Campsites for hikers in Forest of Bowland AONB

·

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.

95% (882) 396 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Forest of Bowland AONB

Moss Rose Campsite

1. Moss Rose Campsite

99%
(61)
28 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Pilling, Preston, England
We have a family friendly Quiet campsite in the heart of Lancashire on our family run farm. Our site is situated in a species rich meadow field with large mown Pitches surrounded by wild flowers and meandering pathways linking the site together. We are surrounded by a young trees & woodland with the back drop of the Pennines. We offer both glamping and traditional non EHU camping on our site, with lovely hot showers, clean toilet facilities, fresh water point, pot wash area, phone charger lockers, communal freezers, elsan disposal point, microwave, coffee/hot chocolate machine, and our little honesty shack with all little camping essentials to might need whilst staying with us. We also hire out picnic benches and fire pits to help enhance your camping experience. We have a lovely little woodland walk, with a meandering mown path, that winds through our woodland/conservation area. Perfect to walk your dog, and let your kids explore. Adjoining the campsite, we have a padock with super frindly sheep that love to say hello. We sell little bags of sheep feed, just incase you'd like to give them a little treat. In the middle of the site, we have a little tots play area, perfect for keeping you're small kids entertained. We are a Quiet family site, with a Reduced Noise policy from 9 pm, and Quiet Time from 10 pm to 8.30 am. Latest check in time is 8PM, unless prearranged with the campsite. Our site has close links to the A6 and m6 J33. We are only 13 miles from the Historic city of Lancaster, the Bright lights of Blackpool and the jubilee city of Preston. 4 miles from the first fair trade market town of Garstang and 45 mins into the Lake District. There is also lots of interesting activities to do locally.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£18
 / night
Stanley Villa Farm Fishing& Camping

2. Stanley Villa Farm Fishing& Camping

96%
(60)
40 units · Glamping · Preston, Lancashire, North West England
Lakeside rural tranquility and the 'kiss-me-quick' fun of the seaside – you can have the best of both worlds at Stanley Villa Farm's cute camping pods
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£60
 / night
Burrs Manor Wild Camping

3. Burrs Manor Wild Camping

87%
(152)
30 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Buxton, England
Nearly wild camping in the Peak District National Park, near Buxton
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
Masons Campsite

4. Masons Campsite

27 units · Motorhomes · Skipton Bd23 6 Dd, England
On the banks of a river, with open views over the Yorkshire Dales and lots of space for games, with a pair of great pubs nearby
Electrical hookup
Pets
from 
£38
 / night
Moss Side Farm Campsite

5. Moss Side Farm Campsite

94%
(131)
33 units · Tents · Cumbria, North West England
Small-scale farm camping in the South Lakes, with campfires, wildlife and fine views
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£25
 / night
RHC & Glamping

6. RHC & Glamping

100%
(7)
6 units · Glamping · Lancashire, North West England
Hi Hipcampers, We are a 15 acre site of hillsides and woodlands, with woodland paths a few beautiful ponds and a small river! We have fabulous views to of the hills to be enjoyed. Theres lots of wildlife here from deer to Canadian geese. We have some stone fire pits for our guests to use foc! We have a games room and lots of children swings and activities.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£81
 / night
Social District

7. Social District

92%
(93)
30 units · Tents · Grizedale, Cumbria, North West England
Lake District camping on the banks of Lake Windermere, with direct access to the water.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£50
 / night
Baystone Bank Farm Campsite

8. Baystone Bank Farm Campsite

96%
(149)
47 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Millom, England
Lake District camping on a working farm with a stream to splash in, campfires encouraged and a horse-riding centre on the doorstep
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£25
 / night
White Peak Camping

9. White Peak Camping

99%
(465)
18 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Buxton, Derbyshire, East Midlands
Camping on a Peak District farm near the Monsal Trail
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£13
 / night
Woodman's Huts

10. Woodman's Huts

99%
(58)
3 units · Glamping · Cumbria, North West England
Beautiful handmade shepherd's huts in the heart of the picturesque South Lakes
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£115
 / night
White House Farm Campsite, Wardlow

11. 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.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£24
 / night
Breaks Fold Farm Glamping & Camping

12. Breaks Fold Farm Glamping & Camping

98%
(61)
10 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Pateley Bridge, North Yorkshire, North East England
Camping in Nidderdale with excellent facilities, dogs and campfires welcome, and views over Thruscross Reservoir.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£12
 / night
Trawden Forest Glamping

13. Trawden Forest Glamping

100%
(13)
3 units · Glamping · Trawden, England
Grown-up pod glamping on a woodland site in Lancashire
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£80
 / night
Northcote Pods - Yorkshire Dales

14. Northcote Pods - Yorkshire Dales

100%
(11)
2 units · Glamping · Grassington, North Yorkshire, North East England
We are ideally located in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales National Park, with our stunning Northcote Pods situated near Kilnsey Crag. Here, you’ll find spectacular views across Upper Wharfedale. Couples and families alike love to escape to our spacious, comfortable pods; there’s no better place for a holiday getaway. Parking outside the pod leads to a paved patio area with a private wood fired hot tub (Pheasant Pod ONLY), seating, BBQ. Inside offers double bed and sofa bed to accommodate up to 2 children and a hanging rail for clothes. Smart TV with a Netflix account connected, wifi and bluetooth ceiling speakers. Shower room with sink, toilet, shavers socket and heated towel rail. Fully fitted kitchen with sink, fridge, microwave, 2 ring induction hob, toaster and kettle. Dining table and chairs. Electric heating, USB sockets.
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from 
£104
 / night
Hazel Mount Fellside

15. Hazel Mount Fellside

98%
(49)
5 units · Tents · Eskdale, Cumbria, North West England
Nearly wild camping on the western edge of the Lake District overlooking the Duddon Estuary
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£25
 / night
Peak Glamping Hideaway

16. Peak Glamping Hideaway

100%
(12)
3 units · Glamping · Staffordshire, West Midlands
Glamping literally reaches new heights in the Peak District National Park
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from 
£100
 / night
Hob Hey Hideaways

17. Hob Hey Hideaways

100%
(3)
9 units · Glamping · Halifax, England
A relaxing West Yorkshire getaway with bell tents on sprawling moorland
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£99
 / night
Gollin Farm Shepherds Hut

18. Gollin Farm Shepherds Hut

100%
(16)
3 units · Glamping · Buxton, Derbyshire, East Midlands
Cosy and romantic shepherd's hut glamping in the heart, and at the highest heights, of the Peak District National Park
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from 
£125
 / night
Fields Farm Campsite

19. Fields Farm Campsite

100%
(3)
26 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Buxton, Derbyshire
Small, quiet family-run site in the Peak District National Park A 15-minute drive from Buxton, the Pennine Way and Monsal Trail Pet-friendly pub five minutes’ walk away; barbecues permitted on site Fields Farm Campsite is just the place for a peachy Peak District break. Just outside of a rural village named Peak Forest in the national park, this site is a walkers’ haven, with the Pennine Way and Monsal Trail just 15 minutes’ drive away (along with Buxton, a classic Peak District town with a spa history, meaning you can pamper yourself on this day out). Handily, there are walks direct from the door too. You can get to Eldon Hole in just over 10 minutes and dubbed one of the seven wonders of the Peak District, the pothole is an impressive sight. Peak Forest is just five minutes’ walk away too and here, you’ll be able to sample some homecooked food in a pet-friendly traditional country pub. Adjacent to the owner’s home, the grassy pitches have scenic views of the countryside (a great side dish for breakfast times, that’s for sure). And in the evenings, perhaps a barbecue will be another way to settle into the rural atmosphere. Happily, dogs are permitted here, so you won’t have to leave them behind. As for gathering together snacks, sandwiches and other stuff to keep you going while you’re out and about in the national park’s towns, villages or traffic-free trails, there are food shops 10 minutes’ drive away in Chapel-en-le-Frith to help you tick off your shopping list.We are in the middle of peak park great walks we are in a small village next to pub good home cooked food lots of local villages blue john mine chatsworth house stateley home of the duke of devonshire with it fantastic grounds. We are 5 miles from the spar town of buxton a lovely victorian town with lots of things to do. We are 5 minutes from local pub good food local shop eldon hole,castleton.or just chill out
Pets
Potable water
Picnic table
from 
£25
 / night
Chilled Out Adult Only Glamping

20. Chilled Out Adult Only Glamping

100%
(32)
8 units · Glamping · Cheshire, North West England
Lakeside glamping on the edge of Delemere Forest and a 10-minute train ride from Chester
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£96
 / 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.

95% (882) 396 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Forest of Bowland AONB

Moss Rose Campsite

1. Moss Rose Campsite

99%
(61)
28 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Pilling, Preston, England
We have a family friendly Quiet campsite in the heart of Lancashire on our family run farm. Our site is situated in a species rich meadow field with large mown Pitches surrounded by wild flowers and meandering pathways linking the site together. We are surrounded by a young trees & woodland with the back drop of the Pennines. We offer both glamping and traditional non EHU camping on our site, with lovely hot showers, clean toilet facilities, fresh water point, pot wash area, phone charger lockers, communal freezers, elsan disposal point, microwave, coffee/hot chocolate machine, and our little honesty shack with all little camping essentials to might need whilst staying with us. We also hire out picnic benches and fire pits to help enhance your camping experience. We have a lovely little woodland walk, with a meandering mown path, that winds through our woodland/conservation area. Perfect to walk your dog, and let your kids explore. Adjoining the campsite, we have a padock with super frindly sheep that love to say hello. We sell little bags of sheep feed, just incase you'd like to give them a little treat. In the middle of the site, we have a little tots play area, perfect for keeping you're small kids entertained. We are a Quiet family site, with a Reduced Noise policy from 9 pm, and Quiet Time from 10 pm to 8.30 am. Latest check in time is 8PM, unless prearranged with the campsite. Our site has close links to the A6 and m6 J33. We are only 13 miles from the Historic city of Lancaster, the Bright lights of Blackpool and the jubilee city of Preston. 4 miles from the first fair trade market town of Garstang and 45 mins into the Lake District. There is also lots of interesting activities to do locally.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£18
 / night
Stanley Villa Farm Fishing& Camping

2. Stanley Villa Farm Fishing& Camping

96%
(60)
40 units · Glamping · Preston, Lancashire, North West England
Lakeside rural tranquility and the 'kiss-me-quick' fun of the seaside – you can have the best of both worlds at Stanley Villa Farm's cute camping pods
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£60
 / night
Burrs Manor Wild Camping

3. Burrs Manor Wild Camping

87%
(152)
30 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Buxton, England
Nearly wild camping in the Peak District National Park, near Buxton
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
Masons Campsite

4. Masons Campsite

27 units · Motorhomes · Skipton Bd23 6 Dd, England
On the banks of a river, with open views over the Yorkshire Dales and lots of space for games, with a pair of great pubs nearby
Electrical hookup
Pets
from 
£38
 / night
Moss Side Farm Campsite

5. Moss Side Farm Campsite

94%
(131)
33 units · Tents · Cumbria, North West England
Small-scale farm camping in the South Lakes, with campfires, wildlife and fine views
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£25
 / night
RHC & Glamping

6. RHC & Glamping

100%
(7)
6 units · Glamping · Lancashire, North West England
Hi Hipcampers, We are a 15 acre site of hillsides and woodlands, with woodland paths a few beautiful ponds and a small river! We have fabulous views to of the hills to be enjoyed. Theres lots of wildlife here from deer to Canadian geese. We have some stone fire pits for our guests to use foc! We have a games room and lots of children swings and activities.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£81
 / night
Social District

7. Social District

92%
(93)
30 units · Tents · Grizedale, Cumbria, North West England
Lake District camping on the banks of Lake Windermere, with direct access to the water.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£50
 / night
Baystone Bank Farm Campsite

8. Baystone Bank Farm Campsite

96%
(149)
47 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Millom, England
Lake District camping on a working farm with a stream to splash in, campfires encouraged and a horse-riding centre on the doorstep
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£25
 / night
White Peak Camping

9. White Peak Camping

99%
(465)
18 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Buxton, Derbyshire, East Midlands
Camping on a Peak District farm near the Monsal Trail
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£13
 / night
Woodman's Huts

10. Woodman's Huts

99%
(58)
3 units · Glamping · Cumbria, North West England
Beautiful handmade shepherd's huts in the heart of the picturesque South Lakes
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£115
 / night
White House Farm Campsite, Wardlow

11. 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.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£24
 / night
Breaks Fold Farm Glamping & Camping

12. Breaks Fold Farm Glamping & Camping

98%
(61)
10 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Pateley Bridge, North Yorkshire, North East England
Camping in Nidderdale with excellent facilities, dogs and campfires welcome, and views over Thruscross Reservoir.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£12
 / night
Trawden Forest Glamping

13. Trawden Forest Glamping

100%
(13)
3 units · Glamping · Trawden, England
Grown-up pod glamping on a woodland site in Lancashire
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£80
 / night
Northcote Pods - Yorkshire Dales

14. Northcote Pods - Yorkshire Dales

100%
(11)
2 units · Glamping · Grassington, North Yorkshire, North East England
We are ideally located in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales National Park, with our stunning Northcote Pods situated near Kilnsey Crag. Here, you’ll find spectacular views across Upper Wharfedale. Couples and families alike love to escape to our spacious, comfortable pods; there’s no better place for a holiday getaway. Parking outside the pod leads to a paved patio area with a private wood fired hot tub (Pheasant Pod ONLY), seating, BBQ. Inside offers double bed and sofa bed to accommodate up to 2 children and a hanging rail for clothes. Smart TV with a Netflix account connected, wifi and bluetooth ceiling speakers. Shower room with sink, toilet, shavers socket and heated towel rail. Fully fitted kitchen with sink, fridge, microwave, 2 ring induction hob, toaster and kettle. Dining table and chairs. Electric heating, USB sockets.
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from 
£104
 / night
Hazel Mount Fellside

15. Hazel Mount Fellside

98%
(49)
5 units · Tents · Eskdale, Cumbria, North West England
Nearly wild camping on the western edge of the Lake District overlooking the Duddon Estuary
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£25
 / night
Peak Glamping Hideaway

16. Peak Glamping Hideaway

100%
(12)
3 units · Glamping · Staffordshire, West Midlands
Glamping literally reaches new heights in the Peak District National Park
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from 
£100
 / night
Hob Hey Hideaways

17. Hob Hey Hideaways

100%
(3)
9 units · Glamping · Halifax, England
A relaxing West Yorkshire getaway with bell tents on sprawling moorland
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£99
 / night
Gollin Farm Shepherds Hut

18. Gollin Farm Shepherds Hut

100%
(16)
3 units · Glamping · Buxton, Derbyshire, East Midlands
Cosy and romantic shepherd's hut glamping in the heart, and at the highest heights, of the Peak District National Park
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from 
£125
 / night
Fields Farm Campsite

19. Fields Farm Campsite

100%
(3)
26 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Buxton, Derbyshire
Small, quiet family-run site in the Peak District National Park A 15-minute drive from Buxton, the Pennine Way and Monsal Trail Pet-friendly pub five minutes’ walk away; barbecues permitted on site Fields Farm Campsite is just the place for a peachy Peak District break. Just outside of a rural village named Peak Forest in the national park, this site is a walkers’ haven, with the Pennine Way and Monsal Trail just 15 minutes’ drive away (along with Buxton, a classic Peak District town with a spa history, meaning you can pamper yourself on this day out). Handily, there are walks direct from the door too. You can get to Eldon Hole in just over 10 minutes and dubbed one of the seven wonders of the Peak District, the pothole is an impressive sight. Peak Forest is just five minutes’ walk away too and here, you’ll be able to sample some homecooked food in a pet-friendly traditional country pub. Adjacent to the owner’s home, the grassy pitches have scenic views of the countryside (a great side dish for breakfast times, that’s for sure). And in the evenings, perhaps a barbecue will be another way to settle into the rural atmosphere. Happily, dogs are permitted here, so you won’t have to leave them behind. As for gathering together snacks, sandwiches and other stuff to keep you going while you’re out and about in the national park’s towns, villages or traffic-free trails, there are food shops 10 minutes’ drive away in Chapel-en-le-Frith to help you tick off your shopping list.We are in the middle of peak park great walks we are in a small village next to pub good home cooked food lots of local villages blue john mine chatsworth house stateley home of the duke of devonshire with it fantastic grounds. We are 5 miles from the spar town of buxton a lovely victorian town with lots of things to do. We are 5 minutes from local pub good food local shop eldon hole,castleton.or just chill out
Pets
Potable water
Picnic table
from 
£25
 / night
Chilled Out Adult Only Glamping

20. Chilled Out Adult Only Glamping

100%
(32)
8 units · Glamping · Cheshire, North West England
Lakeside glamping on the edge of Delemere Forest and a 10-minute train ride from Chester
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£96
 / night

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Campsites for hikers 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.