance for fire damage.)

9. Rock climbing camping: Glenbrittle, Isle of Skye.

Offers a "wild camping" experience (i.e. rudimentary facilities) at the base of the "Far Cuillins of bonny, bonny Skye" closest place to heaven for serious hill walkers and climbers.

10. Water sport camping: Findhorn Sands Caravan Park, Morayshire

Awarded five stars by the Scottish tourist board and Located only a short walk from the beach. Besides the water sports (make sure your travel insurance covers these) there's a Malt Whisky Trail, Victorian Heritage Trail, Coastal Communities trail and Castle Trail covering no less than eleven Scottish castles!