Wildlife-watching campsites in Gisburn Forest

·

Lancashire’s largest belt of forest hugs the Forest of Bowland’s eastern periphery and offers outdoorsy types some of the region’s greatest variety of activities. The lively Forest Hub is a nexus for hiking and mountain biking trails—plus it sports a cafe and a pop-up camping and glamping site during summer. The forest also abuts Stocks Reservoir, with more walking trails, fishing, and access onto the AONB’s wild moors. The long-distance Ribble Valley Jubilee Trail connects the forest to the Ribble Valley, which mainly lies to the south. Campers will have the best luck booking a campsite along the forest’s southern boundary.

97% (329) 189 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Gisburn Forest

Baystone Bank Farm Campsite

1. Baystone Bank Farm Campsite

96%
(150)
Millom, England · 37 units · Tents, Motorhomes
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
Stanley Villa Farm Fishing& Camping

2. Stanley Villa Farm Fishing& Camping

96%
(60)
Preston, England · 22 units
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
Hazel Mount Fellside

3. Hazel Mount Fellside

98%
(49)
Eskdale, England · 5 units
Nearly wild camping on the western edge of the Lake District overlooking the Duddon Estuary
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£25
 / night
Masons Campsite

4. Masons Campsite

Skipton Bd23 6 Dd, England · 10 units
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
Breaks Fold Farm Glamping & Camping

5. Breaks Fold Farm Glamping & Camping

98%
(61)
Darley, England · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Camping in Nidderdale with excellent facilities, dogs and campfires welcome, and views over Thruscross Reservoir.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£12
 / night
Moss Rose Campsite

6. Moss Rose Campsite

99%
(61)
Pilling, Preston, England · 25 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
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
Ewe Love Camping Pods

7. Ewe Love Camping Pods

98%
(108)
Penrith, England · 3 units
Modern Lake District glamping pods among the trees, with exceptional views of Blencathra
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£90
 / night
Woodman's Huts

8. Woodman's Huts

99%
(58)
Haverthwaite, England · 3 units
Beautiful handmade shepherd's huts in the heart of the picturesque South Lakes
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£135
 / night
The Damson Shepherd's Hut

9. The Damson Shepherd's Hut

98%
(60)
Near Kendal, England · 1 unit
A shepherd's hut for two in the lesser-known Lyth Valley, four miles from Lake Windermere
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£110
 / night
Cherish Glamping

10. Cherish Glamping

100%
(5)
Hawes, England · 7 units
Yurts with private bathrooms, hot tubs, and breakfast included, set in beautiful Wensleydale
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£245
 / night
Hollow Gill Huts

11. Hollow Gill Huts

100%
(3)
Settle, England · 3 units
Shepherd's huts with views across the Yorkshire Dales near Settle
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£120
 / night
Copy House Hideaway

12. Copy House Hideaway

100%
(67)
Earby, England · 2 units
Luxury shepherd's huts with wood-fired hot tubs and an adjoining log cabin for extra space
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£146
 / night
Hob Hey Hideaways

13. Hob Hey Hideaways

100%
(3)
Halifax, England · 3 units
A relaxing West Yorkshire getaway with bell tents on sprawling moorland
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£99
 / night
Smardale Mill Shepods The Ash

14. Smardale Mill Shepods The Ash

88%
(4)
Kirkby Stephen, England · 2 units
Smardale Mill Shepods are the perfect place to escape, unwind and relax. These modern style shepherds huts are tucked away in an idyllic setting in Cumbria. Situated on a working family farm there is always plenty to see and do. Each shepod sleeps two comfortably with the option of a further two guests on the sofa bed.
Pets
Showers
Wifi
from 
£77
 / night
Fairy Bell Wood

15. Fairy Bell Wood

100%
(11)
Lambrigg, England · 1 unit
An off-grid yurt in a private woodland between the Lakes and the Dales
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£119
 / night
The Black Swan

16. The Black Swan

100%
(26)
Kirkby Stephen, England · 3 units
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.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£136
 / night
Little North Field Glamping

17. Little North Field Glamping

100%
(12)
North Yorkshire, England · 3 units
Luxury safari tent glamping within striking distance of North Yorkshire's most historic attractions
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£160
 / night

Lancashire’s largest belt of forest hugs the Forest of Bowland’s eastern periphery and offers outdoorsy types some of the region’s greatest variety of activities. The lively Forest Hub is a nexus for hiking and mountain biking trails—plus it sports a cafe and a pop-up camping and glamping site during summer. The forest also abuts Stocks Reservoir, with more walking trails, fishing, and access onto the AONB’s wild moors. The long-distance Ribble Valley Jubilee Trail connects the forest to the Ribble Valley, which mainly lies to the south. Campers will have the best luck booking a campsite along the forest’s southern boundary.

97% (329) 189 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Gisburn Forest

Baystone Bank Farm Campsite

1. Baystone Bank Farm Campsite

96%
(150)
Millom, England · 37 units · Tents, Motorhomes
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
Stanley Villa Farm Fishing& Camping

2. Stanley Villa Farm Fishing& Camping

96%
(60)
Preston, England · 22 units
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
Hazel Mount Fellside

3. Hazel Mount Fellside

98%
(49)
Eskdale, England · 5 units
Nearly wild camping on the western edge of the Lake District overlooking the Duddon Estuary
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£25
 / night
Masons Campsite

4. Masons Campsite

Skipton Bd23 6 Dd, England · 10 units
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
Breaks Fold Farm Glamping & Camping

5. Breaks Fold Farm Glamping & Camping

98%
(61)
Darley, England · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Camping in Nidderdale with excellent facilities, dogs and campfires welcome, and views over Thruscross Reservoir.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£12
 / night
Moss Rose Campsite

6. Moss Rose Campsite

99%
(61)
Pilling, Preston, England · 25 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
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
Ewe Love Camping Pods

7. Ewe Love Camping Pods

98%
(108)
Penrith, England · 3 units
Modern Lake District glamping pods among the trees, with exceptional views of Blencathra
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£90
 / night
Woodman's Huts

8. Woodman's Huts

99%
(58)
Haverthwaite, England · 3 units
Beautiful handmade shepherd's huts in the heart of the picturesque South Lakes
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£135
 / night
The Damson Shepherd's Hut

9. The Damson Shepherd's Hut

98%
(60)
Near Kendal, England · 1 unit
A shepherd's hut for two in the lesser-known Lyth Valley, four miles from Lake Windermere
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£110
 / night
Cherish Glamping

10. Cherish Glamping

100%
(5)
Hawes, England · 7 units
Yurts with private bathrooms, hot tubs, and breakfast included, set in beautiful Wensleydale
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£245
 / night
Hollow Gill Huts

11. Hollow Gill Huts

100%
(3)
Settle, England · 3 units
Shepherd's huts with views across the Yorkshire Dales near Settle
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£120
 / night
Copy House Hideaway

12. Copy House Hideaway

100%
(67)
Earby, England · 2 units
Luxury shepherd's huts with wood-fired hot tubs and an adjoining log cabin for extra space
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£146
 / night
Hob Hey Hideaways

13. Hob Hey Hideaways

100%
(3)
Halifax, England · 3 units
A relaxing West Yorkshire getaway with bell tents on sprawling moorland
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£99
 / night
Smardale Mill Shepods The Ash

14. Smardale Mill Shepods The Ash

88%
(4)
Kirkby Stephen, England · 2 units
Smardale Mill Shepods are the perfect place to escape, unwind and relax. These modern style shepherds huts are tucked away in an idyllic setting in Cumbria. Situated on a working family farm there is always plenty to see and do. Each shepod sleeps two comfortably with the option of a further two guests on the sofa bed.
Pets
Showers
Wifi
from 
£77
 / night
Fairy Bell Wood

15. Fairy Bell Wood

100%
(11)
Lambrigg, England · 1 unit
An off-grid yurt in a private woodland between the Lakes and the Dales
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£119
 / night
The Black Swan

16. The Black Swan

100%
(26)
Kirkby Stephen, England · 3 units
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.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£136
 / night
Little North Field Glamping

17. Little North Field Glamping

100%
(12)
North Yorkshire, England · 3 units
Luxury safari tent glamping within striking distance of North Yorkshire's most historic attractions
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£160
 / night

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Wildlife-watching campsites in Gisburn Forest guide

Where to go

Gisburn Forest Hub

This impressive complex of buildings is the centre of the action in Gisburn thanks to its visitor information, car park, toilets, café, crafts producer, and trailheads for mountain biking and walking. Handily for campers, a pop-up camping and glamping site opens in the meadow here during June, July, and August. And the fun doesn’t end at sundown—the Forest Hub is also a Dark Sky Discovery Site.

Stocks Reservoir

Gisburn Forest’s western edge spreads along the Stocks Reservoir’s shores. Walking-wise, the eastern shore is easiest for strolls, although you can walk all around the reservoir if you are prepared to deviate away from the water’s edge on the north and west sides. There is parking and a picnic area on the lane along the east shore, and you can fly-fish here too. Camp at the Forest Hub (summer only), or at campsites on the forest’s southern limits.

Tosside

The name of the little village of Tosside translates from the Anglo-Saxon as ‘fox pasture’—belying, like many place names in the Forest of Bowland, the former importance of hunting here. Straddling the border between Lancashire and North Yorkshire, it is the closest village to the forest (the Forest Hub is three miles away). Outdoor enthusiasts visiting the region appreciate the village tearoom, the campsite just south, and Tosside’s access to the Ribble Valley Jubilee Trail, which passes through town.

Forest of Bowland AONB

In medieval times, a ‘forest’ could be any wild ground suitable for hunting big game—not necessarily just a tree-covered area. The Forest of Bowland is more the former: primarily lonely moors and fells laced with fine hikes soaring away west of Gisburn Forest. Gisburn Forest is well situated for pitching and venturing out to explore the central part of the AONB.

Top towns in and near Gisburn Forest