Woodland camping near Northampton

This East Midlands city comes with access to surrounding natural and cultural spots.

97% (288 reviews)
97% (288 reviews)

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12 top forest campsites near Northampton

Charlbury Rise Camping

20 units · Tents6 acres · Chipping Norton, England
Whether you’re heading to the Cotswolds for early August’s Wilderness Festival at Cornbury Park, the almost-endless walking options or simply a peaceful weekend escape, Charlbury Rise Camping, edging the pretty market town of Charlbury, covers all bases. There’s no fuss – just back-to-basics camping in the middle of lots of Cotswolds action, with the welcome addition of easy parking and rail access too. Bear in mind that this is off-grid camping with simple facilities: grass pitches, portable loos, fresh water and cold-water showers. Starry skies on clear nights and open space to unwind are added bonuses, but please note there is no electricity. Pitch up in the meadow set on a gentle rise, surrounded by ancient hedgerows and farmland, and you’ll wake up to birdsong, the sound of church bells in the distance and views over the rooftops of one of the Cotswolds’ most attractive market towns. From your pitch, wander into Charlbury (10 minutes’ walk) for supplies or a pint at one of the village pubs, discover re-wilding woodland on strolls through Wychwood Forest, or take the short drive to Chipping Norton (15 minutes’ drive) and a certain very well-known farm shop. As well as attending gigs at the Wilderness Festival from your pitch (half an hour’s walk), a stay at Charlbury Rise Camping puts you in pole position for exploring the Cotswolds National Landscape. Historic Burford (20 minutes’ drive), with its combination of mellow-stone cottages and half-timbered houses, is popular for its antiques shops, while Stow-on-the-Wold (half an hour) centres on a vast market square surrounded by a labyrinth of lanes packed with indie boutiques and eateries. See how the other half once lived with a look around the Palladian mansion at Ditchley Park (10 minutes, guided tours by appointment only). Alternatively, spend the day discovering manicured gardens, strolling vast tracts of woodland and touring numerous historical displays at humongous and lavish Blenheim Palace (15 minutes), the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Those of you with a taste for the finer things in life have your pick of Michelin-starred Cotswold restaurants, gourmet pubs and a store filled with organic produce at Daylesford. And let’s not forget the (almost) obligatory visit to Diddly Squat.
Pets
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from 
£30
 / night
87%
(164)

Daisy May’s Farm

10 units · Motorhomes, Tents20 acres · Bishop's Stortford, England
Our pop up campsite is set in 20 acres on a not for profit community farm. Come and join us in the great outdoors! Help collect the eggs, feed the chickens and milk the goat! There is always lots going on at Daisy May’s Farm! Children’s play areas, paddle stream, woodland walks and lots more! PITCH FEE INCLUDES ENTRY TO THE FARM & ALL ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS! Open 7 days a week. Coffee Cabin and Ollie’s Food Hut also serving hot food (Weekends & school holiday 10-3pm) Local pub - 5 mins walk Golf Course (crazy golf, top golf, 9 hole course, bar and food) - 5 mins walk Shop/post office/chip shop - 10 mins walk Toilets & shower ; hot gas shower available but we are a basic wild, mostly off grid site. No concrete heated toilet blocks I’m afraid! (Showers unavailable in Winter months) There will be mud. Bring your wellies! Drinking water and bins available. Bring a torch for walking around the site at night. The site is off grid and the toilet lights are solar operated! CARAVANS - ONLY BOOKABLE MAY - SEPTEMBERTENTS - CAMPER VANS - MOTORHOMES WELCOME ALL YEAR (all pitches are the same. No need to specify which type of unit you are booking) We look forwards to welcoming you soon!
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from 
£30
 / night
88%
(4)

Secluded Woodland Camp

20 units · Glamping, Tents10 acres · Ware, England
Glamp or pitch up here in our secluded and peaceful mini off-grid site combining both field and forest. We have a shared under cover space and also an outdoor fire-pit to gather more than 20 people comfortably. There is a simple compost loo for your use with hand-washing and dish washing area outside. And the rest is all Mother nature! There is no running water or drinking water. You will need to bring your own. No electricity points or WIFI are in the campsite and no masts nearby so enjoy the EMF cleanse. Whether you chose to stay in the ancient woodland or the herbal pasture, you will feel the benefits of reconnecting with yourself in nature, breathing the clean air and hearing the birds singing. The parking is 800m away and there is minimal tractor use so you can imagine yourself roaming the fields and forest of England in days gone by. Fitness required. It's a long walk from the car park to the campsite. Trolleys provided.
Pets
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from 
£12
 / night

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

Woodland camping near Northampton guide

Overview

The East Midlands city of Northampton offers some pretty rural campsites on its outskirts, beyond the urban centre. While the centre of town is quite spacious with many attractive historic buildings (architecture enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the 78 Derngate house museum by modernist Charles Rennie Mackintosh), campsites near the River Nene, which runs south of the city, are the highlight for nature lovers. Campers have a range of choices in the surrounding area, from scout camps and glamping pods to well-equipped caravan parks.

Where to go

Pitsford Water

Just north of Northampton, this reservoir offers a range of outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, sailing, and birdwatching. While there is no campsite at Pitsford Water itself, suitable day-time camping can be found for campers in motorhomes who can stop to enjoy the setting en route to an overnight campsite. Explore the meadows, grassland, and woodlands while still being close to Northampton city.

Fotheringhay Castle

Northeast of Northampton, on the outskirts of the neighbouring city of Peterborough, is a ruined 12th-century castle site. It’s near the village of Fortheringhay, offering an almost-wild-camping experience. A couple of safari-style tents are available on farmland, as are limited caravan sites, but campers must bring most of their own supplies, including water for showering. Campers can paddleboard, kayak, or swim at the River Nene.

Milton Keynes

Less than 30 minutes’ drive south of Northampton, Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire is renowned for its grid-like plan and greenery. Here, campers don’t need to go beyond town to find somewhere to stay, as campsites, cabins, and farm stays all sit within Milton Keynes. With 15 lakes and 11 miles of canals, the area is a great spot for campers who enjoy boating and other water sports.

When to go

The best time to camp in and around Northampton is in the warmer months, between May and September, when camping in a tent or unheated vehicle is most comfortable. The East Midlands experience mild summers with long days, plus cold winters with occasional snow, when many caravan parks and other camping facilities close for the season. If you want to brave the cold, cabins and more permanent structures may be available.