Best camping, glamping, and outdoor stays in East Midlands

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East Midlands is the UK’s unassuming heartland, where industrial cities and historic market towns are hemmed together by a patchwork of farmlands and river valleys. Mild temperatures make this a year-round destination for outdoor adventures, and campers can sleep in tents, yurts, tipis, and glamping pods. Hike through the valleys in the Peak District National Park, stroll around stately homes, or explore woodland trails in the footsteps of local legend Robin Hood. In summer, the sandy shores of Skegness offer a traditional English seaside experience, while fall is the time for forest walks and bike rides, ablaze with autumnal colours.

95% (1.1K) 881 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near East Midlands

7. The Old Vicarage

79%
(17)
6 units · Tents, Glamping · Retford, Nottinghamshire, East Midlands
The Old Vicarage offers a relaxed and tranquil atmosphere for your stay for camping. We have BBQ's, camp fires to hire and have the shallow river to play in. Free Wifi. Well behaved dogs allowed on leads at all times. Riverside site in grounds of a 17th-century house in Nottinghamshire Close to Sherwood Forest and 25 miles from Nottingham Cave bar on site open on Bank Holidays You'll sense the history all around you at The Old Vicarage, from the old house to the remains of the water mill in the river bed. Stays here are in the grounds of a 17th-century house in the village of Elkesley, six miles from Worksop and 25 miles from Nottingham. Its grounds run down to the banks of the Poulter river, and are lined with stands of acacia, sycamore, ash and oak trees which were originally donated to the first vicar by the Duke of Newcastle in the 1830s. There's plenty of space around the site for traditional outdoor activities, with a rope swing and stepping stones over the shallow river and a bridge that's perfect for playing Pooh Sticks. In the surrounding area there are animal parks and nature reserves to walk around, or to head back further in time, you could take one of the trails through ancient Sherwood Forest, around quarter of an hour's drive away. Guest facilities on site centre around the Cave Bar, a cool little space built into an exposure of 500-million-year-old sandstone, plus an outdoor terrace for sipping drinks out in the sunshine. Other amenities include a washing-up area and bathrooms with plentiful hot showers, toilets and baby changing facilities. No Fire Pits BBQ;s off the floor. No disposable BBQ;s CHECK IN BETWEEN 2PM AND 6PM CHECK INS AFTER 6PM INCUR A FEE OF £10.00 FOR LATE CHECK IN
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£28
 / night

18. Camp Lion - Yorkshire Wildlife Park

2 units · Tents, Motorhomes · England
*Family-friendly site within the grounds of Yorkshire Wildlife Park *Easy access from the M18; discounted entry to the wildlife park *Bar in the Mess Tent, Camp Lion shop and Oasis Kids Play Area Heres the chance for the whole family to go completely wild… in the nicest possible way of course. Now you and the kids can stay overnight at Camp Lion at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, the ‘wildest family-friendly campsite in South Yorkshire, and wake up to birdsong and the truly unforgettable sound of African lions roaring… Come along to Camp Lion and you`ll be staying in a spacious grass meadow within the grounds of Yorkshire Wildlife Park. Booking a stay entitles you to exclusive discounted multi-day entry to the park, and additional discounted days can be added during your stay - please just ask at the Camp Lion office. Even after the park closes for the day, you can look forward to organised games and evening activities under the cover of Camp Lion Lodge Mess Tent, where theres a licensed bar and snacks on offer too. Site facilities also include a breakfast den, access to the Oasis Kids Outdoor Play Area and Camp Lion Shop, where you can pick up anything vital that got left behind at home. There`s also plenty of space to let the kids have a good run around (and hopefully tire themselves out ready for a good night`s sleep…) Camp Lion is a doddle to get to as well, being just five minutes drive from Junction 3 of the M18 and 20 minutes from the centre of Doncaster. Available Pitch Types *Tent/Touring/Motorhome non-electric grass pitches x 100 2025 Opening Dates Friday 23rd May - Sunday 1st June 2025 Friday 11th July - Sunday 13th July 2025 Friday 18th July - Monday 1st September 2025 Check In - From 3pm Check Out - By 11am
Showers
Potable water
Picnic table
from 
£38
 / night

19. Lakeview Paddock

2 units · Tents, Motorhomes · England
Lakeview Paddock is a peaceful, well-kept certificated site set in the heart of the Cambridgeshire countryside, just a short walk from the beautiful shores of Grafham Water. Open 365 days a year, we welcome tents, caravans, campervans and motorhomes. Guests can choose from spacious grass pitches or three level hard-standing pitches, all with electric hook-up and easy access. The site is known for its friendly welcome, immaculate standards, and calm, natural atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy newly refurbished toilets and showers, a hot-water wash-up area, recycling points, clear signage, and plenty of open space to relax and unwind beneath the big skies. Lakeview Paddock is perfectly positioned for walkers, cyclists, wildlife lovers, paddleboarders and families seeking a safe, quiet retreat. Grafham Water’s circular walking and cycling route, its nature reserve, fishing areas and sailing club are all close by, making it an ideal base for outdoor adventures. Local pubs, village shops, cafés and farm shops are only minutes away, with the market towns of St Neots and Huntingdon providing further amenities. Despite its convenience, the site still feels like a tucked-away countryside escape. A warm welcome awaits you at Lakeview Paddock — a peaceful, all-year retreat with everything you need close at hand.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
from 
£16
 / night

East Midlands is the UK’s unassuming heartland, where industrial cities and historic market towns are hemmed together by a patchwork of farmlands and river valleys. Mild temperatures make this a year-round destination for outdoor adventures, and campers can sleep in tents, yurts, tipis, and glamping pods. Hike through the valleys in the Peak District National Park, stroll around stately homes, or explore woodland trails in the footsteps of local legend Robin Hood. In summer, the sandy shores of Skegness offer a traditional English seaside experience, while fall is the time for forest walks and bike rides, ablaze with autumnal colours.

95% (1.1K) 881 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near East Midlands

7. The Old Vicarage

79%
(17)
6 units · Tents, Glamping · Retford, Nottinghamshire, East Midlands
The Old Vicarage offers a relaxed and tranquil atmosphere for your stay for camping. We have BBQ's, camp fires to hire and have the shallow river to play in. Free Wifi. Well behaved dogs allowed on leads at all times. Riverside site in grounds of a 17th-century house in Nottinghamshire Close to Sherwood Forest and 25 miles from Nottingham Cave bar on site open on Bank Holidays You'll sense the history all around you at The Old Vicarage, from the old house to the remains of the water mill in the river bed. Stays here are in the grounds of a 17th-century house in the village of Elkesley, six miles from Worksop and 25 miles from Nottingham. Its grounds run down to the banks of the Poulter river, and are lined with stands of acacia, sycamore, ash and oak trees which were originally donated to the first vicar by the Duke of Newcastle in the 1830s. There's plenty of space around the site for traditional outdoor activities, with a rope swing and stepping stones over the shallow river and a bridge that's perfect for playing Pooh Sticks. In the surrounding area there are animal parks and nature reserves to walk around, or to head back further in time, you could take one of the trails through ancient Sherwood Forest, around quarter of an hour's drive away. Guest facilities on site centre around the Cave Bar, a cool little space built into an exposure of 500-million-year-old sandstone, plus an outdoor terrace for sipping drinks out in the sunshine. Other amenities include a washing-up area and bathrooms with plentiful hot showers, toilets and baby changing facilities. No Fire Pits BBQ;s off the floor. No disposable BBQ;s CHECK IN BETWEEN 2PM AND 6PM CHECK INS AFTER 6PM INCUR A FEE OF £10.00 FOR LATE CHECK IN
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£28
 / night

18. Camp Lion - Yorkshire Wildlife Park

2 units · Tents, Motorhomes · England
*Family-friendly site within the grounds of Yorkshire Wildlife Park *Easy access from the M18; discounted entry to the wildlife park *Bar in the Mess Tent, Camp Lion shop and Oasis Kids Play Area Heres the chance for the whole family to go completely wild… in the nicest possible way of course. Now you and the kids can stay overnight at Camp Lion at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, the ‘wildest family-friendly campsite in South Yorkshire, and wake up to birdsong and the truly unforgettable sound of African lions roaring… Come along to Camp Lion and you`ll be staying in a spacious grass meadow within the grounds of Yorkshire Wildlife Park. Booking a stay entitles you to exclusive discounted multi-day entry to the park, and additional discounted days can be added during your stay - please just ask at the Camp Lion office. Even after the park closes for the day, you can look forward to organised games and evening activities under the cover of Camp Lion Lodge Mess Tent, where theres a licensed bar and snacks on offer too. Site facilities also include a breakfast den, access to the Oasis Kids Outdoor Play Area and Camp Lion Shop, where you can pick up anything vital that got left behind at home. There`s also plenty of space to let the kids have a good run around (and hopefully tire themselves out ready for a good night`s sleep…) Camp Lion is a doddle to get to as well, being just five minutes drive from Junction 3 of the M18 and 20 minutes from the centre of Doncaster. Available Pitch Types *Tent/Touring/Motorhome non-electric grass pitches x 100 2025 Opening Dates Friday 23rd May - Sunday 1st June 2025 Friday 11th July - Sunday 13th July 2025 Friday 18th July - Monday 1st September 2025 Check In - From 3pm Check Out - By 11am
Showers
Potable water
Picnic table
from 
£38
 / night

19. Lakeview Paddock

2 units · Tents, Motorhomes · England
Lakeview Paddock is a peaceful, well-kept certificated site set in the heart of the Cambridgeshire countryside, just a short walk from the beautiful shores of Grafham Water. Open 365 days a year, we welcome tents, caravans, campervans and motorhomes. Guests can choose from spacious grass pitches or three level hard-standing pitches, all with electric hook-up and easy access. The site is known for its friendly welcome, immaculate standards, and calm, natural atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy newly refurbished toilets and showers, a hot-water wash-up area, recycling points, clear signage, and plenty of open space to relax and unwind beneath the big skies. Lakeview Paddock is perfectly positioned for walkers, cyclists, wildlife lovers, paddleboarders and families seeking a safe, quiet retreat. Grafham Water’s circular walking and cycling route, its nature reserve, fishing areas and sailing club are all close by, making it an ideal base for outdoor adventures. Local pubs, village shops, cafés and farm shops are only minutes away, with the market towns of St Neots and Huntingdon providing further amenities. Despite its convenience, the site still feels like a tucked-away countryside escape. A warm welcome awaits you at Lakeview Paddock — a peaceful, all-year retreat with everything you need close at hand.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
from 
£16
 / night

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Best camping, glamping, and outdoor stays in East Midlands guide

Where to go

Nottinghamshire

The stomping ground of Robin Hood, it’s little surprise that Nottinghamshire is famed for its forests. Campers can pitch up in the heart of Sherwood Forest, enjoy walks and bike rides through the woodlands, or go zip-lining through the trees. Nearby, stroll through the bluebell woods of Clumber Park, which are magnificent in springtime; spot wild deer in Wollaton Park; or take a canal boat cruise along the Trent River.

Derbyshire

Derbyshire is hiking country and the gateway to the Peak District National Park, where moorlands, dales, and gritstone cliffs blanket the landscapes. Hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing are all popular activities within the park, while a pitstop in Bakewell (home of the Bakewell Tart) and a visit to Chatsworth House are also regional musts. Campers have options, whether you want to park up your caravan on the Chatsworth Estate or pitch your tent on the moors.

Lincolnshire

Lincolnshire’s headline act is Lincoln Cathedral, but there's more to discover than history and heritage in this rural county. Come in spring to see the region's renowned tulips in full bloom, then escape to the lowland forests and valleys of the Lincolnshire Wolds, where walking trails and camping sites line the hillsides. Along the coast, Skegness is the quintessential beach resort of the Midlands, where summer campers can pitch up right by the seaside.

Leicestershire

Heritage towns, deer parks, and 15th-century battlefields dot the countryside of Leicestershire. Simple pleasures await campers, whether walking amid fields of snowdrops in the Dimminsdale Nature Reserve (visit in late winter), glamping in the shadows of Belvoir Castle, or checking into a tranquil caravan park in the middle of the countryside.