There is nothing better than getting out into the Yorkshire Dales to experience nature and get away from the madness of our everyday lives. To really get in touch with the great outdoors, is there a more ideal way than to go camping? Pitching your tent, firing up the BBQ, and sleeping under the stars all add to the wonderfulness of a trip to the country. Fancy it? Well, to help you, we have put together this guide to five of the best places to camp in the Yorkshire Dales.
We explore a range of campsite sites catering to all tastes. So, whether you are staying in a tent, bringing your caravan, or looking to experience luxury glamping, there is something for you. So, let’s jump in and explore the standout places to go camping in the Yorkshire Dales.
Our Tips on Where to Go Camping in the Yorkshire Dales
So, you’ve got your tent and caravan ready to go, and your walking boots are packed. Your next question is – where are the best places to go camping in the Yorkshire Dales? Well, here are five of our favourites, all located in some of the most picturesque places in the county.
1. Orcader Farm Camping and Caravan, Austwick
First up on our list of places to camp in the Yorkshire Dales is nestled in the village of Austwick, near Settle. This beautiful rural location is perfect for a peaceful countryside retreat and exploring the surrounding landscapes. There are plenty of cycling and walking trails in the area, and a host of must-see places to visit in the Yorkshire Dales including:
- Ribblehead Viaduct
- Yorkshire Three Peaks
- Malham Cove
- Settle-Carlisle Railway
- Ingleton Waterfalls Trail
- Forest of Bowland
The campsite offers spaced-out, large hardstanding and grass tent pitches, as well as camping pods. Once you’ve pitched up, you can sit back and enjoy the 360-degree view of the beautiful Yorkshire Dales landscape. To get the full camping experience, there are also fire pits with kindling and logs available to purchase. On Saturday evening, you can pick delicious takeaway pizzas and bacon sandwiches to enjoy on a Sunday morning. Other useful facilities include free Wifi, communal freezer, picnic benches, and showers.
Want to bring your favourite pouch? Well, Orcader Farm welcomes well-behaved dogs so you don’t have to leave your four-legged friend behind. There are plenty of excellent dog walking routes for them to enjoy as well.
2. Howgill Lodge, Barden
When it comes to camping in the Yorkshire Dales, you can’t get much better than the stunning Howgill Lodge in Barden. Following the success of the family’s other campsite at Catgill Farm in Bolton Abbey, they have now made Howgill Lodge one of the best places to camp in the Yorkshire Dales.
They cater to a wide range of guests, from those in caravans and tents to those in motorhomes and campervans. They provide excellent facilities, giving you everything you need for an enjoyable and relaxing stay, including luxury 5-star shower rooms and wash stations. Oh, and the best bit about staying at Howgill Lodge is that you will get to meet and feed the onsite Alpacas!
The campsite also has its own coffee shop that serves up mouthwatering pastries, freshly brewed coffee, and tasty sausage sandwiches. It is the perfect spot for a quick snack or a great breakfast to set you up for an adventure. Alternatively, you could head down to the Brownie Barn to enjoy award-winning brownies, ice creams, and brownie milkshakes.
If you fancy a bit of luxury, then you can stay in one of their four unique, countryside-themed lodges. Each one is named after inspirations from rural life – Shepherd, Fisherman, Gamekeeper, and Herdsman. They offer a luxury living area, dining area, a private wood-fired hot tub, fire pit, pizza oven, and BBQ.
Howgill Lodge is located in Barden, right in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. It will offer you the perfect, peaceful retreat with easy access for walking, hiking, cycling, and wildlife watching. If you are looking to get in touch with nature, then this really is the perfect spot!
If you are looking for things to do in the Yorkshire Dales during your trip, then explore our guide – 8 Things to Do in the Yorkshire Dales for an Epic Scenic Escape.
3. Masons Campsite, Appletreewick
Next on our list of the best places to camp in the Yorkshire Dales is tucked away in the beautiful village of Appletreewick on the banks of the River Wharfe. Masons Campsite offers both main field and river field camping. The latter of these two offers fly fishing and wild swimming right outside of your tent.
Once you’ve pitched up your tent or caravan, you’ll find fantastic facilities to make use of, including hot showers, a communal freezer, Wifi, washing-up sinks, and a shop located in a unique 1983 Squarestream, shipped all the way from the US. The shop sells local bacon and sausages from nearby Cracoe. So you can fire up a BBQ. They also sell eggs, butter, milk, sweets, and toys for the children. However, the real highlight is Mason Kitchen, which serves up freshly baked sourdough pizzas, pastries, and barista coffee.
Feeling a bit fancy? Or just want to enjoy home comforts while enjoying the countryside? Well, Masons’ glamping options can give you just that. Their yurts and safari tents allow you to relax and enjoy the Yorkshire Dales in comfort. They come with warm blankets, toasty log burners, a separate cooking area, and fairy lights to give your stay that extra sparkle.
4. Wood Nook Campsite and Caravan Park, Threshfield
Looking to get in touch with nature on your next trip? Well, located in Threshfield on the slopes of Wharfedale is the Wood Nook Campsite. It is six acres of picturesque woodland, wildlife, and wildflowers. Run by the Thompson family for the last 40 years, it is the perfect spot if you are looking to walk, cycle, and take in fabulous views of the Yorkshire Dales.
It is an excellent base for exploring as it is in close proximity to some of the must-visit places to visit in the Yorkshire Dales, including:
- Bolton Abbey
- Appletreewick
- Skipton
- Malham
- Grassington
- Burnsall
- Linton
On the campsite you’ll find all the facilities you’ll need for a fantastic stay. They have a reception selling ‘emergency items’ such as gas, toothbrushes and beer in case you forget anything. There are also free heated showers, free WiFi, a ball game field, a children’s play area, a laundry room, and much more. There’s also a shop and bar area where you can get drinks, delicious pizzas, and some of the best sweet treats you’ll come across, including brownies, blondies, ice cream, and cheesecakes.
5. Dalesbridge Campsite, Austwick
Set in 10 acres of Yorkshire Dales countryside, the Dalesbridge Campsite has a very interesting but slightly eerie history. It used to be the site of the former Settle rural Isolation Hospital. The hospital opened in the 1900s as a way of isolating patients who had contagious illnesses. The hospital changed over the years, becoming a community hospital before it closed in 1990.
However, don’t let its history put you off! Since then, it has developed into a fantastic base for all you nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. On the site you’ll find self-catering lodges, 150 camping pitches, and areas for motorhomes and caravans. It has a bar, an outdoor pizza oven, and a small shop selling food, drinks, and camping equipment.
It is one of the best places to camp in the Yorkshire Dales due to its proximity to some of the area’s best locations and walks. These include:
- The Yorkshire Three Peaks
- Ingleborough Cave and Nature Trail
- Malham Cove
- Norber Erratics
- White Scar Cave
The site also has stunning views, especially at sunset, so you can sit by your tent or caravan and soak in the landscape. With all that in mind, there are not many better places to experience all the incredible things to do in the Yorkshire Dales than at the Dalesbridge Campsite.
If your camping adventure is taking you further afield in Yorkshire, then check out our guide – 10 Of The Best Campsites To Stay At In Yorkshire This Summer.
Want to Explore Things to Do in the Yorkshire Dales?
The main reason people are seeking the best places to camp in the Yorkshire Dales is to experience the beauty and peacefulness of life in rural Britain. The Dales are undoubtedly one of the most stunning places in the UK, and they have so much to offer people of all tastes. Whether you want an action-packed trip of hiking and cycling, or a more relaxed trip of strolling down country lanes, there is something in the Dales for you.
For more information about things to do in the Yorkshire Dales, discover our Yorkshire Dales archives. Here you will find more information about how you can make your next trip to the countryside one to remember.
Read More: 5 Best Yorkshire Dales Villages & Towns For A Truly Magical Weekend Stay
Feature Image Credit: Howgill Lodge, Barden
