Dog-friendly camping in Ainsdale Sand Dunes National Nature Reserve

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.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Ainsdale Sand Dunes National Nature Reserve

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.

97% (575)

Top-rated campgrounds near Ainsdale Sand Dunes National Nature Reserve

1. Copy House Hideaway

100%

(67)

2 units · Glamping · Lancashire, North West England

Luxury shepherd's huts with wood-fired hot tubs and an adjoining log cabin for extra space

2. Tipsy Tree Glamping

100%

(17)

4 units · Glamping · Cheshire, North West England

Quirky eco-friendly glamping ideal for a rural road-trip

3. Castle Farm Holidays Shropshire

100%

(24)

5 units · Glamping · Shropshire, West Midlands

Tucked against the Welsh border, these cosy pods are perfectly positioned to explore Shropshire's rolling hills, castles and attractive villages

4. Y Llew Bach Cottage

100%

(1)

1 unit · Glamping · Gwytherin, Wales

Y Llew Bach is a our one bedroom 300 year old cottage ideal for couples and friends. The double bed is upstairs and we have a small double sofa bed for 1 adult or 2 children downstairs. Next door, open 4 nights a week is our quiet country pub The Lion Inn serving amazing homemade food and takeaway pizzas. Deep in the Welsh countryside situated on The Pilgrims Way, we offer spectacular views within easy reach of Snowdonia and the Welsh coast. Local attractions include Zip World, Betws-Y-Coed, Conwy, lots of castles and Beautiful beaches. We offer lots of home comforts, including a super comfy double bed with TV/DVD player on the mezzanine level where although there is restricted headroom, the view is definately worth it! Downstairs there is a small sofa bed and tea and coffee making facilities, fridge, microwave and toaster, plates and cutlery provided and ensuite shower room. Towels and bedding also provided. Easy to find, we have one parking space next to Y LLew Bach and plenty of space for another car opposite. We're surrounded by fields, sheep, cows and the odd pheasant and we're very dog friendly. Please note there are no shops in the village, though there is a little hut Y Cwt which stocks fresh eggs, milk, yogurts, ice cream and cakes and is just a short walk from thr cottage. The nearest small shop is 10 minutes away in the local town of Llanwrst offers a supermarket, take aways and cafes, a lovely river and even a swimming pool!

5. Llwyn Onn Glamping, North Wales.

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(3)

4 units · Glamping · Wales

ADULTS ONLY SITE. Welcome to our home Llwyn Onn (Ash Grove), where we offer Guest House and Glamping accommodation set in the beautiful North Wales countryside. Llwyn Onn Glamping is located off the A5 close to the village of Rhydlydan, with the picturesque village of Betws-Y-Coed, eight miles away offering a range of walks, small shops and dining out options. Our glamping pods and shepherd huts are sited in four distinct large areas separated by hedges, trees and surrounded by dry stone Our four resident Alpacas, Yogi, Booboo, Ranger and Django love to meet our guests and our free roaming chickens provide us with a supply of fresh eggs. Our setting in the rolling moors of the Hiraethog provides incredible views across the Snowdonia National Park to Snowdon and it's mountain range. Our site's proximity Corsydd Nug A Merddwr SSSI and our lake to the front of the house, means there is an abundance of wildlife which visits or calls Llywn Onn home.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

A

Amanda

August 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Tipsy Tree Glamping

We loved our stay in the yurt. The hot tub was great and we loved being able to watch the cows while sitting in the sun. Really peaceful location with everything you need for a relaxing stay.

Darleen

August 2025

2 nights at Llwyn Onn Glamping, North Wales.

Such a hidden gem! Llwyn Onn is set in a beautiful location close to Betws-y-Coed, surrounded by fields & a majestic view of Snowdon. The sunsets were magical & we were lucky to see a meteor shower 1 night. We stayed in The Hut, which was perfect, very clean & well kept with a floor to roof glass viewing pain overlooking Snowdon, so if the weather isn’t great you can view in comfort. It was equipped with everything you need for a perfect nights sleep, we loved the comfy mattress & fluffy pillows. warm blankets are provided. Needed for sitting around the campfire toasting marshmallows! This was our highlight along with the friendly, very cute Alpacas..Boo-boo, Ranger & Django! A very well equipped separate kitchen making it easy to prepare food & a very clean & well kept communal bathroom area made our trip very comfortable & we can’t wait to go back! So much green space, fresh air & stunning 360 views, such a healing place. Book here & you won’t be disappointed.

Vitalija

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Copy House Hideaway

We loved our stay at Bracken Hut! Very clean and hospitable - we really felt that we were welcomed there. Also it was such a quiet place with an amazing views.

J

Jode

January 2025

Weekend Trip to Y Llew Bach Cottage

Absolutely beautiful stay - has everything you need and then some! Beautiful views all round . Such a friendly and welcoming host. We would absolutely recommend trying some of the food in the pub - amazing ! The pub is very homely too. The cottage also had a vast variety of games and dvds to enjoy if you feel like being ‘unplugged’ , the host also provided a large folder of walks/hikes which you are allowed to take with you . Big bonus - DOG FRIENDLY! I could go on for ages about how much we enjoyed our stay .

The best campsites for under £50 near Ainsdale Sand Dunes National Nature Reserve

Stretton House Campsite

92%

(12)

40 units · Tents, Motorhomes · England

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.

Baystone Bank Farm Campsite

96%

(149)

47 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Millom, England

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

Moss Side Farm Campsite

94%

(131)

33 units · Tents · Cumbria, North West England

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

Greener Pastures

100%

(3)

8 units · Tents, Motorhomes · England

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 or hardstanding pitches, we can accommodate you whatever the weather. We have a glamping tent with a full size double bed available to hire. This can sleep 6 with additional beds. Subtle solar lighting, table and chairs, blankets and cushions to sit outside in the evenings and watch the sunset. 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. 1 x EHU available..

Social District

92%

(93)

30 units · Tents · Grizedale, Cumbria, North West England

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

The best campsites available this weekend near Ainsdale Sand Dunes National Nature Reserve

RHC & Glamping

100%

(7)

6 units · Glamping · Lancashire, North West England

Hi Hipcampers, We are a 15 acre site of hillsides and woodlands, with woodland paths a few beautiful ponds and a small river! We have fabulous views to of the hills to be enjoyed. Theres lots of wildlife here from deer to Canadian geese. We have some stone fire pits for our guests to use foc! We have a games room and lots of children swings and activities.

Chapel View Wild Campsite

97%

(31)

3 units · Tents · High Peak, Derbyshire

A remote campsite for Hikers and Wild Campers Sittng on the Penine Bridleway on the foothills of Kinder above Chapel-en-le-Frith, offering beautiful views across the valley and being within immediate reach of some of the most popular walking trails in the UK. The campsite is in shadow of South Head and is directly on the Penine Bridleway less than 2 miles from Jacobs Ladder, the Penine Way and Kinder Low. You can break camp in the morning already in the heart of hiking country and return to your camp in the evening without ever leaving the remote wilderness of the national park.

Woodman's Huts

99%

(58)

3 units · Glamping · Cumbria, North West England

Beautiful handmade shepherd's huts in the heart of the picturesque South Lakes

Tower Farm

16 units · Motorhomes, Glamping · Wales

Tower Farm is nestled beneath Castell Dinas Bran in the stunning Vale of Llangollen, North Wales. Just a 15 minute walk from the town centre with its many attractions and activities, and only 2 minutes from the Royal Pavilion, it offers the perfect base for guests looking to explore the area’s natural beauty and adventure opportunities. Accommodation includes a 2 bedroomed cottage, 4 electric, hardstanding/grass caravan pitches, 4 electric, hardstanding caravan/motorhome pitches and 1 shepherd's hut with 2 more coming soon. Please note that we don't have communal toilets/showers for the caravan/motorhome pitches currently, expected August. Also, please note that this is an adults only site. Please note that we do not currently have communal toilets/showers for the caravans/motorhomes, these will be available in August. Sorry, we don't accommodate camping.

Stanley Villa Farm Fishing& Camping

96%

(60)

40 units · Glamping · Preston, Lancashire, North West England

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

Star Host camping experiences near Ainsdale Sand Dunes National Nature Reserve

Moss Rose Campsite

99%

(61)

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

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.

Mynydd Derwydd Wildcamping

96%

(66)

7 units · Tents · Corwen, Wales

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

Marbury Camp and Lodge

97%

(15)

23 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · England

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

Woodsworth Exploring

98%

(67)

12 units · Tents · Ilkley, West Yorkshire, North East England

Nearly wild woodland camping in West Yorkshire’s Bronte country

Over-the-Moon Luxury Shepherds Hut

100%

(24)

1 unit · Glamping · Ruthin, Wales

A shepherd’s hut on a smallholding in rural north Wales

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Dog-friendly camping in Ainsdale Sand Dunes National Nature Reserve 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.