10 best UK campsites for mountain biking
Mountain biking adventures and camping trips go hand in hand, whether you’re planning a long family holiday or just a quick weekend escape to the countryside. What better way to make the most of the fresh air than to retreat to a camping or glamping site at the end of your day out on the bike, so you can still keep taking in the scenery even after the wheels have stopped turning?
The UK has a huge variety of fabulous places to get out and about on your bike, from dedicated mountain bike parks to challenging mountain climbs to family-friendly trails through woodland scenery. And it’s also got a whole lot of great places to stay near these locations for an affordable and atmospheric break. With that in mind, we’ve picked out 10 of the best UK campsites for mountain bike adventures.
10 of the best UK campsites for mountain biking
From semi-wild camping all the way up to luxury glamping pods, these campsites have all been picked for their proximity to some of the UK’s best mountain biking locations, and the fact that they’ve all picked up great reviews from previous Pitchup customers.
Clwydian Holidays
Graig, Llanelidan
Ruthin, Denbighshire LL15 2TB 
Why here? The Clwydian Range may be less well known than the peaks of Snowdonia, but the hills here hold some of the best mountain biking areas to be found anywhere in Wales – Llandegla Forest and the Coed y Brenin Forest Park are a couple of the top spots, along with the excellent 10-mile circuit around Moel Famau. All of the above are within easy reach of the peaceful Clwydian Holidays, on a working farm near Ruthin. Pitches and pods here all have gorgeous views over the green scenery to enjoy while you refuel with meals cooked up in the well-equipped kitchen.
Key facilities: Kitchen facilities, firepit hire, showers, toilets, dogs allowed
One last thing… The dark skies around this site lend themselves well to stargazing on cloudless nights, and there are chimineas and firepits for hire so you can keep cosy while you gaze up into the heavens.
Woodland Farm Glamping
Hastings Road, Pembury
Kent TN2 4BL 
Why here? This is a splendid location for an outdoor break near London – there are plenty of beaches, castles and walking trails to visit nearby, along with activities including rock climbing and canoeing, and it’s all a little over an hour’s drive from the city. The mountain biking opportunities are plentiful too, with some of the hotspots being Bewl Water’s lakeside route and the trails at Penshurst Off-Road Centre. It’s a lovely place to stay too, as you’ll bed down in luxury bell tents kitted out with all sorts of extras from rugs and fairy lights to a kitchen kit and your own personal firepit.
Key facilities: Kitchen facilities, firepits, showers, toilets
One last thing… If you’ve worn yourselves out on the bikes, there are plenty of gentler options around too, including rides on the Spa Valley Railway and games of Pooh Sticks in Ashdown Forest, home of Winnie the Pooh.
Tackeroo Caravan Site
Penkridge Bank Road
Rugeley, Staffordshire WS15 2UA 
Why here? If you’re after mountain biking in the Midlands, there’s no better spot than this: Tackeroo Caravan Site is in Cannock Chase, right alongside the Follow The Dog trail. This was the first dedicated mountain bike trail in the Midlands and it’s still hailed by many as the best around – although there are also plenty of other trails around these parts to keep you busy while you’re here. The campsite is a great place to soak up the fresh air too – simple pitches are set up on Forestry Commission land and surrounded by soaring pine and evergreen trees.
Key facilities: Chemical disposal, dogs allowed
One last thing… This is a wild-style site that aims to make minimal impact on nature, so there are no toilets or showers – make sure you’ve got your facilities sorted before setting off.
Parkgate Farm Holidays
Irton, Eskdale
Cumbria CA19 1YN 
Why here? The Lake District is a wonderful area to explore on mountain bikes – there are lots of great routes around with a backdrop of some of the country’s most spectacular scenery. And Parkgate Farm Holidays makes a fine base from which to get out on two wheels: the Eskdale location is slightly removed from the main tourist honeypots, so you should have a little more space for your outings than you might find elsewhere around the national park. The accommodation is pretty enticing too, in cosy cottages or caravans with private bathrooms and kitchen facilities for a properly self-contained stay.
Key facilities: Kitchen facilities, bathrooms, dogs allowed
One last thing… If you’d rather tour on four legs than two wheels, it’s handy to note that this site offers stabling facilities for visiting horses for a small extra charge.
North Muasdale Farm
Muasdale, Argyll
PA29 6XD 
Why here? Fresh air and luxury mix in the most wonderful way at North Muasdale Farm, a glamping site on a Kintyre Peninsula hillside. This is a spectacular part of Scotland, with scenery that lends itself well to mountain biking, hikes, golf and various other outdoor pursuits. And once you’re done with your exploring for the day, you’ll retreat to a gorgeous little cabin with views out over the sea to the islands of Jura, Gigha and Islay – all best viewed from the bubbling warmth of the private hot tub just outside.
Key facilities: Hot tub, kitchen facilities, ensuite bathroom, laundry facilities, dogs allowed
One last thing… For a true taste of Scotland, whisky hub Campeltown is only a 25-minute drive away; head here for tours, tastings and to pick up a bottle to toast the stunning scenery back at the cabin.
Cragg Farm Camping Pods
Cragg Farm, Eaglesfield
Cockermouth, Cumbria CA13 0SG 
Why here? Whinlatter Forest Park is a name that’s well known among mountain bike enthusiasts – it’s full of well-maintained trails, challenging climbs and stunning scenery. Getting there from Cragg Farm Camping Pods, near Cockermouth, should only take you about 20 minutes or so in the car, so it’s easily doable for a full day out. Waiting at the end of the return journey is a cluster of high-end camping pods with views over the northern fells of the Lake District and a great collection of facilities, including fully-equipped kitchens, TVs, ensuite bathrooms and underfloor heating.
Key facilities: Kitchen facilities, private bathrooms, double glazing, heating
One last thing… Whinlatter Forest Park also has play areas, a Go Ape treetop course and a café, so it’s a great spot for a family day out with several age groups.
South Town Farm
Loxhore, Barnstaple
Devon EX31 4SS 
Why here? Devon’s South Town Farm is a perennial favourite with Pitchup customers, who give it the thumbs up for well-kept pitches, scenic surroundings and welcoming owners who go the extra mile to keep their guests happy. The location is a real winner too: pitches here are part of the huge 2,700-acre Arlington estate, which has miles of footpaths and bike trails running through its farmland and woods. Mountain bike trails around here are relatively gentle, so they’re suitable for families – and there’s also the option of the Tarka Trail for a flat and traffic-free ride through the Devon countryside.
Key facilities: Toilets, showers, firepits to borrow
One last thing… If you’ve not worn your legs out with bike rides near the farm, there are many more miles of cycling and walking trails to explore in Exmoor National Park, half an hour’s drive away.
High Ashes Haven
High Ashes Farm, Ashover
Chesterfield, Derbyshire S45 0LH 
Why here? Haven is the right word for this peaceful site in the Derbyshire countryside – the accommodation at this historic farm is warm, comfortable and brightly decorated with luxury touches like a goose feather and down duvet and a wood-fired pizza oven. All of this means that High Ashes Haven makes a splendid retreat to come back to after days of pedalling along the mountain bike trails of the Peak District National Park, the edge of which is a few miles away. Horse riding, fishing, hikes and family attractions are all nearby too if you fancy mixing up the activities while you’re here.
Key facilities: Kitchen facilities, firepit provided, showers, toilets
One last thing… The surrounding area is so scenic it’s had a starring role in several films, including 2019’s Mary Queen of Scots.
The Hen’s Dens at Orchard Organic Farm
Gabwell Hill, Stokeinteignhead
Newton Abbot, Devon TQ12 4QP 
Why here? You’ll definitely want to bring bikes along for a stay at The Hen’s Dens at Orchard Organic Farm – this delightful Devon site is only about half an hour’s drive from Dartmoor National Park, a place of many, many trails to explore by bike. And you’ll definitely want to plan a bit of time on site here too: these cosy pods are tucked away in a peaceful spot among the cobnut trees looking out over the apple orchard, with picnic benches, barbecues and firepits provided to help you make the most of your downtime spent out in the fresh air.
Key facilities: Play area, games room, launderette, showers, toilets, dogs allowed
One last thing… If you fancy swapping your wheels for walking boots, it’s only about a mile to the South West Coast Path from here – and a similar distance to the nearest beach if you’d like a paddle.
Book The Hen’s Dens at Orchard Organic Farm
Dall Cottage Camping
Calvine, Pitlochry
Perthshire PH18 5UL 
Why here? This is some truly wild scenery – in fact, this Perthshire site is only accessible by walkers, cyclists and those in 4x4 vehicles because of its location next to a river ford on the river Garry. This approach means that Dall Cottage Camping has a definite feeling of remote wild camping – although it’s not actually wild, as you’ll have access to a toilet and shower along with firepits to keep your evenings warm. And the mountain biking? There’s plenty of that to be done from this setting on the edge of the Cairngorms and close to the Tay Forest Park.
Key facilities: Fishing, toilet, shower, firepits, dogs allowed
One last thing… Don’t worry if you don’t have a 4x4 vehicle to hand – despite its remote atmosphere the site is actually easily accessible via the A9, with parking and a lift in a suitable vehicle available for those travelling in standard cars.
Where else might you like to venture with your mountain bike? Pitchup’s listings are packed with options around the UK, from simple pitches to luxury glamping setups. Click on the links below to see all available campsites and find the perfect spot for your outdoor break.
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