Camping in Forest of Bowland AONB

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Situated predominantly in Lancashire, on the fringes of the Yorkshire Dales, the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is defined by deep valleys, fells, and moorland, making it an ideal spot for hillwalking, biking, rock climbing, and even canoeing and angling. Scale Pendle Hill and enjoy views over the lush fields, drystone walls, and the rugged Trough of Bowland, before stopping into historic market towns like Bentham, Clitheroe, and Hornby, home to its very own "castle." Meanwhile, stargazers and birdwatchers will appreciate the clear skies over the Forest of Bowland, as will gliders and paragliders.

96% (1K)

Top-rated campgrounds

The Duchess's Meadow

5. The Duchess's Meadow

100%
(1)
2 units · Motorhomes · England
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.
Potable water
Trash
from 
£14
 / night
Damside Campsite

7. Damside Campsite

96%
(14)
10 units · Tents, Motorhomes · England
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
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£20
 / night
Camping Field

11. Stretton House Campsite

92%
(12)
40 units · Tents, Motorhomes · England
If you like the sound of having farm shops and ice cream farms nearby, as well as access to lots of walking and cycling trails, Stretton House Campsite should be a fine pick for you. It has a strict no noise policy after 10pm, meaning that you should get a peaceful night's sleep too. This site is in the grounds of the 400-year-old Stretton House surrounded by the Cheshire countryside with handy transport links nearby and outdoor activities in no short supply… that includes things like alpaca walking, golf or Manley Mere’s watersports haven (a 20-minute drive away for the latter). You’ll have your pick of two fields, both with car parking by the pitch free of charge and dogs allowed. The facilities include separate male and female toilet blocks, pay per use shower block, mobile phone charging facilities, free wifi and chemical toilet disposal and a drinking water standpipe. You’ll have permission to start up a barbecue or firepit too (subject to the correct safety measures). When you’re ready to get going, the friendly owners will be willing to help out however they can and suggest possible days out, which may include fishing or walking at Pickmere Lake (10 minutes’ drive), visiting an ice cream farm (within 10 minutes’ drive of the site) or going to the local golf course (five minutes’ drive). For food, there’s a farm shop just two minutes’ walk away from the site where you’ll be able to get your hands on local produce. Pubs aren’t far away either – there is one pub five minutes' walk away, and another 15 minutes' walk away. Festival goers are very welcome, and the Creamfields Festival site is five minutes’ drive away. Please respect the quiet hours (no noise is permitted after 10pm) and environment, as the owners' home is on the grounds (and stick to the field's facilities only). No waste accepted onsite. All rubbish must be taken home at the end of your stay.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£30
 / night
Greener Pastures

16. Greener Pastures

100%
(3)
8 units · Tents, Motorhomes · England
This isn’t a place for drive-in, drive-out holidays. It’s for staying, relaxing and enjoying nature. More 'nearly wild' in farming countryside, than manicured sectioned areas. Enclosed paddocks, no nearby roads, and only the gentle hum of a distant train from across the canal, this is countryside relaxation at its finest. Watch the canal boats drift by, or go for a walk or cycle on the network of paths beside them. If your feeling adventurous, take a paddleboard or canoe onto the water, or hire a longboat for the day. Walk to the nearby dog friendly, local pubs, or a short drive there are many options of restaurants, from country pubs to fine dining of all different cultures including takeaways. Or stay onsite with a BBQ, campsite cooking or firepit. Supermarkets, farm shops, garden centres, national trust, activity parks and many other off site places to visit within close proximity, such as historic Chester or the monkeys at Trentham Garden. You can book experiences with the animals we have on site, horses, alpacas, pygmy goats, sheep, rescue hens and our own dogs love a fuss. Your dogs are very welcome, including reactive and exempt dogs. We have enclosed 1 acre paddocks for you to stay. With a choice of paddock or hardstanding pitches, we can accommodate you whatever the weather. We have a glamping tent with a full size double bed available to hire. This can sleep 6 with additional beds. Subtle solar lighting, table and chairs, blankets and cushions to sit outside in the evenings and watch the sunset. We are perfect for a technology detox, while we have electricity on site to charge your phones, there is no electric to the pitches. Use of a fridge freezer, small kitchen area with hot water, shower bay and mains water. 1 x EHU available..
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£15
 / night

Situated predominantly in Lancashire, on the fringes of the Yorkshire Dales, the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is defined by deep valleys, fells, and moorland, making it an ideal spot for hillwalking, biking, rock climbing, and even canoeing and angling. Scale Pendle Hill and enjoy views over the lush fields, drystone walls, and the rugged Trough of Bowland, before stopping into historic market towns like Bentham, Clitheroe, and Hornby, home to its very own "castle." Meanwhile, stargazers and birdwatchers will appreciate the clear skies over the Forest of Bowland, as will gliders and paragliders.

96% (1K)

Top-rated campgrounds

The Duchess's Meadow

5. The Duchess's Meadow

100%
(1)
2 units · Motorhomes · England
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.
Potable water
Trash
from 
£14
 / night
Damside Campsite

7. Damside Campsite

96%
(14)
10 units · Tents, Motorhomes · England
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
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£20
 / night
Camping Field

11. Stretton House Campsite

92%
(12)
40 units · Tents, Motorhomes · England
If you like the sound of having farm shops and ice cream farms nearby, as well as access to lots of walking and cycling trails, Stretton House Campsite should be a fine pick for you. It has a strict no noise policy after 10pm, meaning that you should get a peaceful night's sleep too. This site is in the grounds of the 400-year-old Stretton House surrounded by the Cheshire countryside with handy transport links nearby and outdoor activities in no short supply… that includes things like alpaca walking, golf or Manley Mere’s watersports haven (a 20-minute drive away for the latter). You’ll have your pick of two fields, both with car parking by the pitch free of charge and dogs allowed. The facilities include separate male and female toilet blocks, pay per use shower block, mobile phone charging facilities, free wifi and chemical toilet disposal and a drinking water standpipe. You’ll have permission to start up a barbecue or firepit too (subject to the correct safety measures). When you’re ready to get going, the friendly owners will be willing to help out however they can and suggest possible days out, which may include fishing or walking at Pickmere Lake (10 minutes’ drive), visiting an ice cream farm (within 10 minutes’ drive of the site) or going to the local golf course (five minutes’ drive). For food, there’s a farm shop just two minutes’ walk away from the site where you’ll be able to get your hands on local produce. Pubs aren’t far away either – there is one pub five minutes' walk away, and another 15 minutes' walk away. Festival goers are very welcome, and the Creamfields Festival site is five minutes’ drive away. Please respect the quiet hours (no noise is permitted after 10pm) and environment, as the owners' home is on the grounds (and stick to the field's facilities only). No waste accepted onsite. All rubbish must be taken home at the end of your stay.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£30
 / night
Greener Pastures

16. Greener Pastures

100%
(3)
8 units · Tents, Motorhomes · England
This isn’t a place for drive-in, drive-out holidays. It’s for staying, relaxing and enjoying nature. More 'nearly wild' in farming countryside, than manicured sectioned areas. Enclosed paddocks, no nearby roads, and only the gentle hum of a distant train from across the canal, this is countryside relaxation at its finest. Watch the canal boats drift by, or go for a walk or cycle on the network of paths beside them. If your feeling adventurous, take a paddleboard or canoe onto the water, or hire a longboat for the day. Walk to the nearby dog friendly, local pubs, or a short drive there are many options of restaurants, from country pubs to fine dining of all different cultures including takeaways. Or stay onsite with a BBQ, campsite cooking or firepit. Supermarkets, farm shops, garden centres, national trust, activity parks and many other off site places to visit within close proximity, such as historic Chester or the monkeys at Trentham Garden. You can book experiences with the animals we have on site, horses, alpacas, pygmy goats, sheep, rescue hens and our own dogs love a fuss. Your dogs are very welcome, including reactive and exempt dogs. We have enclosed 1 acre paddocks for you to stay. With a choice of paddock or hardstanding pitches, we can accommodate you whatever the weather. We have a glamping tent with a full size double bed available to hire. This can sleep 6 with additional beds. Subtle solar lighting, table and chairs, blankets and cushions to sit outside in the evenings and watch the sunset. We are perfect for a technology detox, while we have electricity on site to charge your phones, there is no electric to the pitches. Use of a fridge freezer, small kitchen area with hot water, shower bay and mains water. 1 x EHU available..
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£15
 / night

Camper favorites in and near Forest of Bowland AONB

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Camping in Forest of Bowland AONB guide

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. Glamping pods typically require advance booking, but camping pitches can generally be reserved on the day. Check the policy of your chosen campsite in advance to be sure.
  2. Larger groups may need to book by phone, although couples and single travellers can generally arrange their stays online.
  3. Campsites closer to towns like Clitheroe and Skipton tend to fill up faster, so book early to snag your spot or head a little further out of town.

When to go

The Forest of Bowland is at its lush best during spring, when wildflowers bloom in the woods and the weather is still pleasant and dry. Summer is great for camping and fair-weather walks, although it's also peak season in the forest and campsites fill up fast. Visit in early autumn, when there are fewer people, to see the trees turn red. Meanwhile, winter can be wet and windy but cool, crisp days are great for woodland walks. 

Know before you go

  • The Forest of Bowland is well-connected by both road and rail, with Clitheroe Interchange serving as the most convenient train station. Manchester Airport is also only an hour away.
  • The Bowland Visitor Centre is a great place to start your exploration of the area, where you can find maps and tips about the forest and surrounds.
  • You can download children-friendly activity sheets and quizzes from the official Forest of Bowland website.
  • To enjoy angling in the rivers and reservoirs of the Forest of Bowland you must first purchase a day fishing ticket.