Campsites near Northampton

This East Midlands city comes with access to surrounding natural and cultural spots.

96% (875 reviews)
96% (875 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Northampton

Available this weekend

12 top campsites near Northampton

98%
(31)

The Meadow @ Waples Mill

12 units · Tents8 acres · Dunmow, England
Spacious grass pitches in the green Essex countryside A 15-minute drive to Chelmsford; 40 minutes to Audley End Tractor rides on site; firepits provided for campfires. Rural walks, How about proper farm activities like tractor rides (ask site staff for details)? The place to find all this is The Meadow at Waples Mill, an Essex farm site between Chelmsford and Dunmow (and about 15 minutes’ drive from both). This family-friendly site is handy for walks on the Essex Way and other local footpaths, and tractor and trailer rides around the farm are organised on alternate days to give guests a glimpse into agricultural life. Activities complete for the day, it's time to chill out, and that should be easy here – all pitches have access to toilets and hot showers in a trailer close by, and firepits are provided so you can have a safe campfire (with wood available to buy on site and a great farm shop 10 minutes’ drive away for fireside snacks). Pitches themselves are large, well kept and well spaced within a meadow that backs onto the River Roding. Dogs are welcome, and there are plenty of places to take them for a walk nearby. London folk looking for a quick escape to the countryside, this is a place to bear in mind – it’s only about an hour and quarter by road from the city.
Campfires
Showers
from 
£24
 / night
Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Campsites near Northampton guide

Overview

The East Midlands city of Northampton offers some pretty rural campsites on its outskirts, beyond the urban centre. While the centre of town is quite spacious with many attractive historic buildings (architecture enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the 78 Derngate house museum by modernist Charles Rennie Mackintosh), campsites near the River Nene, which runs south of the city, are the highlight for nature lovers. Campers have a range of choices in the surrounding area, from scout camps and glamping pods to well-equipped caravan parks.

Where to go

Pitsford Water

Just north of Northampton, this reservoir offers a range of outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, sailing, and birdwatching. While there is no campsite at Pitsford Water itself, suitable day-time camping can be found for campers in motorhomes who can stop to enjoy the setting en route to an overnight campsite. Explore the meadows, grassland, and woodlands while still being close to Northampton city.

Fotheringhay Castle

Northeast of Northampton, on the outskirts of the neighbouring city of Peterborough, is a ruined 12th-century castle site. It’s near the village of Fortheringhay, offering an almost-wild-camping experience. A couple of safari-style tents are available on farmland, as are limited caravan sites, but campers must bring most of their own supplies, including water for showering. Campers can paddleboard, kayak, or swim at the River Nene.

Milton Keynes

Less than 30 minutes’ drive south of Northampton, Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire is renowned for its grid-like plan and greenery. Here, campers don’t need to go beyond town to find somewhere to stay, as campsites, cabins, and farm stays all sit within Milton Keynes. With 15 lakes and 11 miles of canals, the area is a great spot for campers who enjoy boating and other water sports.

When to go

The best time to camp in and around Northampton is in the warmer months, between May and September, when camping in a tent or unheated vehicle is most comfortable. The East Midlands experience mild summers with long days, plus cold winters with occasional snow, when many caravan parks and other camping facilities close for the season. If you want to brave the cold, cabins and more permanent structures may be available.

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