Camping in Hamsterley Forest

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

97% (475 reviews)

United Kingdom
—
England
—
Hamsterley Forest

97% (475 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Hamsterley Forest

Community favorites in and near Hamsterley Forest

Stories from the community

Daniella

2 days ago

Tent

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.

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 😀

1 night at Beirhope Alpacas

Amazing wild camping experience (with luxuries), not far from Kelso. Peaceful spot with a handful of pitches ideal for families and couples, Lynne and staff are warm and welcoming, super friendly. Firewood and groceries can be accessed anytime you need, just pay in the morning. Eco toilets are cleaned regularly. Great stargazing area and a picnic area too, plenty of space and idyllic scenery...and there are the alpacas. Beautiful spot... Just don't tell everyone!

Weekend Trip to Beirhope Alpacas

Absolutely loved it definitely be going back with the kids lynne was a great host the views are amazing

Weekend Trip to Beirhope Alpacas

Beirhope was a beautiful, peaceful place to stay and Lynne was super welcoming. The kids loved it and have demanded that we return as soon as possible!

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.

Weekend Trip to Kestrel Lodge Campsite

Clean, peaceful campsite. Very friendly staff. Loved the fire pit.

Weekend Trip to Kestrel Lodge Campsite

We absolutely loved our stay at Kestrel Lodge! The facilities were always spotless and clean. Pitch was great with the fire pit included and hosts were very helpful! We will 100% be back to explore more of the lakes.

Weekend Trip to Beirhope Alpacas

A very well organised campsite. Lynne was friendly and very accommodating. She gave a brief tour and explanation of the facilties, which was plentiful, then allowed us to set up our pitch. There are a number of pitches available, each one catering for a range of campers. I would wholeheartedly recommend this campsite to others.

Weekend Trip to The Old Chapel Campsite

A lovely little campsite. Just what we want in a campsite: quiet, dark, easy access to the hills, great host with a supply of fresh eggs. It’s in a great location within easy reach of High Cup Nick, Dufton and its beautiful glen etc. Ted is a great host who clearly enjoys having people passing through.

Weekend Trip to Baystone Bank Farm Campsite

We visited this campsite with a group of friends and 2 dogs and it was amazing! Very private and relaxed camping with lovely facilities. We will definitely be back.

1 night at Howdy Glamping

I stayed on the campsite. Gorgeous site with really good facilities. Close To Ullswater. Hosts were the best. I’ll definitely be back.

Weekend Trip to Hazel Mount Fellside

Beautiful close to nature small site, not a vehicle in site. Wonderful views. The owner,Ruth, is a wonderful host with a real concern and plans for the natural surroundings.

Weekend Trip to Tyne View Camping

Simple, laid back site with great views. David and Richard were super helpful and friendly. Basic in terms of amenities but portaloos were spotless and plenty of water taps. Exactly what we expected

Weekend Trip to The Old Chapel Campsite

Great wee stay at Ted’s land. My daughter and I had a lovely time at the old chapel campsite. Peaceful and quiet, lovely views. A nearby hike up Murton pike is also recommended and in close proximity. A less traveled part of the lakes but with all the sights and sounds your looking for. We hired a firepit and got some wood from Ted and that kept us busy enjoying the night. We were also very lucky to have met/fed two of the lambs that were on the land. My daughter loved that. Highly recommended -

1 night at Woodsworth Exploring

Perfect stay, no hassle. Super quiet. Great for anyone who wants the feeling of wild camping with a safety net 😊

1 night at Howbeck Lodge

Fantastic rural location but only 15 mins for M6 set on a working farm in a valley. So quiet and scenic Walking distance to village with community pub!

7 nights at Kestrel Lodge Campsite

Amazing campsite, super friendly owners. Quiet and well located with your own fire pit.

Beautiful handmade shepherd's huts in the heart of the picturesque South Lakes

Under £50

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

99%

(38)

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

97%

(29)

Chapel View Wild Campsite

3 units · Tents3 acres · High Peak, Derbyshire

A remote campsite for Hikers and Wild Campers Sittng on the Penine Bridleway on the foothills of Kinder above Chapel-en-le-Frith, offering beautiful views across the valley and being within immediate reach of some of the most popular walking trails in the UK. The campsite is in shadow of South Head and is directly on the Penine Bridleway less than 2 miles from Jacobs Ladder, the Penine Way and Kinder Low. You can break camp in the morning already in the heart of hiking country and return to your camp in the evening without ever leaving the remote wilderness of the national park.

100%

(4)

Bankfoot Camping

21 units · Tents5 acres · Stocksfield , England

Set in the beautiful Northumberland country side. Bankfoot camping is on a working farm in a quiet field with views down the Tyne Valley. Only 20 miles from Newcastle, 8 miles from Hexham, and 5 miles to the nearest roman site at Corbridge, Our camping field has one of the old roman roads running through it. Toilet and; shower facilities on site. All are welcome as we try our first year as a pop up site.

92%

(32)

Troquhain Woods

6 units · Motorhomes, Tents14 acres · Castle Douglas, Dumfries, South Scotland

Nearly wild camping for tents and campervans in a Scottish woodland

12 top campsites in Hamsterley Forest

100%

(3)

Castle Howard Lakeside Holiday Park

130 units · Motorhomes, Tents20 acres · England

Located in North Yorkshire on the Castle Howard Estate, Castle Howard Lakeside Holiday Park is just across The Great Lake from Castle Howard itself. A selection of hardstanding and grass pitches, with and without electric hook up. Pet friendly, open March - December. On-site shop. The perfect base to visit Castle Howard and explore the surrounding area.

97%

(29)

Puddlemire

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

Camping in countryside between the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales

Beirhope Alpacas

11 units · Tents1 acre · Kelso, Scotland

A small, off-grid campsite with alpacas in the historically rich southern Scottish borders

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.

98%

(66)

The Old Chapel Campsite

30 units · Tents1 acre · Murton, England

Nearly wild camping in the North Pennines

99%

(37)

Moss Rose Campsite

19 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents8 acres · Pilling, Preston, England

We have a family friendly Quiet campsite in the heart of Lancashire on our family run farm. Our site is situated in a species rich meadow field with large mown Pitches surrounded by wild flowers and meandering pathways linking the site together. We are surrounded by a young trees & woodland with the back drop of the Pennines. We offer both glamping and traditional non EHU camping on our site and we have lovely hot showers, clean toilet facilities, fresh water point, pot wash area, phone charger lockers, communal freezers and our little honesty shack with all little camping essentials to might need whilst staying with us. We also hire out picnic benches and fire pits to help enhance your camping experience. We are a Quiet family site, with a Reduced Noise policy from 9 pm, and Quiet Time from 10 pm to 8.30 am. Our site has close links to the A6 and m6 J33. We are only 13 miles from the Historic city of Lancaster, the Bright lights of Blackpool and the jubilee city of Preston. 4 miles from the first fair trade market town of Garstang and 45 mins into the Lake District. There is also lots of interesting activities to do locally.

100%

(9)

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.

95%

(55)

Stanley Villa Farm Fishing& Camping

36 units · Glamping30 acres · Preston, Lancashire, North West England

Lakeside rural tranquility and the 'kiss-me-quick' fun of the seaside – you can have the best of both worlds at Stanley Villa Farm's cute camping pods

96%

(133)

Baystone Bank Farm Campsite

47 units · Motorhomes, Tents1 acre · Millom, England

Lake District camping on a working farm with a stream to splash in, campfires encouraged and a horse-riding centre on the doorstep

100%

(8)

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

97%

(162)

Kestrel Lodge Campsite

11 units · Tents4 acres · Keswick, Cumbria, North West England

A family-friendly Lake District campsite, nestled between the quiet shores of Bassenthwaite Lake and the beautiful Cumbrian fells

98%

(60)

Woodsworth Exploring

10 units · Tents10 acres · Ilkley, West Yorkshire, North East England

Nearly wild woodland camping in West Yorkshire’s Bronte country

Dog-friendly getaways

100%

(16)

Deerstone Glamping

6 units · Glamping82 acres · Lancashire, North West England

Geodesic domes with a sauna and a dome cinema on site in the Lancashire countryside

98%

(22)

Wold Meadow

6 units · Glamping2 acres · Driffield, England

Relaxing adult-only, dog-friendly glamping stays with private bathrooms and a view of the Yorkshire Wolds.

Booked 1 time

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.

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

100%

(3)

RHC & Glamping

6 units · Glamping15 acres · Lancashire, North West England

2 units · Motorhomes, Tents12 acres · England

*Family-friendly site within the grounds of Yorkshire Wildlife Park *Easy access from the M18; discounted entry to the wildlife park *Bar in the Mess Tent, Camp Lion shop and Oasis Kids Play Area Heres the chance for the whole family to go completely wild… in the nicest possible way of course. Now you and the kids can stay overnight at Camp Lion at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, the ‘wildest family-friendly campsite in South Yorkshire, and wake up to birdsong and the truly unforgettable sound of African lions roaring… Come along to Camp Lion and you`ll be staying in a spacious grass meadow within the grounds of Yorkshire Wildlife Park. Booking a stay entitles you to exclusive discounted multi-day entry to the park, and additional discounted days can be added during your stay - please just ask at the Camp Lion office. Even after the park closes for the day, you can look forward to organised games and evening activities under the cover of Camp Lion Lodge Mess Tent, where theres a licensed bar and snacks on offer too. Site facilities also include a breakfast den, access to the Oasis Kids Outdoor Play Area and Camp Lion Shop, where you can pick up anything vital that got left behind at home. There`s also plenty of space to let the kids have a good run around (and hopefully tire themselves out ready for a good night`s sleep…) Camp Lion is a doddle to get to as well, being just five minutes drive from Junction 3 of the M18 and 20 minutes from the centre of Doncaster. Available Pitch Types *Tent/Touring/Motorhome non-electric grass pitches x 78 *Bell Tents (Sleeping 2-4) x 20 Opens 21 June 2024 Opening Dates Fri, 21 Jun to Sun, 23 Jun 2024 Fri, 28 Jun to Sun, 30 Jun 2024 Fri, 12 Jul to Sun, 1 Sept 2024 Check In - From 3pm Check Out - By 10am

Brayshaw View Glamping & Camping

46 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents3 acres · England

Nestled in the heart of breathtaking countryside, Brayshaw View Campsite offers a peaceful retreat with stunning panoramic views, fresh air, and the perfect spot to unwind. From scenic hiking trails to charming local villages, explore the best spots to visit, whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, there’s something for everyone. Discover Local Places Uncover hidden gems, charming villages, and scenic spots waiting to be explored. Experience the best of the local area, from historic landmarks to breathtaking nature trails. Pendle Hill Gisburn Forest Settle Malham Bolton Abbey Pendle Hill Gisburn Forest Things to Do Whether you seek adventure or relaxation, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy outdoor activities, experiences, and family-friendly fun to make the most of your stay. Skipton Boat Trips Skipton Castle Ingleborough Cave Ingleton Falls White Scar Caves Vertical Skills Thornton Hall Farm Skipton Boat Trips Skipton Castle Places To Eat & Drink Enjoy a taste of the local area with welcoming pubs serving hearty meals and refreshing drinks. Whether you’re after a traditional pint or a homemade bite to eat, you’ll find a warm atmosphere and friendly service. Crow Trees Inn The Plough Bike Hire & Training Explore the great outdoors with bike hire and training options for all levels. Whether you’re looking for an adventurous ride or a leisurely cycle, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

100%

(11)

Dobella Lane Farm Certificated Site

11 units · Motorhomes, Tents1 acre · Dobella La Goole, England

A small dog-friendly campsite in the Vale of York that's open all year

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.