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.

94% (1.2K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Macclesfield Forest

7. The Duchess's Meadow

100%
(1)
2 units · Motorhomes · England
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.
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
from 
£14
 / night

12. Greener Pastures

100%
(3)
8 units · Tents, Motorhomes · England
This isn’t a place for drive-in, drive-out holidays. It’s for staying, relaxing and enjoying nature. More 'nearly wild' in farming countryside, than manicured sectioned areas. Enclosed paddocks, no nearby roads, and only the gentle hum of a distant train from across the canal, this is countryside relaxation at its finest. Watch the canal boats drift by, or go for a walk or cycle on the network of paths beside them. If your feeling adventurous, take a paddleboard or canoe onto the water, or hire a longboat for the day. Walk to the nearby dog friendly, local pubs, or a short drive there are many options of restaurants, from country pubs to fine dining of all different cultures including takeaways. Or stay onsite with a BBQ, campsite cooking or firepit. Supermarkets, farm shops, garden centres, national trust, activity parks and many other off site places to visit within close proximity, such as historic Chester or the monkeys at Trentham Garden. You can book experiences with the animals we have on site, horses, alpacas, pygmy goats, sheep, rescue hens and our own dogs love a fuss. Your dogs are very welcome, including reactive and exempt dogs. We have enclosed 1 acre paddocks for you to stay. With a choice of paddock or hardstanding pitches, we can accommodate you whatever the weather. We have a glamping tent with a full size double bed available to hire. This can sleep 6 with additional beds. Subtle solar lighting, table and chairs, blankets and cushions to sit outside in the evenings and watch the sunset. We are perfect for a technology detox, while we have electricity on site to charge your phones, there is no electric to the pitches. Use of a fridge freezer, small kitchen area with hot water, shower bay and mains water. 1 x EHU available..
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£15
 / night

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.

94% (1.2K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Macclesfield Forest

7. The Duchess's Meadow

100%
(1)
2 units · Motorhomes · England
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.
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
from 
£14
 / night

12. Greener Pastures

100%
(3)
8 units · Tents, Motorhomes · England
This isn’t a place for drive-in, drive-out holidays. It’s for staying, relaxing and enjoying nature. More 'nearly wild' in farming countryside, than manicured sectioned areas. Enclosed paddocks, no nearby roads, and only the gentle hum of a distant train from across the canal, this is countryside relaxation at its finest. Watch the canal boats drift by, or go for a walk or cycle on the network of paths beside them. If your feeling adventurous, take a paddleboard or canoe onto the water, or hire a longboat for the day. Walk to the nearby dog friendly, local pubs, or a short drive there are many options of restaurants, from country pubs to fine dining of all different cultures including takeaways. Or stay onsite with a BBQ, campsite cooking or firepit. Supermarkets, farm shops, garden centres, national trust, activity parks and many other off site places to visit within close proximity, such as historic Chester or the monkeys at Trentham Garden. You can book experiences with the animals we have on site, horses, alpacas, pygmy goats, sheep, rescue hens and our own dogs love a fuss. Your dogs are very welcome, including reactive and exempt dogs. We have enclosed 1 acre paddocks for you to stay. With a choice of paddock or hardstanding pitches, we can accommodate you whatever the weather. We have a glamping tent with a full size double bed available to hire. This can sleep 6 with additional beds. Subtle solar lighting, table and chairs, blankets and cushions to sit outside in the evenings and watch the sunset. We are perfect for a technology detox, while we have electricity on site to charge your phones, there is no electric to the pitches. Use of a fridge freezer, small kitchen area with hot water, shower bay and mains water. 1 x EHU available..
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£15
 / night

Camper favorites in and near Macclesfield Forest

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Camping in Macclesfield Forest 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.