Waterside campsites near Buxton
The busy town of Buxton is both outside the Peak District and also at its very heart.
Waterside campsites near Buxton guide
Where to go
Peak District National Park
The Peak District National Park surrounds Buxton, although the town itself is not within the park boundaries. Its highest peak, the 2,077-foot Kinder Scout, is a literal standout, while the rest of the park is characterised by high moorland plateaus, steep limestone valleys, and cliffy outcrops. Wild camping isn’t allowed in the park, as landowner permission is required, but campers can stay in Buxton and explore the walking and biking trails on day excursions.
The National Forest
Large swathes of the Midlands have been damaged by mining, heavy industry, and deforestation over the centuries, so the National Forest project aims to restore large-scale forests throughout the Midlands, spanning Derbyshire, Leicestershire, and Staffordshire. The forest is south of Buxton and can be visited on a day trip, or campers can stay at campsites, caravan parks, lodges and log cabins, and glamping sites closer to the National Forest.
Cannock Chase AONB
South of Buxton and between the towns of Cannock and Stafford in Staffordshire, the Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) has been nicknamed the jewel of the West Midlands. It was the hunting forest of legendary William the Conqueror almost 1,000 years ago, and visitors can walk, cycle, or ride horses in the woodlands and alongside canals to learn about its history. Campers can stay at caravan parks within the area or in Cannock and Stafford for easy access to the AONB.
When to go
Spring and summer are the best times to camp in and around Buxton and the Peak District, when the days are longest and the weather is most pleasant for camping and outdoor activities. Winters are cold, especially as Buxton and many other area villages are at a slight elevation, and snow is not uncommon in the Peak District. Some campsites and caravan parks close for the winter season, but booking a cabin or cottage is possible outside of summer.