The smell of pine needles underfoot and the creak of tall conifers overhead — this is proper woodland camping in the heart of Staffordshire's old hunting forest.
Needwood Forest Scout Camp welcomes tents, campervans and caravans into its sheltered clearings, making it a flexible option for families, groups, and anyone drawn to this historic stretch of countryside between Burton-on-Trent and Uttoxeter. It's Scout-run, so expect a back-to-basics feel rather than glamping polish, and the forest setting means you're tucked away from roads and villages in a way that's increasingly rare in the Midlands.
Facilities aren't listed in detail, so it's worth ringing ahead to check what's available when you arrive — the same goes for campfires, which may be allowed depending on conditions and the time of year. This is a simple, wooded site with space to breathe and a quiet, outdoorsy vibe that suits people happy to keep things low-key.
5 routes found via OpenStreetMap
Loops gently through Sudbury Hall's parkland on mostly flat, well-maintained paths suitable for families and buggies. Dogs welcome on leads. Takes in the estate's historic trees, ornamental gardens and views of the magnificent 17th-century hall – perfect for combining with a café stop and house tour if visiting the National Trust property.
Spans 65km through Staffordshire, linking the county's north and south with varied terrain from gentle canal towpaths to moderate woodland climbs and open farmland. Expect mostly well-marked bridleways and footpaths with some steep sections near moorland edges. Suitable for older children on shorter segments, but the full route's length and elevation changes make it challenging for little ones and impossible for buggies. Dogs welcome throughout on leads near livestock. Offers genuine countryside
Traverses 75 miles through the National Forest in the Midlands, mixing dense woodland, open farmland and gentle rolling terrain with occasional short climbs. Suitable for families tackling day sections, though full-distance hikers will find multi-day itineraries more practical than attempting with buggies. Dogs welcome on leads near livestock. Worth doing for the transformation story—walking through Britain's boldest modern rewilding project where 9 million trees have reclaimed former coalfields
Walk data © OpenStreetMap contributors · Open in Maps uses Google / Apple Maps
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Try Pro free for 14 daysData from OpenStreetMap · distances "as the crow flies" · walk times approximate
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