Campsites with wheelchair access in Hamsterley Forest

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.

98% (55)

Top-rated campgrounds

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.

98% (55)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Camping at Cardewlees

99%

(47)

37 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Carlisle, England

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

2. Hill Top Huts

97%

(121)

12 units · Glamping · Durham, North East England

Scenic, simple glamping pods set beside a welcoming Pennines pub

3. Scow Hall Farm

100%

(6)

15 units · Tents · Ilkley, West Yorkshire, North East England

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

4. Stoney Calf

1 unit · Glamping · England

Welcome to our one bedroom cosy barn with a sun house and garden. We have secure storage for cycles, walking opportunities endless. We are based in Cumbria / Yorkshire Dales National Park and are a 20 minutes drive from the Lake District National Park. We have an EV charge point and offer pet free accommodation. Strictly only allow 2 people to stay. Our local town of Kirkby Lonsdale is only a 5 minute drive away. Our high end fixtures and fittings include a dishwasher, fridge and two TVs. Renewable energy supplys the central heating.

Stories from the community

W

Winter

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Scow Hall Farm

We loved staying here! Beautiful views and close to Harrogate and Knaresborough.

I

Imogen

April 2025

With pets

3 nights at Hill Top Huts

Absolutely beautiful site, friendly people around us and the onsite pub food was amazing for one of the nights we visited (pie and gammon are 100% recommend). It was a quick drive from most places we had a day in barnard castle, and this is very pretty. Our dog loved his stay too everywhere we went was dog friendly, with plenty of dog walking spaces for him to run around. Our pod for 4 was very comfortable and picnic bench outside was ideal for breakfast cereal, bring your own cups bowls cutlery and plenty to keep kids busy we took board games and quizzes and he could watch YouTube on his phone. Glad there was a mini fridge kettle (for cuppas) and microwave (for popcorn) we left alcohol outside as it was cold enough overnight. I loved bird spotting on their fields too we will definitely book for the summer time

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Campsites with wheelchair access in Hamsterley Forest guide

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.