Camping in Macclesfield Forest

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Mere miles from bustling Macclesfield town yet with a surprising level of wild serenity, Macclesfield Forest is a small area of conifer forest in an enviable location on the Peak District National Park’s western edge. It constitutes part of the loneliest tract of land in Cheshire, including the county’s highest points, Shining Tor and Shutlingsloe, the latter being walkable from the forest. Meanwhile, the 190-mile Peak District Boundary Walk, bisecting the forest, is the area’s big hike, and there’s great nearby cycling too. Camp west in the gateway village of Sutton Lane Ends or south of Shutlingsloe at Wildboarclough.

95% (1.5K) • 2,228 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Macclesfield Forest

White Peak Camping

1. White Peak Camping

98%
(663)
Buxton, England · 25 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Camping on a Peak District farm near the Monsal Trail
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
Stretton House Campsite

2. Stretton House Campsite

95%
(37)
England · 40 units · Tents, Motorhomes
If you like the sound of having farm shops and ice cream farms nearby, as well as access to lots of walking and cycling trails, Stretton House Campsite should be a fine pick for you. It has a strict no noise policy after 10pm, meaning that you should get a peaceful night's sleep too. This site is in the grounds of the 400-year-old Stretton House surrounded by the Cheshire countryside with handy transport links nearby and outdoor activities in no short supply… that includes things like alpaca walking, golf or Manley Mere’s watersports haven (a 20-minute drive away for the latter). You’ll have your pick of two fields, both with car parking by the pitch free of charge and dogs allowed. The facilities include separate male and female toilet blocks, pay per use shower block, mobile phone charging facilities, free wifi and chemical toilet disposal and a drinking water standpipe. You’ll have permission to start up a barbecue or firepit too (subject to the correct safety measures). When you’re ready to get going, the friendly owners will be willing to help out however they can and suggest possible days out, which may include fishing or walking at Pickmere Lake (10 minutes’ drive), visiting an ice cream farm (within 10 minutes’ drive of the site) or going to the local golf course (five minutes’ drive). For food, there’s a farm shop just two minutes’ walk away from the site where you’ll be able to get your hands on local produce. Pubs aren’t far away either – there is one pub five minutes' walk away, and another 15 minutes' walk away. Festival goers are very welcome, and the Creamfields Festival site is five minutes’ drive away. Please respect the quiet hours (no noise is permitted after 10pm) and environment, as the owners' home is on the grounds (and stick to the field's facilities only). No waste accepted onsite. All rubbish must be taken home at the end of your stay.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Chrome Hill Campers

3. Chrome Hill Campers

98%
(63)
England · 5 units
Far reaching views from one of the highest touring site in England, overlooking Chrome Hill in the picturesque village of Hollinsclough in Staffordshire The site only accepts campervans and has 5 pitches available. This is a new site and has new toilet and shower facilities, water and waste disposal points and also there is a secure paddock area for children to play.
Pets
Damside Campsite

4. Damside Campsite

98%
(30)
England · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Well-maintained and peaceful wild camping site in the Peak District Buxton 15 minutes’ drive; Chatsworth House half an hour Dogs welcome; 10 minutes’ walk from a pub; nearby playground Just how remote would you like your holiday accommodation to be? If the answer is fair to middling, Damside Campsite might just be the place for you: this pop-up spot is surrounded by the glorious wilderness of Peak District National Park. Doesn’t get much more blissfully peaceful than that – except for the occasional lowing cow, all is stillness here. Having said that, don’t worry: you won’t have to scramble across hills and dales for a pint: a traditional pub serving real ales and home-cooked food is right in the village of Peak Forest, a 20-minute walk away. Both the site and the pub welcome dogs, though it might be wise to keep them on a lead when walking past the farm animals. This is wild camping; facilities might not be abundant (there are no showers), but they are well maintained and include a portable toilet and a washing-up area. There is also fresh running water, and you’re welcome to start a campfire or a barbecue. You can grab essentials in the village shop, or head to Chapel-en-le-Frith (10 minutes) or Buxton (15 minutes). If you’re here with the kids, the flat, grassy field where you’ll set up your tent makes for an excellent play area on which to run around, kick a ball or fly a kite. A nearby playground has swings, slides, a small adventure course and a multisport pitch. Walking paths start from right outside the farm, or you can drive to hiking areas like Chee Dale Stepping Stones (10 minutes), a dramatic gorge on the River Wye.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
Anzio Heights

5. Anzio Heights

100%
(7)
England · 10 units
Anzio Heights Campervan & Motorhome park is a former ww2 army barracks and polish settlement village set in the beautiful countryside of Blackshaw Moor, Staffordshire, on the edge of the Peak District National Park. Positioned on elevated ground, this small site enjoys far-reaching rural views, stunning sunsets, a calm, relaxing atmosphere—ideal for self-contained campervans and motorhomes. The park offers spacious, well-kept pitches with plenty of room to relax and enjoy the surrounding landscape. Its quiet location makes it perfect for those seeking a tranquil break, while still being close to a wide range of attractions and scenic walks directly from the park. Local attractions include: Alton Towers Resort (approx. 10 minutes away) – one of the UK’s top theme parks The Peak District National Park – walking, cycling, and breathtaking scenery The Churnet Valley – known for its woodland trails, riverside walks, and heritage steam railway Rudyard Lake – peaceful lakeside walks and cafés Leek – a charming market town with independent shops, pubs, and cafés Tittesworth Reservoir – popular for walking, wildlife spotting, and picnic areas Whether you’re stopping over for a short stay or using Anzio Heights as a base to explore Staffordshire and the Peak District, it offers a comfortable, scenic retreat for your travels and provides a backdrop of stories and experiences from the past.
Pets
Burrs Manor Wild Camping

6. Burrs Manor Wild Camping

88%
(205)
Buxton, England · 30 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Nearly wild camping in the Peak District National Park, near Buxton
Pets
Campfires
Showers
The Duchess's Meadow

7. The Duchess's Meadow

100%
(25)
England · 2 units
Tucked away in peaceful woodland yet just a short stroll from the vibrant heart of Buxton, The Duchess’s Meadow offers the perfect blend of nature, history, and convenience. Set within the private grounds of Corbar Hill House — originally built in the 1850s as a retreat for the Mistress of the 7th Duke of Devonshire — our site sits amid tranquil trees and abundant wildlife. Expect to spot owls, rabbits, woodpeckers, and even the occasional stoat and deer, all against a backdrop of panoramic views across Buxton and the Peak District. Our family fell in love with this land and set out to create a welcoming space where visitors can relax, recharge, and enjoy the beauty of the area. Whether you’re here for a peaceful stopover or a longer stay, you’ll find yourself surrounded by nature yet just a 10-minute walk from Buxton’s bustling town centre. Buxton is famed for its natural thermal spring water, elegant Georgian and Victorian architecture, and rich cultural scene. Home to the magnificent Buxton Crescent, the Opera House, and the gateway to the Peak District National Park, it’s the ideal base for exploring Derbyshire’s scenic walks, limestone caves, and charming villages. At The Duchess’s Meadow, you’ll experience the best of both worlds — the calm of the countryside and the charm of a historic spa town, all from the comfort of your motorhome. Please note - it is a fairly steep short drive up to the pitches. Nobody has really struggled but worth noting.
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Woodsworth Exploring

8. Woodsworth Exploring

98%
(81)
Ilkley, England · 12 units
Nearly wild woodland camping in West Yorkshire’s Bronte country
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
Marbury Camp and Lodge

9. Marbury Camp and Lodge

97%
(18)
England · 23 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Small, simple family run camping and glamping site on the Cheshire / Shropshire border with local market towns a stones throw away. Around an hour away from Manchester, Liverpool, Chester and Birmingham, but most definitely far enough away for a break from city life. Great pubs within 30 mins walking distance and close to Cycle Routes, Walking Routes, Farm Shop Cafes, Markets, Supermarkets, a Gin Distillery (open to the public), three wedding venues, a kids tree top adventure amusement park, just to name a few. If camping isn’t for you, book one of our 4 glamping pods complete with central heating, a shower/WC, TV and cooking facilities. Small licensed shop on site. For the best rates, call 01948 502250. Hollyhurst Road, Marbury, SY13 4LY Electricity is 5 Euros per night.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Intake Farm

10. Intake Farm

97%
(76)
Alton, England · 7 units · Tents, Glamping
Quirky glamping and nearly wild camping on a farm in Staffordshire
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Oakwood Marina

11. Oakwood Marina

93%
(89)
Northwich, England · 26 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Canal-side camping with campfires, set in 30 acres of countryside and with an on-site tea rooms
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Plas Issa Escapes

12. Plas Issa Escapes

Wrexham, Wales · 17 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Plas Issa is a small, peaceful farmstead set in the foothills between Wrexham and Llangollen, where every corner of the land has its own character. Our escapes are designed to give guests space, calm, and a genuine connection to nature, without crowds, noise, or packed‑in pitches. We offer a handful of meadow tent pitches plus a premium, exclusive motorhome/campervan pitch tucked into a sheltered wooded bank beside the stream. Each area has been shaped by the land itself: open meadows with big skies, quiet hedgerows alive with birds, and a rising ridge that gives panoramic views across the valley. Our tent pitches sit in a gentle meadow with plenty of room to spread out, relax, and enjoy the scenery. It’s simple, natural camping with easy access and a peaceful atmosphere. For motorhomes and campervans, Brookwood Bank is our unique one‑pitch escape: a hardstanding spot with exclusive access to the wooded bank and stream. It’s sheltered, quiet, and perfect for guests who want privacy and a more premium, nature‑immersed stay. Across the farm you’ll find wildlife, walking routes, stargazing opportunities, and a sense of calm that makes people slow down the moment they arrive. We’re adults‑friendly, dog‑friendly, and focused on offering a respectful, low‑impact experience that fits the landscape. Plas Issa is not a holiday park, it’s a working farmstead with distinct pockets of land, each offering its own escape. Whether you’re here for a quiet night under the stars, a weekend of walking, or a peaceful campervan retreat, you’ll find space to breathe and a warm welcome.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Tackeroo Campsite

13. Tackeroo Campsite

96%
(78)
Staffordshire, England · 49 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Basic pitches (without toilet facilities) in Forestry Commission-owned woods beside a renowned mountain biking trail
Pets
Potable water
Picnic table
Millview Glamping, Camping & Events

14. Millview Glamping, Camping & Events

100%
(10)
Nottingham, England · 25 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Peaceful, off-grid vibes and walks along the Trent Valley Way, yes please… Millview Camping is a completely off-grid site just 20 minutes’ drive from Nottingham city centre and 15 minutes’ walk from the 116-mile Trent Valley Way. With westerly views over the Trent Valley and in the shadows of a ruined 18th-century windmill, this is a peaceful and scenic place to take a break indeed… Well-positioned too, with a generous handful of pubs, restaurants and cafés a scenic 35 minutes’ walk away in Gunthorpe alongside the river Trent. Radcliffe on Trent and Bingham are five minutes’ drive away for any other amenities you might (supermarkets, shops, restaurants, pubs and the likes). And if you’re after even more of a buzz, Nottingham city centre is 25 minutes’ drive away. Even with such good access to so many towns and the big city, the site itself is remote. It has 10 acres of hay meadows and woodlands for guests to explore and, of course, sublime sunsets over the valley. If you prefer to keep your whole stay pretty rural, the Vale of Belvoir and the historic Belvoir Castle are 20 minutes’ drive away from the site. It’s no frills here. The grass and woodland pitches have facilities including water and portaloo access. Dogs are also permitted, as are barbecues.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
Fire and Stars Woodland Camping

15. Fire and Stars Woodland Camping

98%
(58)
Ibstock, England · 5 units
Wild camping in the woods with campfires, starry skies and a pub just across the road
Pets
Campfires
Showers
The Old Vicarage

16. The Old Vicarage

79%
(17)
Retford, England · 3 units · Tents, Glamping
The Old Vicarage offers a relaxed and tranquil atmosphere for your stay for camping. We have BBQ's, camp fires to hire and have the shallow river to play in. Free Wifi. Well behaved dogs allowed on leads at all times. Riverside site in grounds of a 17th-century house in Nottinghamshire Close to Sherwood Forest and 25 miles from Nottingham Cave bar on site open on Bank Holidays You'll sense the history all around you at The Old Vicarage, from the old house to the remains of the water mill in the river bed. Stays here are in the grounds of a 17th-century house in the village of Elkesley, six miles from Worksop and 25 miles from Nottingham. Its grounds run down to the banks of the Poulter river, and are lined with stands of acacia, sycamore, ash and oak trees which were originally donated to the first vicar by the Duke of Newcastle in the 1830s. There's plenty of space around the site for traditional outdoor activities, with a rope swing and stepping stones over the shallow river and a bridge that's perfect for playing Pooh Sticks. In the surrounding area there are animal parks and nature reserves to walk around, or to head back further in time, you could take one of the trails through ancient Sherwood Forest, around quarter of an hour's drive away. Guest facilities on site centre around the Cave Bar, a cool little space built into an exposure of 500-million-year-old sandstone, plus an outdoor terrace for sipping drinks out in the sunshine. Other amenities include a washing-up area and bathrooms with plentiful hot showers, toilets and baby changing facilities. No Fire Pits BBQ;s off the floor. No disposable BBQ;s CHECK IN BETWEEN 2PM AND 6PM CHECK INS AFTER 6PM INCUR A FEE OF £10.00 FOR LATE CHECK IN
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Tower Farm

17. Tower Farm

100%
(2)
Wales · 11 units · Motorhomes, Glamping
Tower Farm is nestled beneath Castell Dinas Bran in the stunning Vale of Llangollen, North Wales. Just a 15 minute walk from the town centre with its many attractions and activities, and only 2 minutes from the Royal Pavilion, it offers the perfect base for guests looking to explore the area’s natural beauty and adventure opportunities. Accommodation includes a 2 bedroomed cottage, 4 electric, hardstanding/grass caravan pitches, 4 electric, hardstanding caravan/motorhome pitches and 1 shepherd's hut with 2 more coming soon. Please note that we don't have communal toilets/showers for the caravan/motorhome pitches currently, expected August. Also, please note that this is an adults only site. Please note that we do not currently have communal toilets/showers for the caravans/motorhomes, these will be available in August. Sorry, we don't accommodate camping.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Langley Wilding Campsite

18. Langley Wilding Campsite

100%
(7)
Ashbourne, England · 16 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Langley Wilding Campsite is set in a wildflower meadow, surrounded by woodland on Lodge Farm just outside Kirk Langley. It offers a simple eco-friendly getaway where you can enjoy peaceful surroundings, connect with nature and escape the bustle of everyday life. Our family farm is managed for nature restoration, providing a refuge for wildlife and people alike. Enjoy life’s simple pleasures: plenty of space, fresh air and waking up to birdsong. Langley Wilding Campsite is about slowing down and appreciating the small things that matter. Whether you're coming for a weekend break, a family adventure, or a solo retreat, you’re very welcome here.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
fields farm campsite church lane sk

19. fields farm campsite church lane sk

100%
(10)
Buxton · 25 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Adults-only, small and quiet family-run site in the Peak District National Park A 15-minute drive from Buxton, the Pennine Way and Monsal Trail Pet-friendly pub two minutes’ walk away; barbecues permitted on site Fields Farm Campsite is just the place for a peachy Peak District break. Just outside of a rural village named Peak Forest in the national park, this site is a walkers’ haven, with the Pennine Way and Monsal Trail just 15 minutes’ drive away (along with Buxton, a classic Peak District town with a spa history, meaning you can pamper yourself on this day out). Handily, there are walks direct from the door too. You can get to Eldon Hole in just over 10 minutes and dubbed one of the seven wonders of the Peak District, the pothole is an impressive sight. Peak Forest is just five minutes’ walk away too and here, you’ll be able to sample some homecooked food in a pet-friendly traditional country pub. Adjacent to the owner’s home, the grassy pitches have scenic views of the countryside (a great side dish for breakfast times, that’s for sure). And in the evenings, perhaps a barbecue will be another way to settle into the rural atmosphere. Happily, dogs are permitted here, so you won’t have to leave them behind. As for gathering together snacks, sandwiches and other stuff to keep you going while you’re out and about in the national park’s towns, villages or traffic-free trails, there is a pop up honesty shop in the pub carpark, main food shops are a 10 minutes’ drive away in Chapel-en-le-Frith or Tideswell to help you tick off your shopping list. We are in the middle of peak park great walks we are in a small village next to pub good home cooked food lots of local villages blue john mine chatsworth house stateley home of the duke of devonshire with it fantastic grounds. We are 5 miles from the spar town of buxton a lovely victorian town with lots of things to do. We are 2 minutes walk from local pub with good food and local shop eldon hole, castleton, or just chill out this is a adult site only
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
Chase Camping

20. Chase Camping

97%
(58)
Rugeley, England · 42 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Tent camping and bell tents for hire on a family farm within easy walking distance of Cannock Chase Forest
Pets
Showers
Potable water

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Macclesfield Forest camping guide

Where to go

Sutton Lane Ends & Langley

These two villages comprise the main gateway to the forest to the west, and fall under the same overarching parish. Only a few miles from Macclesfield, a balmy, bucolic vibe pervades. There are several atmospheric pubs and the only organised camping site close to the forest. Continuing east from Langley up Clarke Lane, you’ll quickly reach the Macclesfield Forest’s edge.

Trentabank Reservoir

This reservoir is the heart of Macclesfield Forest, home to the Peak District’s largest heronry, a nature reserve, and visitor centre. Birdwatch or spot other creatures including badgers, weasels, and red deer, get refreshments at the Leather’s Smithy pub, or take to the forest walking and cycling trails. A great walk runs through the forest and up to Shutlingsloe summit.

Tegg’s Nose Country Park

On Macclesfield Forest’s north side is this irresistibly pretty country park, occupying the site of a former quarry and the surrounding steep-sided moors. Climbing and abseiling are big here, and the one-hour Rock’s Trail highlights the area’s geology with a visit to Tegg’s Nose summit. There is also the challenging ‘Grit and Gears II’ mountain bike route, a tearoom, and a visitor centre.

Shutlingsloe

Cheshire’s second-highest hill, Shutlingsloe is linked by footpath across the moor near Macclesfield Forest. Views from the 1,670-foot top are superb—over the Peak District and across most of Cheshire—and the summit is also the highest point on the 190-mile Peak District Boundary Walk. England’s last wild boar was supposedly killed nearby—which is one theory behind the etymology of Wildboarclough, the village below the hill where you’ll find camping and a pub.

South West Peak

The South West Peak region of the Peak District National Park rolls away east of Macclesfield Forest, typically the national park’s least-visited region. It’s a zone loosely bounded by Macclesfield, Buxton, Kettleshulme, and Ilam, mixing barren plateau with fetching lower-lying pasture, while deeply scored cloughs divide the two. Long-distance hikes passing through include the Dane Valley Way and Churnet Way. Wildboarclough and the Manifold Valley make beautiful, quiet camping bases.

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

Popular Macclesfield Forest holidays