Lake Camping in Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve

For its tiny extent (under two square miles!) Gibraltar Point NNR, south of popular beach resort Skegness, packs in an impressive array of landscapes. Two banks of sand dunes are centred in a tract of salt marsh, while bordering it to the east is the sand, mud, and shingle beachscape that forms the northern edge of The Wash—one of England’s largest estuaries. These contrasting habitats make the reserve and its encircling marshes a mecca for many bird species to be seen while walking the trails winding through the reserve. The closest camping is at Skegness, three miles north, or west via footpath around Wainfleet All Saints.

86% (11)

Top-rated campgrounds

For its tiny extent (under two square miles!) Gibraltar Point NNR, south of popular beach resort Skegness, packs in an impressive array of landscapes. Two banks of sand dunes are centred in a tract of salt marsh, while bordering it to the east is the sand, mud, and shingle beachscape that forms the northern edge of The Wash—one of England’s largest estuaries. These contrasting habitats make the reserve and its encircling marshes a mecca for many bird species to be seen while walking the trails winding through the reserve. The closest camping is at Skegness, three miles north, or west via footpath around Wainfleet All Saints.

86% (11)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. North Norfolk Camping & Glamping

89%

(14)

15 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Sheringham, England

🌲 North Norfolk Camping & Glamping Holt Hollow - Lakeside Forest Retreat North Norfolk Camping & Glamping, known as Holt Hollow, provides a rare, tranquil, and back-to-nature escape in the heart of the Norfolk countryside. Nestled in a wooded area on the outskirts of the AONB, the site's most distinctive feature is its beautiful natural lake and surrounding peaceful woodlands, ideal for walks and wildlife spotting. 🔥 Back-to-Basics & Off-Grid Ethos The site strongly emphasizes its back-to-basics philosophy: Off-Grid Living: Holt Hollow operates off-grid with limited to no phone coverage, promoting full disconnection from technology. Glamping units (Shepherd's Huts/Bell Tents) utilize gas-powered showers and solar lighting, with log burners for heat. Campfires: Campfires and BBQs are encouraged and allowed. Glamping units include private fire pits/braziers for evening gatherings under the clear, dark Norfolk skies, which are excellent for stargazing. Core Facilities: Essential amenities are kept clean and functional, including shared shower/toilet blocks and fresh drinking water stations. 🐾 Dog-Friendly Woodland & Accommodation The campsite is proudly dog-friendly, welcoming companions on all pitches (tents, campervans, caravans) and in most glamping units. The open meadows and surrounding woodlands provide ample space for walks, and the lake allows for safe paddling. Some pitches even allow dogs to be off-lead. 🗺️ Local Area: Holt Village and the Coast The site’s rural location is conveniently close to key North Norfolk highlights: Holt Village: The charming Georgian market town of Holt is just a short 5-minute drive away (or a longer walk). It is perfect for exploring independent shops, cafes, and art galleries, and for accessing local gems like Holt Country Park. The Coast: The stunning North Norfolk Coast (part of the AONB) is only a short drive (approx. 20 minutes) away, providing access to: Blakeney Point (famous for seal watching boat trips). Wells-next-the-Sea and Holkham Bay (vast sandy beaches). Coastal walks along the Norfolk Coast Path. North Norfolk Camping & Glamping offers an authentic outdoor adventure, blending rustic living with the comfort of having the best of the Norfolk coast and countryside within easy reach.

2. Lovely Lakeside Static Caravan

2 units · Glamping · England

Rural getaway situated on a trout lake . ( it is not a campsite ) Quiet and secluded where you get privacy and a lovely setting. Nearest villages 2.5 miles away. Swimming in the lake is ONLY permitted during the month of JULY and AUGUST and is at your own risk. NO coarse Fishing allowed. Fly Fishery open 9am til dusk. Guests are to be considerate of anglers at all time. Guests must stay within the proximity of the caravan and their designated area. It is advisable that you bring basic essentials as the nearest shop is 2.5 miles away. Views of the lake in front and views of a cow field behind. The caravan is fully equipped with microwave, kettle, two top hot plate, mini oven and toaster plates bowls and cutlery. Salt pepper tea and coffee provided but you will need all other basic essentials. Shower room and seperate toilet. Lounge with tv and DVD player. Use of barbecue and a fire pit (NO BONFIRES) with an outside seating area. You will need to bring coal and firelighters for the BBQ and wood for fire pit. Also there is a picnic table outside but if you want to sit around the fire pit you may want to bring foldable chairs with you. Sleeps 6 (three double beds) Please note: this is a rural area and therefore mobile phone service can be poor. No WiFi but you may get 4G No towels for swimming provided Day visitors with consent only. Space available for additional guests as campers with additional toilets and shower rooms.

3. Piggles Retreat

3 units · Glamping · Cambridgeshire, England

Nestled discreetly on the outskirts of the iconic town of Cambridge, UK, a mere 25-minute drive away, lies the exquisite Piggles Retreat. Elevating the glamping experience to unparalleled heights, this enchanting haven caters to both families and couples seeking an unforgettable getaway. Immerse yourself in the tranquillity of nature as you indulge in the comfort of up to three exclusive wooden cabins, thoughtfully designed to accommodate 1-4 persons each. For those seeking extra space to unwind with extended family, children, or friends, an inviting annex cabin awaits your arrival. While preserving the essence of camping, each cabin boasts its own private bathroom, just a leisurely stroll away, ensuring convenience without compromising on authenticity. These authentic cabin are a dream-come-true. Located in a private area, these homes are equipped with everything you'll need for a relaxing time away. In a great position near to Newmarket, a stay in our cosy cabins are sure to be one of the most memorable vacations you'll experience. You can also have a relaxing boat ride on the lake. As a self-catering cabins, you'll find everything you need for a perfect stay. The kitchen areas have a fridge, a kettle, a freezer and a microwave. Cutlery and plates etc are supplied. The cabins are a perfect place to relax and offers a television. There is one bedroom in the cabins which contains a double bed. All bed linen is supplied. Although the cabins are designed for 2 guests it can accommodate up to 4 guests for an additional £ 30.00 per night per guest. There is a sofa bed and we can supply a put up bed if required. The extra guests will have to bring their own bed linen or bring a sleeping bag. There is a private luxury bathroom a short walk away which has a toilet and a walk-in shower. Shampoo and soap is provided but please bring your own towels. There are free parking on premises parking facilities available at the property. Use Code 8SJVPVML for 20% off any unit this summer!

4. Lakeside Fishing Cabins

3 units · Glamping · Lincolnshire, East Midlands

Beautiful Adults only peaceful site, open all year round. We purchased this peaceful secluded 15 acre piece of land, consisting of a 3 acre lake, in early 2015. Our beautiful Log Cabin (KINGFISHER) was completed in May 2017 and the static homes style lodges, (LAVENDER AND SUNFLOWER) in April 2021. Kingfisher is a more rustic vibe with log burner and oil filled radiators for heating and Lavender and Sunflower are more modern vibe with gas central heating. Lavender and Sunflower both have ramp access. They all have their own personal jetty and veranda to fish from. You can also fish anywhere around the lake as we do not allow day tickets. Kingfisher has 3 bedrooms, so sleeps 3 singles or 3 couples. The other two have 2 bedrooms, so sleeps just 2 singles or 2 couples. It is such a peaceful haven. All your troubles just disappear when you arrive. The calming beauty of the lake is inspiring. We want this to become our very own nature reserve, encouraging nesting of all kinds to mature to full potential. We want you to share on our journey and progress along the way. We don’t look on this as a business, but a ‘home from home’. It is our secretive safe haven, nestled nicely in-between Boston and Skegness in a peaceful surrounding – there is no traffic apart from the occasional Spitfire or Lancaster flying by! Also, depending on what time of year, the occasional combine harvester or tractor working the surrounding fields. Please note that our fishing village and cabin site are for adults only, no children or pets are allowed. We may welcome well behaved and experienced fishing people from the age of 15 years upwards. Please ask beforehand. SITE ADDRESS: LAKESIDE FISHING LODGES, COWBROADS LANE, OLD LEAKE, BOSTON. LINCOLNSHIRE. PE22 9RD.

Stories from the community

S

Samantha

April 2025

2 nights at North Norfolk Camping & Glamping

The hut had everything we needed for a few days off grid and the location was so peaceful! I would thoroughly recommend! The weather was chilly but the log burner was more than enough to keep us warm and cosy. The kitchenette included a fridge and hob and the essential utensils and plenty of logs were provided.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Lake camping in Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve guide

Where to go

Skegness

Chances are that visitors will arrive at Gibraltar Point NNR from Skegness—Lincolnshire’s most popular seaside resort. Skegness excels in traditional seaside activities with a long, tan sandy beach, pleasure pier, funfair, boating lake, and crazy golf course. Follow the beach and dunes out to the reserve on foot from Skegness’ seafront. Camping is mostly found in busy holiday parks and caravan parks around the edges of town.

Wainfleet All Saints

Not the closest place to the reserve by road yet only a leisurely walk across the marshes, the handsome old town of Wainfleet All Saints has amassed several excellent, laid-back campsites in its immediate environs. It also has a station on the Nottingham-Skegness line. A network of paths leads out across the marshes, which attract much of the same birdlife that the reserve does, and you can continue by footpath via Havenhouse Station to reach the reserve’s North Car Park area.

North Car Park Area

Coming from Skegness three miles north, this is the first part of the reserve you reach. From the car park and picnic area, you can access the reserve’s main circular trail, which takes in a mix of saltmarsh, dunes, and lakes. Most bird hides are in this zone too. The nearest camping is around Wainfleet All Saints, where there are a few choices.

Visitor Centre Area

Continuing south beyond the North Car Park area, you’ll hit the NNR’s heart—where you can find a car park, picnic area, and visitor centre, which informs about the birds that are spottable here, from skylarks to brent geese. Pick up the reserve’s circular trail, offering a taster of the area’s various habitats, or walk out to a viewpoint over The Wash. Several campsites can be found around nearby Wainfleet All Saints.