The best campsites in Forest of Bowland AONB with horseback riding

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.

98% (226)

Top-rated campgrounds

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.

98% (226)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. 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.

2. The Damson Shepherd's Hut

98%

(60)

1 unit · Glamping · Cumbria, North West England

A shepherd's hut for two in the lesser-known Lyth Valley, four miles from Lake Windermere

3. Peak Glamping Hideaway

100%

(12)

3 units · Glamping · Staffordshire, West Midlands

Glamping literally reaches new heights in the Peak District National Park

4. 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.

5. 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

6. Sweet Knoll camping

100%

(8)

50 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Chapel En Le Frith, England

Sweet Knoll Farm, with six acres of flat land, is ideal for camping with breathtaking views in the Peak District . It is great for walking, cycling, horse riding and caving. Next to a working farm, it is surrounded by sheep grazing and is next to the Pennine Bridle Way. Castleton a short drive away is famous for its caverns blue john and speedwell. The campsite has toilets and showers,washing up facilities indoor and outdoor.Fresh drinking water and picnic tables.

7. 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.

8. 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

9. 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

10. The Black Swan

100%

(26)

3 units · Glamping · Kirkby Stephen, England

Our three, brand new wood and canvas yurts are nestled in our private, woodland hotel garden beside the beautiful conservation (SSSI) river of Scandal Beck. Just a short drive from The Lake District, The Yorkshire and Durham Dales as well as The Scottish Border, we are perfectly located for you to explore. The yurts themselves are individually decorated with full size furniture, electricity and double beds. The yurts are all located in the garden of The Black Swan Hotel, Ravenstonedale, a multi award-winning hotel, restaurant and bar; recipient of 2 AA Rosettes as well as AA pub of the year for England 2018/19. As part of your stay in our yurts you will receive a full cooked breakfast and buffet option included in the price for 2 people in our hotel restaurant. We like to think of ourselves as a cosy home from home with a relaxed dining atmosphere throughout. We are very dog friendly in the hotel, restaurant, bar and yurts so please bring your furry family members. Our beautiful woodland is also home to red squirrels (which are seen daily), protected, freshwater crayfish in the river, an otter (seen very infrequently but the nemesis of our ducks), 6 Indian runner ducks, free range chickens and our two cockerels! (Dogs are very welcome but are to be kept on a lead whilst in the woodland itself). We are very dog friendly and charge an additional fee of £15 for 1 dog/ £20 for 2 dogs for an additional cleaning fee and for some dog friendly goodies such as poop bags and treats. The price of this yurt is based on an occupancy of 2 people. Any other people who will be staying on the sofa bed will add a charge of £40 per person per night for breakfast and their stay. All yurts come with electrical battery pack, chargeable lanterns, tea/coffee, homemade biscuits, log burning stoves, towels, full breakfast included from the hotel, an outdoor seating area and access to our outdoor toasty warm woodland shower as well as our very cute, wooden toilet cabin. Hairdryers are available in the hotel for your use.

11. 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

12. Whitelee Farm Shepherd Huts

100%

(6)

2 units · Glamping · Cheshire, North West England

Romantic en-suite shepherds huts on a riverside farm in the Peak District National Park.

Camper favorites in and near Forest of Bowland AONB

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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.

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

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

The Black Swan

100%

(26)

3 units · Glamping · Kirkby Stephen, England

Our three, brand new wood and canvas yurts are nestled in our private, woodland hotel garden beside the beautiful conservation (SSSI) river of Scandal Beck. Just a short drive from The Lake District, The Yorkshire and Durham Dales as well as The Scottish Border, we are perfectly located for you to explore. The yurts themselves are individually decorated with full size furniture, electricity and double beds. The yurts are all located in the garden of The Black Swan Hotel, Ravenstonedale, a multi award-winning hotel, restaurant and bar; recipient of 2 AA Rosettes as well as AA pub of the year for England 2018/19. As part of your stay in our yurts you will receive a full cooked breakfast and buffet option included in the price for 2 people in our hotel restaurant. We like to think of ourselves as a cosy home from home with a relaxed dining atmosphere throughout. We are very dog friendly in the hotel, restaurant, bar and yurts so please bring your furry family members. Our beautiful woodland is also home to red squirrels (which are seen daily), protected, freshwater crayfish in the river, an otter (seen very infrequently but the nemesis of our ducks), 6 Indian runner ducks, free range chickens and our two cockerels! (Dogs are very welcome but are to be kept on a lead whilst in the woodland itself). We are very dog friendly and charge an additional fee of £15 for 1 dog/ £20 for 2 dogs for an additional cleaning fee and for some dog friendly goodies such as poop bags and treats. The price of this yurt is based on an occupancy of 2 people. Any other people who will be staying on the sofa bed will add a charge of £40 per person per night for breakfast and their stay. All yurts come with electrical battery pack, chargeable lanterns, tea/coffee, homemade biscuits, log burning stoves, towels, full breakfast included from the hotel, an outdoor seating area and access to our outdoor toasty warm woodland shower as well as our very cute, wooden toilet cabin. Hairdryers are available in the hotel for your use.

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

Whitelee Farm Shepherd Huts

100%

(6)

2 units · Glamping · Cheshire, North West England

Romantic en-suite shepherds huts on a riverside farm in the Peak District National Park.

Stories from the community

D

Duco

September 2025

Tent

2 nights at Hazel Mount Fellside

We loved camping at Hazel Mount Fellside. The view was stunning and it felt more like a piece of nature with some scattered campsites than the opposite, which you most often find. Ruth was a very nice and welcoming host.

I

Ian

September 2025

Tent

3 nights at Breaks Fold Farm Glamping & Camping

Really well laid out site. Quite steep in places with rough ground but fine if you are mobile. Toilet and shower facilities are excellent, as is the wash up area with phone charging facilities and shared fridges. Fantastic base to explore the area, right next to the Thurscross reservoir.

K

Kerry

September 2025

3 nights at The Damson Shepherd's Hut

I absolutely loved it here . It was my own piece of heaven ❤️

F

Filip

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to White House Farm Campsite, Wardlow

Really nice camping site. Very tidy toilets and showers. Highly recommended.

Nova

August 2025

Tent

2 nights at Hazel Mount Fellside

We were lucky enough to get the site for ourselves for this trip and it was absolutely magical. the land and its views are so beautiful, it’s the first campsite i’ve been to that felt connected to the land it was on :’) ruth’s passion for the place shone, and all of the animals are so cute and special and it was so peaceful being there

E

Elma

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Black Swan

Initially I wasn’t sure taking the lantern to do your (compost) toilet trip of 1.5 minutes but it worked as long as your mind doesn’t run wild in the dark when you’re on your own! But it all adds up to the whole experience of glamping without running water and electricity in the yurt. I loved the hot shower outside (I also used it to wash my hands after using the toilet), the sound of the stream, the hares who were very elusive, the log burner and the pub breakfast (included in the booking) and the pub food. I had to leave very early, it was still pitch black and I looked at the sky, it was magical with the stars and I even thought I could see 1-2 galaxies; I’m probably exaggerating but it was that clear without the light pollution. I loved the whole experience! Thank you!

S

Stryczek

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Hazel Mount Fellside

Loved camping at snowdrop. Easy to park up and the pitch was ready for us on arrival. Very quiet and peaceful. Would highly recommend!

K

Kathryn

August 2025

2 nights at Chilled Out Adult Only Glamping

Had an incredible few days at lloyds meadow, my husband did some fishing while I relaxed and crocheted, the campsite was clean and quiet, we even caught the meteor shower on Tuesday evening along with the northern lights. Sarah was an incredible host, always checking we had everything we needed, and very friendly.

J

Jessica

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Hazel Mount Fellside

Lovely campsite! The pitches are extremely spacious - it felt like we were wild camping. Ruth is extremely welcoming. She’s built something special. Would definitely recommend!

T

Ted

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Breaks Fold Farm Glamping & Camping

Camping was beautiful here lovely walks with dogs very clean showers. Host were great.very friendly. And informative

K

Keerti

August 2025

Tent

With kids

2 nights at Hazel Mount Fellside

Ruth was a wonderful, kind and fascinating host. Her land is stunning and with an ecologist background Ruth is determined to ensure and enable that her land thrives with life diversity as nature intended. It’s a really beautiful natural space and well connected to Millom, Lake Conniston, the stone circle and many other beautiful places to visit and for convenience. Thank you Ruth for accommodating us and for all your tips!

F

Fil

August 2025

Tent

With kids

4 nights at Breaks Fold Farm Glamping & Camping

Excellent facilities. Very welcoming, helpful owners. Very quiet site which suited us. Lots of space even for our large bell tent.

N

Nidal

August 2025

Weekend Trip to RHC & Glamping

We stayed in the Cygnet pod, it was clean, warm and well stocked with cups and coffee/tea. We enjoyed the onsite sauna and complimentary alkaline water then had dinner from the cafe. The pizzas were delicious. Excellent customer service and a lovely bit of the north west to enjoy. 10/10

a

amy

August 2025

Tent

With kids

3 nights at Breaks Fold Farm Glamping & Camping

A lovely place to stay for camping with the kids, even with the midges :). The toilets were immaculate and plenty of shower rooms. We had a mix up with our pitch (i thought i had booked an electric pitch but it hadn't went through on hipcamp), the owner was brilliant and very accommodating. I wouldn't hesitate to book again if we are down that way.

T

Tom

August 2025

6 m Class A

Weekend Trip to White House Farm Campsite, Wardlow

Facilities were clean, showers had hot water. Amazing views

S

Simona

July 2025

5 m travel trailer

2 nights at Sweet Knoll camping

Such a lovely campsite! We will definitely be back, thank you x

M

Miley

July 2025

2 nights at RHC & Glamping

I love Glamping’s in Rachel’s land there is a great view and loved how there’s horses just up from the cabins and a walk to get to the top of the mountain would definitely go again but no shops near by but got an uber witch was quite cheap

R

Rachel

July 2025

1 night at RHC & Glamping

The site was easy to find and in a beautiful and peaceful setting. Gaining access to the pod was easy and even though not on site when I arrived, the owner left her number and answered my calls straight away. The pod had good amenities and was very cosy, the shower block and toilet area were extremely clean. It was a relaxing and stress free stay

L

Lynn

July 2025

Tent

3 nights at Hazel Mount Fellside

The site was really peaceful with amazing views of the fells and estuary. Ruth showed me around and explained the little extras like the lending library and tiny snack shop. It was so nice to get away from it all and relax in the serene surroundings. Bluebell pitch was exactly as described with some amazing trees. The wildlife (including a tawny owl, woodpecker and a frog) were an unexpected bonus. I would definitely recommend the site to everyone. Thank you Ruth for a lovely stay.

L

Luke

July 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to White House Farm Campsite, Wardlow

Great open clean space, lots of camping areas to choose from. Only criticism is that the shower floors don't drain so ends up collecting in the drying area

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best campsites in Forest of Bowland AONB with horseback riding guide

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.