Purple Badger Camping&Fishing Lakes

On the border between Rutland and Leicestershire, Purple Badger Camping sits happily on the fence. And we don’t just mean geographically speaking; it’s part luxury glamping and part off-grid camping. It’s also part camping ground and part fishing lakes. Plus, while this rural, lakeside location is all about enjoying the countryside, it’s surprisingly close to the city – less than ten miles outside Leicester.

Whether you’re escaping from the city or wanting to visit it during a stay, Purple Badger Camping certainly gives no hint of urban life. The lakes are surrounded by woodland and wildlife, and have been open to fishermen for more than 40 years. They are well stocked; with roach, perch, tench and small carp in the lower lake and larger carp in the upper one. For those who fancy a spot of fishing with their camping, this place is a dream come true but, even for those who aren’t bringing a rod, the watery backdrop is a draw. The fact that campfires are allowed here is another.

There are just nine spacious camping pitches in the site’s car-free lower field with wildflowers left to grow between them. Two of the pitches are occupied by Purple Badger’s own bell tents; unfurnished Val and furnished Millie. Moving further up the site and further up the glamping scale, there are two shepherd huts, Logan and Jude. These are fully furnished with a kitchenette and en-suite facilities. They also enjoy a separate location overlooking the top lake and have their own fishing pegs to boot. The surrounding trees mean campfires aren’t allowed in this spot – but who cares when there’s a log burner inside?

The tents and huts, have been named after the children of site owners, Mark and Helen and you might see the youngest two helping out around site. The family’s years of experience on camping holidays have informed many of the well-thought out touches: the fire pits, mobile phone charging lockers and The Badger’s Den - an undercover shared space for rainy days. There’s a freezer for ice packs and there are separate loo cabins and upcycled horsebox showers with a sink in each; all of which point to owners who know what campers want. You might come here for the fishing or as a quick getaway from Leicester or Nottingham. You might book a stay so you can visit nearby Rutland Water or the National Space Centre but we reckon it’ll be the excellent camping experience that will have you longing to come back.