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.

97% (544) 1,451 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Ainsdale Sand Dunes National Nature Reserve

Moss Rose Campsite

1. Moss Rose Campsite

99%
(63)
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

2. 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
Stretton House Campsite

3. Stretton House Campsite

91%
(16)
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
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
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
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
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
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Showers
Hazel Mount Fellside

7. 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
Baystone Bank Farm Campsite

8. Baystone Bank Farm Campsite

96%
(154)
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
Stock Park Lakeside Camping

9. 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
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
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
Moss Side Farm Campsite

11. 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
Marbury Camp and Lodge

12. 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
Tipsy Tree Glamping

13. Tipsy Tree Glamping

100%
(17)
Englesea Brook, England · 3 units
Quirky eco-friendly glamping ideal for a rural road-trip
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
Woodsworth Exploring

14. Woodsworth Exploring

98%
(70)
Ilkley, England · 12 units
Nearly wild woodland camping in West Yorkshire’s Bronte country
Campfires
Potable water
Picnic table
Castle Farm Holidays Shropshire

15. Castle Farm Holidays Shropshire

100%
(24)
Ellesmere, England · 5 units
Tucked against the Welsh border, these cosy pods are perfectly positioned to explore Shropshire's rolling hills, castles and attractive villages
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
Greener Pastures

16. 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
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
Nook Cabin

18. 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
Clwydian Glamping Pods and Campsite

19. 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
Greener Glamping

20. Greener Glamping

100%
(6)
Corwen, Wales · 2 units
An off-grid two-yurt glamping site in the Welsh Berwyn Mountains
Showers
Campfires
Wifi

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Popular Ainsdale Sand Dunes National Nature Reserve holidays

Top towns in and near Ainsdale Sand Dunes National Nature Reserve