Peak District Campsites

A diverse and spectacular landscape in one of the most beautiful and charming regions of the UK, the Peak District has something for everyone; from hidden valleys of space, solitude and tranquillity, rounded hills, bracing moorland and long distance trails, to bustling market towns with thriving local stores and delightful teashops.

For those looking for outdoor activity there is something for all levels of expertise. From the hardened hiker, fair-weather walker, serious cyclist and the laid-back biker, to the keen water sports fanatic and experienced rider, the stunning countryside of the Peak District offers an impressive network of footpaths, traffic-free cycle trails, bridle tracks and waterways.

After breathing in all that fresh air, head for the vibrant market towns and picturesque villages for time to potter and browse, perhaps stopping off in a teashop to sample the local confection and watch the world go by. With quirky independent shops, indoor and outdoor markets, fairs and local events, there has never been a more perfect opportunity to come camping in the Peak District!

All campsites in the Peak District offer plenty of activities and major attractions within easy reach including prehistoric cave paintings, vast limestone caverns, ancient stone circles, hilltop forts, museums, galleries, majestic stately homes like Chatsworth House and gardens, and the Heights of Abraham.

With a plethora of activities available, and fabulous attractions to visit, camping in the Peak District is the perfect holiday choice!

Remember you can always look at our What's on area to find local events and attractions.

Ashbourne

This campsite is a perfect base for exploring the Derbyshire peaks and dales, close to the market town of Ashbourne. Pets are welcome at the site and there is the facility to stable horses during your visit. There are good facilities for children with their own play area and a dedicated field for ball games. The surrounding area is home to a number of National Trust properties, including the 18th century mansion of Kedleston Hall and Sudbury Hall, with its Museum of Childhood. Other local attractions include Gulliver’s Theme Park, and the stately homes of Haddon Hall and Chatsworth House.

Bakewell

This is a truly back to nature campsite, without a toilet or shower block, making it a perfect place for those looking to get away from it all – even in the height of the season. Set in the heart of the Peak District National Park, this site is in a beautiful location directly accessible to the most stunning walks that the area has to offer; a walking guidebook is available from the onsite shop. A fish and chip van visits regularly, and is enjoyed by many happy campers! The town of Bakewell with its thriving market is just over five miles from the site, and is accessible by bus.

Leek

Set in the Staffordshire Moorlands, this campsite is the perfect base for exploring the industrial heart of England. The Peak District National Park is located to the north, with the Potteries to the south. There are many great attractions to explore during your stay here including Speedwell Cavern, one of the Peak District’s fascinating caves that can be explored by boat; Blackbrook Zoological Park; Cheddleton Flint Mill; Tittesworth Reservoir with its adventure playground, barbecue area and footpaths around the water; and Foxfield Railway. You could also hire a bike to take in the Manifold Cycle Trail, while fly-fishing is also available locally.

Hayfield

This is the ideal place for walkers of all abilities; from gentle strolls to more challenging climbs; this campsite is accessible to a network of walks for all abilities. Set in the heart of the Peak District walking country, the predominance of tents and no caravans makes this a unique campsite. The site is situated at the foot of the Kinder Massif, the southern-most point of the Pennine Chain. From Hayfield you can follow the Sett Valley Trail - a two-and-a-half mile walking and cycling route - or a take a ridge ramble up Lantern Pike. Nearby attractions include Holmfirth, the setting for Last of the Summer Wine; Chestnut Centre Conservation and Wildlife Park; and Dunge Valley Rhododendron Gardens.

Clitheroe

Situated south of the Forest of Bowland, this campsite is tranquil, peaceful and close enough to the Lancashire coast to make a day trip highly worthwhile. The site has a riverside setting, which provides some lovely walks among nature, you can also ask at reception for information on day permits for fishing. The Ribble Valley Sculpture Trail exhibits the work of local artists and the nearby Pendle Hill has spectacular views; if the weather is good you can see all the way to the coast. Other attractions nearby include Knowsley Safari Park, the Imperial War Museum North and Brontë Parsonage Museum.

Crowden

In the heart of the Peak District National Park, and at the end of a challenging stretch of the Pennine Way, this campsite is reputed to have the best-stocked little shop anywhere in the local area. Set deep in the countryside, you might be lucky enough to glimpse falcons, eagles and red kites. Crowden is the perfect campsite for walkers in the Dark Peak region of the Peak District National Park. The Longendale Trail - on the old Woodhead railway line - passes several reservoirs, while the local ranger also offers guided tours. Cyclists are not left out either; Moor Fun by Bike is a cycle route from Tintwhistle through to Hadfield, the real 'Royston Vasey' from the BBC series The League of Gentlemen.

Delamere Forest

Near Chester, this campsite is in the heart of the Delamere Forest and offers many environmentally-friendly features to complement the 950 hectares of mixed deciduous and evergreen woodland that surround it. The site offers well-spaced pitches and plenty of nearby woodland for children to play in. The site is close to many pathways and cycle routes; bikes can be hired from the Visitor Centre. There are two long-distance walks that go through the Forest. The Sandstone Trail runs for 34 miles through Cheshire and Shropshire while the Baker Way connects the Forest with the historic city of Chester. There is also a picturesque railway station is next to the campsite and trains go from here to Chester and Manchester.