Blackland Lakes
Blackland Lakes has developed over 30 years. The matured, landscaped grounds provide a pleasant backdrop for a calming and relaxing break.
Our park has a unique and informal layout which lends itself to all kinds of camping. We have a mixture of small cosy paddocks and larger open areas so that whether you are with a group, in a big RV or camping alone in a small tent you can find a space that’s comfortable for you. The site is well boundaried, secure, and away from busy roads which allows children to play and explore safely. We welcome families. Dogs are also welcome as long as they are well behaved and kept on a lead at all times. Owners must clean up after their dogs.
Our attractions page is a hand picked selection of some of the best things Wiltshire and the surrounding area has to offer. There is plenty to see and do in Wiltshire and Blackland Lakes is right at the heart of it. Wiltshire is a very special part of the world so whether you are planning on staying a weekend, a week or more you’ll find a way to make everyday memorable.
History
In early 1983, it was accidentally discovered that some of the land which is now Blackland Lakes Campsite was very wet. A trial excavation was carried out and immediately clean, drinkable, spring water poured in to the resulting hole. Digging, with an old fashioned drag line machine, continued for the rest of 1983 and the three lakes were constructed. It was established that the Spring Water had originations dating back some 2 million years to the Ice Age. The site is close to the Marlborough Downs and when the ice melted it brought chalk with it, the extremity of which is where our Lakes are today. As we dug formations of chalky rock were found (which was quite a problem!). This had leaf fossils which hadn’t seen the light of day since prior to the Ice Age. The rock which was exposed is called “Tufa”. The remaining 12 acres of land were subsequently drained and as they are also level, they are just right for camping.
It was established as a Campsite in 1984 and the first amenity log cabin building was constructed. A second amenity building and Reception/Shop were added in 1989. The site is unique and special in many ways and has matured to become a most attractive, friendly and welcoming environment.
A wide variety of native coarse fish were introduced which have thrived over the years. Improvements have been made to the two main Fishing Lakes, including widening and increasing the depth. The third Lake is a nature reserve which is the home to a variety of ducks and geese. Kingfishers are residents as well as many other birds including Woodpeckers, Herons and Owls. Bats can be seen at dusk. Previously we have received two nature conservation awards, one from the Wiltshire Trust for Nature, the CLA Conservation West Award and the other quite prestigious Professor David Bellamy Silver award for Nature Conservation. Extensive landscaping has been carried out which includes the planting of hundreds of indigenous trees, bushes and hedges. Tarmac roads have been constructed together with a children’s play area and a fenced perimeter and the Nature Trail was added in 2016.
Dogs
We welcome friendly four-legged friends, but please do keep them on a lead and supervised throughout your stay. There are lots of lovely dog walks in the area, including our nature trail, and we even have doggy ice cream in the campsite shop!
