Yorkshire Camping – Dales, Moors & Coast
England’s largest county is also one of its most rewarding for camping. Yorkshire packs two national parks, a dramatic coastline, sweeping heather moorland, and a string of historic market towns into a region that offers a completely different experience depending on where you pitch up.
Whether you’re after a farm site in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, a coastal pitch near Whitby’s famous abbey, or a quiet spot on the edge of the North York Moors, Yorkshire has a campsite to suit every style of trip.
Best Areas to Camp in Yorkshire
Yorkshire Dales – The Dales are the classic Yorkshire camping destination. Rolling fells, limestone pavements, dry stone walls, and lush river valleys make for some of the most picturesque farm campsites in England. Malham Cove, the Yorkshire Three Peaks (Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough), and the Pennine Way all pass through the national park. Skipton and Settle are the main southern gateways, while Hawes and Leyburn serve the upper dales.
North York Moors – England’s largest expanse of heather moorland bursts into purple colour in late summer. The national park extends all the way to a dramatic coastline of clifftop villages and deep coves. Sutton Bank, Danby, and Dalby Forest are all designated Dark Sky Discovery Sites, making the Moors a brilliant destination for stargazing.
Yorkshire Coast – From Whitby with its ruined clifftop abbey and Dracula connections, south through Robin Hood’s Bay and Scarborough to Filey and Flamborough Head. Traditional seaside towns with strong campsite provision and the Cleveland Way running along much of the coast.
Nidderdale AONB – Just outside the Yorkshire Dales national park boundary, Nidderdale has its own share of outstanding landscape, Brimham Rocks’ dramatic rock formations, How Stean Gorge, and quieter roads than the Dales proper.
Things to Do
The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, completing Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough in under 12 hours, is one of the most popular walking challenges in England, drawing thousands of hikers each year to the Dales. The Pennine Way and the Coast to Coast route both pass through Yorkshire, offering long-distance options for serious walkers.
In the Dales, Bolton Castle and Bolton Abbey estate are worth a visit, while Hawes is home to the Wensleydale Creamery, where the famous cheese has been made since the 19th century. On the coast, fresh fish and chips in Whitby is practically obligatory, and the ruined Whitby Abbey above the town is one of the most atmospheric historic sites in the north of England. The city of York, with its Roman walls, medieval streets, and magnificent Minster, is a full day out in its own right.
Find Your Yorkshire Campsite
Browse independent campsites across Yorkshire below, from Dales farm sites to coastal holiday parks. Every listing connects you directly with the site owner.
