The best campsites in East Midlands with horseback riding

East Midlands is the UK’s unassuming heartland, where industrial cities and historic market towns are hemmed together by a patchwork of farmlands and river valleys. Mild temperatures make this a year-round destination for outdoor adventures, and campers can sleep in tents, yurts, tipis, and glamping pods. Hike through the valleys in the Peak District National Park, stroll around stately homes, or explore woodland trails in the footsteps of local legend Robin Hood. In summer, the sandy shores of Skegness offer a traditional English seaside experience, while fall is the time for forest walks and bike rides, ablaze with autumnal colours.

96% (211)

Top-rated campgrounds

East Midlands is the UK’s unassuming heartland, where industrial cities and historic market towns are hemmed together by a patchwork of farmlands and river valleys. Mild temperatures make this a year-round destination for outdoor adventures, and campers can sleep in tents, yurts, tipis, and glamping pods. Hike through the valleys in the Peak District National Park, stroll around stately homes, or explore woodland trails in the footsteps of local legend Robin Hood. In summer, the sandy shores of Skegness offer a traditional English seaside experience, while fall is the time for forest walks and bike rides, ablaze with autumnal colours.

96% (211)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Heygates Lodging

100%

(21)

2 units · Glamping · Market Harborough, Leicestershire, East Midlands

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.

2. The Old Vicarage

79%

(17)

6 units · Tents, Glamping · Retford, Nottinghamshire, East Midlands

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

3. Purple Badger Camping&Fishing Lakes

97%

(66)

12 units · Tents, Glamping · Beeby, England

Glamping and campfire-friendly camping by a pair of fishing lakes in the Leicestershire countryside

4. Arthingworth Camping

96%

(56)

12 units · Tents · Market Harborough, Leicestershire, East Midlands

Tents-only, family-friendly camping in the Northamptonshire countryside with gorgeous rural walks.

5. Cuckoo Farm Campsite

99%

(202)

13 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Rutland, East Midlands

Family camping with campfires on an organic farm, set alongside the beautiful River Chater

6. White House Farm Campsite, Wardlow

91%

(93)

61 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Wardlow, England

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.

7. Spire View Yurts

100%

(7)

3 units · Glamping · Chesterfield, Derbyshire, East Midlands

Yurt glamping between Chesterfield and Matlock in Derbyshire

8. Belvoir Holidays

88%

(17)

13 units · Glamping · Leicestershire, East Midlands

Luxury bell tent glamping in the grounds of Netflix's most famous castle

9. Glamp-in-Style

100%

(6)

2 units · Glamping · Horncastle, England

Safari tent glamping in the heart of the Lincolnshire Wolds within the beautiful grounds of Fir-combe Hall. You can even bring your horse along!

Camper favorites in and near East Midlands

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Arthingworth Camping

96%

(56)

12 units · Tents · Market Harborough, Leicestershire, East Midlands

Tents-only, family-friendly camping in the Northamptonshire countryside with gorgeous rural walks.

Cuckoo Farm Campsite

99%

(202)

13 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Rutland, East Midlands

Family camping with campfires on an organic farm, set alongside the beautiful River Chater

White House Farm Campsite, Wardlow

91%

(93)

61 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Wardlow, England

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.

Spire View Yurts

100%

(7)

3 units · Glamping · Chesterfield, Derbyshire, East Midlands

Yurt glamping between Chesterfield and Matlock in Derbyshire

Belvoir Holidays

88%

(17)

13 units · Glamping · Leicestershire, East Midlands

Luxury bell tent glamping in the grounds of Netflix's most famous castle

Glamp-in-Style

100%

(6)

2 units · Glamping · Horncastle, England

Safari tent glamping in the heart of the Lincolnshire Wolds within the beautiful grounds of Fir-combe Hall. You can even bring your horse along!

Stories from the community

D

Duco

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Purple Badger Camping&Fishing Lakes

Nice pitches at a pretty little campsite in a surprisingly beautiful environment. And the coffee cart is nice.

F

Filip

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to White House Farm Campsite, Wardlow

Really nice camping site. Very tidy toilets and showers. Highly recommended.

Grass Pitch with access to Electric Hook Up

S

Sandra

August 2025

5 m Class B

With kids

Weekend Trip to Cuckoo Farm Campsite

Great one night stop over with my grandson. Great showers and we were there on a Sunday morning so went on the farm tour which was brilliant

D

Daniela

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Arthingworth Camping

It was my first time camping and the views were amazing. Really nice and relaxing

M

Michelle

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Arthingworth Camping

Lovely spaced out campsite. Clean compost toilet and well stocked pantry. Eva was helpful when asked about local walks. Would recommend x

A

ANDREW

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Arthingworth Camping

Lovely campsite with well spread out pitches and plenty to do o the surrounding area

M

Mia

August 2025

3 nights at Heygates Lodging

Had an amazing stay with Graham and Allison! They were such gracious hosts and have created a little slice of heven on their land. The lodge is so cute and well furnished, we wished for nothing. A perfect romantic destination. We will definitely be back to stay again!

T

Tommy

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Arthingworth Camping

Brilliant place. Lovely views , great surrounding area. Highly recommended

D

Daniel

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Arthingworth Camping

We had a brilliant stay at Eva’s campsite in Arthingworth. The setting is peaceful, spacious, and beautifully maintained, a real escape from the hustle and bustle. There’s loads of room between pitches so it never felt crowded, and we were able to really enjoy the outdoors without feeling on top of anyone else. Eva was a fantastic host, really responsive and thoughtful. When there was a minor issue with another group, she handled it promptly and professionally, going out of her way to make sure everyone felt comfortable and respected. You can tell she genuinely cares about her guests’ experience. The views are lovely, especially at sunset, and the field is perfect for families, dogs, or groups just wanting to chill. There are clean facilities, fire pits for hire, and plenty of space for kids to run around safely. We’d absolutely stay again, highly recommend for anyone looking for a relaxed, down-to-earth camping experience with a great host.

J

Josh

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Arthingworth Camping

Great little site , it did get busy but is the middle of the school summer holidays so it's expected ! Looking forward to returning I met Eva the host she was fantastic,helpful and very accommodating to not just me but other guests to , great to see Looking forward to camping here often moving forward just maybe after the school holidays if it's open 😅

T

Tom

August 2025

6 m Class A

Weekend Trip to White House Farm Campsite, Wardlow

Facilities were clean, showers had hot water. Amazing views

R

Richard

August 2025

Tent

With kids

2 nights at Purple Badger Camping&Fishing Lakes

Great stay at Purple Badger. The facilities were great, and the shower and toilets some of the best i've experienced camping. As a family we enjoyed the space for eating and spending time together under shelter, when not at our tent. The kids enjoyed the Fusball tables and books. Very enjoyable stay and look forward to returning again.

A

Alexandra

July 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Belvoir Holidays

Beautiful grounds. Quiet glamping. Lovely clean toilet and shower block. Nice to have wildlife and farm animals on the doorstep. Great having easy access to The Engine Yard and castle grounds.

D

Denis

July 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Arthingworth Camping

We absolutely loved this place. It is the closest thing to wild camping, only 12 pitches so lots of room. Toilets were clean and the pantry well stocked. The host was also nice and brought us ice lolly’s on arrival and gave us tips about the local area. We are already planning our next trip back.

C

CSS

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Arthingworth Camping

Really nice campsite. Enjoyed our stay. Nice touches with the self help bits you can buy (use can use card too) toilets very clean.

M

Martin

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Arthingworth Camping

Lovely natural camp site with lots of space between pitches. My only gripe is the site is only open for a short time in the year. Will be returning.

L

Luke

July 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to White House Farm Campsite, Wardlow

Great open clean space, lots of camping areas to choose from. Only criticism is that the shower floors don't drain so ends up collecting in the drying area

M

Matias

July 2025

2 nights at Spire View Yurts

Me and my fiancee had the loveliest time at Spire View! The weather was perfect, nice and quiet area, and the scenery was amazing. Our host was very accomodating and on top of that we had the whole place to ourselves!

B

BARRY

June 2025

Tent

3 nights at White House Farm Campsite, Wardlow

Lovely site. Clean facilities. Good location. Friendly

G

Gillian

June 2025

5 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Cuckoo Farm Campsite

Good facilities and a lovely lady running the site. Busy at weekend but quiter in the week. Very well organised and farm animals lovely. Shop was an added bonus.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best campsites in East Midlands with horseback riding guide

Where to go

Nottinghamshire

The stomping ground of Robin Hood, it’s little surprise that Nottinghamshire is famed for its forests. Campers can pitch up in the heart of Sherwood Forest, enjoy walks and bike rides through the woodlands, or go zip-lining through the trees. Nearby, stroll through the bluebell woods of Clumber Park, which are magnificent in springtime; spot wild deer in Wollaton Park; or take a canal boat cruise along the Trent River.

Derbyshire

Derbyshire is hiking country and the gateway to the Peak District National Park, where moorlands, dales, and gritstone cliffs blanket the landscapes. Hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing are all popular activities within the park, while a pitstop in Bakewell (home of the Bakewell Tart) and a visit to Chatsworth House are also regional musts. Campers have options, whether you want to park up your caravan on the Chatsworth Estate or pitch your tent on the moors.

Lincolnshire

Lincolnshire’s headline act is Lincoln Cathedral, but there's more to discover than history and heritage in this rural county. Come in spring to see the region's renowned tulips in full bloom, then escape to the lowland forests and valleys of the Lincolnshire Wolds, where walking trails and camping sites line the hillsides. Along the coast, Skegness is the quintessential beach resort of the Midlands, where summer campers can pitch up right by the seaside.

Leicestershire

Heritage towns, deer parks, and 15th-century battlefields dot the countryside of Leicestershire. Simple pleasures await campers, whether walking amid fields of snowdrops in the Dimminsdale Nature Reserve (visit in late winter), glamping in the shadows of Belvoir Castle, or checking into a tranquil caravan park in the middle of the countryside.