Wildlife-watching campsites 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% (865) 946 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Charnwood Forest

White Peak Camping

1. White Peak Camping

99%
(494)
Buxton, England · 25 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Camping on a Peak District farm near the Monsal Trail
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
White House Farm Campsite, Wardlow

2. White House Farm Campsite, Wardlow

91%
(100)
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
Sweet Knoll camping

3. Sweet Knoll camping

100%
(9)
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
Meadow Lake Glamping

4. Meadow Lake Glamping

Brackley, England · 4 units
Meadow Lake Glamping is based on a working farm that has embraced traditional farming methods for over 200 years. Our location is a big WOW factor with our five yurts in secluded, tranquil settings around the grounds of Limes Farm. The two small medieval lakes attract lovely bird life including swans, herons and ducks and the orchard is a lovely walk. There's an on-site restaurant serving delicious breakfasts, lunches, afternoon teas, dinner and bar. There is also a village pub and well appointed playground only a few minutes walk away. There are loads of things to see and do in the area along with the historic cities/towns of Oxford; Stratford Upon Avon ;Leamington Spa; Warwick and Woodstock, home to Blenheim Palace. We have additional options to make your stay even more enjoyable, including hot tub, pizza oven, cinema package and stargazing.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
Cuckoo Farm Campsite

5. Cuckoo Farm Campsite

99%
(203)
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
Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe

6. Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe

95%
(154)
Warwickshire, England · 9 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
Purple Badger Camping&Fishing Lakes

7. Purple Badger Camping&Fishing Lakes

97%
(66)
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
Brook Meadow at The Wrongs Farm

8. Brook Meadow at The Wrongs Farm

96%
(85)
Sibbertoft, England · 70 units
A secluded lakeside campsite to fall in love with
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Bredon-Vale Caravan and Camping

9. Bredon-Vale Caravan and Camping

99%
(50)
Evesham, England · 3 units
Laid-back glamping near Evesham, overlooking Bredon Hill and the Malverns.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
Fire and Stars Woodland Camping

10. Fire and Stars Woodland Camping

100%
(51)
Ibstock, England · 5 units
Wild camping in the woods with campfires, starry skies and a pub just across the road
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Shirleywich farm holidays camping

11. Shirleywich farm holidays camping

Uttoxeter, England · 26 units · Tents, Motorhomes
7 acre private field for hire, great access from main road, ideal for campers, Motorhome or caravans, set in an additional 17acres, with stream, and access to the Trent and Mersey canal towe path walks with fishing access. Parking on site, private hire or shared separate plots, Maximum 3 caravans or Motorhomes at one time, with additional tents. Prices start from £19 per day, for Upto 1 structures 4 guests max or Motorhomes, pop up camping or Motorhome, toilet hire included, lots of local amenities. Minimum 1 day stay. Extra car £5 Extra pup tent pet £5 Extra awning £5 Wood bags £10 Free fire pit Rachael 07837654508 We are pleased to offer our pop up camping Motorhome and caravan field set in the beautiful fields of 7.5 acres with access and parking from the main road, set in our 17.5 acre private site, Bring your own tent! Or Motorhome - pop up / no frills camping optional barn hire at Shirleywich holidays fully- booked until September! We are pleased to offer for rental our 7 acre pop up camping field adjacent to our restored barn Complex, Dating back to 1604 set in 17 acres with canal and country field views. our beautiful complex is nested in a conservation area and consists of a Georgian farm house, 5 beautiful barn conversions, set in 17.5 acres land which runs to the canal and with ample, riding, our spot has many attractions, and offers a beautiful setting for private camping or teepees, caravans and motorhomes. we welcome any type of structures, and offer field only Private rental tents, Motorhome Or caravans towed. We offer a special rate for weekly or fortnightly as well as for monthly longer stays. We offer a low key private no frills site, with the option to have On site chemical toilet No shower or water facilities Bottled water provided Pit fires provided Optional wood purchase available Parking gates fenced over looking horse fields with canal access for fishing, canoe launch or kayak. Pets welcome On site fire pit, Attraction pack, gardening boxes, hamper can be included. In high demand new for 2024 Large groups welcome for private hire Locally sourced hamper Free fishing at canal access and pets at £5 per pet Please pick up any dog mess Please take your rubbish with you if the waste bins are full. Green and blue bins provided There's certainly ample space for family stays at Shirleywich Farm Holidays, where seven out of the site's 17 acres have been turned over to folks looking to pitch up – that's about 41% of the total, or just over five football pitches if sporting analogies speak to you more than figures do. Whichever way you run the numbers, this easily accessed site equals one stonkingly good spot for varied Staffordshire stints. Shirleywich Farm Holidays is a secure site, accessed via a lockable gate, and is just off the A51. These grounds are kept in tiptop shape by the site crew, who ensure the hedgerows are neat and the field in good condition. Also around are five old barns and a handsome farmhouse dating back to the 1600s. Pets large (horses) and less large (dogs) are welcome here, with lots of bridleways and pup-friendly paths on hand in the nearby Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The facilities here are on the low-key end of the spectrum: there's a gravel amenities area with a portable toilet, toiletry supplies and a chemical disposal point. Bring bikes, canoes and fishing rods along to Shirleywich Farm Holidays – the adjacent Trent and Mersey canal towpath and the river Trent, a few metres further away, should sort you out with bags of opportunities to put all three to use. Heading south along the water's edge, you'll soon reach Great Haywood, a village a couple of miles downstream where there's an independent café and small supermarket (five minutes' drive). Please see below more information on our site and barns, we currently have 5 star reviews and are super host status. We have the Stables sleeps 6-8 please see other listing and below THE SMITHY, Dating back to 1604 , history buffs can research the property and see the local sign at the rear of the site by the canal, which tells of the life of shirleywich farm over its many decades, our beautiful complex is nested in a conservation area and consists of a large double fronted Georgian farm house, 5 beautiful barn conversions, set in 17.5 acres of our own private land which runs to the Trent and mersey canal at the rear, and with ample, epic safe riding and hacking galore, our spot has many attractions, for anyone who wants to bring a horse or 2, with grazing and stabling available, pets are welcome as we are a farm with horses and dogs of our own. you are welcome to bring fishing, bikes, canoes etc,,, to take advantage of the spot and the canal at the rear, or a short trip to the river Trent down the wonderful private Trent drive which leads to ingestre and one of the worlds top riding stables, a short walk further brings you to the ingestre golf club, and then off onto the delights of shugborough hall, and Cannock chase, national heritage forest. Ideal for walkers, bikers, riders, or anyone who wants a break away in the beautiful English countryside, we are surrounded with fields, and countryside so you will not be disserpointed, excellent road connections to many neighbouring towns and heres just a few of the local attractions listed below, so if you are wanting a break away to relax or an adrenaline fun filled adventure holiday theres plenty to fill your boots with, from fine dining and spas, to zip wires and hardcore mountain bike trails, horse riding to hot air balloons, narrowboat trips to family days out, you will not be board unless you decide to, and appreciate the calm tranquility of our unique complex.
Pets
Campfires
The White Lodge

12. The White Lodge

91%
(61)
Cannock Chase, England · 5 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A traditional campsite close to Staffordshire’s canals, river, and stately homes.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Glamping West Midlands

13. Glamping West Midlands

100%
(28)
Enville, England · 3 units
Head here for an authentic glamping getaway in the heart of the Staffordshire countryside
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
Chase Camping

14. 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
Heygates Lodging

15. Heygates Lodging

100%
(21)
Market Harborough, England · 2 units
A place to unwind in the heart of the countryside. Canalside walks are on your doorstep and nature is never far away - birds of prey such as red kites and buzzards are plentiful, and you may be lucky enough to see otters in the canal. There's a variety of pubs and restaurants within a short drive, and the market towns of Rugby and Market Harborough area about 20 minutes away. Unwind in the hot tub, enjoy local beers and ciders or pick from our expertly curated wine list. Our Lodges have their own fire pits and BBQs, and all fuel is provided. Each lodge has its own hammock, and a designated private fishing peg at a turning point in the canal, meaning that you'll be largely undisturbed by passing boats.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
Peak Glamping Hideaway

16. Peak Glamping Hideaway

100%
(12)
Derbyshire, England · 3 units
Glamping literally reaches new heights in the Peak District National Park
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
Willow Beck Retreat

17. Willow Beck Retreat

100%
(3)
Retford, England · 5 units
We are a caravan and motorhome club certified location members only Nonmembers will not be allowed on site you must show you’re member number on arrival Camper vans must have at least two windows in the sides. Plane vans will not be accepted. Dog walking great countryside views just a five minute walk from the local pub and shop just a five minute drive from Sundown Adventureland for the kids North Leaverton Windmill is a 5minute walk we have a great amenity block with hot showers toilets wash handbasin five full service pitches with their own drinking water electric hook ups and grey waste disposal
Pets
Full hookups
Haybridge Wharf Farm

18. Haybridge Wharf Farm

100%
(9)
Banbury, England · 1 unit
Our meadow in the rolling Oxfordshire hillside has a beautiful view of fields and the Oxford canal. It has dark skies and a stunning show of stars. Peaceful, quiet and secluded, a perfect place to escape from the pressures of daily life. The field is fenced in and has hedgerows and a baby woodland. You can enjoy hiking, walking, cycling and exploring this interesting part of the world, or head to any of the local pubs to refresh.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
Podtastic @ Nelsons Wharf

19. Podtastic @ Nelsons Wharf

100%
(26)
Stockton, England · 3 units
Pod glamping and tent camping while watching boats go by on the banks of the Grand Union Canal
Showers
Wifi
Potable water
Get Lost In Nature glamping

20. Get Lost In Nature glamping

100%
(15)
Market Harborough, England · 5 units · Tents, Glamping
Family-friendly farm glamping, with luxury bell tents in a glorious natural woodland setting
Campfires
Showers
Potable water

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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.

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

Popular Charnwood Forest holidays