Why Go Camping in the Peak District?

The Peak District National Park was the UK's first national park and remains one of its most loved destinations. Covering more than 550 square miles across Derbyshire, Staffordshire, Cheshire, Yorkshire and Greater Manchester, it combines spectacular landscapes with charming villages, historic houses and endless outdoor activities.

Camping allows you to experience the area at its very best. Wake up to panoramic countryside views, spend your days exploring the hills, and finish the evening watching the sunset with friends or family around a barbecue or fire pit.

Unlike staying in a busy town or city, camping offers the chance to slow down, reconnect with nature and enjoy the simple pleasures of the outdoors while still having easy access to excellent local pubs, cafés and attractions.

Favourite Peak District Destinations

The Peak District has something for every type of visitor.

The White Peak is known for its rolling limestone countryside, picturesque villages and gentle walking trails. Villages such as Hartington, Tissington and Ashford-in-the-Water are perfect for leisurely days exploring independent shops, cafés and traditional pubs.

The Dark Peak offers a more rugged landscape, with iconic locations including Mam Tor, Stanage Edge and Kinder Scout attracting walkers and photographers throughout the year.

Other popular destinations include:

• Bakewell
• Buxton
• Castleton
• Chatsworth House
• Dovedale
• Monsal Head
• Matlock Bath

Each offers something slightly different, making the Peak District a place you'll want to return to time and time again.

Walking, Cycling, Villages and Attractions

One of the biggest reasons people choose a Peak District camping holiday is the sheer variety of things to do.

Walking opportunities range from gentle riverside strolls to full-day hikes across open moorland.

Cyclists are equally well catered for, with traffic-free trails such as the Tissington Trail, High Peak Trail and Manifold Way providing miles of scenic riding for all abilities.

Families can explore caves, wildlife parks and country estates, while food lovers can enjoy artisan bakeries, traditional pubs and local farm shops throughout the region.

For more inspiration, browse our Things to Do page for seasonal ideas, walks and local recommendations.

Choosing Where and How to Stay

Every visitor enjoys the Peak District differently, so choosing the right accommodation is an important part of planning your trip.

Tent Camping

Nothing quite matches traditional camping.

Sleeping beneath the stars, cooking outdoors and waking to birdsong is an experience many families return to year after year.

When choosing a campsite, look for spacious pitches, electric hook-up options, clean facilities and convenient access to walking routes and nearby villages.

At Hartington Hills, our electric tent pitches are thoughtfully arranged to create a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere while offering easy access to our award-winning facilities.

Discover more about our Touring & Camping options.

Touring Caravans and Motorhomes

The Peak District is an excellent destination for touring caravans, campervans and motorhomes.

Many visitors enjoy travelling between beauty spots while having the comfort of their own accommodation.

Fully serviced pitches with electric hook-up, fresh water and grey waste drainage make longer stays much more enjoyable.

If you're travelling in a larger vehicle, it's also worth checking access routes before arrival, particularly in more rural areas where country lanes can be narrow.

Our spacious fully serviced touring pitches are designed to make setting up simple so you can spend more time exploring the Peak District.

Glamping and Holiday Cottages

If you love being surrounded by nature but prefer a little more comfort, glamping and holiday cottages offer the perfect balance.

Luxury glamping combines outdoor living with comfortable beds, heating and private facilities, while holiday cottages provide a cosy retreat after a day spent exploring.

They're ideal for couples celebrating a special occasion, visitors travelling outside the main camping season or anyone wanting to experience the countryside without bringing camping equipment.

Discover our luxury Glamping accommodation and cosy Holiday Cottages, designed to help you relax in the heart of the Peak District.

Facilities to Look For

Facilities can make all the difference to your stay.

Look for campsites offering:

• Modern toilet and shower blocks
• Electric hook-ups
• Family and accessible facilities
• Dog-friendly amenities
• Washing-up and laundry areas
• On-site shop
• Wi-Fi
• EV charging
• Fire pit and barbecue facilities

At Hartington Hills, our luxury facilities are one of the features guests mention most often, with underfloor heating, unlimited hot water, accessible amenities, an on-site shop and EV charging helping make every stay comfortable. We also allow the use of fire pits and even hire them out!

When to Visit the Peak District

The Peak District is beautiful throughout the year, with each season offering something unique.

Spring and Summer

Spring brings colourful wildflowers, newborn lambs and quieter walks before the school holidays begin.

Summer offers long evenings, outdoor dining, village events and the widest choice of walking and cycling opportunities.

This is the busiest time of year, so booking accommodation early is highly recommended.

Autumn and Winter

Autumn transforms the countryside with rich golden colours, crisp mornings and peaceful walks.

Winter offers a quieter experience, with cosy pubs, festive markets and dramatic landscapes that photographers love.

Glamping accommodation and holiday cottages are particularly popular during the colder months, offering warmth and comfort after a day outdoors.

We often run offers during Autumn and Winter, so see our Offers page to find out more.

Seasonal Availability and Busy Periods

School holidays, bank holidays and summer weekends are always the busiest periods.

If your dates are flexible, visiting in late spring or early autumn often provides excellent weather with fewer crowds.

Booking well in advance is particularly important if you're planning to stay during Easter, May bank holidays or the summer holidays.

Follow the Book Now link to check our availability for specific dates.

Planning Your Camping Holiday

A little preparation helps you enjoy your holiday from the moment you arrive.

Peak District Weather

The weather can change quickly, particularly on higher ground.

Even during summer it's worth bringing waterproof clothing and an extra warm layer for the evenings.

Checking the local forecast before heading out for a walk is always recommended. One of the most accurate websites is Buxton Weather.

What to Pack

A few essentials include:

• Waterproof jacket
• Walking boots
• Warm clothing
• Torch or head torch
• Portable charger
• Picnic equipment
• First aid kit
• Walking maps or GPS
• Reusable water bottle

If you're camping or caravanning, don't forget sturdy tent pegs, especially if you're staying on hardstanding pitches which will require rock pegs.

Travelling and Getting Around

The Peak District is easily reached from Sheffield, Manchester, Derby, Nottingham, Stoke-on-Trent and Birmingham.

Having a car provides the greatest flexibility, although many towns are connected by rail and bus services.

Once you're here, many of the best walks and cycle trails begin directly from local villages, meaning you can often leave the car behind.

Before travelling, visit our Find Us page for directions and helpful travel information.

Camping Rules and Countryside Safety

The Peak District is a protected national park, so responsible tourism helps preserve its beauty for future generations.

Remember to:

• Leave no trace
• Keep dogs under control around livestock
• Follow local fire regulations and never use a disposable barbecue outside of your campsite
• Stick to marked footpaths
• Close gates behind you
• Respect wildlife and neighbouring visitors

Choosing campsites that actively care for the environment also helps support sustainable tourism.

Hartington Hills has a long-standing commitment to sustainability, reflected in its Environmental Quality Mark accreditation and investment in renewable energy and environmentally responsible facilities.

Why Hartington Makes a Good Base

Location is everything when exploring the Peak District, and Hartington sits right at the heart of some of the National Park's finest scenery.

Hartington and Hulme End

Hartington is one of Derbyshire's most picturesque villages, with independent shops, traditional pubs, cafés and a famous cheese shop.

Just a short distance away, Hulme End offers peaceful countryside and easy access to the Manifold Valley.

Staying between these two locations gives visitors the perfect combination of tranquillity and convenience, it also allows visitors to explore both the Derbyshire Dales and the often overlooked Staffordshire Moorlands.

Hartington Hills enjoys an elevated rural setting with panoramic views while remaining within easy reach of local pubs, cafés and attractions.

Nearby Walks and Traffic-Free Trails

Some of the Peak District's best-loved walking and cycling routes begin nearby.

Popular options include:

• Manifold Way
• Beresford Dale
• Wolfescote Dale
• Dovedale
• Tissington Trail

These routes are suitable for a range of abilities and offer spectacular scenery throughout the year.

Whether you're looking for a gentle family walk or a full day's hiking, you'll find plenty of options within a short drive—or even directly from the campsite.

Day Trips Around the White Peak

Hartington is perfectly positioned for exploring the wider White Peak.

Within around 30 minutes you can visit:

• Chatsworth House
• Haddon Hall
• Bakewell
• Buxton
• Ashbourne
• Castleton
• Monsal Head
• Tissington
• Eyam

This central location means you can enjoy a different adventure every day without spending hours on the road.

Accommodation at Hartington Hills

At Hartington Hills, we've created a peaceful countryside retreat where guests can enjoy the very best of the Peak District while benefiting from modern comforts and warm hospitality.

Whether you're bringing a tent, caravan or motorhome, booking a luxury glamping stay or escaping to one of our cosy holiday cottages, you'll find carefully maintained accommodation, multi award-winning facilities and spectacular views in every direction. Our eco-conscious approach, friendly atmosphere and attention to detail have helped make Hartington Hills a favourite base for visitors returning to the Peak District year after year.

From here, you're perfectly placed to explore everything the National Park has to offer before returning to relax and unwind in peaceful surroundings.

If you're ready to plan your next countryside escape, explore our Touring, Glamping, Holiday Cottages, Facilities, Things to Do, FAQs and Book Now pages to find the perfect stay at Hartington Hills.