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Ainsdale Sand Dunes National Nature Reserve
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Camping in Ainsdale Sand Dunes National Nature Reserve

Name: Ainsdale Sand Dunes National Nature Reserve
Address: Ainsdale Sand Dunes National Nature Reserve
Rating: 4.9025

This inviting tract of beach and vegetated dunes forms the central swathe of the Sefton Coast, a long line of sand between Liverpool and Southport. The Ainsdale Sand Dunes NNR, alongside several other reserves, protect the area’s dune grasslands and Corsican pinewoods, which rise behind the beach and offer diverse habitat for endangered creatures like natterjack toad. Caravan campers fare better than those with just tents along the coast thanks to touring parks at Formby and Ainsdale—tent campers should try heading a bit inland for the best bets.

98% (740) • 1,900 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Ainsdale Sand Dunes National Nature Reserve

Moss Rose Campsite

1. Moss Rose Campsite

99%

(69)

Pilling, Preston, England · 25 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

We have a family friendly Quiet campsite in the heart of Lancashire on our family run farm. Our site is situated in a species rich meadow field with large mown Pitches surrounded by wild flowers and meandering pathways linking the site together. We are surrounded by a young trees & woodland with the back drop of the Pennines. We offer both glamping and traditional non EHU camping on our site, with lovely hot showers, clean toilet facilities, fresh water point, pot wash area, phone charger lockers, communal freezers, elsan disposal point, microwave, coffee/hot chocolate machine, and our little honesty shack with all little camping essentials to might need whilst staying with us. We also hire out picnic benches and fire pits to help enhance your camping experience. We have a lovely little woodland walk, with a meandering mown path, that winds through our woodland/conservation area. Perfect to walk your dog, and let your kids explore. Adjoining the campsite, we have a padock with super frindly sheep that love to say hello. We sell little bags of sheep feed, just incase you'd like to give them a little treat. In the middle of the site, we have a little tots play area, perfect for keeping you're small kids entertained. We are a Quiet family site, with a Reduced Noise policy from 9 pm, and Quiet Time from 10 pm to 8.30 am. Latest check in time is 8PM, unless prearranged with the campsite. Our site has close links to the A6 and m6 J33. We are only 13 miles from the Historic city of Lancaster, the Bright lights of Blackpool and the jubilee city of Preston. 4 miles from the first fair trade market town of Garstang and 45 mins into the Lake District. There is also lots of interesting activities to do locally.

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Woodsworth Exploring

2. Woodsworth Exploring

98%

(70)

Ilkley, England · 12 units

Nearly wild woodland camping in West Yorkshire’s Bronte country

Pets

Campfires

Potable water

Puddlemire

3. Puddlemire

98%

(58)

Kirkby Lonsdale, England · 21 units · Tents, Glamping

Camping in countryside between the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales

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Campfires

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Plas Issa Escapes

4. Plas Issa Escapes

Wrexham, Wales · 5 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Plas Issa is a small, peaceful farmstead set in the foothills between Wrexham and Llangollen, where every corner of the land has its own character. Our escapes are designed to give guests space, calm, and a genuine connection to nature, without crowds, noise, or packed‑in pitches. We offer a handful of meadow tent pitches plus a premium, exclusive motorhome/campervan pitch tucked into a sheltered wooded bank beside the stream. Each area has been shaped by the land itself: open meadows with big skies, quiet hedgerows alive with birds, and a rising ridge that gives panoramic views across the valley. Our tent pitches sit in a gentle meadow with plenty of room to spread out, relax, and enjoy the scenery. It’s simple, natural camping with easy access and a peaceful atmosphere. For motorhomes and campervans, Brookwood Bank is our unique one‑pitch escape: a hardstanding spot with exclusive access to the wooded bank and stream. It’s sheltered, quiet, and perfect for guests who want privacy and a more premium, nature‑immersed stay. Across the farm you’ll find wildlife, walking routes, stargazing opportunities, and a sense of calm that makes people slow down the moment they arrive. We’re adults‑friendly, dog‑friendly, and focused on offering a respectful, low‑impact experience that fits the landscape. Plas Issa is not a holiday park, it’s a working farmstead with distinct pockets of land, each offering its own escape. Whether you’re here for a quiet night under the stars, a weekend of walking, or a peaceful campervan retreat, you’ll find space to breathe and a warm welcome.

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Stretton House Campsite

5. Stretton House Campsite

92%

(18)

England · 40 units · Tents, Motorhomes

If you like the sound of having farm shops and ice cream farms nearby, as well as access to lots of walking and cycling trails, Stretton House Campsite should be a fine pick for you. It has a strict no noise policy after 10pm, meaning that you should get a peaceful night's sleep too. This site is in the grounds of the 400-year-old Stretton House surrounded by the Cheshire countryside with handy transport links nearby and outdoor activities in no short supply… that includes things like alpaca walking, golf or Manley Mere’s watersports haven (a 20-minute drive away for the latter). You’ll have your pick of two fields, both with car parking by the pitch free of charge and dogs allowed. The facilities include separate male and female toilet blocks, pay per use shower block, mobile phone charging facilities, free wifi and chemical toilet disposal and a drinking water standpipe. You’ll have permission to start up a barbecue or firepit too (subject to the correct safety measures). When you’re ready to get going, the friendly owners will be willing to help out however they can and suggest possible days out, which may include fishing or walking at Pickmere Lake (10 minutes’ drive), visiting an ice cream farm (within 10 minutes’ drive of the site) or going to the local golf course (five minutes’ drive). For food, there’s a farm shop just two minutes’ walk away from the site where you’ll be able to get your hands on local produce. Pubs aren’t far away either – there is one pub five minutes' walk away, and another 15 minutes' walk away. Festival goers are very welcome, and the Creamfields Festival site is five minutes’ drive away. Please respect the quiet hours (no noise is permitted after 10pm) and environment, as the owners' home is on the grounds (and stick to the field's facilities only). No waste accepted onsite. All rubbish must be taken home at the end of your stay.

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Oakwood Marina

6. Oakwood Marina

93%

(115)

Northwich, England · 26 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

Canal-side camping with campfires, set in 30 acres of countryside and with an on-site tea rooms

Pets

Electrical hookup

Campfires

Moss Side Farm Campsite

7. Moss Side Farm Campsite

94%

(133)

Broughton In Furness, England · 25 units

Small-scale farm camping in the South Lakes, with campfires, wildlife and fine views

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Pentre Du Camping Club

8. Pentre Du Camping Club

98%

(73)

Colwyn Bay, Wales · 40 units

Simply good camping with campfires allowed near Colwyn Bay

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Campfires

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Baystone Bank Farm Campsite

9. Baystone Bank Farm Campsite

96%

(156)

Millom, England · 37 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Lake District camping on a working farm with a stream to splash in, campfires encouraged and a horse-riding centre on the doorstep

Pets

Electrical hookup

Campfires

Stanley Villa Farm Fishing& Camping

10. Stanley Villa Farm Fishing& Camping

94%

(62)

Preston, England · 22 units

Lakeside rural tranquility and the 'kiss-me-quick' fun of the seaside – you can have the best of both worlds at Stanley Villa Farm's cute camping pods

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Showers

Campfires

Hazel Mount Fellside

11. Hazel Mount Fellside

98%

(50)

Eskdale, England · 5 units

Nearly wild camping on the western edge of the Lake District overlooking the Duddon Estuary

Pets

Campfires

Potable water

Stock Park Lakeside Camping

12. Stock Park Lakeside Camping

92%

(95)

Grizedale, England · 15 units

Lake District camping on the banks of Lake Windermere, with direct access to the water.

Pets

Campfires

Showers

Marbury Camp and Lodge

13. Marbury Camp and Lodge

97%

(16)

England · 23 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

Small, simple family run camping and glamping site on the Cheshire / Shropshire border with local market towns a stones throw away. Around an hour away from Manchester, Liverpool, Chester and Birmingham, but most definitely far enough away for a break from city life. Great pubs within 30 mins walking distance and close to Cycle Routes, Walking Routes, Farm Shop Cafes, Markets, Supermarkets, a Gin Distillery (open to the public), three wedding venues, a kids tree top adventure amusement park, just to name a few. If camping isn’t for you, book one of our 4 glamping pods complete with central heating, a shower/WC, TV and cooking facilities. Small licensed shop on site. For the best rates, call 01948 502250. Hollyhurst Road, Marbury, SY13 4LY Electricity is 5 Euros per night.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Campfires

Mynydd Derwydd Wildcamping

14. Mynydd Derwydd Wildcamping

96%

(71)

Corwen, Wales · 7 units

Adventurous mountain-top camping on a hill farm in North Wales

Pets

Campfires

Potable water

Greener Pastures

15. Greener Pastures

90%

(5)

England · 7 units · Tents, Motorhomes

This isn’t a place for drive-in, drive-out holidays. It’s for staying, relaxing and enjoying nature. More 'nearly wild' in farming countryside, than manicured sectioned areas. Enclosed paddocks, no nearby roads, and only the gentle hum of a distant train from across the canal, this is countryside relaxation at its finest. Watch the canal boats drift by, or go for a walk or cycle on the network of paths beside them. If your feeling adventurous, take a paddleboard or canoe onto the water, or hire a longboat for the day. Walk to the nearby dog friendly, local pubs, or a short drive there are many options of restaurants, from country pubs to fine dining of all different cultures including takeaways. Or stay onsite with a BBQ, campsite cooking or firepit. Supermarkets, farm shops, garden centres, national trust, activity parks and many other off site places to visit within close proximity, such as historic Chester or the monkeys at Trentham Garden. You can book experiences with the animals we have on site, horses, alpacas, pygmy goats, sheep, rescue hens and our own dogs love a fuss. Your dogs are very welcome, including reactive and exempt dogs. We have enclosed 1 acre paddocks for you to stay. With a choice of paddock (in the fields when ground access permits) or hardstanding pitches (on the sheltered back yard - not enclosed), we can accommodate you whatever the weather. We are perfect for a technology detox, while we have electricity on site to charge your phones, there is no electric to the pitches. Use of a fridge freezer, small kitchen area with hot water, shower bay and mains water. *GROUND CONDITIONS and WEATHER: Please note the paddocks are fields. There is no hardstanding to them or inside them, so access and use is weather and ground dependant. If we have had a lot of rain, we will have mud and vehicles may not get through. You can still use them for walking (bring wellies). The hardstanding is our back yard looking over the fields and canal. You may be able to pitch a tent alongside, but the ground may also be effected by mud. In gales and high winds, we do not advise camping in tents. Please look through our photos. If in doubt, please get in touch before booking

Pets

Campfires

Potable water

Plas yn Llangoed

16. Plas yn Llangoed

95%

(74)

Beaumaris, Wales · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

Camping pitches and bell tents on Anglesey Island with views across the Menai Strait to the mountains of Snowdonia

Campfires

Showers

Potable water

Dolwen Riverside Camping

17. Dolwen Riverside Camping

100%

(22)

Denbigh, Wales · 8 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Peaceful, riverside camping in North Wales

Campfires

Showers

Potable water

Tree Tops and Train Tracks

18. Tree Tops and Train Tracks

100%

(19)

Mold, Wales · 9 units · Tents, Glamping

Woodland camping on the edge of the Clwydian Range in North Wales

Campfires

Showers

Potable water

Brayshaw View Glamping & Camping

19. Brayshaw View Glamping & Camping

100%

(4)

England · 46 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

Nestled in the heart of breathtaking countryside, Brayshaw View Campsite offers a peaceful retreat with stunning panoramic views, fresh air, and the perfect spot to unwind. From scenic hiking trails to charming local villages, explore the best spots to visit, whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, there’s something for everyone. Discover Local Places Uncover hidden gems, charming villages, and scenic spots waiting to be explored. Experience the best of the local area, from historic landmarks to breathtaking nature trails. Pendle Hill Gisburn Forest Settle Malham Bolton Abbey Pendle Hill Gisburn Forest Things to Do Whether you seek adventure or relaxation, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy outdoor activities, experiences, and family-friendly fun to make the most of your stay. Skipton Boat Trips Skipton Castle Ingleborough Cave Ingleton Falls White Scar Caves Vertical Skills Thornton Hall Farm Skipton Boat Trips Skipton Castle Places To Eat & Drink Enjoy a taste of the local area with welcoming pubs serving hearty meals and refreshing drinks. Whether you’re after a traditional pint or a homemade bite to eat, you’ll find a warm atmosphere and friendly service. Crow Trees Inn The Plough Bike Hire & Training Explore the great outdoors with bike hire and training options for all levels. Whether you’re looking for an adventurous ride or a leisurely cycle, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Campfires

Showers

Potable water

Clwydian Glamping Pods and Campsite

20. Clwydian Glamping Pods and Campsite

100%

(7)

Ruthin, Wales · 7 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Pods and pitches in North Wales at the foot of the Clwydian range, with the entire site available for gatherings

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Campfires

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Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Dean

2 weeks ago

5 m campervan

Weekend Trip to Moss Rose Campsite

Excellent site. Peaceful with everything you need & love the private spaces so nobody is cluttered together.

Justas

2 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Pentre Du Camping Club

Nice ,quite, clean place to stay . God price very nice and friendly owner.

Szymon

2 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

5 nights at Stock Park Lakeside Camping

Beautiful land, by the Windermere, relaxed and friendly atmosphere. One camper have been creating some disturbance, but the owner took action and everything was sorted.

Ben

2 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

5 nights at Moss Rose Campsite

Gorgeous location with well spaced pitches. The honesty kitchen is a great addition for essentials. Joe made us feel really welcome throughout the stay. The washrooms were small but kept very clean. Thoroughly recommend and we'd definitely go again.

Jamie

2 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at Plas yn Llangoed

Me and my girlfriend stayed for one night as a little improptu camping trip. Emily was amazing from moment we areived she was showing us around all the facilities and telling us everything we needed. Although we did not use the bbqs or fire pit due to the storm we were really impressed. Emily runs a little cafe in the morning also that does the nicest pan au Chocolats. We are already looking to see when we can come back for longer!

Rhys

3 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

2 nights at Dolwen Riverside Camping

This might be our favourite new campsite. The facilities were amazing, the hosts are so nice and the setting is 10/10 - it never felt too cramped even on a BH weekend and there's lots of families, having fun in the stream and by the fires. Thanks so much for an incredible stay - we will defo be back :)

Mehdi

3 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at Mynydd Derwydd Wildcamping

My friend and I spent a night there and it was really enjoyable. Go and enjoy the sunset and the stars.😎🤩

sam

3 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

1 night at Dolwen Riverside Camping

Great site, well equipped, friendly, clean, beautiful setting

Stephen

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Moss Rose Campsite

Great site had a really good time. Limited toilets but clean and perfectly functional. Joe greeted us on arrival and explained all facilities etc. would recommend and go back.

Natalie

3 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at Baystone Bank Farm Campsite

Beautiful small, quiet campsite, set in picturesque countryside. Perfect for families or couples looking to unwind. The communal shower and toilet facilities are modern, well maintained and clean. You can charge your phone's and power banks up in the facilities building too. There is a cafe on site too. The friendly campsite warden was particularly helpful. We only stayed one night on this occasion but we'll probably use this site for longer stays in the future

Hannah

3 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at Hazel Mount Fellside

I honestly can’t express how much we enjoyed our stay. Ruth has created something so special, it was genuinely the best camping experience we’ve had. It truly felt like we were wild camping. Surrounded by wild flowers, nature and trees, even the walk to the toilet was picturesque with incredible views. We had our own secluded area with no neighbours. Ruth has thought of everything, from games and blankets, to being able to buy eggs from her own chickens, there is nothing she hasn’t thought of. We’ll definitely be returning. Best camping experience ❤️

Joe

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Brayshaw View Glamping & Camping

Is a really good Good campsite 🏕️ on a field in front of a farm with plenty of space and freedom to set up anywhere, with two toilet cubicles and two shower stalls which are clean and well maintained

Nate

3 weeks ago

3 m rooftop tent

Weekend Trip to Plas yn Llangoed

Very accommodating, loved the communal fire pit. Great location also

Laura

3 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Moss Rose Campsite

We have just had a wonderful weekend here, and it wasn’t just because of the weather! The facilities are perfect here, clean toilets, children’s park, washing up area, charging stations, honesty shed which was wonderful! Coffee machine and fridge and freezer! Everything we need for a young family with me pregnant! So amazing that we’re booking for 5 weeks time and again a few weeks later!

Jeannie

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Puddlemire

Amazing place ❤️ lovely people. Overall awesome experience would defo go back. Thank you for having us x

Louise

May 2026

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Stretton House Campsite

Brilliant stay ! Brilliant facilities we will be back ! Thank you

Cheyenne

May 2026

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Baystone Bank Farm Campsite

The views are beautiful , cafe/shop is quite old fashioned , not lots in there so would travel further out for food. The toilet/wash area was very clean and cute looking! Overall I will definitely go again! :)

Kate

May 2026

6 m Class B

With pets

Weekend Trip to Moss Rose Campsite

Gorgeous peaceful vibe, back to nature, friendly hosts. Just lovely!

Mike

May 2026

Tent

Weekend Trip to Baystone Bank Farm Campsite

Nice campsite, with all the amenities you’d need and more, lovely cafe and the rangers were nice guys, fire pits were a nice touch and make the trip cost

James

May 2026

Tent

Weekend Trip to Baystone Bank Farm Campsite

Fantastic site with beautiful views, with great clean facilities. My go to camp listed in the Lake District!

Ainsdale Sand Dunes National Nature Reserve camping guide

Where to go

Sefton Coast

Reaching from Crossens near Southport 21 miles down to Crosby on the edge of Merseyside, Sefton Coast is one of the UK’s most important sandy coastlines. The unbroken, gold-brown beachfront and epic dunes behind, containing 40% of the nationally rare dune slack habitat, make this area special—and it’s all linked by coastal trail. Camping on the coast is difficult, but small-scale campsites can be found just a short way from the water.

Leeds & Liverpool Canal

This fully navigable 127-mile waterway between Liverpool and Leeds pulls off engineering feats a-plenty—negotiating the steep contours of the Pennines, for example—but just as it provides excellent narrow-boating, walking, and cycling, the canal’s camping possibilities are also impressive. The canal loops to within seven miles east of Ainsdale Sands near Downholland—look out for farm glamping near Lathom for a sleep in a fully furnished bell tent.

Ribble Estuary

North of Crossens and about five miles northeast of Ainsdale Sand Dunes NNR, the sand merges into the marsh and mudflats of the Ribble Estuary, one of England’s largest saltmarshes. Over half the estuary is protected as an NNR, and its south side has the best camping. It’s a brilliant area for wildlife-watching, especially for wildfowl.

West Pennine Moors

A locally popular but nationally little-known chunk of stark moorland, the West Pennine Moors swoop east of Chorley, 25 miles east of Ainsdale Sand Dunes. The handiest parts of this outdoor playground are Anglezarke and Rivington Moors, where two long reservoirs divide the higher ground from the conurbation to the west. The region offers great contrasts with the Ainsdale area’s flat, sandy coastscape, as well as charming campsites with several hiking routes into the wilder terrain beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the camping possibilities near Ainsdale Sand Dunes National Nature Reserve?

The canal loops to within seven miles east of Ainsdale Sands near Downholland—look out for farm glamping near Lathom for a sleep in a fully furnished bell tent. You can also explore different options for camping near Ainsdale Sand Dunes National Nature Reserve on Hipcamp.

Where is the best camping area for wildlife-watching near Ainsdale Sand Dunes National Nature Reserve?

Over half the estuary is protected as an NNR, and its south side has the best camping. It’s a brilliant area for wildlife-watching, especially for wildfowl. You can also explore different options for camping near Ainsdale Sand Dunes National Nature Reserve on Hipcamp.