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% (1.6K) 3,084 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Charnwood Forest

White Peak Camping

1. White Peak Camping

98%
(552)
Buxton, England · 25 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Camping on a Peak District farm near the Monsal Trail
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
Camping at The Hollies

2. Camping at The Hollies

96%
(254)
Buxton, England · 50 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Back-to-basics camping at the foot of the Roaches in the Peak District National Park
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Burrs Manor Wild Camping

3. Burrs Manor Wild Camping

87%
(190)
Buxton, England · 30 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Nearly wild camping in the Peak District National Park, near Buxton
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Crowdecote Campsite

4. 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
Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe

5. Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe

95%
(160)
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

6. Damside Campsite

98%
(23)
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
The White Lodge

7. The White Lodge

91%
(62)
Cannock Chase, England · 5 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A traditional campsite close to Staffordshire’s canals, river, and stately homes.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Anzio Heights

8. Anzio Heights

100%
(6)
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
The Duchess's Meadow

9. The Duchess's Meadow

100%
(9)
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.
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Wild Camping at Cladswell

10. Wild Camping at Cladswell

100%
(6)
Alcester, England · 16 units · Tents, Motorhomes
🌿 Simple Camping Near Ragley Hall – Back to Basics, Done Right 🌿 Looking for a laid-back place to pitch up near Ragley Hall? We’ve got you covered. Our DIY campsite is perfect for those who love camping the traditional way – no fuss, no crowds, just open space and fresh air. Set on a quiet grass field just a 9 minute drive from Ragley Hall, and a 20 minute walk to gates on the A422 it’s an ideal base for events, weekend escapes, or a peaceful night under the stars. 11 mile drive to Stratford-upon-Avon located right on the A422 🏕️ What to expect: • Spacious grass pitches – choose your own spot • Bring-your-own setup (tents, campervans welcome) • A relaxed, informal atmosphere • Basic facilities – Onsite toilet facilities • Dog friendly site - with an enclosed dog activity field on site which you can book in advance separately 🔥 What you won’t find: • Electric hook-ups • Showers or luxury extras This is camping as it should be – simple, affordable, and close to nature. Perfect for festival-goers, walkers, or anyone wanting a no-frills place to stay near Ragley Hall. 📍 Easy access, peaceful surroundings, and plenty of room to unwind. Drop us a message to book your pitch or ask any questions!
Pets
Intake Farm

11. Intake Farm

99%
(71)
Alton, England · 7 units · Tents, Glamping
Quirky glamping and nearly wild camping on a farm in Staffordshire
Pets
Campfires
Showers
White House Farm Campsite, Wardlow

12. White House Farm Campsite, Wardlow

92%
(106)
Wardlow, England · 61 units · Tents, Motorhomes
What a little Derbyshire gem: back to basics Whitehouse Farm Campsite is a simple site in a most scenic setting five minutes’ drive from the pretty village of Tideswell. The site’s central location in the Peak District National Park means it’s a top spot for those who want to ramble or ride bikes – several circular trails leave from Tideswell and the traffic-free Monsal Trail is a five-minute drive away. And there’s plenty more activity if you require it too, as activity centres nearby can sort you out days of horse riding, abseiling, climbing and caving. All this activity isn’t mandatory, of course – this is an equally fine location for days pottering off to local pubs, pigging out on pudding in Bakewell or taking a leisurely stroll around the Chatsworth Estate, 20 minutes away. And if even that’s too much, you’d be welcome to spend some time loafing about on site: there’s heaps of space here, and as facilities have been kept quite minimal (just showers and toilets) there should be a good serving of peace and quiet to go with it all. Guests are welcome to light up a barbecue or campfire for cookouts and keeping warm; Tideswell’s the place for supermarket supplies, and it’s also handily got a fish and chip shop and a couple of pubs for days when your firelighting skills aren't up to much.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Chrome Hill Campers

13. Chrome Hill Campers

98%
(40)
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
Sweet Knoll camping

14. Sweet Knoll camping

100%
(11)
Chapel En Le Frith, England · 50 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Sweet Knoll Farm, with six acres of flat land, is ideal for camping with breathtaking views in the Peak District . It is great for walking, cycling, horse riding and caving. Next to a working farm, it is surrounded by sheep grazing and is next to the Pennine Bridle Way. Castleton a short drive away is famous for its caverns blue john and speedwell. The campsite has toilets and showers,washing up facilities indoor and outdoor.Fresh drinking water and picnic tables.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
Great Haywood Canalside Campsite

15. Great Haywood Canalside Campsite

97%
(59)
Staffordshire, England · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
The simplest of canalside campsites with narrowboats chugging past and an award-winning farm shop over the road
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
Tackeroo Campsite

16. Tackeroo Campsite

96%
(74)
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
Chase Camping

17. Chase Camping

97%
(59)
Rugeley, England · 42 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Tent camping and bell tents for hire on a family farm within easy walking distance of Cannock Chase Forest
Pets
Showers
Potable water
Nightingales Rustic Camping

18. Nightingales Rustic Camping

93%
(28)
England · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Back down the farm enjoying Warwickshire's beautiful countryside camping alongside a working farm. Farm shop with our home reared meats and BBQ packs. Relax or have a few glasses of wine around the camp fire. Don't forget the Marshmallows. They are a perfect treat around the camp fire. No Fixed pitches we camp alongside nature.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Shire Camping

19. Shire Camping

98%
(27)
England · 40 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Shire Camping is located in a peaceful 10 acre meadow looking towards Edge Hill. Spacious and with running drinking water, hot showers and flushing toilets. There is a footpath running alongside it taking you 25 minutes to a village shop one way and 20 minutes to a good pub the other way, all across fields. There are some amazing walks to do from the site, and being on the edge of the cotswolds there are plenty of pretty villages and market towns to explore. There are also some well regarded cycling routes in the area.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
The Pig Place Campsite

20. The Pig Place Campsite

92%
(93)
Adderbury, England · 45 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Canal-side camping for adults on a rustic Oxfordshire pig farm
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires

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