Bakewell Camping & Caravanning Club Site Campite Review
Tucked away amongst mature trees in the beautiful White Peak area of the Peak District, Bakewell Camping and Caravanning Club Site offers the kind of peaceful, back-to-basics camping experience that can sometimes be hard to find.
I recently stayed here on a solo camping trip in my little Coleman Forest Lodge 4 tent which is ridiculously quick and easy to pitch, and it was exactly the kind of peaceful reset I’d been craving.
Relaxed camping with minimal facilities
The site itself is beautifully laid out, with spacious grassy pitches tucked amongst trees and greenery, giving the whole place a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. Despite being within easy reach of Bakewell and plenty of Peak District attractions, it somehow manages to feel totally tucked away from the world.
Although it’s called Bakewell campsite, it’s actually located some 5 miles away from the town of Bakewell itself, on the outskirts of the charming little village of Youlgreave. Here you’ll find a peaceful pocket of the Peak District that feels a world away from the busier tourist spots.
Despite its small size, Youlgreave has a couple of traditional pubs, a village shop, a fab little artisan bakery and heaps of charming character. It’s the sort of place where walkers, cyclists, and campers are naturally drawn towards.
Friendly wardens and a warm welcome
The two wardens on site were also absolutely lovely. Friendly, welcoming and genuinely helpful throughout my stay. That kind of atmosphere makes such a difference when you’re travelling solo, and the site overall felt very safe, relaxed and well cared for.
One of my favourite moments of the entire trip came on the very first morning. Wrapped up warm with a fresh coffee in hand, I stepped out of the tent to the sound of birds and found two pheasants wandering just metres from my pitch, happily scampering around. It was one of those wonderfully simple camping moments that instantly slows your nervous system down.
The soundtrack throughout my stay was birdsong, rustling leaves and the occasional friendly hello – exactly my kind of campsite.
A site for campers who genuinely enjoy camping
One of the things I appreciated most about this site is that it attracts a quieter, more chilled type of camper. Because the facilities are so basic (there’s no toilet or shower block) and the site leans more towards traditional camping than family entertainment, the atmosphere feels quiet and calm rather than noisy and chaotic.
Personally, I absolutely love this kind of camping. I’m entirely self-sufficient when I camp and always travel with my own camp toilet, shower setup and a plethora of creature comforts, so the lack of facilities is never an issue for me. Honestly, I tend to find that the more basic sites tend to attract campers who are there for the same reasons I am, nature, peace and fresh air. Thankfully, the lack of facilities meant no screaming kids or rowdy late nights.
So what will you find at Bakewell Camping & Caravanning Club Site? Beautifully well-kept pitches, with or without electric hookups, a small but lovely children’s park, a small park, WiFi and pets are welcome too.
Cosy solo camping comforts
Although I was camping solo, I’d booked an electric hook-up pitch which felt wonderfully indulgent and allowed me to bring along a few extra comforts that made the trip especially cosy. My electric blanket, Kampa Diddy heater and little bedside lamp transformed the tent into a warm, welcoming retreat once the temperatures dropped in the evenings.
Combined with my flat pitch beneath the trees, it ended up being one of those rare camping setups that feels both simple and incredibly restorative at the same time.
Things worth knowing before you arrive
The approach through the village is probably the only slightly nerve-wracking part of the experience, especially if you’re towing or in a campervan. However, taken slowly and carefully, it’s absolutely manageable and very much worth it once you arrive.
Its location is also ideal for exploring the wider Peak District, with plenty of walks, villages and attractions just a short drive away, while still retaining that lovely “away from it all” feel back on site.
If your ideal campsite involves entertainment, packed activity schedules and endless facilities, this probably won’t be the site for you. But if, like me, you love peaceful pitches, birdsong, mature trees, cosy evenings in the tent and a slower, more traditional style of camping, Bakewell Camping and Caravanning Club Site is an absolute gem. I loved it and I’ll definitely return.
Find out more or book your stay at Bakwell Camping and Caravanning Club Site.
