Camping in Leek

Camping around Leek means making the most of the Staffordshire Moorlands and the southern fringe of the Peak District, with sites ranging from simple farm fields to more established touring and camping parks. As with the rest of England, wild camping on open moorland is not legal without the landowner's permission, so campers should stick to recognised campsites, of which the area around Leek, Rudyard Lake and Tittesworth Reservoir has a reasonable choice.

The terrain here is proper moorland edge country: gritstone ridges like The Roaches rise abruptly above rolling farmland, and the weather can turn quickly even in summer, so it is worth choosing a site with some shelter and coming prepared for wind and rain regardless of season. Sites near Rudyard Lake and Tittesworth Reservoir tend to suit families and watersports visitors, with easier access and facilities close by, while sites further out towards the moorland edge suit walkers and climbers heading for The Roaches or the wider Peak District National Park.

Late spring through to early autumn is the most reliable camping season, when the moorland is at its most colourful and the daylight hours make the most of the walking and cycling on offer. Midsummer can get busy at the more popular lakeside sites, so booking ahead is sensible. Glamping has also taken hold in the area, with a growing number of pods, yurts and safari tents scattered across Moorlands farms, offering a comfortable way to enjoy the views without needing your own tent and kit. For those combining a stay with exploring the Churnet Valley or the Peak District further north, Leek is a convenient, well-placed base with camping options to suit most budgets and levels of adventure.