- Camping with pets allowed
Dog-friendly camping in Ainsdale Sand Dunes National Nature Reserve
97% (543) • 1,433 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds in Ainsdale Sand Dunes National Nature Reserve
Stretton House Campsite
1. Stretton House Campsite
90%
(15)
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.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
Moss Rose Campsite
2. Moss Rose Campsite
99%
(61)
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.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
Mynydd Derwydd Wildcamping
3. Mynydd Derwydd Wildcamping
96%
(70)
Corwen, Wales · 7 units
Adventurous mountain-top camping on a hill farm in North Wales
Campfires
Potable water
Picnic table
Brig O Doon Caravan Site
4. Brig O Doon Caravan Site
Tarporley, England · 1 unit · Tent, Motorhome
Located close to Chester, United Kingdom, Brig O Doon Caravan Site offers a unique camping experience for Motorhomes/Campervans/Caravans just a 2-minute walk away from Oulton Park. Enjoy nature and adventure right at your doorstep. We are a dog friendly site, we just ask to keep furry friends on a lead so everyone can enjoy their stay. We are lucky to have beautiful walks outside our gates through the Little Budworth Common.
Water hookup
Potable water
Sewer hookup
Pentre Du Camping Club
5. Pentre Du Camping Club
98%
(71)
Colwyn Bay, Wales · 40 units
Simply good camping with campfires allowed near Colwyn Bay
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
Baystone Bank Farm Campsite
6. Baystone Bank Farm Campsite
96%
(153)
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
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Showers
Oakwood Marina
7. 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
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Showers
Stock Park Lakeside Camping
8. Stock Park Lakeside Camping
92%
(93)
Grizedale, England · 15 units
Lake District camping on the banks of Lake Windermere, with direct access to the water.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
Woodsworth Exploring
9. Woodsworth Exploring
98%
(69)
Ilkley, England · 12 units
Nearly wild woodland camping in West Yorkshire’s Bronte country
Campfires
Potable water
Picnic table
Moss Side Farm Campsite
10. 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
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
Stanley Villa Farm Fishing& Camping
11. 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
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
Hazel Mount Fellside
12. Hazel Mount Fellside
98%
(49)
Eskdale, England · 5 units
Nearly wild camping on the western edge of the Lake District overlooking the Duddon Estuary
Campfires
Potable water
Greener Pastures
13. Greener Pastures
88%
(4)
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
Campfires
Potable water
Picnic table
Tipsy Tree Glamping
14. Tipsy Tree Glamping
100%
(17)
Englesea Brook, England · 3 units
Quirky eco-friendly glamping ideal for a rural road-trip
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
Marbury Camp and Lodge
15. Marbury Camp and Lodge
97%
(15)
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.
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Showers
Nook Cabin
16. Nook Cabin
100%
(8)
Bronington, England · 1 unit
Located near Bronington, Whitchurch (Shropshire) SY13 3HT
Tucked away two bedroom log cabin. Off the beaten track, in natural peaceful surroundings. Located near to 2000 acres of wild peat bog for walking in English nature.
Cabin is fully equipped for cooking. Shower and toilet facility included.
Two rooms with one double bed each.
Tranquil setting for anyone looking for a peaceful gateway, and unwinding away from life's stresses and strains.
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
Hob Hey Hideaways
17. Hob Hey Hideaways
100%
(3)
Halifax, England · 3 units
A relaxing West Yorkshire getaway with bell tents on sprawling moorland
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
Primrose Cottage Camping
18. 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.
Campfires
Potable water
Picnic table
Maes Heddwch/Peaceful Field
19. 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.
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
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
James
2 weeks ago
Tent
Fantastic site with beautiful views, with great clean facilities. My go to camp listed in the Lake District!
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D
Darren
3 weeks ago
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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C
Charlotte
March 2026
Tent
What a stunning place! We had the absolute best time here. Stunning views, so peaceful. The sheep come to say hi too! Sunset was stunning over the hills. Highly recommended, and we will be booking to visit again soon and cannot wait.
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M
Michael
February 2026
Tent
Exceptional camping spot with stunning views. The track up to the spots is well maintained and suitable for 4x4s and the host was very friendly. Perfect for a weekend in the hills!
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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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A
Alison
January 2026
Tent
My friend and I were bonkers enough to camp here on NYE and we already can’t wait to return. Honestly the best NYE we’ve had! Everything about our stay was 5*, from booking to leaving. Sian was an absolute legend, we had the best pitch on the mountain. Absolutely stunning views. Fire pit was awesome, and the sheep were an added bonus! Lovely little collie pup came to say hi too.
Thank you for an epic new years adventure, we will definitely be back!
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G
Graeme
January 2026
5 m Class B
Back to basics campsite with toilets, showers and tap for drinking water. Easy to find and well presented. Entrance to field is a little muddy - it's been dry recently so didn't cause any issues but something to be aware of.
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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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L
Lesley
October 2025
5 m Class B
With pets
Lovely campsite, toilets and showers were spotless, beautiful views, we’ll definitely be back
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p
peter
October 2025
6 m Class A
Despite storm Amy, we had a decent stay. Although not needed, the Facilities were very good. Toilet blocks, shower block & chemical toilet waste disposal too. Paul was helpful when called upon for directions and a mini rescue due to downpour.
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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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B
Brett
September 2025
Tent
Group trip
Brilliant kept site, lovely surroundings and owners couldn’t do enough for you.
Shower and toilet block was immaculately kept, lovely hot water shower.
Defo book the flyer fire pits and magic fire dust my grandson loved it!
Will defo be coming back
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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.
