Best Woodland Camping in Forest of Bowland AONB

United Kingdom
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England
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Forest of Bowland AONB

97% (207 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Forest of Bowland AONB

Dog-friendly getaways

96%

(27)

12 top forest campsites in Forest of Bowland AONB

97%

(33)

Woodsworth Exploring

10 units · Tents10 acres · Ilkley, West Yorkshire, North East England

Traditional camping in our 10 acre broadleaved woodland. Located in Oakworth in the heart of the Bronte countryside. Family friendly, you can feel safe knowing cars are only permitted in the car park so your children can run free within the woodland. Park up in the carpark near the site entrance then grab your gear and the staff will guide you to a suitable pitch for your requirements. Wheelbarrows are available to help carry your gear through the woods. Love nature? Then you’ll love this site. It’s back to basics proper camping here! We have a drinking water standpipe, we now have flushing toilets and hand wash sinks in our new toilet block. Our pitches are well spaced from one another and well sized, however, smaller tents (and/or hammocks) are recommended as our whole site is woodland there are trees within pitch areas, so we only have limited places to put large tents. Please tell us your tent size when booking so that we can get the best pitch for you. Dogs welcome. Fires allowed. We do a fire induction with everyone and charge for a fire licence, this includes if you want to bring your own firepit and wood. The reason for this is to manage the risk of forest fires and damage to the ecology so we need to put you on a suitable pitch if you wish to have a fire. We are doing all we can to improve the ecology of the woodland, so for this reason there is no burning of deadwood allowed, as rotting wood (big logs and little sticks) are fabulous for the woodland ecology.

Catgill Farm Camping & Glamping

153 units · Glamping, Tents1 acre · North Yorkshire, England

Family camping and glamping on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales and a stone's throw from famous Bolton Abbey

Primrose Cottage Camping

13 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents8 acres · Chorley, England

A quiet adult-only site [tents and campervans only] nestled below Healey Nab in the Lancashire Countryside. Rustic and back to basics is what this site is all about. Set amid spectacular countryside, grassy fields, woodland and streams to boot! Well behaved four legged friends are more than welcome. Campfires and good times allowed. *Please note loud music is not allowed.* Flat walks are a plenty along the Leeds and Liverpool canal or maybe a circular walk to white White Coppice might float your boat? For the hill walkers amongst us there is Great Hill and Rivington Pike to climb. Within walking distance or a few minutes drive there is pub at the end of the lane and local shops within the vicinity for those last minute snacks. Chorley town centre is 10 minutes drive away and we are close to the M61 which can take you to the Lake district in less than an hour, Manchester or Blackpool are roughly 30 Minutes away.

Breaks Fold Farm Glamping & Camping

14 units · Glamping, Tents2 acres · Pateley Bridge, North Yorkshire, North East England

Camping in Nidderdale with excellent facilities, dogs and campfires welcome, and views over Thruscross Reservoir.

100%

(3)

Trawden Forest Glamping

3 units · Glamping5 acres · Trawden, England

Set in seven acres of woodland nestling at the foot of Boulsworth hill and nearby historic village of Wycoller, you have the enviable opportunity to enjoy the unique tranquillity and relaxation of three luxury pods, a barbeque hut and the surrounding wild life and countryside. This is a quiet site and due to the wildlife and challenging terrain unfortunately, children and pets are not allowed. Each pod Bilbo, Frodo and Gandalf house two guests and are sited individually in small clearings set in the woodland, giving you your own personal privacy and space. Each pod comprises of a spacious living and sleeping area with a luxury en suite. Outside you have your own veranda with table and chairs along with a bbq station for a disposable bbq. The pods are heavily insulated with sheep's wool and have central heating making them an all year round destination. The living space comprises of a luxury double bed, futon, fully equipped kitchenette and a dining table. The en suite offers a large rain forest shower with hand held facility in case you do not want to get your hair wet!, WC, wash basin and mirror, heated towel rail, hair dryer and shaver point. Outside along with a bbq is a fire pit, fuel is supplied for a charge but you are welcome to bring your own disposable bbq and kiln dried logs. Bedding and fluffy towels are supplied. A futon provides a relaxing space whilst offering a bed for singles if needed. The kitchenette comprises of sink, gas hob, oven with grill and a full size fridge with small freezer compartment. These are fully equipped with pans, crockery, utensils and complimentary tea, coffe and sugar. The pods are partially off grid so there are two USB points (no WFI but 5G signal) for rechargable devices but no plug sockets. There is full lighting in and outside and a key safe outside to gain entry. A car park with individual places is situated 110 m from the pods and a wheelbarrow is supplied to help with luggage and essentials if needed. Mobile phones are necessary as there are no phones available on site and also torches if arriving in the dark, as the path to the pods is not lit. Village shop, pub and cafe only a 15 min walk away or a 2 min drive.

100%

(24)

Peaks and Pods

5 units · Glamping1 acre · North Yorkshire, North East England

Luxury pods with extra special touches, sandwiched between the Forest of Bowland and the Yorkshire Dales National Park

Booked 2 times

Gisburne Park Estate Glamping

10 units · Glamping1000 acres · Lancashire, North West England

While every campsite in the country bursts at the seams, discover our exclusive glamping village of just 10 widely spaced, luxurious five metre bell tents. Nestled within a historic Grade 1 listed, 1000 acre private estate, each tent is fully furnished. Expect home from home comforts, with a double bed, king sized duvet and electric power, while outside a decked area contains table and chairs and your own fire pit. Our magical glamping site is perfect for couples, families, and group bookings.

Deerstone Glamping

6 units · Glamping82 acres · Lancashire, North West England

Geodesic domes with a sauna and a dome cinema on site in the Lancashire countryside

100%

(65)

Copy House Hideaway

2 units · Glamping1 acre · Lancashire, North West England

Luxury shepherd's huts with wood-fired hot tubs and an adjoining log cabin for extra space

100%

(2)

Hollow Gill Huts

3 units · Glamping1 acre · Settle, England

Shepherd's huts with views across the Yorkshire Dales near Settle

98%

(33)

Intake Farm

7 units · Glamping, Tents5 acres · Alton, Staffordshire, West Midlands

Quirky glamping and nearly wild camping on a farm in Staffordshire

Booked 6 times

Nearly-wild camping @ Heggs Farm

1 unit · Tent136 acres · Reeth, England

Get back to basics and immerse yourself in the joy of simple living with a nearly-wild camping experience @ Heggs Farm, Arkengarthdale--part of a collaborative, 200-acre renaturing project, spanning the northern tip of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Stretching from the wooded banks of the Arkle Beck, up to the dizzying heights of Fremington Edge, our site is a wonderfully biodiverse and off-the-beaten path spot, offering adventure-loving families and small groups the chance to unplug completely, and get a taste of no-frills camping, the way mother nature intended. What's more, every booking is for exclusive use of the camping area by you and your group, guaranteeing you a truly unique (and undisturbed) experience. Why Heggs? Get a taste of 'wild-camping' with a few bare bones facilities: Pitch up where you like, make the most of a private firepit cooking area, and enjoy our compost loo with a view. Our remote, no-frills site is the perfect intro to simple living; yet sits close enough to 'civilisation' to hike out for picnic supplies, and/or a pub dinner. Reconnect with nature through wholesome, unplugged activities: Fill your days with poo sticks, pebble skimming, and foraging for kindling. Spend your evenings playing scrabble by torchlight, identifying owl calls, and marvelling at the constellations in our Dark Skies conservation area. No wifi = no distractions. Explore endless routes right from the doorstep: Arkengarthdale is one of the Dales' most beautiful yet undiscovered valleys. Multiple bridleways and footpaths connect Heggs to Reeth and Langthwaite, running along both sides of the Arkle Beck, and up the slopes of Fremington Edge. Part of the adventure is getting here: Our walk/cycle-in-only camping area is all part of the magic of our tucked-away site. Free bag transfer is available to our farmhouse from the nearest roadside parking spot (20 mins walk); or from the public parking areas in Reeth or Langthwaite (40 mins walk). From the farmhouse, the camping area lies a further 200m along a rough grass track. NB Limited parking for 4WD vehicles is available on site, 7-8mins walk from the camping area along the public footpath. Please note we cannot accept campervans or trailer tents. Every stay plants trees, literally: All profits from nearly-wild camping support our ongoing habitat restoration as part of the Heggs-Castle renaturing cluster. Enjoy the 'feel-good' factor as you roam free across the site and explore our latest woodland creation areas. Find out more at heggscastlecluster.org. What's included/provided with my booking? -Exclusive use of the camping area for you and your group (up to a max of 8 people), including compost loo and firepit with grill. -Access to weatherproof cow byre HQ for storage of camping equipment, including bikes. -1 x wheelbarrow load of firewood, with kindling and natural firelighters (more can be bought on site). -Unlimited potable water in canisters with taps. -Large Ghillie Kettle, firepit cooking utensils and heatproof gloves, biodegradable washing up liquid, washing up bowl, tea towels, first aid kit, fire extinguisher. -Bag transfer from/to the nearest roadside or public parking place on arrival and departure. Please pack everything else you need to sleep, cook (portable gas stoves welcome), eat, and keep yourself and your equipment safe; remembering that you’ll have to carry your own gear for the last 200m to the cow byre, and then beyond to wherever you pitch up. Note too that the site is completely unlit after dark, there are no charging facilities, and phone signal can be spotty. Headtorches, camping lanterns, and portable battery chargers are all strongly recommended. Where can I stock up? Our local businesses would love your support! Award winning bread, cafe-quality ready meals, and Thursday night pizzas can be pre-ordered for collection at Two Dales Bakery; the Bike Centre is known for its incredible cake selection (and excellent rental service); Reeth Post Office sells the usual camping cupboard staples, as well as local milk, cheese and sausages; and Reeth's Friday morning market has all your meat, cheese, and fruit and veg supplies covered. For dining out, there are five pubs within easy-ish walking/cycling distance: The CB Inn, The Bridge Inn, The Black Bull, The King's Arms and The Buck. Ramsay’s Fish and Chip Van also visits Reeth between 4-6pm every Friday evening; you’ll find it parked up in Langhorne Drive. Finished reading and not sure it's for you? Search for our off-grid annexe on AirBnB for simple, off-grid living with a few creature comforts e.g. hot running water, a bed and a bath. This can also be booked in tandem with our nearly-wild camping area, subject to availability.

Woodland campsites in Forest of Bowland AONB guide

Overview

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.

Tips for snagging a campsite

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.
Larger groups may need to book by phone, although couples and single travellers can generally arrange their stays online.
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.