Woodland campsites in Ainsdale Sand Dunes National Nature Reserve
98% (310) • 344 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds in Ainsdale Sand Dunes National Nature Reserve
Woodsworth Exploring
1. Woodsworth Exploring
98%
(71)
Ilkley, England · 12 units
Nearly wild woodland camping in West Yorkshire’s Bronte country
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
Moss Side Farm Campsite
2. Moss Side Farm Campsite
94%
(134)
Broughton In Furness, England · 25 units
Small-scale farm camping in the South Lakes, with campfires, wildlife and fine views
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Oakwood Marina
3. 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
wildwood quarry retreat
4. wildwood quarry retreat
100%
(1)
Wales · 2 units
Quiet semi rural location close to the ancient township of Caerwys and within walking distance of Offas Dyke Path and local hillforts . Easily accessible off the A541 Mold-Denbigh road , 7 mins from J31 on A55 . A short 20-25 minute drive to the beach resorts of Talacre , Rhyl , Abergele and Prestatyn. The historic towns of Denbigh and Mold are only a 15 minute drive away as is Holywell and Flint . An ideal base to relax and unwind or if you wish to park up for the duration there is plenty of local walks from our gate to lakes and nature reserves in the area. On site you will have ensuite facilities in our luxurious Quarry Wagons with a covered outdoor veranda deck and an outdoor bath tub to relax and unwind under the dark skies. You will also have your own campfire and picnic area right outside and parking is provided adjacent to your unit . We have a secluded private hillside woodland with further areas to explore without even leaving the site . We are brand new for 2024 and will have 2 units onsite this year and plans in place for another 2 soon . In total we will have 4 camping pitches with direct connection for water , electric and lpg gas for all your heating cooking and bathing needs
Pets
Showers
Campfires
Baystone Bank Farm Campsite
5. 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
Hazel Mount Fellside
6. 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
Tree Tops and Train Tracks
7. 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
Primrose Cottage Camping
8. Primrose Cottage Camping
100%
(8)
Chorley, England · 11 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A quiet adult-only site (this site does not cater for children), with tents and campervans only, nestled below Healey Nab in the Lancashire Countryside. Rustic and back to basics is what this site is all about. Set amid spectacular countryside, grassy fields, woodland and streams to boot! Well behaved four legged friends are more than welcome. Campfires and good times allowed. *Please note loud music is not allowed.*
Flat walks are a plenty along the Leeds and Liverpool canal or maybe a circular walk to white White Coppice might float your boat? For the hill walkers amongst us there is Great Hill and Rivington Pike to climb.
Within walking distance or a few minutes drive there is pub at the end of the lane and local shops within the vicinity for those last minute snacks. Chorley town centre is 10 minutes drive away and we are close to the M61 which can take you to the Lake district in less than an hour, Manchester or Blackpool are roughly 30 Minutes away.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
Trawden Forest Glamping
9. Trawden Forest Glamping
100%
(14)
Trawden, England · 3 units
Grown-up pod glamping on a woodland site in Lancashire
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
Maes Heddwch/Peaceful Field
10. Maes Heddwch/Peaceful Field
100%
(28)
Ruthin, Wales · 2 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Luxury Glamping or Meadow Camping at Maes Heddwch/Peaceful Field you can really get the 'away from it all feeling' on our small holding and wild flower meadow
'Over the Moon’/'Dros y Lleuad'. Our award winning luxury ensuite Shepherds Hut sleeps two adults in a comfy king-size double bed, is nestled in our enclosed orchard Visit all year round for weekends or longer stays.
In the summer you can book a whole 3 Acre camping meadow for yourselves and/or friends and family. Popular with friendship groups and extended families for holidays and special occasions you have 24 hour exclusive access to the shelter if the Hay Barn and it's facilities.
If you would like to be introduced to our sheep or hens please ask!
One of the things people love about staying here is the amazing views - including watching the moon rise over the mountains. The developing Clwydian dark sky region means there are great views of the night sky and sometimes northern lights.
You may just want to hang out and relax but there’s lots to do too!
There are lovely local forest and waterside walks, neolithic burial sites, a stone circle, Osprey, butterfly and (if you are lucky) red squirrel watching, a secret waterfall and river swimming, easy and challenging off road cycling options, access to water sports. Or if you want to use a car to help get up higher the Clwydian and Berwyn Mountains and Eryri (Snowdon) National Park are all within a half an hour drive.
If history and mooching is your thing we are just 5 miles from Ruthin - one of the oldest existing Tudor towns - boasting an historic gaol, a craft centre with regular exhibitions and a castle with a spa and peacocks.
Denbigh with its stunning castle, Corwen, Llangollen, Llyn Tegid (Bala) and the North Wales Coast are easy to reach by car. There are also options for days out using public transport including taking a steam train. Please ask - they aren't all known to Google!
The nearby village has a community run pub and shop with the Glan Llyn tafan offering food by local gastro company Sorbus. In fact there are loads of great little villages near by each with their own character and points of interest including great cafes, walks, Punjabi pub food, historic churches and sacred wells.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Greener Glamping
11. Greener Glamping
100%
(6)
Corwen, Wales · 2 units
An off-grid two-yurt glamping site in the Welsh Berwyn Mountains
Pets
Showers
Campfires
Chilled Out Adult Only Glamping
12. Chilled Out Adult Only Glamping
100%
(32)
Mouldsworth, England · 5 units
Lakeside glamping on the edge of Delemere Forest and a 10-minute train ride from Chester
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
Copy House Hideaway
13. Copy House Hideaway
100%
(67)
Earby, England · 2 units
Luxury shepherd's huts with wood-fired hot tubs and an adjoining log cabin for extra space
Pets
Showers
Campfires
Hollow Oak Glamping
14. Hollow Oak Glamping
100%
(43)
Abergele, Wales · 2 units
Handcrafted huts on a working farm, 10 minutes from the coast and 30 minutes from Snowdonia National Park
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
The Cabins Conwy
15. The Cabins Conwy
100%
(20)
Conwy, Wales · 3 units
Eco-friendly cabins in a wild, riverside setting, with views of the Carneddau Mountains
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
Ty Famau Geo Lodges
16. Ty Famau Geo Lodges
98%
(24)
Ruthin, Wales · 3 units
Luxury geodesic domes with hot tubs in the Clwydian mountains of North Wales
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
Whitelee Farm Shepherd Huts
17. Whitelee Farm Shepherd Huts
100%
(6)
Cheshire, England · 2 units
Romantic en-suite shepherds huts on a riverside farm in the Peak District National Park.
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
Snowdonia Glamping Holidays
18. Snowdonia Glamping Holidays
100%
(14)
Betws Y Coed, Wales · 1 unit
Hillside glamping in the Conwy Valley, in stylish glamping barns or a pair of luxury shepherd's huts with a wood-burning sauna.
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
Hollow Gill Huts
19. Hollow Gill Huts
100%
(3)
Settle, England · 3 units
Shepherd's huts with views across the Yorkshire Dales near Settle
Pets
Showers
Campfires
2 Luxury Hapus Yurts & Barn Kitchen
20. 2 Luxury Hapus Yurts & Barn Kitchen
Abergele, Wales · 1 unit
A tranquil hideaway full of love, unique quirkiness and peace.
Tucked away in the ancient woodland of the Conwy valley you will find Hapus Yurt.
A peaceful glamping site, that includes two yurts, a converted barn, a cabin and wonderful grounds.
Staying here you will feel a real sense of Welsh wilderness this remote location is only a short drive away from Snowdonia, the coast, historic towns, urban life and local castles. All year round Hapus Yurt is the perfect place to stay and relax with friends and loved ones, from summer days spent by the seaside followed by evenings in the garden under the stars, to mountain walks and winter evenings cozying up by the wood burning stoves in the yurt, Hapus Yurt is an unforgettable home from home.
Come and visit our happy place in an ancient, undisturbed valley full of woodland and goodwill.
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
S
Steven
3 weeks ago
Tent
True woodland experience, the only time iv enjoyed a rainy nights camping 10 out of 10
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N
Natalie
May 2026
Tent
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
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H
Hannah
May 2026
Tent
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 ❤️
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H
Hakim
May 2026
2 nights at Hollow Oak Glamping
We had an amazing stay here for 2 nights with my wife. Before arriving, I realised I made a mistake and booked the wrong date — I was actually one day late. I explained everything to the owner and she was so kind, friendly, and understanding. She told us we could still stay the full 2 nights with no extra cost, which we really appreciated.
The place itself was beautiful, very comfortable, and extremely clean. On the second day we visited the farm and honestly it was one of the best parts of the trip — we enjoyed every single minute there.
Everything about this stay was peaceful and relaxing. We would definitely love to come back again and highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a lovely getaway.
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C
Cheyenne
May 2026
Tent
With pets
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! :)
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Mike
May 2026
Tent
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
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James
May 2026
Tent
Fantastic site with beautiful views, with great clean facilities. My go to camp listed in the Lake District!
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S
Steven
May 2026
Weekend Trip to Trawden Forest Glamping
My wife and I loved our short stay in the Frodo pod. Totally immaculate and everything you need there to hand, we particularly enjoyed watching and listening to the birds as we sat by the firepit. The bed was very comfortable too! We're already planning on returning later in the year!
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Darren
April 2026
4 m campervan
Great little campsite with stunning views from our pitch by the stream. The facilities are excellent, and the on-site shop has everything you might need. Special mention to our host, Happy, genuinely passionate about the site and a really lovely bloke. Highly recommend if you’re after a peaceful spot in a beautiful setting.
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J
Jawad
April 2026
Tent
With kids
I loved the tent Camping.
Highly recommended place with kids.
They were very helpful and friendly.
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C
Chris
April 2026
Tent
We loved camping in the woods. The pitch was big enough for two 2 man tents and the firepit and was sheltered from the wind. It was a short pleasant walk to the car park and toilet and the wheelbarrow was a big help in getting gear to the pitch. The toilets were nice and clean and the host gave a very informative and useful induction on arrival.
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W
W
April 2026
With pets
Well appointed very dog friendly shepherd's hut, and we even survived Storm Dave in it!
Hut is set in its own dog-secure orchard adjacent to the chicken run and a barn. Lovely views and sunrises over Clwydian hills.
Good shower and cooking facilities. Very comfy bed. Portable heater and log burner.
Eggs from the chickens next door are excellent. 10 min drive to town, great value huge dog zoomie field a minute away, plus lots of forest walks in the area.
One of the best huts we've stayed in, and expect to return to!
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L
Lauren
March 2026
Tent
Lovely camp site with great views, Louise was very responsive and informative during our stay and even posted a coat that we accidently left back to us. Thank you so much, we will be back!
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J
Jourdan
February 2026
With pets
We had the most wonderful stay at this gorgeous shepherds hut. Everything about our visit was just perfect. The setting was so peaceful and private and dreamy, such a beautiful little escape to relax and switch off. The hut itself was cosy, spotless, and had everything we could possibly need, you can really tell how much care and thought has gone into it. The hosts were incredibly kind, welcoming, and attentive, which made the whole experience feel even more special. Honestly, there is nothing we would change. We left feeling so happy and refreshed and would absolutely love to come back again. Could not recommend it more 💖
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L
Lisa
February 2026
Tent
Lovely site, friendly staff, excellent toilet and water facilities. Will be back in the summer.
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Tommy
January 2026
Tent
2nd camp here lovely place and views
Showers, toilets are clean
Lovely little shop and cafe onsite
Beautiful horses
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D
David
January 2026
3 nights at Maes Heddwch/Peaceful Field
Beautiful location, great for walking.
Hut was immaculate, cosy & had everything we needed.
Great communication prior to our arrival.
Highly recommend
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C
Charna
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Maes Heddwch/Peaceful Field
This is the second time I have been to Over The Moon and it was just as gorgeous as the first. Peaceful escape from the city, and Ruth is a lovely host 🙂 thankyou again for having us, I'm sure we will be back for a third visit ❤️
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D
Duco
September 2025
Tent
We loved camping at Hazel Mount Fellside. The view was stunning and it felt more like a piece of nature with some scattered campsites than the opposite, which you most often find. Ruth was a very nice and welcoming host.
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L
Lea Marie
September 2025
Tent
We visited in September so there was literally just camping in tent and therefore it was extremely quite and no lines for shower (there is only one that is inside a building. Two are outside showers which we didn't try).
The area was nice and clean. For some it might be a bit too calm but that's what we were looking for so ideal for us.
See moreAinsdale 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.
