Lake camping in Forest of Bowland AONB

Find rivers, rugged moorland, and skies suitable for stargazing, birdwatching, and more in the Forest of Bowland.

99% (95 reviews)
99% (95 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Forest of Bowland AONB

Dog-friendly getaways

12 top lakeside campsites in Forest of Bowland AONB

96%
(27)

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.
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£11
 / night
100%
(52)

Woodman's Huts

3 units · Glamping1 acre · Cumbria, North West England
Beautiful handmade shepherd's huts in the heart of the picturesque South Lakes
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£110
 / night
100%
(48)

Damson View Glamping

5 units · Glamping1 acre · Cumbria, North West England
Self-contained glamping pods in the Lake District's beautiful Lyth Valley
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£117
 / night
100%
(16)

The Black Swan

3 units · Glamping1 acre · 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.
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£170
 / night
100%
(19)

Camping at Cardewlees

37 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents1 acre · Carlisle, England
A welcoming, family-run farm campsite between the Lake District and Hadrian's Wall
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£20
 / night
93%
(72)

Oakwood Marina

26 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents1 acre · Cheshire, North West England
Canal-side camping with campfires, set in 30 acres of countryside and with an on-site tea rooms
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£20
 / night
94%
(40)

The Hawarden Farm Shop Campsite

24 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents7 acres · Flintshire, North Wales
Camping next to an award-winning farm shop on the historic Hawarden Estate in North Wales
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£49
 / night

Lake District Herdwick Huts

5 units · Glamping2 acres · Rydal, England
You will not find a more stunning place to stay and explore within the UK. Set in the very heart of the Lake District National Park, there is good reason why this magnificent location inspired the poet William Wordsworth to commit some of his most world-renowned poetry to paper. These beautiful huts are nestled underneath the Fairfield horseshoe mountain range and Nab scar, so there is no need to drive anywhere for the finest mountain hikes. With Rydal Lake, a wild swimmers hot spot, and waterfalls and plunge pools on site, it really is hard to beat! You will not find a more stunning place to stay and explore within the UK. Set in the very heart of the Lake District National Park, there is good reason why this magnificent location inspired the poet William Wordsworth to commit some of his most world-renowned poetry to paper. Grasmere is on the doorstep, voted one of the top places to visit in the Lake District, with the famous '‘Coffin route’ walk offering a spectacular lake and mountain view stroll straight from your hut door. With low level to high level walks exploring the Lakes from Rydal caters for everyone. Ambleside and Grasmere are both walking distance for cafes, restaurants and cinemas and Rydal offers scenic off-road strolls to arrive by. Each with fresh linen, wood burning stove and cast iron gas hob, you are sure to be comfortable even in the thick of winter.
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£110
 / night
Booked 1 time

Otter Moss Accommodation

4 units · Glamping12 acres · Brampton, England
Otter Moss Accommodation offers a variety of upscale camping options suitable for couples, families, and groups. Nestled within a picturesque 12-acre former farm, the majority of the site surrounds a spacious meadow. Additionally, the site boasts a charming small lake featuring three islands and a rowing boat for leisurely water activities. Situated at the northern edge of the stunning Eden Valley, guests can enjoy sweeping views of the Cumbrian Fells, with visibility extending to the Solway Firth and the Lake District on clear days. The Lake District is a convenient 40-minute drive away, while various sections of Hadrian's Wall are even closer, reachable within a 15-minute drive. Carlisle and the M6 motorway to Scotland are both just 20 minutes away, with the picturesque market town of Brampton also within a 15-minute drive and offering its own attractions. Local pubs are plentiful in the area, with a diverse selection available within a five-mile radius. Accommodation units at Otter Moss come equipped with heating, kitchen utensils, and stoves, ensuring guests' comfort and convenience. Each unit also includes firepits or barbecues, as well as bedding and towels for a hassle-free stay.
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£70
 / night
Booked 2 times

mark rowland

1 unit · Glamping55 acres · Whitchurch, Shropshire, West Midlands
New Farm is situated in the heart of the rural Cheshire countryside. Set within 57 acres of farmland we have 3 delightful fishing lakes bursting with wildlife which is where our two glamping pods are positioned. You will see the cows grazing the land in the summer months and enjoy country walks through the field's.We are close to Oulton Park, canal walks in Bunbury, Beeston and Barbridge, Delamere Forest with lots of fun activities, Bolesworth Castle with many special events throughout the year, the local village of picturesque Bunbury, Tarporley full of boutique shops, cafe’s and restaurants, Snugburys ice cream, explore the historic city of Roman Chester, or shop at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet and there are so many more places to discover within this area.
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£230
 / night
100%
(8)

Eden's Nook

5 units · Motorhomes, Tents2 acres · Welshpool, Wales
The most welcoming camping park in the heart of the Welsh Countryside. Forest View is situated 9 miles from the Town of Llanfyllin and 3 miles from Lake Vyrnwy. We are nestled next to the Dyfnant Forest and offer superb views and access to the Welsh countryside Eden's Kitchen Serves Breakfast 8am to 11am
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£15
 / night
99%
(55)

Kentmere Farm Pods, South Lakes

4 units · Glamping1 acre · Cumbria, North West England
Modern glamping pods on a working South Lakes hill farm, with views down the Kentmere Valley
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£90
 / night

Star Hosts in Forest of Bowland AONB

Under £50

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Lake camping 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

  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. 

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