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Rivendale is a campsite divided by two standards - for an extra £1. 50 per night, one side is fully accessible with stone roads, good drainage, has a large toilet and shower block with separate men and ladies’ facilities. Here the general upkeep and presentation is also well maintained. However, this area is sloped and very overcrowded - some tents were so close their support ropes overlapped.
We’ve just arrived home after a nightmare holiday on the ‘other’ side of Rivendale, called the Meadow as the main site was full. The first shock was the fact our tiny toilet/shower block was unisex and shared by dozens of large groups/families.
The “Meadow” section, as they call it, is labelled this way because they claim it is for wild camping. It was immediately obvious the Meadow is actually just an overflow for when the other side is crammed to the point of bursting. What accounts for a road was nothing more than a mud track. We experienced heavy rainfall for the last part of the week and before long the Meadow had become a mud trap; cars would churn up the wet ground until eventually no one could get in or out the field.
To compound this health and safety issue was the lack of light. At night-time you are recommended to carry a torch as the owners respect the wishes of star-gazers and therefore feel it inappropriate to provide any light. What if a child were to be struck by a car sliding in that mud while it’s dark?
Let’s just get this out the way: nobody pays £16-per-night to go traditional wild camping. No apology for the fact they couldn’t be bothered to address the mud-bath that must be a regular occurrence every time it rains.
So bad was our experience, we are actually considering ditching our muddy tent. During 20+ years of all-season camping, we’ve seen beautiful campsites that provide excellent value and we’ve seen some bad eggs. Rivendale is by far the worst and it‘s a rotter.
To me Rivendale depends greatly on which part of the site you are in. We have been in the quarry and on the field. The quarry is better for us facility wise but feels a bit enclosed, nowhere for ball games etc.
The little playpark looked very nice though. The field is better but oh, so noisy as the road goes right past and is really busy most of the time.
The toilets and showers for the field are unisex, something we weren't told about and something I'm not over keen on. Also, the weekend we camped there they were overloaded as they had a wedding do on at the site too.
A word of advice, if there is a wedding on, and the site will tell you, just bear in mind it may be very noisy. Although I think the weekend we were there was the noisiest they have ever experienced. Put me off going to a music festival at any rate!
Situation wise it is very convenient for various footpaths and trails and not too far from Ashbourne etc We didn't use the other facilities such as the cafe or bar but they looked ok.
Just returned from a two night break had very heavy rain which the site coped very well with.
The facilities very good, staff very friendly. Just a short walk away is the tissington trail with some of the best unspoilt views south of the lake district.
The towns of bakewell, matlock and ashbourne are just a short drive away(bakewell is especially nice).
Wouldn't be a site for anyone with a phobia of rabbits there's loads of them on your early morning trips to the loo which the daughter and wife loved.
This was a very well organised site with good shower facilities and well spaced flat pitches. There is a pub restaurant, cafe and small shop on site. These were useful although the shop was very pricey.
The site is perfectly located for anyone wanting to use the Tissington Trail and the site did have areas where you can lock your bike. There is a playground for the kids. Hookup available.
On the down side, the washing up area was too small for the size of the site. The site is not within walking distance of any other pubs or shops and it is about a 6 mile drive to the nearest facilities at Ashbourne.
My partner and i, with the dog, stayed here as a little get away weekend. Fantastic, clean and tidy, staff were brill, little shop sold most things, cafe come restaurant to bar meals in the upstairs bar, to where you can take your dog in.
Direct access to the Tissington trail, good walk either way, but worth it. Little kids park and a fare amount of work being done too. All in all great place for a weekend away.
Will be going back just for a pint in the bar with Jess our dog, who got so pampered.
The meals were fine, plenty on your plate and priced ok. The pitches were fine, catered for small to the larger Motorhome.
No signal with the digital antenna, Dish would be the one, as you are in an old quarry.
The site is well signed off the A515, the main road linking Ashbourne with Buxton some 6 miles out of Ashbourne. We received a friendly and helpful reception with an A4 layout provided of the site and showing our pitch position.
We chose to stay here 3 nights mid-week.
The site is an old quarry which gives it quite a quaint feel. Toilet/shower block was clean and tidy all the time we were there. This block also houses the 3 pot wash sinks.
There is a shop and cafe open daily with a bar which is only open weekends - DOH!
WiFi was used with no issues at £3 for 2 hours.
No problems with the EHC but TV reception was a little hit and miss.
For walkers the main assett is probably that just 300 metres from the main gate is the Tissington trail and a lovely walk down to the river Dove.
Based on this stay at Rivendale I would definitely go back again.
We stayed at Rivendale for 5 nights in May 2011, in term time. We were on the ‘meadow’ or overflow field.
Booking was easy – emailed for availability then phoned to book. Site was nice and easy to find, and we were given clear directions on arrival where to pitch.
The site was mostly flat-ish but there were plenty of molehills and rabbit holes to avoid. The road which boarders the site was quite busy. We were the only unit on the field for the most part of our stay.
Pitches were not marked, but there were also no clear rules of distance between tents – given people had the whole field to choose from, we were surprised to find we couldn’t park our car either side of our own tent when we got back on the Friday evening!
We were about 200m from the toilet block, a long way in the dark! It was annoying at first to have to remember codes for the toilets and potwash, but we did get used to it.
The facilities are unisex, which did confuse some people at first! They were only 2 weeks old when we stayed there, and they were cleaned 4 times a day. They needed it though – it was wet and muddy, and that was with mostly just us! Showers were free and hot, water in potwash was always hot too. I think that in the summer, when the site is full, 4 toilets, 4 showers and 2 potwash sinks will be a challenge! And who ever thought putting the nappy changing facilities in the potwash was a 'good idea' wants their head examining!
Fires were allowed off the ground, and there was a special metal bin for disposable BBQ’s. No recycling facilities though. We didn’t use the café or the bar, the shop was pricey for some things but not others. Camping gaz 907 was £18.95 so a good price, and there was no quibble changing it when we realised the thing had a dodgy seal.
We had been told to pitch our tent in a certain area of the site, as a school group was coming later in the week. Imagine our surprise to get home one night and find ourselves surrounded by them… To be fair, they were quiet early, but were also upearly – breakfast was nearly finished (for them!) at 6.30am… Another school group (Duke of Edinborough Scheme) arrived later in the week, both only there for one night, and well behaved, but did put a strain on the sinks and facilities.
We walked in Dove Dale, Bakewell, some fo the Tissington Trail and went to Alton Towers. Had a great meal at Bently Brook Inn, Fenny Bently. We had a great week, and if this site was closer to home we would go there again some time.
We've returned this afternoon after spending three nights at this lovely campsite. The ladies toilet facilities are very good and well kept with four showers, two hand basins, two partitioned sinks and three cubicled sinks. All have a cloth provided to wipe round after use and a mop is provided for use after showering.
When we arrived on Thursday the site was very quiet but at the weekend, not surprisingly, it became very busy, but we never had to wait to use a sink or shower. The water was hot, plentiful and free. Showers are the type where you keep pushing a button and you can quite easily shower without having to get your hair wet if you don't want to.
Hairdryers are provided with the purchase of a token (30p I think) from reception. The toilet block is right by the caravan area who probably don't have any need for them, but are a little walk away from the camping area who do need them but they're not that far away and they're good which is the main thing.
EHU points are plentiful.
Dishwashing facilities are at the back of the toilet block with free hot water and dish racks.
Laundry facilities are beside the toilets - sorry, but I didn't venture in there.
The children's play area is small but adequate.
The shop is quite well-stocked with basic provisions and there is a pub and a cafe although we didn't use either of these.
Calor gas and Camping Gaz are available and wi-fi is available around reception and the cafe area (don't know if there is a charge for this, though).
Freezer blocks can be put in the freezer in reception but they charge 25p per block.
The Tissington Trail is accessible a short distance away and a selction of maps are available to purchase from reception.
Being a disused quarry means that some pitching areas can be stony below the surface turf - we used rock pegs as we had been advised by other members of UKCS and these were fine.
All in all, we loved this site and would definitely return in the future
We have just returned home from a long weekend in a Family Pod with 3 dogs. The pod was warm, dry, very cosy and private. It was carpeted, had a heater, light and an electric point-so remember to take a travel kettle.
After a very rainy couple of nights we were really pleased with our decision not to use the tent. The Pod has a deck at the front: ideal for cooking on, and the dogs sat in the afternoon sun watching the wildlife on the pond in front of us. There was no traipsing mud or grass clippings into the pod as the site is mostly clean and the grass seems to be kept short by the abundance of rabbits. The only muddy area is up a slope to the yurt and the mini woodland area.
One very small comment I would make was that there is nowhere hang wet coats etc. A rack on the wall outside the door would have been helpful.
The campsite is about 4 mins walk from a great old railway line converted for walkers. It was ideal for the dogs as they could have a little freedom. We walked to Tissington along the trail on the first day and managed to wear ourselves out! But it was a lovely walk and Tissington is very pretty.
The site is also on the main road to just about anywhere you would want to visit, and access is really easy. Ashbourne is close, with a good range of shops and plenty of car parking. As we had the dogs with us this visit was short but we will explore more next time.
The site is clean, quiet and well laid out although it is a bit strange that the main facilities are in the middle of the mobile homes, who don't really need them. Having said that, it was a very short walk and the showers etc were clean, free and hot. I worked out on the second day that it is better to take one of the supplied plastic chairs into the shower cubicle to keep clothes etc dry as the water creeps under the curtain right across the floor of the cubicle. The first time I ended up with a dampish jumper.
Remember if you visit over a Wednesday, the toilet block code changes on a Wednesday and you need to ask at reception for the new code. We went out for the day and forgot.
Washing up facilities were well lit, with 3 sinks and plenty of hot water. There were even drying racks which were really useful. There is a laundry with washing machine and tumble dryer but we didn't need to use it.
We never had to wait for any facilities but then again it was a quiet week outside school holidays.
There is a small shop on site which appears to have all the essentials. We bought local maps and the receptionist was very helpful in identifying which ones we needed.
There is a small 'woodland area' just up a track past the pods and the yurt. The dogs appreciated the walk, and we really appreciated the amazing view of the whole site from the top of the quarry.
We would definitely recommend this site and hope to use the pods again.
Just back from a showery but enjoyable weekend at Rivendale. Facilities are first class, always clean with plenty of hot water for the showers and very warm inside.Small pot washing area, only 3 sinks, but never had to wait to clean the utensils. Reception staff were very knowledgeable about the area and were very helpful. We did not try the pub or restaurant but was told they are very good. We had trips out to Ashbourne and Bakewell and found the area very pleasant. We would recommend this site and will certainly visit again.
A lovely site with plenty of space and facilities. We were armchair campers with EHU.
My 8 year old spent a little time in the playground before finding other kids to play with, more for the younger tots than older children. The toilets, showers etc were all good, well maintained, clean and more than adequate. Also a wash area for pots but only small, 4 sinks with a small surface next to them.
Think of this site as more of a caravan park with Tent facilities as the caravans have prime areas near to facilities. Small shop and pub with basics.
If you are camping here don't try plastic or wire pegs, plenty of broken ones here. Rock pegs only as it's in a quarry and only about 4-5 inches of grass before you hit rocks. Also advise you to take your own as the shop had run out when we arrived and had not stocked back up. Fortunately we had took our own.
Due to the nature of the ground it drained off very quickly, please also note that this is not a flat ground unless you are in a van. Plenty of water and recycling points. We wandered over to the other side to look at the wild camping field, this was more of a clay with grass on top so didn't drain as well and also uneven ground.
This site is only the second camping site we have visited and we were pleasantly surprised upon arrival.
The site as a whole was excellent and the pub/bar a nice surprise!
We were staying on what was called the meadow which had two fields to choose from and as it was extremely busy you had a slight queue for the the superb toilet facilities but never more than 2 minutes.
My only constructive criticism would be that the showers need to have a ledge or chair as the shower floor outside the shower itself would get quite wet.
All in all an excellent time had and will probably be returning if we venture out that way again!
Spent a week here in our large tent, on a pitch that more than accommodated it but you must tell them when booking so that they can allocate you to one of the bigger pitches.
The site is very clean, tidy and well maintained. There is a small kids playground with a small grassy area next to it for ball games. It's right by the toilet block which has the washing up facilities there too. In the ladies, there are about 10 toilets, 4 showers, 3 private basins and a couple of hand washing sinks. There is plenty of space and they were cleaned daily.
The shop stocks the basics and some toys and ice creams and the cafe is next door providing a relaxing environment for a cuppa while you use the wi-fi (We paid £10 for the week)
The bar upstairs is small and lovely with a pool table and the telly on. The food is reasonably prices and home cooked, I had no complaints.
We didn't see the owners at all during our stay which for me, having had some bad experiences with over bearing owners imposing rules, was just great! They had no need to either as the site was full of like-minded, civilised people.
I would completely recommend this site to anyone and if I HAD to mention anything negative, it would be something beyond the owners control - the wind! It picked up a bit at night and sounded worse than it really was due to the trees surrounding us, it really did blow though them and make some noise!
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Common Questions
Is Rivendale Holiday Park child friendly? YES, it accepts children & has a playground View all facilities
Where is the nearest shop to Rivendale Holiday Park? There is a shop on site View all facilities
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
All reviews and comments are the personal opinion of the review author only , and as such do not represent the view of the UK Camp Site.co.uk.
The facilities shown on this website are a guide only, and you should check with the campsite direct before making any booking. The UKCampsite.co.uk will not be held responsible for any errors or omissions
No Tents 
No Caravans 
No Motorhomes 
No Campervans 
No Glamping Units 
Holiday Homes for Hire 
No Statics for Sale 
No Seasonal Pitches 
No Electric Hookups 
No Hardstandings 
No Fully Serviced Pitches 
Families Welcome 
Not Members Only 
No Rallies 
Not Naturist Site 
Dogs Welcome 
No Dogs Allowed 
Groups Welcome 
No Toilets 
No Showers 
No Washing Up Area 
No Bathroom 
Baby Changing Facilities 
No Laundry 
Drinking Water 
Disabled Friendly 
No Chemical Disposal 
No Battery Charging 
Gas Exchange 
Recycling Facilities 
No Kitchen Facilities 
No Freezer / Fridge 
No Motorhome Point 
Wifi Access 
Shop On Site 
Bar On Site 
Restaurant or Cafe or Takeaway On Site 
Kids Playground 
No TV Room 
No Games Room 
No Evening Ents 
Fishing On Site 
No Wild Swimming 
No Indoor Pool 
No Outdoor Pool 
No Horse Riding 
Cycle Hire <1 mile 
No Golf 
No Tennis 
No Beach 
No Watersports 
No Boat Launch 
No Sea Views 
Not Working Farm 
No Campfires Allowed 
No Waterside Pitches 
Public Transport <5 miles
No Dog Walk 
Rivendale is a campsite divided by two standards - for an extra £1. 50 per night, one side is fully accessible with stone roads, good drainage, has a large toilet and shower block with separate men and ladies’ facilities. Here the general upkeep and presentation is also well maintained. However, this area is sloped and very overcrowded - some tents were so close their support ropes overlapped. 
