England is full of beautiful places to camp, from mountain valleys and peaceful lakes to ancient woodland and open countryside. For nature lovers, camping can be a great way to slow down, spend more time outdoors, and wake up surrounded by scenery instead of busy streets. The best campsite is not always the one with the most facilities. Sometimes, a simple pitch in a beautiful location is exactly what you need. Other times, having showers, toilets, a shop, or a place to eat nearby makes a camping trip much easier. I’ve picked 15 camping locations that offer something different, while keeping nature and outdoor experiences at the heart of the trip.
1. Great Langdale Campsite, Lake District
If dramatic mountain scenery is what you want from a camping holiday, Great Langdale is hard to overlook. Located in the Langdale Valley in the Lake District, the campsite is surrounded by some of England’s most impressive landscapes.
The area is particularly appealing to walkers. Trails, waterfalls, small lakes and mountain summits can be reached from the campsite, meaning you can spend much of your trip outdoors without constantly getting in the car.
The National Trust describes Great Langdale as a natural playground of trails, summits, waterfalls and small lakes, with the surrounding landscape accessible on foot.
- Beautiful views of the Langdale Valley
- Excellent walking opportunities
- Waterfalls and mountain scenery nearby
- A good choice for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts
- Tents, campervans, motorhomes and pods are available
- Best for: Mountain scenery, hiking and peaceful outdoor escapes.
2. Eskdale Campsite, Lake District
For a quieter Lake District experience, Eskdale is worth considering. The campsite sits low in the valley, surrounded by woodland, crags, waterfalls and open countryside.
One of the things I like about this location is that you can combine camping with relatively easy access to walking routes. Trails follow the river and lead into the surrounding fells, while Blea Tarn and Burnmoor Tarn are both within walking distance for those looking for mountain-lake scenery.
The National Trust says the campsite has 110 pitches and offers tents, campervans, motorhomes, pods and bell tents. It also notes that Blea Tarn and Burnmoor Tarn can be reached on foot in less than an hour.
- Surrounded by woodland and mountains
- Walking routes begin close to the campsite
- Waterfalls and river scenery
- Mountain lakes nearby
- Village pubs are within a short walk
- Best for: Walkers, families and anyone wanting a quieter Lake District base.
- Website: National Trust – Eskdale Campsite
3. Low Wray Campsite, Windermere
If you would rather camp beside a lake than deep in the mountains, Low Wray is a fantastic option.
The campsite is located beside Windermere, England’s largest lake. That makes it particularly attractive for visitors who want a mixture of camping, walking and water-based activities.
There are several accommodation choices, including traditional tent pitches, campervan and motorhome pitches, pods and safari tents. The National Trust also highlights the site’s lakeside location and the many activities available around Windermere.
- Lakeside setting
- Easy access to outdoor activities
- Walking opportunities around Windermere
- Several accommodation options
- Suitable for both relaxed and active camping trips
- Best for: Lakeside camping, families and outdoor activities.
- Website: National Trust – Low Wray Campsite
4. Cloud Farm Campsite, Exmoor
For a completely different landscape, head southwest to Exmoor.
Cloud Farm Campsite is a laid-back riverside campsite in the Lorna Doone Valley. The surrounding countryside is ideal for people who enjoy walking through open landscapes, valleys and rural scenery.
The National Trust lists Cloud Farm among its tent campsites and describes it as a riverside campsite surrounded by walks in the Lorna Doone Valley.
This is the sort of place where the landscape is the main attraction. Rather than planning every hour of your trip, you can use the campsite as a base for exploring the countryside on foot.
- Riverside camping
- Beautiful Exmoor countryside
- Walking routes in the Lorna Doone Valley
- Peaceful rural atmosphere
- A good option for tent campers
- Best for: Walkers, countryside lovers and anyone looking for a quieter camping experience.
- Website: National Trust – Cloud Farm Campsite
5. New Forest Campsites, Hampshire
The New Forest offers a very different type of camping experience. Instead of dramatic mountain peaks, you’ll find ancient woodland, open heathland, quiet trails and a landscape famous for its wildlife.
Forestry England says there are 10 campsites in the New Forest operated by its camping partners. Options range from basic, back-to-nature sites to campsites with more facilities for families.
Sites such as Aldridge Hill, Matley Wood and Setthorns are aimed at people who want a more back-to-basics experience, while Holland’s Wood, Ashurst, Roundhill, Holmsley and Ocknell offer more facilities.
- Ancient woodland and open heath
- Excellent environment for walking and cycling
- Several campsites to choose from
- Options for both simple and family-friendly camping
- A strong sense of being surrounded by nature
- Best for: Woodland camping, families, walkers and wildlife lovers.
- Website: Forestry England – Camping in the New Forest
6. Orcaber Farm Caravan and Camping Park, Yorkshire Dales
If you want wide countryside views and easy access to the Yorkshire Dales, Orcaber Farm is a strong option. The family-run campsite is near Austwick and offers both non-electric and electric tent pitches, along with touring facilities.
The surrounding Dales landscape is particularly appealing to walkers and photographers. Limestone scenery, rolling hills and quiet country roads make the area a good base for exploring on foot.
Current campsite listings highlight the site’s panoramic views, tent pitches, shop and dog-walking area.
- Panoramic Yorkshire Dales views
- Close to countryside walking routes
- A peaceful rural setting
- Suitable for traditional tent camping
- Good base for exploring nearby villages and attractions
- Best for: Walkers, photographers and countryside lovers.
7. Deepdale Camping, North Norfolk
For campers who prefer coast and open countryside, Deepdale is an excellent choice in North Norfolk.
The campsite is close to the Norfolk Coast Path, making it particularly convenient for walkers. The surrounding landscape is very different from the mountains of the Lake District: expect beaches, marshes, farmland and big open skies.
Recent camping guides highlight Deepdale’s position near the Norfolk Coast Path and its suitability for combining walking and cycling with a camping holiday.
- Close to the Norfolk Coast Path
- Easy access to coastal scenery
- Excellent area for walking and cycling
- Peaceful countryside surroundings
- Good choice for exploring North Norfolk
- Best for: Coastal walks, cycling and relaxed countryside breaks.
- Website: Deepdale Camping
8. Peak District Camping
The Peak District is one of England’s easiest national parks to reach for a countryside camping break. It offers a mixture of valleys, moorland, limestone landscapes and dramatic gritstone edges.
There are several campsites around areas such as the Hope Valley, Hartington, Tideswell and Hathersage. This makes it possible to choose a campsite based on the type of scenery and activities you prefer.
A 2026 camping guide identifies these different areas as some of the main camping zones in the Peak District.
- Beautiful valleys and open moorland
- Excellent walking opportunities
- Scenic cycling routes
- Many villages and countryside attractions nearby
- Suitable for weekend camping trips
- Best for: Hikers, cyclists and first-time national park campers.
- Website: Peak District National Park
9. Cannamore Camping, Devon
If you want a more natural and simple camping experience, Cannamore Camping in Devon is worth considering.
The campsite is located near Dartmoor and offers meadow-style pitches, giving visitors a chance to spend more time surrounded by open countryside. It is also positioned within reach of Devon’s coast, so you can combine inland walks with a trip to the seaside.
Current campsite listings describe Cannamore as offering almost-wild meadow pitches, along with bell tents and a shepherd’s hut, close to Dartmoor.
- Natural meadow setting
- Close to Dartmoor
- Rural and peaceful atmosphere
- Good base for exploring Devon
- Access to both countryside and coast
- Best for: Back-to-nature camping and peaceful countryside escapes.
- Website: Dartmoor National Park
10. Forest of Dean Campsites, Gloucestershire
For woodland lovers, the Forest of Dean is a great alternative to England’s mountain and coastal campsites.
The area is known for its extensive woodland, walking trails and outdoor activities. Camping here gives you a chance to explore a landscape that feels very different from the open hills of the Peak District or Yorkshire Dales.
There are several campsites in and around the Forest of Dean, ranging from simple camping pitches to sites with more extensive facilities. Current campsite listings include options with woodland surroundings and facilities such as swimming pools and gyms.
- Surrounded by woodland
- Plenty of walking opportunities
- Excellent area for cycling
- Different camping experiences available
- Great choice for a forest escape
- Best for: Woodland walks, cycling and families who enjoy outdoor activities.
- Website: Forestry England – Forest of Dean
11. North Lees Campsite, Peak District
For campers who want to combine a peaceful campsite with excellent walking opportunities, North Lees Campsite is a great choice. It sits in a sheltered valley near Hathersage, with Stanage Edge and the wider Peak District landscape close by.
The campsite is surrounded by woodland, farmland and moorland managed for conservation. There are also walking, cycling, climbing and wildlife-watching opportunities nearby.
One useful feature is that North Lees offers both traditional camping and camping pods. The pods are set around wooded areas, with some overlooking a small stream.
- Peaceful valley setting
- Close to Stanage Edge
- Excellent walking and cycling routes
- Woodland and moorland scenery
- Wildlife-watching opportunities
- Camping pods available
- Best for: Walkers, climbers, cyclists and nature lovers.
- Website: Peak District National Park – North Lees Campsite
12. Sherwood Pines Campsite, Nottinghamshire
Sherwood Forest is one of England’s best-known woodland landscapes, and Sherwood Pines gives visitors a chance to stay close to the forest while enjoying a proper camping break.
Forestry England describes Sherwood Pines Campsite as being set across 20 acres of woodland and offers camping surrounded by forest. The wider area provides access to woodland paths and outdoor activities.
This is a particularly good option if you enjoy forest walks and cycling rather than mountain hiking.
- Woodland camping
- Miles of forest paths nearby
- Excellent setting for cycling
- Peaceful surroundings
- A good alternative to mountain campsites
- Best for: Forest walks, cycling and families.
- Website: Forestry England – Camping
13. Bracelands Campsite, Forest of Dean
The Forest of Dean is another excellent destination for anyone who prefers trees, trails and peaceful woodland to busy tourist resorts.
Bracelands Campsite is located in the Forest of Dean and offers camping, glamping and caravan pitches. Forestry England highlights its woodland setting and views across the surrounding forest.
The Forest of Dean is particularly attractive for outdoor enthusiasts because you can combine a camping trip with walking and cycling through the surrounding woodland.
- Forest setting
- Walking and cycling opportunities
- Camping and glamping options
- Peaceful natural surroundings
- Good base for exploring the Forest of Dean
- Best for: Woodland escapes, cycling and outdoor adventures.
- Website: Forestry England – Camping in England’s forests
14. Dartmoor Camping, Devon
Dartmoor offers one of England’s most distinctive outdoor landscapes, with open moorland, rocky tors, valleys and dark skies.
There are several designated campsites around the national park, including small farm campsites that can provide a quieter and more intimate experience. Dartmoor National Park specifically recommends designated campsites for family-sized tents, larger groups, campervans and motorhomes.
For experienced backpackers, Dartmoor also has designated areas where backpack camping is permitted under specific rules. The National Park Authority says campers must check the interactive camping map before setting out.
- Open moorland landscapes
- Dramatic rocky tors
- Excellent walking opportunities
- Beautiful dark skies
- Many different camping styles
- Best for: Hikers, landscape lovers and experienced outdoor campers.
- Website: Dartmoor National Park – Camping Information
15. North Lees and Stanage, Peak District
If your idea of a great camping trip involves waking up early and heading straight onto a trail, the Stanage area of the Peak District deserves a place on your list.
North Lees Campsite provides an excellent base for exploring the landscape around Stanage Edge. The National Park Authority notes that the campsite is within walking distance of walking, cycling, climbing and bouldering routes, as well as seasonal bird and wildlife-watching opportunities.
The location also works well for visitors travelling without a car. Hathersage is about 1.5 miles away, and the campsite can be reached on foot from the village.
- Close to Stanage Edge
- Beautiful Peak District scenery
- Walking and cycling routes
- Wildlife-watching opportunities
- Accessible from Hathersage
- Traditional camping and pods available
- Best for: Active campers, walkers and Peak District explorers.
- Website: North Lees Campsite – Peak District National Park
Final Thoughts
England has plenty of beautiful camping destinations, whether you love mountains, lakes, forests, moorlands or the coast. From the Lake District to the New Forest and Dartmoor, each place offers a different way to enjoy nature. Check the latest campsite rules and facilities before you travel, and always respect the countryside.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best camping destination in England?
The Lake District is a great choice for mountain scenery, while the New Forest is ideal for woodland and wildlife.
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Can I wild camp in England?
Wild camping is not generally allowed without permission, although some areas have specific rules. Always check locally.
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When is the best time to go camping in England?
Late spring through early autumn usually offers the most comfortable camping conditions.
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Should I book a campsite in advance?
Yes. Popular campsites can become busy during weekends, school holidays and summer.
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What should I check before booking?
Check the latest prices, facilities, pitch types, cancellation policy, access information and local camping rules.
I am Sabiq Hasan Rasel. Coffee with Travel, Recipes & Reviews is a cozy and engaging content space that blends a love of coffee with exciting travel experiences, delicious recipes, and honest reviews. It offers inspiration for coffee lovers who enjoy exploring new places, trying unique flavors, and discovering lifestyle tips along the way.
