Camping in Stafford

Stafford itself is a town rather than a camping destination, but it sits within easy striking distance of some genuinely good camping country, particularly the heathland and pine forests of Cannock Chase a few miles to the south. As with anywhere in England, wild camping without the landowner's permission is against the law, so pitching up on the Chase or in the surrounding farmland requires a proper campsite or a farmer's explicit consent rather than finding a quiet clearing for the night. Fortunately there is no shortage of legitimate options: small family-run campsites and caravan parks dot the villages around Cannock Chase and along the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal, many offering grass pitches for tents alongside hookups for tourers and motorhomes.

The terrain here suits campers who like their outdoors gentle rather than dramatic, think ancient oak woodland, open heath and canal towpaths rather than mountains, which makes it a good match for families and those newer to camping. Cannock Chase's way-marked trails are ideal for a day's walk or mountain bike ride straight from a nearby pitch, and the resident fallow deer are often spotted at dawn and dusk near the woodland edges. The Chase's sandy, free-draining soil also means paths stay walkable even after wet weather, a genuine advantage in an English summer.

Late spring to early autumn is the best window for camping around Stafford, when the bracken and heather are at their best and the longer evenings suit a fire pit and a barbecue after a day exploring Shugborough Estate or the castle. For anyone who prefers a roof over their head without giving up the outdoor feel, several sites in the area have added glamping options, from safari tents to shepherd's huts, which extend the season into spring and autumn when a canvas tent might feel a bit exposed. Whichever way you choose to stay, Cannock Chase's combination of accessible walking, wildlife and proximity to Stafford's historic centre makes it one of the more underrated bases for a short camping trip in the Midlands.