Camping in Charnwood Forest

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This surprisingly wild, craggy, and forested area of countryside sits roughly between Leicester, Loughborough, and Coalville. It encompasses several popular outdoor spaces including Bradgate Park and parts of Middle England’s major reforestation project, the National Forest. Take a walk in Bradgate Park, try your hand at narrowboating, or relax at a waterside country pub on the Grand Union Canal, then visit historic spots like the Battle of Bosworth Field battle site. The region’s best camping is around the parish of Quorn, where pitching places include Broome Island—only accessible by boat.

94% (1.8K) • 2,925 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Charnwood Forest

White Peak Camping

1. White Peak Camping

98%
(663)
Buxton, England · 25 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Camping on a Peak District farm near the Monsal Trail
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
Chrome Hill Campers

2. Chrome Hill Campers

98%
(64)
England · 5 units
Far reaching views from one of the highest touring site in England, overlooking Chrome Hill in the picturesque village of Hollinsclough in Staffordshire The site only accepts campervans and has 5 pitches available. This is a new site and has new toilet and shower facilities, water and waste disposal points and also there is a secure paddock area for children to play.
Pets
Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe

3. Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe

95%
(170)
Warwickshire, England · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Think Countryfile meets Time Team. Camping in six-acres of unspoiled Cotswold countryside, built in the grounds of a Norman castle.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
Damside Campsite

4. Damside Campsite

98%
(30)
England · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Well-maintained and peaceful wild camping site in the Peak District Buxton 15 minutes’ drive; Chatsworth House half an hour Dogs welcome; 10 minutes’ walk from a pub; nearby playground Just how remote would you like your holiday accommodation to be? If the answer is fair to middling, Damside Campsite might just be the place for you: this pop-up spot is surrounded by the glorious wilderness of Peak District National Park. Doesn’t get much more blissfully peaceful than that – except for the occasional lowing cow, all is stillness here. Having said that, don’t worry: you won’t have to scramble across hills and dales for a pint: a traditional pub serving real ales and home-cooked food is right in the village of Peak Forest, a 20-minute walk away. Both the site and the pub welcome dogs, though it might be wise to keep them on a lead when walking past the farm animals. This is wild camping; facilities might not be abundant (there are no showers), but they are well maintained and include a portable toilet and a washing-up area. There is also fresh running water, and you’re welcome to start a campfire or a barbecue. You can grab essentials in the village shop, or head to Chapel-en-le-Frith (10 minutes) or Buxton (15 minutes). If you’re here with the kids, the flat, grassy field where you’ll set up your tent makes for an excellent play area on which to run around, kick a ball or fly a kite. A nearby playground has swings, slides, a small adventure course and a multisport pitch. Walking paths start from right outside the farm, or you can drive to hiking areas like Chee Dale Stepping Stones (10 minutes), a dramatic gorge on the River Wye.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
Anzio Heights

5. Anzio Heights

100%
(7)
England · 10 units
Anzio Heights Campervan & Motorhome park is a former ww2 army barracks and polish settlement village set in the beautiful countryside of Blackshaw Moor, Staffordshire, on the edge of the Peak District National Park. Positioned on elevated ground, this small site enjoys far-reaching rural views, stunning sunsets, a calm, relaxing atmosphere—ideal for self-contained campervans and motorhomes. The park offers spacious, well-kept pitches with plenty of room to relax and enjoy the surrounding landscape. Its quiet location makes it perfect for those seeking a tranquil break, while still being close to a wide range of attractions and scenic walks directly from the park. Local attractions include: Alton Towers Resort (approx. 10 minutes away) – one of the UK’s top theme parks The Peak District National Park – walking, cycling, and breathtaking scenery The Churnet Valley – known for its woodland trails, riverside walks, and heritage steam railway Rudyard Lake – peaceful lakeside walks and cafés Leek – a charming market town with independent shops, pubs, and cafés Tittesworth Reservoir – popular for walking, wildlife spotting, and picnic areas Whether you’re stopping over for a short stay or using Anzio Heights as a base to explore Staffordshire and the Peak District, it offers a comfortable, scenic retreat for your travels and provides a backdrop of stories and experiences from the past.
Pets
Burrs Manor Wild Camping

6. Burrs Manor Wild Camping

88%
(205)
Buxton, England · 30 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Nearly wild camping in the Peak District National Park, near Buxton
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Purple Badger Camping&Fishing Lakes

7. Purple Badger Camping&Fishing Lakes

97%
(60)
Beeby, England · 12 units · Tents, Glamping
Glamping and campfire-friendly camping by a pair of fishing lakes in the Leicestershire countryside
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
The Duchess's Meadow

8. The Duchess's Meadow

100%
(25)
England · 2 units
Tucked away in peaceful woodland yet just a short stroll from the vibrant heart of Buxton, The Duchess’s Meadow offers the perfect blend of nature, history, and convenience. Set within the private grounds of Corbar Hill House — originally built in the 1850s as a retreat for the Mistress of the 7th Duke of Devonshire — our site sits amid tranquil trees and abundant wildlife. Expect to spot owls, rabbits, woodpeckers, and even the occasional stoat and deer, all against a backdrop of panoramic views across Buxton and the Peak District. Our family fell in love with this land and set out to create a welcoming space where visitors can relax, recharge, and enjoy the beauty of the area. Whether you’re here for a peaceful stopover or a longer stay, you’ll find yourself surrounded by nature yet just a 10-minute walk from Buxton’s bustling town centre. Buxton is famed for its natural thermal spring water, elegant Georgian and Victorian architecture, and rich cultural scene. Home to the magnificent Buxton Crescent, the Opera House, and the gateway to the Peak District National Park, it’s the ideal base for exploring Derbyshire’s scenic walks, limestone caves, and charming villages. At The Duchess’s Meadow, you’ll experience the best of both worlds — the calm of the countryside and the charm of a historic spa town, all from the comfort of your motorhome. Please note - it is a fairly steep short drive up to the pitches. Nobody has really struggled but worth noting.
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Wyre & Wild, private woodland

9. Wyre & Wild, private woodland

Bewdley, England · 2 units
Set in a private ancient woodland just outside Bewdley. We offer a place to pitch up a tent, hire our bell tents, our handcrafted shepherds hut, or simply camp out in nature. This isn't just a place to stay—it’s a slow-living experience. Whether you’re looking to reconnect with nature, enjoy a romantic off-grid escape, we have a magical slice of the Worcestershire countryside. The Shepherds Hut Our cabin is a labor of love, blending rustic craftsmanship with cozy, whimsical design. Inside, you’ll find a warm, wood-paneled sanctuary featuring: * The Hobbit-Style Bedroom: A unique, circular portal leads to a small double-sized nook with views directly into the trees. * The Kitchen: Fully equipped for slow mornings, featuring a stone vessel sink, tea and coffee facilities, and cutlery. * Forest Shower room: Step onto our stone resin floor, wash away the day under a piping hot shower, and pamper yourself with our complimentary toiletries. The magic truly happens once you step outside into your private area: * The Cedar Hot Tub: Soak under the stars in our wood-fired tub, tucked away in a private screened nook. * Al Fresco Dining: Multiple outdoor seating areas, including a covered canopy for rainy-day. Fire-PIT with all BBQ cooking utensils provided. Group Stays & Extra Guests: Looking to share the woodland magic? For small groups, we can occasionally pitch a bell tent. This is a seasonal, non-permanent option with limited availability. Please mention your group size when enquiring so we can confirm if we can accommodate your extra guests. Camping is available. The Location Located in Button Oak, you are perfectly positioned to explore: * Bewdley: A historic Georgian riverside town (5-minute drive). * Wyre Forest: Miles of walking and cycling trails right on your doorstep. * Severn Valley Railway: Catch a vintage steam train for a trip back in time. Guest Access & Amenities * Dog Friendly: We love four-legged explorers! The woodland is a paradise for well-behaved dogs. Please note, for one night stays there will be an extra charge of £40 for the hot tub if you with to use it, due to the cleaning and short time period. Thanks
Pets
Showers
Campfires
Intake Farm

10. Intake Farm

97%
(76)
Alton, England · 7 units · Tents, Glamping
Quirky glamping and nearly wild camping on a farm in Staffordshire
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Tackeroo Campsite

11. Tackeroo Campsite

96%
(78)
Staffordshire, England · 49 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Basic pitches (without toilet facilities) in Forestry Commission-owned woods beside a renowned mountain biking trail
Pets
Potable water
Picnic table
The Old Vicarage

12. The Old Vicarage

79%
(17)
Retford, England · 3 units · Tents, Glamping
The Old Vicarage offers a relaxed and tranquil atmosphere for your stay for camping. We have BBQ's, camp fires to hire and have the shallow river to play in. Free Wifi. Well behaved dogs allowed on leads at all times. Riverside site in grounds of a 17th-century house in Nottinghamshire Close to Sherwood Forest and 25 miles from Nottingham Cave bar on site open on Bank Holidays You'll sense the history all around you at The Old Vicarage, from the old house to the remains of the water mill in the river bed. Stays here are in the grounds of a 17th-century house in the village of Elkesley, six miles from Worksop and 25 miles from Nottingham. Its grounds run down to the banks of the Poulter river, and are lined with stands of acacia, sycamore, ash and oak trees which were originally donated to the first vicar by the Duke of Newcastle in the 1830s. There's plenty of space around the site for traditional outdoor activities, with a rope swing and stepping stones over the shallow river and a bridge that's perfect for playing Pooh Sticks. In the surrounding area there are animal parks and nature reserves to walk around, or to head back further in time, you could take one of the trails through ancient Sherwood Forest, around quarter of an hour's drive away. Guest facilities on site centre around the Cave Bar, a cool little space built into an exposure of 500-million-year-old sandstone, plus an outdoor terrace for sipping drinks out in the sunshine. Other amenities include a washing-up area and bathrooms with plentiful hot showers, toilets and baby changing facilities. No Fire Pits BBQ;s off the floor. No disposable BBQ;s CHECK IN BETWEEN 2PM AND 6PM CHECK INS AFTER 6PM INCUR A FEE OF £10.00 FOR LATE CHECK IN
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Cuckoo Farm Campsite

13. Cuckoo Farm Campsite

99%
(206)
Rutland, England · 13 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Family camping with campfires on an organic farm, set alongside the beautiful River Chater
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Millview Glamping, Camping & Events

14. Millview Glamping, Camping & Events

100%
(10)
Nottingham, England · 25 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Peaceful, off-grid vibes and walks along the Trent Valley Way, yes please… Millview Camping is a completely off-grid site just 20 minutes’ drive from Nottingham city centre and 15 minutes’ walk from the 116-mile Trent Valley Way. With westerly views over the Trent Valley and in the shadows of a ruined 18th-century windmill, this is a peaceful and scenic place to take a break indeed… Well-positioned too, with a generous handful of pubs, restaurants and cafés a scenic 35 minutes’ walk away in Gunthorpe alongside the river Trent. Radcliffe on Trent and Bingham are five minutes’ drive away for any other amenities you might (supermarkets, shops, restaurants, pubs and the likes). And if you’re after even more of a buzz, Nottingham city centre is 25 minutes’ drive away. Even with such good access to so many towns and the big city, the site itself is remote. It has 10 acres of hay meadows and woodlands for guests to explore and, of course, sublime sunsets over the valley. If you prefer to keep your whole stay pretty rural, the Vale of Belvoir and the historic Belvoir Castle are 20 minutes’ drive away from the site. It’s no frills here. The grass and woodland pitches have facilities including water and portaloo access. Dogs are also permitted, as are barbecues.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
Brook Meadow at The Wrongs Farm

15. Brook Meadow at The Wrongs Farm

96%
(87)
Sibbertoft, England · 70 units
A secluded lakeside campsite to fall in love with
Pets
Campfires
Showers
The White Lodge

16. The White Lodge

92%
(68)
Cannock Chase, England · 5 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A traditional campsite close to Staffordshire’s canals, river, and stately homes.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Fire and Stars Woodland Camping

17. Fire and Stars Woodland Camping

98%
(58)
Ibstock, England · 5 units
Wild camping in the woods with campfires, starry skies and a pub just across the road
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Crowdecote Campsite

18. Crowdecote Campsite

Buxton, England · 1 unit
A small Adult Only Campsite with 5 Hardstanding Winter Pitches ​The Site offers pitches with or without Electric Hookups ​The Toilet Block has both Male and Female sections, each consisting of 2 Toilets, 2 Washbasins and 1 Shower (Free-to-use) ​The pub is a 200m walk from the Site entrance ​Firepits are permitted provided they are raised off the ground sufficiently to protect the grass. The site is Dog friendly.
Electrical hookup
Pets
Hartington Hills, Peak District

19. Hartington Hills, Peak District

100%
(1)
Dovedale, England · 9 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Well-placed Peak District camping near the Manifold Way and Tissington Trail, with a luxury yurt and hot tub in a private space
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Owl Barn Farm Camping

20. Owl Barn Farm Camping

100%
(9)
England · 1 unit · Tent, Motorhome
4 acre field surrounded by mature hedges, very quiet site where you will be surrounded by nature. We have basic showers and flushing loos. We are 4 miles from Stratford Upon Avon, close to Warwick and Leamington Spa but tucked away in a peaceful spot.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Charnwood Forest camping guide

Where to go

Bradgate Park & Swithland Wood

The big go-to outdoor playground for citizens of Leicester, Bradgate Park is a delightful old deer park and a montage of moors, crags, and woods seeming more similar to the Peak District than to the suburb-adjacent country park it is. Come to walk, explore wildlife-reclaimed industrial land, bird-watch in Swithland Woods, and visit the former home of Lady Jane Grey, Britain’s shortest-reigning monarch.

Moira & The National Forest

The area around Moira was heavily scarred by its former coal mining industry, which was why it was chosen as the location for the National Forest. This major reforestation project straddles parts of Leicestershire, Derbyshire, and Staffordshire, combining existing old-growth forest with newer plantations, and has rejuvenated the area as an outdoor destination for walkers, cyclists, and horse-riders. Ex-mining village Moira now hosts the National Forest Discovery Centre, some restored mining attractions, and camping options nearby.

Ashby Canal

The Ashby-de-la-Zouch Canal links Leicestershire’s Moira and Warwickshire’s Bedworth, with the section between Bedworth and Snarestone navigable. Interesting sights along its course include the Battlefield Line heritage railway between Shackerstone and Shenton, plus the Bosworth Field battle site. The canal winds close to several campsites catering to tent campers, caravanners, and glampers.

Grand Union Canal

The UK’s longest canal brushes the northeast of Charnwood Forest at villages like Mountsorrel and nearby Sileby, with its convenient railway station. The 137-mile waterway, connecting Birmingham and London, is full of surprises, showing off a greener, quieter side to the big towns it passes through and crossing some pretty countryside too. Narrowboat, walk, or cycle the towpath, visit idyllic canal-side pubs and camp at unique waterside sites like Broome Island near Quorn—accessible only by boat.

Frequently Asked Questions

The region around Moira, Leicestershire, Derbyshire, and Staffordshire is a major outdoor destination for walkers, cyclists, and horse-riders. Visitors can enjoy activities such as walking, cycling, and horse-riding in the area.

The best camping near Charnwood Forest is around the parish of Quorn, where pitching places include Broome Island—only accessible by boat. You can also explore different options for camping near Charnwood Forest on Hipcamp.

Bradgate Park in Charnwood Forest offers a delightful old deer park and a montage of moors, crags, and woods. Visitors can come to walk, explore wildlife-reclaimed industrial land, bird-watch in Swithland Woods, and visit the former home of Lady Jane Grey, Britain’s shortest-reigning monarch.

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

Popular Charnwood Forest holidays