- Forest of Bowland AONB
Campsites with swimming in Forest of Bowland AONB
99% (230)
Top-rated campgrounds
99% (230)
Top-rated campgrounds
Camper favorites in and near Forest of Bowland AONB
Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.
Stories from the community
D
Duco
September 2025
Tent
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.
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I
Ian
September 2025
Tent
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.
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n
natasha
September 2025
Weekend Trip to Fairy Bell Wood
We stayed in the yurt at Fairy Glen Wood and it was just perfect. It had everything we needed for a relaxing little retreat peaceful, comfortable, and surrounded by nature. We really enjoyed our stay and would definitely love to come back!
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K
Kerry
September 2025
3 nights at The Damson Shepherd's Hut
I absolutely loved it here . It was my own piece of heaven ❤️
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F
Filip
August 2025
Tent
With kids
Really nice camping site. Very tidy toilets and showers. Highly recommended.
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Nova
August 2025
Tent
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
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S
Stryczek
August 2025
Tent
With kids
Loved camping at snowdrop. Easy to park up and the pitch was ready for us on arrival. Very quiet and peaceful. Would highly recommend!
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Lisa
August 2025
Weekend Trip to Fairy Bell Wood
This is a truly beautiful space. We've stayed in lots of yurts and this is the nicest by far. It's fab to have somewhere to sit inside if you need. But lovely spots outside too. The kitchen area is really useful and has everything you'd need. We followed the instructions for the shower and it worked perfectly. I loved the full length window to lay in bed and watch the sunset. Best of all if you're as anti social as me..... It's totally on it own! We re already planning our next visit.
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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.
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J
Jessica
August 2025
Tent
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!
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T
Ted
August 2025
Tent
With pets
Camping was beautiful here lovely walks with dogs very clean showers.
Host were great.very friendly. And informative
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K
Keerti
August 2025
Tent
With kids
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!
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F
Fil
August 2025
Tent
With kids
Excellent facilities. Very welcoming, helpful owners. Very quiet site which suited us.
Lots of space even for our large bell tent.
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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
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amy
August 2025
Tent
With kids
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.
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Tom
August 2025
6 m Class A
Facilities were clean, showers had hot water. Amazing views
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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
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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
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Lynn
July 2025
Tent
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.
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Luke
July 2025
Tent
With pets
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
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Campsites with swimming in Forest of Bowland AONB 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.