Camping & Caravanning in the Yorkshire Dales
Camping in the Yorkshire Dales is a wonderful way to enjoy the countryside at your own pace. Whether you’re pitching a tent beside a dry stone wall, bringing your touring caravan for a week in the hills or exploring the area in a campervan, there are plenty of places to settle in and enjoy the scenery.
The Yorkshire Dales offers everything from small, family-run campsites with basic facilities to established holiday parks with electric hook-ups, modern shower blocks and pitches for motorhomes. Some are tucked away in quiet valleys, while others are within walking distance of traditional villages, country pubs and local shops.
And, of course, there’s plenty to do once you’ve unpacked. Walking routes, waterfalls, market towns and some of Yorkshire’s best-known landscapes are all within easy reach.
Finding the right campsite in the Yorkshire Dales
The type of campsite you choose can make quite a difference to your holiday. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, a small rural site surrounded by fields might be just the thing. Families may prefer somewhere with more facilities and space for children to play, while those travelling with a caravan or motorhome will want to check access, pitch sizes and available services.
There are several options to consider:
- Traditional tent camping: From simple grass pitches on working farms to larger campsites with showers, toilets and washing facilities.
- Touring caravans: Sites with designated pitches, electric hook-ups and facilities for longer stays.
- Motorhomes and campervans: A choice of touring sites, although it’s worth checking access arrangements and vehicle size restrictions before booking.
- Glamping: For those who enjoy being outdoors but prefer a proper bed, some sites offer camping pods, shepherd’s huts, yurts and other more comfortable alternatives.
- Dog-friendly camping: Many campsites welcome dogs, making the Dales a popular choice for visitors who want to explore the countryside with their pets.
Where to camp in the Yorkshire Dales
The Dales covers a large area, and choosing where to stay often comes down to what you’d like to see and do during your visit.
Wharfedale and the southern Dales
Wharfedale is a popular choice for first-time visitors, with beautiful riverside scenery, traditional villages and excellent walking routes. Grassington, Burnsall, Kettlewell and the surrounding countryside provide good starting points for exploring the valley.
The southern Dales are also convenient for visitors travelling from Leeds, Bradford and other parts of West Yorkshire, making the area particularly appealing for weekend camping trips.
Malham and the limestone countryside
The countryside around Malham is among the most recognisable in the Yorkshire Dales. Malham Cove, Gordale Scar and Janet’s Foss attract walkers throughout the year, while the surrounding fields and limestone hills make an attractive setting for a camping holiday.
Campsites around Malham and nearby villages can be particularly busy during school holidays and fine-weather weekends, so booking ahead is advisable.
Wensleydale
With its broad valley, attractive market towns and surrounding hills, Wensleydale makes an excellent base for a longer stay.
Hawes, Bainbridge, Aysgarth and Leyburn are useful places to consider, depending on whether you prefer a quieter rural location or somewhere close to shops, cafés and other facilities.
Popular attractions include Aysgarth Falls, Bolton Castle and the Wensleydale Creamery in Hawes.
Swaledale and Arkengarthdale
For visitors looking for a quieter camping experience, Swaledale and neighbouring Arkengarthdale have plenty of appeal.
The landscape here feels more remote, with narrow lanes, traditional stone barns and small villages scattered across the valleys. Reeth is a particularly useful base for exploring the area, with walking and cycling routes heading into the surrounding countryside.
Campsites tend to be smaller and more rural, and the narrow roads mean that anyone travelling with a large caravan or motorhome should plan their route carefully.
Ribblesdale and the Three Peaks
The area around Horton in Ribblesdale is especially popular with walkers taking on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge.
With Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside nearby, this part of the Dales is ideal for those who want to spend their days exploring the hills before returning to their tent or campervan.
Settle and the surrounding villages also offer convenient bases, with shops, places to eat and access to the Settle–Carlisle railway.
Can you wild camp in the Yorkshire Dales?
Wild camping is not permitted in the Yorkshire Dales without the landowner’s prior permission. This applies even in remote areas of open countryside.
Overnight camping in National Park Authority car parks is also prohibited, including sleeping overnight in campervans and motorhomes.
If you’re looking for a more secluded experience, a small rural campsite can offer much of the peace and quiet of wild camping while providing a legitimate place to stay.
For further information, see the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority’s camping guidance.