Carsington Water Caravan And Motorhome Club Campsite Ashbourne

Let’s talk about a campsite that’s basically a secret kingdom for adventurers. Carsington Water Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite in Ashbourne is not your average patch of grass. It’s a gateway to watery weirdness and Derbyshire charm.

First, forget everything you know about “just another caravan park.” This place sits right on the edge of Carsington Water, a massive reservoir. It’s so big, you’ll feel like you’re camping next to an inland sea.

Quirky fact number one: the reservoir is a giant drinking cup for the East Midlands. Seriously, it holds over 25 billion litres of water. That’s enough to fill a million bathtubs every single day.

Why this spot is a total win

The campsite itself is a neat little grid of hardstanding pitches. No mud wrestling required. It’s pristine, quiet, and run by the Caravan and Motorhome Club—so you know the facilities are spotless.

But the real magic happens outside your van. You can step off your pitch and instantly be on a 12-mile traffic-free cycle path. It’s like the campsite has its own secret highway for wheels.

And the view? Wow. The water glitters right in front of you. On a sunny day, it looks like a lake in a fantasy movie. On a moody day, it’s all dramatic clouds and ripples.

The wildlife will surprise you

Don’t be shocked if you see a heron staring at you like you’re a trespasser. They are the grumpy gatekeepers of the reservoir. Also, keep an eye out for cormorants. They dry their wings like tiny vampires after a swim.

For bird nerds, this is heaven. You can spot ospreys, red kites, and even the odd kingfisher. It’s like a free nature documentary, just outside your awning.

Funniest detail: the ducks here are total extroverts. They’ll waddle right up to your pitch and demand snacks. Don’t feed them bread—it’s bad for them. But they’ll judge you for ignoring them.

Things to do when you must leave the campsite

Ashbourne is just a three-mile drive away. This town is a time capsule of cobblestones and cutesy shops. It’s famous for its gingerbread—a proper spicy, chewy treat that’s been made since the 1800s.

Also, Ashbourne claims to have the world’s smallest town hall. I’m not sure if that’s verified, but it’s a fun thing to boast about over a cuppa. Try the chip shop too—massive portions.

If you’re feeling brave, drive to Dovedale. That’s a stepping-stone river that looks like something out of “The Hobbit.” Kids and adults alike try not to fall in. It’s harder than it looks.

The quirky gear you’ll see

At this campsite, you’ll spot all kinds of unusual camping setups. Old-school VW campers with peace signs. Massive American RVs that look like space shuttles. And the occasional tent that’s practically a mansion.

One time, a couple parked next to us had a foldable canoe. Yes, they unfolded a boat. They paddled straight from the campsite onto the reservoir. That’s the level of epic you can achieve here.

Also, the on-site facilities include a laundry room—smart move if you spill tea on your fleece. And a waste disposal point that’s surprisingly not gross. The club runs it with military precision.

Why this campsite is just fun

Carsington Water is a place where serious relaxation meets silly adventures. You can spend the whole day doing nothing but watching the water change colour. Or you can hire a bike and race around the reservoir like a maniac.

The best part? It’s uncrowded. Even in summer, it doesn’t feel like a circus. You get space to breathe, laugh, and maybe trip over your own awning lines.

There’s a little on-site shop for emergencies. But the real fun is cooking up a storm on your barbecue. The smell of sausages mixed with fresh reservoir air—that’s pure happiness.

A final weird fact

Carsington Water has a huge playground for boats. You can sail, kayak, or windsurf. But here’s the kicker: it’s also a trout fishery. So while you’re kayaking, a fish might be swimming right underneath you, judging your paddling technique.

Also, the dam is enormous. It’s an earth-fill dam, which means it’s basically a giant pile of dirt holding back a lake. That fact always makes me giggle—it sounds so simple, but it works brilliantly.

In the evening, the sky puts on a spectacular show. Sunsets over the water are pure magic. And the lack of streetlights means you can see a million stars. It’s like the universe is winking at you.

So pack your sense of adventure and a good sense of humour. Carsington Water Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite is the playground you never knew you needed. Go see the ducks. Try not to fall in the reservoir. You’ll love it.