If you love camping and a good scare, October is the perfect time to combine the two. Across the UK, forests, moors and ancient ruins have their fair share of ghost stories and legends. Whether you believe in the supernatural or not, these haunted campsites and outdoor spots will make your next autumn camping trip one to remember. And there’s no better time to embrace all things weird than Halloween.
Cannock Chase, Staffordshire
This sprawling forest has long been linked with plenty of eerie tales, from ghostly Roman soldiers to the infamous ‘black-eyed child’ sightings. Nightfall brings a real sense of mystery to the pine woods, making it one of the UK’s spookiest camping spots. Pack a reliable headlamp and spare batteries—you’ll need them if the mist rolls in.
Dartmoor, Devon
Home of the Hound of the Baskervilles, Dartmoor is filled with ghostly tales, from spectral hounds to headless horsemen. Camping on the moor under a sky full of stars is unforgettable—though the howling wind might make you think twice about those legends. We think a sturdy, windproof tent is a necessity here.
Pluckley, Kent
Pluckley, based in Kent, is often called the most haunted village in England. Known for its haunted woods and spectral horse-drawn carriages, the village is in the 1989 Guinness World Records for its assortment of ghosts, which is reportedly up to 12 or 13. Several campsites nearby give thrill-seekers the chance to set up camp and experience the eerie atmosphere at hand. Make sure you bring a sleeping bag rated for lower temperatures, helping to keep you warm when the chill sets in.
Pendle Hill, Lancashire
Famous for the 1612 witch trials, one of the most famous witch trials in English history, Pendle Hill is steeped in spooky history and perfect for camping. The landscape is untamed and the wind is sharp—bring an insulated mat to keep you cosy when the ground is cold and damp. Wild campers and walkers often report strange lights and unexplained noises in the area. There’s no better spot for a Halloween camping trip… if you dare!
Wistman’s Wood, Devon
This ancient oak woodland on Dartmoor is often described as one of the most haunted outdoor spots in the UK. With its gnarled trees draped in moss and legends of ghostly Druids performing rituals, it’s an atmospheric (and slightly unsettling) place to pitch a tent nearby. Many say the woods are haunted by the spectral ‘Wisht Hounds’ that prowl at night. Stay dry with a good groundsheet as the first floor gets damp and muddy in autumn.
The Black Mountains, Wales
On the edge of the Brecon Beacons, the Black Mountains are shrouded in myths of phantom monks, restless spirits and strange lights on the hillsides. Wild campers often report hearing footsteps outside their tents in the dead of night, even when no one is there. The combination of rugged beauty and eerie folklore makes it a chillingly perfect autumn camping destination.
Brave Enough for a Spooky Campout?
Camping in legendary haunted places isn’t for everyone, but for thrill-seeking outdoor enthusiasts, it’s a Halloween adventure under the stars like no other. Just remember to bring the right gear and reproof your tent with Fabsil beforehand because being cold and unprepared is scarier than any ghost story.
