Peak District National Park Campsites

The northern section of the Peak District is known as the Dark Peak. Here you'll find dramatic moorlands and Edges formed from gritstone, shale, and coarse sandstone. This rugged landscape features rocky outcrops, heather-filled hills, and quaint villages linked by narrow roads and footpaths. For a true taste of wilderness camping, the Dark Peak is hard to beat. However, some fantastic campsites provide comfort and convenience while still delivering a sense of escape.

Edale is a wonderful base for exploring the Dark Peak. This scenic village sits at the start of the Pennine Way and is surrounded by striking scenery. From here, you can embark on hikes to Kinder Scout, Mam Tor, Lose Hill, and more.

• Kinder Scout - This is an iconic hike ascending the rocky moorland plateau of Kinder Scout. The trail starts from Edale and climbs up the steep rocky path called Jacob's Ladder before traversing the open moorland to reach the summit.

• Mam Tor and Hollins Cross - Starting from Castleton, this walk climbs the rugged slopes of Mam Tor, with its landslip-scarred face. Continue along the ridge to the peak of Hollins Cross for panoramic views over the Edale Valley.

• Lose Hill and Back Tor - Starting from the village of Hope, this hike ascends Lose Hill and then continues along a scenic ridge to the striking gritstone outcrop of Back Tor with its panoramic views over Edale.

• Stanage Edge - Stanage Edge provides miles of dramatic gritstone edges and rock formations to explore on foot. Popular routes go from High Neb to Bamford Edge or follow the length of the escarpment from Stanage Pole to the southern end at Robin Hood's Cave.

Just above the village of Eldale lies The Cowshed Camping Barn. Located on a family-run farm, this basic yet cosy campsite accommodates tents, campervans, and caravans. The real draw is the sweeping views across the Hope Valley. Watch the sunset over the hills and fields from one of the Farm's panoramic vantage points.  The campsite facilities are refreshingly simple - access to drinking water and portaloos is provided. But the beauty of the Edale landscape more than makes up for a lack of amenities. With abundant excellent walks and climbs on the doorstep, this peaceful campsite lets you connect with the magic of the moors.

For a remote camping experience beneath expansive night skies, make your way to the secluded Lone Trees Campsite near Holmfirth. Nestled amongst the rolling hills between the villages of Marsden and Digley, this hidden gem offers tent camping perfection. With only 10 small pitches available, Lone Trees provides an intimate and low-key camping destination. The compact site is surrounded by fields grazed by sheep, with stunning panoramic views across the countryside. Facilities include clean washrooms, hot showers, and drinking water. The limited light pollution makes Lone Trees an ideal spot for stargazing. Pitch your tent on the grass, then spend the evening gazing upward as the inky black sky reveals an astonishing tapestry of glittering stars and planets. With no harsh lights to interfere, you can easily spot meteors streaking overhead. The campsite's remote feel means you won't be disturbed as you cook dinner over the fire-pit and soak up the tranquility of the area. But civilization isn't far away - the pubs and independent shops of vibrant Holmfirth are just a 10 minute drive if needed. Wake up to birdsong and a refreshing blast of country air before brewing up a coffee as the morning sun creeps over the distant hills. Then lace up your boots for a hike across the windswept moors and fields surrounding your secluded camp. Lone Trees offers a peaceful escape perfect for relaxing, walking, and gazing up at the majestic beauty of dark night skies.

For a camping experience with more comforts and convenience, check out the glamping pods available at Upper New Hay Farm and Ladybower Inn. These cozy pods provide the perfect base for exploring the Ladybower Reservoir area. The insulated wooden pods contain compact kitchenettes along with seating that converts into bunk beds. Electrical sockets, heaters, and WiFi are also included - so you can recharge devices and stay connected. Upper New Hay Farm has pods set on a tranquil hillside overlooking the serene reservoir. Watch sailboats drift across the water as sheep graze in the fields nearby. At Ladybower Inn, the pods are scattered amongst idyllic pastures where you can say hello to friendly alpacas and horses who share the fields.

After a day of hiking in the hills, return to your pod to relax with a cup of tea. Fire up the BBQ grill for dinner outside and watch the sun set over the water. Then retire to your cozy pod as the inky black night sky emerges, dotted with stars. The pods provide security, warmth and facilities while their secluded rural settings connect you with the natural beauty of the Peak District. It's the best of both worlds - experience the remote wilderness without sacrificing all your home comforts. And kids will love the novelty of "camping" in their own mini-cabin.

The quaint village of Castleton is a great base from which to explore the Hope Valley and its wealth of historical sites. Set amidst soaring hills and limestone dales, this scenic settlement has a charming atmosphere.

For superb convenience, check out Torside Campsite or Peak Pods Glamping on the outskirts of the village. Torside is a tidy campground with electric hook-ups for caravans and campervans while also catering to tent campers. Peak Pods offers seven glamping pods plus eco camping pods that run entirely off-grid. Both sites are just a short walk from Castleton's pubs, tea rooms, and cavern tours. For an extra dose of history, try the Castleton Camping and Caravanning Club Site situated right next to the ruins of the medieval Peveril Castle. Waking up overlooking this crumbling symbol of the Norman conquest of England makes for an unforgettable start to your day of exploring Castleton’s historic treasures. Be sure to hike up the scenic hillside path to Cave Dale for magnificent valley views. The route passes swathes of bluebells in spring before opening up to panoramic vistas from the clifftops. Then descend down into the dale to explore the caves and crags, including the dramatic Peak Cavern.

For laidback pastoral charm, check out the yurts available for rent on Beech Tree Farm in the heart of the White Peak. Just outside the picture-perfect village of Taddington, this working farm has beautiful views across rolling green hills.  Their yurts include real beds and wood-burning stoves. Choose to have your breakfast delivered each morning for an extra dose of luxury. When you're not out exploring, spend time wandering the farm, bottle-feeding orphaned lambs or watching the chickens. It's a wholesome tonic for the stresses of everyday life.

One of the most rewarding cycle routes in the White Peak is the Tissington Trail - a former railway line converted into a leisurely traffic-free path. For a healthy dose of exercise combined with gorgeous scenery, ride this route north from Ashbourne to Thorpe Farm Campsite near Dovedale.

Thorpe Farm occupies a sublime position beside the River Dove - perfectly placed for walking into nearby Dovedale Gorge or Ilam Park. Facilities include hot showers, toilet blocks and drinking water. Pitch your tent on the campsite's verdant riverside fields for a peaceful night's sleep after your cycle.

• Dovedale - Follow the River Dove through the steep-sided limestone gorge of Dovedale - a scenic nature trail running between tall rock walls covered in ash and beech trees.

• Ilam Park - Explore the scenic countryside, narrow gorges, and ornamental gardens surrounding stately Ilam Hall. The park has waymarked trails through its peaceful woodlands and along the River Manifold.

You can also extend your pedalling adventure by continuing north on the Tissington Trail to meet the High Peak Trail - see below for campsites along this route.

Additional beautiful hikes are Chrome and Parkhouse Hills - This loop walk from Buxton ascends the forested slopes of Chrome Hill then continues along a high ridge over the gritstone crest of Parkhouse Hill with sweeping views over the White Peak. And Monsal Head - Walk along the old railway line from Bakewell to reach this popular viewpoint high above Monsal Dale. Look over the limestone gorge with its famous viaducts below.

For a truly memorable and luxurious camping experience in the White Peak, stay in one of the incredible Tipis at Eldon Hill campsite near Matlock Bath. These large, furnished Tipis provide a glamping stay that combines comfort and convenience with a sense of adventure. Each Tipi comes complete with a double bed and two single beds, allowing two adults and two children to sleep in comfort and privacy. The Tipis are decked out with cozy rugs, lanterns, camping chairs, and a wood burning stove to keep you warm on chilly nights. The interior canvas walls can be rolled up to provide stunning views across the Peak District hills. Watching the sunset from the comfort of your Tipi is an unforgettable experience. The campsite's elevated position means the views stretch for miles, uninterrupted by other buildings or infrastructure. The Tipis are spaced well apart, giving a sense of seclusion even though toilet facilities are located nearby. There's a shared BBQ hut where you can cook up a storm after a day of exploring the Peaks. Or drive just 5 minutes into Matlock Bath to enjoy an evening meal at one of the restaurants. Kids will love the novelty of glamping in a real Tipi, and parents will appreciate the beds and amenities that make this more comfortable and convenient than standard camping. When you stay at Eldon Hill, you get the adventure of camping with none of the hassle. Fall asleep under canvas to the sound of owls hooting over the hills from the warmth and security of your luxury Tipi.

For a glamorous camping experience in the White Peak, book one of the Tipis at Eldon Hill campsite near Matlock Bath. These roomy, furnished Tipis include wood stoves and lanterns to create a magical atmosphere. The site benefits from an elevated position with panoramic views over the undulating Peak District countryside. Watch the sunset and listen to owls hooting as you sit around your private campfire. Then retire to your comfy bed in the Tipi for a perfect night in the fresh country air. The location near Matlock Bath means you're also close to the Heights of Abraham theme park if any kids need entertainment.

For a campsite that allows you to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Derwent Valley, check out Bamford Camping and Caravanning Site. This scenic campground is managed by the community and situated right alongside the River Derwent as it flows out from the Ladybower Reservoir. The grassy pitches are spread across meadows filled with wildflowers, perfect for pitching your tent or parking your caravan or campervan under the shade of trees. Many of the tent pitches are located right along the river's edge, allowing you to fall asleep to the soothing sounds of the flowing water. There are also several pitches with electrical hook-ups if you need power. The clean and well-kept facilities include hot showers, private washing basins, and dishwashing areas - everything you need to stay fresh and tidy on your camping trip. And the campsite's location provides easy access to the Ladybower Reservoir's scenic trails, which are great for enjoying riverside walks or building up an appetite before cooking breakfast over your campfire. Upstream, the River Derwent leads through woods and past the old millstones of Bamford before opening up to the sweeping valley views of Stanage Edge. By pitching your tent at Bamford Campsite, you'll be perfectly situated to explore the Derwent Valley through peaceful riverside rambles, cycling the nearby trails, or climbing the gritstone edges above. End your days relaxing by the riverside at your camp as the sun sets over the hills. And fall asleep each night accompanied by the soothing sounds of nature at this idyllic campground in the heart of the Derwent Valley.

For a leisurely camping trip combining cycling and countryside pubs, the Derwent Valley Cycleway is perfect. This easy trail follows the course of the River Derwent from Ladybower Reservoir to Derby, offering a traffic-free route through the tranquil English countryside. Along the way are traditional country pubs where you can stop for a refreshing pint and hearty lunch after a pleasant morning's ride. It's a perfect active yet relaxing way to experience the Derwent Valley. An ideal base is Oaker Camping, located right next to the trail near the village of Belper. This peaceful campground has cozy yurts and wooden camping pods available, or you can pitch your own tent. The facilities are excellent with hot showers, well-kept toilet blocks, and picnic tables at each camping pitch. From the campsite, head out on the nearby cycleway to enjoy miles of flat, easy riding along the river and canals. Stop at the 15th century Holly Bush Inn in Makeney for lunch on their garden terrace overlooking the river. Or continue further to Milford and grab a table at The Boat Inn, which has an outdoor picnic area right on the banks of the Derwent.

After a day of idyllic cycling and pub lunches, return to your campsite at Oaker Farm. Relax by your tent and watch the sun set over the fields, before cooking up dinner on the communal BBQ. Then retire to your cozy yurt or pod for a wonderful night's sleep. You'll awake refreshed and ready for another day of cycling to country pubs along the Derwent Valley Cycleway.