Campsites near Leicester

Camp amid woodlands and hilly countryside right in the middle of England.

94% (758 reviews)
94% (758 reviews)

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Star Hosts in Leicester

12 top campsites near Leicester

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

Under £50

Dog-friendly getaways

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 Leicester guide

Overview

The inland city of Leicester, in the East Midlands, has an important place in British royal history and is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the country. Travellers can enjoy a range of artistic, historic, and culinary adventures in Leicester, which is one of the largest cities in the UK. Once you’re ready to escape the city, campers have plenty of options into broader Leicestershire county, as the more dense, urban parts of the city give way to parklands that were once home to kings and queens. Glamping, cabin and safari-tent style camping are a particular feature around Leicester and especially well-suited to camping in the Midlands’ climate.

Where to go

Charnwood Forest

This hilly area to the northwest of Leicester city contains several smaller parks, woodlands, and outdoor attractions that are of interest to lovers of the outdoors, including Bradgate Park, Swithland Wood, Bardon Hill, and Beacon Hill. Campers can stay at caravan parks, campsites, and glamping retreats in the small villages around Charnwood Forest and enjoy a rural atmosphere while still being just a short drive away from central Leicester.

Rutland Water

Once part of Leicestershire, Rutland is now a proudly independent county and is home to the peaceful Rutland Water. About 45 minutes’ drive east of central Leicester, Rutland Water is a popular spot for watersports, fishing, cycling, and wildlife watching. There’s a seasonal campsite (March–October) that offers easy access to Rutland Water’s many activities, and is suitable for caravans and campervans, as well as tents.

Loughborough

A small university town located just north of central Leicester, Loughborough is a good destination if you’d like to stay close to Leicester city without being right in it, or if you’re travelling north to Nottingham. A number of caravan parks and farm parks cater to all types of campers, including those without their own tents or vehicles.

When to go

The East Midlands experiences cold winters with occasional snow, and mild summers with long days. The best time to camp in the Leicester region are the warmer months, between May and September, when camping in a tent or unheated vehicle would not be uncomfortable. Many caravan parks close for the winter season, while those with cabin-style accommodation sometimes operate year-round.

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