Camping in Hamsterley Forest

This mountain-biking hotspot also has woodland walks and Viking-theme playgrounds.

97% (491 reviews)

United Kingdom
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England
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Hamsterley Forest

97% (491 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Hamsterley Forest

Community favorites in and near Hamsterley Forest

Stories from the community

Pridie

1 week ago

With pets

1 night at King Garth

This is a very special place. A chance to step back in time and live simply - supper by candlelight, games played beside a roaring fire, dips in the river. We visited when the elder was full in blossom and the willows whispered full-leafed in the wind. Walking along the river edge was like exploring the mangroves in tropical rainforest - a magical experience for kids, dogs and adults alike! We feel like we've just slipped back into history, sat in the window watching the river, we half expected to see boats carrying cargo past to Carlisle... Go prepared to step back in time and live simply. Everything you need is provided - candles, wood, crockery - there is a woodfired tub that you can heat yourselves, a beautifully simple kitchen set up with a water system that is carefully thought out, and a compost loo.

Brodie

2 weeks ago

2 nights at Roseacre Retreat - Adult Only

We loved our stay at Roseacre retreat. The hosts were lovely and very helpful with information on how to get there, they offer support with anything you need. It was very clean and everything needed was provided. The views from the pod were beautiful I would definitely recommend and stay again in the future.

Ken

2 weeks ago

3 nights at Otter Moss Accommodation

If you are looking for peace and quiet, surrounded by beautiful countryside then this place is for you. Great location. Great communication - Ruth came to see us when we contactedher about the WIFI. Use of private bathroom and shower. Only thing for us is that those facilities were across a farm yard and the cabin didn't have its own supply. The bed was comfy and the cabin stayed at a good temperature (even when it was cold outside). Fire pit available. Would recommend

Weekend Trip to The Old Chapel Campsite

We had a brilliant few days camping at Ted’s farm. Ted was very welcoming, helpful and even let us feed the little lambs! The views of the hills from the campsite and stars at night were beautiful. It was a wonderfully peaceful and quiet place, but still close enough to neighbouring villages for food/drinks. Couldn’t recommend this spot more!

Charles

2 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to The Damson Shepherd's Hut

Cosy hut in a perfect location, I would highly recommend.

Weekend Trip to The Old Chapel Campsite

Ideal spot for a base for walks in the area. A working farm with ducks and sheep wondering around the camp field. The owner “Ted” is a lovely guy and can’t do enough, definitely stay again!

Weekend Trip to The Old Chapel Campsite

Camping ground was easy to find. Beautiful views graced us in the morning. And some very cute lambs!

Weekend Trip to The Old Chapel Campsite

A Little Slice of Peace – Highly Recommend! Stayed here for just one night and it was exactly what I needed. The owner, Ted, was incredibly friendly and made me feel instantly welcome—like visiting an old friend. The landscape is absolutely beautiful, with animals roaming freely and adding to the peaceful, natural vibe. It’s the kind of place that slows you down in the best way. I only wish I’d stayed longer! Can’t wait to come back Ted!! Sarah x

1 night at Howdy Glamping

Close to the A66 & M6 by Penrith, so good place to be based for exploring the area. Site clean and tidy, super laid back, a bit rustic and quirky... in a nice way. Friendly people and dog! Free use of on site fridge/freezer and kettles, toilets and shower clean. Nice out door seating area/s with fire pits/bbq's. Glamping pods/tents and caravans looked interesting...! We stayed in my campervan..

3 weeks ago

Tent

4 nights at Walkmill Campsite

Definitely a 10/10 site. I wholehearted recommend staying at Walkmill Campsite Positives Extremely pretty area Peace and quiet Big pitches Proper toilets Proper shower Very friendly hosts Camp fires allowed Very tidy Reasonable pitch prices Negatives None

2 nights at Howbeck Lodge

Lovely spot in the farmland, close to the lakes district. Good hot showers and clean toilets. Would recommend.

John

3 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to The Damson Shepherd's Hut

Beautiful little hut, on an incredibly picturesque plot of land. We had everything we needed (including the weather) to make for a great couple of days. Jo was amazing. Thank you

Weekend Trip to The Old Chapel Campsite

The campsite is situated on a beautiful little piece of land off the side of Ted’s house. The campsite is enclosed by a stone brick wall and had access via a gate. There are geese, sheep, lambs, ducks and a turkey that roam around the site - all are very friendly and Ted very kindly let us bottle feed the lambs! There is a porter loo for campers to use, it was fully supplied with toilet roll, soap, running water and hand tissues. Ted has fresh hen and duck eggs for sale on the land. We brought a raised pit fire with us, but Ted also has them available to rent for your whole stay along with bags of firewood. Ted was very kind and made us feel very welcome. We’d definitely return! The only issue we ran into was a nearby camping group playing music throughout their stay and loudly into the night - we messaged Ted and he kindly popped out to ask them to turn it down.

Weekend Trip to Puddlemire

Beautiful place amazing hosts can't do enough we had a beautiful night there and will look forward to returning for a 2 night stay next time we didn't want to leave, the relaxing break was what we needed

Weekend Trip to Camping at Cardewlees

Great natural site with lovely views and sheep and cattle to keep you company (on other side of fence). Quiet and easy to walk into village. Helpful host and facilities as described. Definitely return.

Alex

3 weeks ago

2 nights at Ewe Love Camping Pods

A lovely stay, with excellent facilities and a great view! Would recommend to anyone looking for a destination in the Keswick area.

1 night at Tyne View Camping

David kindly welcomed us at very short notice, very friendly and accommodating, brilliant with comms. Have your choice of parking over two large fields, you'll be parking on a hillside, with wide open views for miles, perfectly orientated to watch the sunset on horizon. Levelling ramps recommended in some spots. - Fresh-water taps on site, along with clean portaloo(s) - Firepits and wood available for hire

2 nights at The Old Chapel Campsite

We had an amazing time here. We stayed for two nights and had beautiful weather. There was just us and another couple with their dog. Ted was very accommodating and well informed about the area and gave us some ideas to fill our days. It was lovely watching his little ducks on the field and to hear the sheep in the morning too. It’s back to basics camping, no burger vans/shower blocks etc but it was absolutely perfect for what we wanted. ‘Proper camping’ Lovely quiet location, spotless portaloo and a friendly host.

Weekend Trip to Howdy Glamping

Very relaxed and welcoming. Had a lovely stay and a great recommendation for a hike the following day 😀

Weekend Trip to Walkmill Campsite

Excellent honesty shop, great facilities - felt like a home away from home! Lovely little villages by the sea nearby. As seen on the bbc television series "villages by the sea" hosted by Ben Robinson.

Available this weekend

83%

(3)

Freespirit Glamping

5 units · Glamping5 acres · Pickering, England

We are located at Cliff Stud Retreat, a 220 acre former stud farm, just outside Helmsley on the foot of the North Yorkshire Moors. We are a top-rated luxury glamping site and we can't wait to welcome you! With amazing views and off a very quiet country lane that leads directly into the Moors, you'll be able to arrive, kick off your shoes and start relaxing, enjoying a beer and roasting marshmellows over the BBQ, whilst watching the sun go down. Our ethos is all about family, fun and living simply among nature. Our off-grid glamping site has just five, well spaced, luxury bell tents, each with their own allocated private compost toilet and shower. your own garden area with firepit, BBQ and seating area.

83%

(3)

Stone Raise Bells

3 units · Glamping3 acres · Carlisle, England

Off-grid bell tents on a working farm in Cumbria’s Eden Valley

100%

(6)

Fairy Bell Wood

1 unit · Glamping4 acres · Lambrigg, England

An off-grid yurt in a private woodland between the Lakes and the Dales

Wanderlusts Gypsy Caravans

3 units · Glamping4 acres · Melmerby, England

Travelling from site to site in a bow-top gypsy caravan, through Cumbria's stunning scenery

99%

(41)

Cairn Meadow Pods

4 units · Glamping3 acres · Cumbria, North West England

7 units · Glamping27 acres · Hawes, North Yorkshire, North East England

Yurts with private bathrooms, hot tubs, and breakfast included, set in beautiful Wensleydale

12 top campsites in Hamsterley Forest

94%

(62)

Social District

30 units · Tents55 acres · Grizedale, Cumbria, North West England

Lake District camping on the banks of Lake Windermere, with direct access to the water.

97%

(31)

Puddlemire

22 units · Glamping, Tents5 acres · Kirkby Lonsdale, England

Camping in countryside between the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales

100%

(10)

Howdy Glamping

10 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents14 acres · Penrith, Cumbria, North West England

Sociable, eco-friendly glamping in the woods, 10 minutes' drive from the Lake District.

Masons Campsite

27 units · Motorhomes1 acre · Skipton Bd23 6 Dd, England

On the banks of a river, with open views over the Yorkshire Dales and lots of space for games, with a pair of great pubs nearby

100%

(10)

Tyne View Camping

15 units · Motorhomes, Tents10 acres · Chopwell, England

Tyne View Camping is a peaceful spot in Tyne and Wear, not far from Hedley on the Hill village. It's on a farm run by David and his family, who welcome guests to enjoy the beautiful countryside views. You can see the Tyne Valley from the camping pitches, which is great for stargazing at night. The site is basic with just water taps and toilets, no showers, but there's lots of space for kids and dogs to play. You're allowed to bring a barbecue or firepit for cooking, and you can buy supplies in Prudhoe nearby. Or, you can walk to Hedley on the Hill for a meal at a top-notch pub. There are plenty of things to do nearby, like walking in the woods, playing golf, or trying gliding. You can also visit Hadrian’s Wall, Newcastle upon Tyne, or explore the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for a varied and enjoyable break.Also this June we will be open for the Sam Fender weekend ie June 12 til the 16th if anyone wants to camp £20 a night plus a taxi for £20

Walkmill Campsite

10 units · Motorhomes, Tents10 acres · Northumberland, North East England

Refreshingly understated private camping in the unspoiled Northumberland countryside

98%

(51)

Breaks Fold Farm Glamping & Camping

10 units · Tents2 acres · Pateley Bridge, North Yorkshire, North East England

Camping in Nidderdale with excellent facilities, dogs and campfires welcome, and views over Thruscross Reservoir.

99%

(70)

The Old Chapel Campsite

30 units · Tents1 acre · Murton, England

Nearly wild camping in the North Pennines

99%

(39)

Camping at Cardewlees

37 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents1 acre · Carlisle, England

A welcoming, family-run farm campsite between the Lake District and Hadrian's Wall

Howbeck Lodge

27 units · Motorhomes, Tents7 acres · Hesket Newmarket, England

A dog-friendly farm campsite on the northern edge of the Lake District

100%

(2)

King Garth

1 unit · Glamping2 acres · Carlisle, England

Built in 1733, King Garth is also known as The Old Customs House, reflecting its role in these fraught times of smuggling. Its strategic position on the banks of The Eden served as the perfect lookout for a bailiff employed by Carlisle Corporation to protect the very important salmon fishery. The plaques on the building which commemorate the visits by Mayors date back to the 1700s. These visits no doubt involved indulgent banquets centring around freshly caught salmon I grew up on the opposite side of the river. On family walks along the Eden I was always fascinated by the house on the other side sited in such an amazing position. In 2010, when I returned to Cumbria I was amazed to hear that this house was for sale. It was a ruin and everyone told me I was mad..... I probably was a little! But I soon realised that I wasn’t alone in my love of this house, everyone I met from the surrounding villages had a tale to tell about this iconic place. King Garth is for sharing - with locals, (we have an annual barbecue), with wildlife and with people like you. The aim when renovating King Garth was to celebrate and embrace its history. King Garth is off grid and has no running water. It is furnished in a style to reflect its history. It isn’t everyone’s ‘cup of tea’: you have to drive a mile down a muddy lane, there is no hot shower, no electric lighting, and a compost toilet. BUT we offer beautiful evenings of candle light, log burner, hot tub under the stars and bathing in the river. My priority with King Garth and the land attached was to manage in a way to protect the abundant wildlife. There are also alpacas who you can look after during your stay. You will be astounded by the din the birds make at dawn and dusk! Inside the house there is an owl box where one summer a pair of barn owls successfully raised chicks. Since then a kestrel frequents the box and has twice laid there. This part of the Eden is tidal so both estuarine and river species co exist. Kingfishers and otters are often spotted And even the occasional seal! Kinggarth comes with fishing rights and if you want to fish this can be arranged with the host. The bird feeders are frequented by tree sparrows, yellow hammers, wood peckers, nut hatches and in winter red poll.

98%

(57)

The Damson Shepherd's Hut

1 unit · Glamping1 acre · Cumbria, North West England

A shepherd's hut for two in the lesser-known Lyth Valley, four miles from Lake Windermere

Under £50

100%

(3)

Scow Hall Farm

15 units · Tents5 acres · Ilkley, West Yorkshire, North East England

A summer-only farm campsite in Yorkshire’s pretty Washburn Valley

50%

(3)

Crakemoor Campsite

25 units · Tents1 acre · Settle, England

Pop up campsite located on a working farm, 5 miles from the popular tourist destination of Malham, which is the home to Malham Cove, Gordale Scar, Malham Tarn and Janets Foss. 7 miles from the small market town of Settle which offers numerous things to do including bike hire. Located on the Coast to Coast Cycle Route, it is the ideal location for a overnight stop. 12 miles from the popular bike and walking routes in the Forest of Bowland we are fantastically located for a fun filled weekend away.

Aldwark Bridge Glamping

3 units · Glamping1 acre · England

A unique and cosy pop-up glamping site Located on the banks of the River Ure next to a quaint and historical wooden toll bridge, Aldwark Bridge Glamping offers a unique and personal camping experience. Nestled between York and Harrogate, the site boasts a fantastic pit stop on the Coast to Coast cycling route, free landing access to the River Ure to enjoy kayaking and stand up paddle boarding and a beautiful river side walk to the local pub. Matt and Joanna invite you to glamp in style here at our cosy garden site with luxury shower room, extensive outdoor kitchen and welcoming communal fire pit seating area.

100%

(4)

Bankfoot Camping

21 units · Tents5 acres · Stocksfield , England

1 unit · Glamping360 acres · Penrith, Cumbria, North West England

Off-grid wagon glamping on a farm with views of Lake District fells

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping in Hamsterley Forest guide

Overview

With more than 2,000 hectares of wooded valleys and miles of forest trails to explore, Hamsterley Forest has outdoor adventures for all ages. Mountain bikers can choose from red, blue, and black grade trails, while kids will love the Gruffalo trail and Viking-themed playground. Look out for roe deer and woodland animals as you walk or horseback ride along the nature trails, put your map-reading skills to use on an orienteering course, or enjoy a picnic or barbecue beneath the trees. There’s no camping in the forest itself, but you’ll find plenty of options in the neighbouring North Pennines AONB.

When to go

Summer is the most popular time to visit Hamsterley Forest, but it can get busy. Set out early to snag a parking spot and get a jump on the crowds. Outdoor activities are possible year-round, and it’s worth revisiting to make the most of each season. Come in spring to stroll through the bluebell woods, in fall to admire the changing leaves, or in winter for crisp walks through the snow.

Know before you go

Haldon Forest is located on the eastern edge of the North Pennines AONB, about a 30-minute drive from Durham.
You will need your own transport, as there are no public transport links to the park. Paid parking is available.
There are restrooms and a café in the park.
Some of the park’s trails are wheelchair accessible.