- Camping with Wildlife watching
Wildlife-watching campsites in Hamsterley Forest
98% (235) • 148 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds in Hamsterley Forest
Walkmill Campsite
1. Walkmill Campsite
98%
(122)
Northumberland, England · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Refreshingly understated private camping in the unspoiled Northumberland countryside
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£25
/ night
Camping at Cardewlees
2. Camping at Cardewlees
99%
(47)
Carlisle, England · 37 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A welcoming, family-run farm campsite between the Lake District and Hadrian's Wall
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£16
/ night
Breaks Fold Farm Glamping & Camping
3. Breaks Fold Farm Glamping & Camping
98%
(61)
Darley, England · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Camping in Nidderdale with excellent facilities, dogs and campfires welcome, and views over Thruscross Reservoir.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£12
/ night
Masons Campsite
4. Masons Campsite
Skipton Bd23 6 Dd, England · 27 units
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
Electrical hookup
Pets
from
£38
/ night
Ewe Love Camping Pods
5. Ewe Love Camping Pods
98%
(108)
Penrith, England · 3 units
Modern Lake District glamping pods among the trees, with exceptional views of Blencathra
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from
£90
/ night
The Damson Shepherd's Hut
6. The Damson Shepherd's Hut
98%
(60)
Near Kendal, England · 1 unit
A shepherd's hut for two in the lesser-known Lyth Valley, four miles from Lake Windermere
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from
£110
/ night
Otter Moss Accommodation
7. Otter Moss Accommodation
100%
(8)
Brampton, England · 4 units
Otter Moss Accommodation offers a variety of upscale camping options suitable for couples, families, and groups. Nestled within a picturesque 12-acre former farm, the majority of the site surrounds a spacious meadow. Additionally, the site boasts a charming small lake featuring three islands and a rowing boat for leisurely water activities.
Situated at the northern edge of the stunning Eden Valley, guests can enjoy sweeping views of the Cumbrian Fells, with visibility extending to the Solway Firth and the Lake District on clear days. The Lake District is a convenient 40-minute drive away, while various sections of Hadrian's Wall are even closer, reachable within a 15-minute drive. Carlisle and the M6 motorway to Scotland are both just 20 minutes away, with the picturesque market town of Brampton also within a 15-minute drive and offering its own attractions.
Local pubs are plentiful in the area, with a diverse selection available within a five-mile radius.
Accommodation units at Otter Moss come equipped with heating, kitchen utensils, and stoves, ensuring guests' comfort and convenience. Each unit also includes firepits or barbecues, as well as bedding and towels for a hassle-free stay.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£85
/ night
Fairy Bell Wood
8. Fairy Bell Wood
100%
(11)
Lambrigg, England · 1 unit
An off-grid yurt in a private woodland between the Lakes and the Dales
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from
£119
/ night
Hollow Gill Huts
9. Hollow Gill Huts
100%
(3)
Settle, England · 3 units
Shepherd's huts with views across the Yorkshire Dales near Settle
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£120
/ night
The Black Swan
10. The Black Swan
100%
(26)
Kirkby Stephen, England · 3 units
Our three, brand new wood and canvas yurts are nestled in our private, woodland hotel garden beside the beautiful conservation (SSSI) river of Scandal Beck. Just a short drive from The Lake District, The Yorkshire and Durham Dales as well as The Scottish Border, we are perfectly located for you to explore.
The yurts themselves are individually decorated with full size furniture, electricity and double beds. The yurts are all located in the garden of The Black Swan Hotel, Ravenstonedale, a multi award-winning hotel, restaurant and bar; recipient of 2 AA Rosettes as well as AA pub of the year for England 2018/19. As part of your stay in our yurts you will receive a full cooked breakfast and buffet option included in the price for 2 people in our hotel restaurant. We like to think of ourselves as a cosy home from home with a relaxed dining atmosphere throughout. We are very dog friendly in the hotel, restaurant, bar and yurts so please bring your furry family members.
Our beautiful woodland is also home to red squirrels (which are seen daily), protected, freshwater crayfish in the river, an otter (seen very infrequently but the nemesis of our ducks), 6 Indian runner ducks, free range chickens and our two cockerels! (Dogs are very welcome but are to be kept on a lead whilst in the woodland itself).
We are very dog friendly and charge an additional fee of £15 for 1 dog/ £20 for 2 dogs for an additional cleaning fee and for some dog friendly goodies such as poop bags and treats. The price of this yurt is based on an occupancy of 2 people. Any other people who will be staying on the sofa bed will add a charge of £40 per person per night for breakfast and their stay.
All yurts come with electrical battery pack, chargeable lanterns, tea/coffee, homemade biscuits, log burning stoves, towels, full breakfast included from the hotel, an outdoor seating area and access to our outdoor toasty warm woodland shower as well as our very cute, wooden toilet cabin. Hairdryers are available in the hotel for your use.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£136
/ night
Smardale Mill Shepods The Ash
11. Smardale Mill Shepods The Ash
88%
(4)
Kirkby Stephen, England · 3 units
Smardale Mill Shepods are the perfect place to escape, unwind and relax. These modern style shepherds huts are tucked away in an idyllic setting in Cumbria. Situated on a working family farm there is always plenty to see and do. Each shepod sleeps two comfortably with the option of a further two guests on the sofa bed.
Pets
Showers
Wifi
from
£77
/ night
Cherish Glamping
12. Cherish Glamping
100%
(5)
Hawes, England · 7 units
Yurts with private bathrooms, hot tubs, and breakfast included, set in beautiful Wensleydale
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£245
/ night
Renison's Farm
13. Renison's Farm
100%
(1)
Penrith, England · 1 unit
Off-grid wagon glamping on a farm with views of Lake District fells
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£90
/ night
Little North Field Glamping
14. Little North Field Glamping
100%
(12)
North Yorkshire, England · 3 units
Luxury safari tent glamping within striking distance of North Yorkshire's most historic attractions
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£160
/ night
98% (235) • 148 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds in Hamsterley Forest
Walkmill Campsite
1. Walkmill Campsite
98%
(122)
Northumberland, England · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Refreshingly understated private camping in the unspoiled Northumberland countryside
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£25
/ night
Camping at Cardewlees
2. Camping at Cardewlees
99%
(47)
Carlisle, England · 37 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A welcoming, family-run farm campsite between the Lake District and Hadrian's Wall
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£16
/ night
Breaks Fold Farm Glamping & Camping
3. Breaks Fold Farm Glamping & Camping
98%
(61)
Darley, England · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Camping in Nidderdale with excellent facilities, dogs and campfires welcome, and views over Thruscross Reservoir.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£12
/ night
Masons Campsite
4. Masons Campsite
Skipton Bd23 6 Dd, England · 27 units
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
Electrical hookup
Pets
from
£38
/ night
Ewe Love Camping Pods
5. Ewe Love Camping Pods
98%
(108)
Penrith, England · 3 units
Modern Lake District glamping pods among the trees, with exceptional views of Blencathra
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from
£90
/ night
The Damson Shepherd's Hut
6. The Damson Shepherd's Hut
98%
(60)
Near Kendal, England · 1 unit
A shepherd's hut for two in the lesser-known Lyth Valley, four miles from Lake Windermere
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from
£110
/ night
Otter Moss Accommodation
7. Otter Moss Accommodation
100%
(8)
Brampton, England · 4 units
Otter Moss Accommodation offers a variety of upscale camping options suitable for couples, families, and groups. Nestled within a picturesque 12-acre former farm, the majority of the site surrounds a spacious meadow. Additionally, the site boasts a charming small lake featuring three islands and a rowing boat for leisurely water activities.
Situated at the northern edge of the stunning Eden Valley, guests can enjoy sweeping views of the Cumbrian Fells, with visibility extending to the Solway Firth and the Lake District on clear days. The Lake District is a convenient 40-minute drive away, while various sections of Hadrian's Wall are even closer, reachable within a 15-minute drive. Carlisle and the M6 motorway to Scotland are both just 20 minutes away, with the picturesque market town of Brampton also within a 15-minute drive and offering its own attractions.
Local pubs are plentiful in the area, with a diverse selection available within a five-mile radius.
Accommodation units at Otter Moss come equipped with heating, kitchen utensils, and stoves, ensuring guests' comfort and convenience. Each unit also includes firepits or barbecues, as well as bedding and towels for a hassle-free stay.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£85
/ night
Fairy Bell Wood
8. Fairy Bell Wood
100%
(11)
Lambrigg, England · 1 unit
An off-grid yurt in a private woodland between the Lakes and the Dales
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from
£119
/ night
Hollow Gill Huts
9. Hollow Gill Huts
100%
(3)
Settle, England · 3 units
Shepherd's huts with views across the Yorkshire Dales near Settle
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£120
/ night
The Black Swan
10. The Black Swan
100%
(26)
Kirkby Stephen, England · 3 units
Our three, brand new wood and canvas yurts are nestled in our private, woodland hotel garden beside the beautiful conservation (SSSI) river of Scandal Beck. Just a short drive from The Lake District, The Yorkshire and Durham Dales as well as The Scottish Border, we are perfectly located for you to explore.
The yurts themselves are individually decorated with full size furniture, electricity and double beds. The yurts are all located in the garden of The Black Swan Hotel, Ravenstonedale, a multi award-winning hotel, restaurant and bar; recipient of 2 AA Rosettes as well as AA pub of the year for England 2018/19. As part of your stay in our yurts you will receive a full cooked breakfast and buffet option included in the price for 2 people in our hotel restaurant. We like to think of ourselves as a cosy home from home with a relaxed dining atmosphere throughout. We are very dog friendly in the hotel, restaurant, bar and yurts so please bring your furry family members.
Our beautiful woodland is also home to red squirrels (which are seen daily), protected, freshwater crayfish in the river, an otter (seen very infrequently but the nemesis of our ducks), 6 Indian runner ducks, free range chickens and our two cockerels! (Dogs are very welcome but are to be kept on a lead whilst in the woodland itself).
We are very dog friendly and charge an additional fee of £15 for 1 dog/ £20 for 2 dogs for an additional cleaning fee and for some dog friendly goodies such as poop bags and treats. The price of this yurt is based on an occupancy of 2 people. Any other people who will be staying on the sofa bed will add a charge of £40 per person per night for breakfast and their stay.
All yurts come with electrical battery pack, chargeable lanterns, tea/coffee, homemade biscuits, log burning stoves, towels, full breakfast included from the hotel, an outdoor seating area and access to our outdoor toasty warm woodland shower as well as our very cute, wooden toilet cabin. Hairdryers are available in the hotel for your use.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£136
/ night
Smardale Mill Shepods The Ash
11. Smardale Mill Shepods The Ash
88%
(4)
Kirkby Stephen, England · 3 units
Smardale Mill Shepods are the perfect place to escape, unwind and relax. These modern style shepherds huts are tucked away in an idyllic setting in Cumbria. Situated on a working family farm there is always plenty to see and do. Each shepod sleeps two comfortably with the option of a further two guests on the sofa bed.
Pets
Showers
Wifi
from
£77
/ night
Cherish Glamping
12. Cherish Glamping
100%
(5)
Hawes, England · 7 units
Yurts with private bathrooms, hot tubs, and breakfast included, set in beautiful Wensleydale
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£245
/ night
Renison's Farm
13. Renison's Farm
100%
(1)
Penrith, England · 1 unit
Off-grid wagon glamping on a farm with views of Lake District fells
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£90
/ night
Little North Field Glamping
14. Little North Field Glamping
100%
(12)
North Yorkshire, England · 3 units
Luxury safari tent glamping within striking distance of North Yorkshire's most historic attractions
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£160
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
Emily
2 weeks ago
Weekend Trip to Fairy Bell Wood
Ste and Emily's yurt was so relaxing for our winter getaway. We absolutely loved the wood burning stove and the hob was just enough for us to cook inside. We also loved that the yurt was located in between the Lakes and the Dales! We were able to get in a hike in on both days we were there! Would highly recommend! Thank you Ste and Emily for a lovely stay!
See more
V
Virginia
October 2025
With pets
Lovely location, beautiful views. Comfortable pod and great with enclosed garden for the dog. Good facilities too.
See more
I
Ian
September 2025
Tent
Really well laid out site. Quite steep in places with rough ground but fine if you are mobile. Toilet and shower facilities are excellent, as is the wash up area with phone charging facilities and shared fridges.
Fantastic base to explore the area, right next to the Thurscross reservoir.
See moren
natasha
September 2025
Weekend Trip to Fairy Bell Wood
We stayed in the yurt at Fairy Glen Wood and it was just perfect. It had everything we needed for a relaxing little retreat peaceful, comfortable, and surrounded by nature. We really enjoyed our stay and would definitely love to come back!
See more
Brian
September 2025
6 m Class B
With pets
Spacious clean campsite. Now our best one yet!
We chose the upper circle which gave us a lot more space and better views.
Clean toilets. Nice little shop with extras for guests.
Will certainly recommend and return.
See more
K
Kerry
September 2025
3 nights at The Damson Shepherd's Hut
I absolutely loved it here . It was my own piece of heaven ❤️
See more
C
Cliff
August 2025
Tent
This is a delightful site. Very peaceful and everything is immaculately clean and tidy. Close to coast. Highly recommended
See more
V
Victoria
August 2025
Tent
With pets
I loved the campsite. The plots were very spacious and not at all crammed in, so there was lots of room for my toddler to run around in. The facilities were good as there was a static caravan with a kitchen, bathroom, toilet and even a couple of lounge areas, which would be useful if you got bad weather. It was so handy having the use of a hot water for washing up. I would definitely go back!
See more
E
Elma
August 2025
With kids
Initially I wasn’t sure taking the lantern to do your (compost) toilet trip of 1.5 minutes but it worked as long as your mind doesn’t run wild in the dark when you’re on your own! But it all adds up to the whole experience of glamping without running water and electricity in the yurt. I loved the hot shower outside (I also used it to wash my hands after using the toilet), the sound of the stream, the hares who were very elusive, the log burner and the pub breakfast (included in the booking) and the pub food. I had to leave very early, it was still pitch black and I looked at the sky, it was magical with the stars and I even thought I could see 1-2 galaxies; I’m probably exaggerating but it was that clear without the light pollution. I loved the whole experience! Thank you!
See more
A
Ally
August 2025
Tent
Just returning from our first visit to Cardewlees and we could not of asked for a better stay. Cardewlees is an absolute little gem of a campsite and Johnny could not have been a better host if he tried. Toilet and showering facilities were more than adequate and the water was always nice and warm. Thank you for a perfect stay and we look forward to coming back soon. Ally and Lee x
See moreE
Eleanor
August 2025
Tent
A simple but friendly camping experience. A very attentive host!
See moreL
Lisa
August 2025
Weekend Trip to Fairy Bell Wood
This is a truly beautiful space. We've stayed in lots of yurts and this is the nicest by far. It's fab to have somewhere to sit inside if you need. But lovely spots outside too. The kitchen area is really useful and has everything you'd need. We followed the instructions for the shower and it worked perfectly. I loved the full length window to lay in bed and watch the sunset. Best of all if you're as anti social as me..... It's totally on it own! We re already planning our next visit.
See more
K
Katie
August 2025
Tent
We loved tent camping at Walkmill, the site was beautifully maintained in a stunning location near the river. Plenty of wildlife to enjoy while sat around the fire pit - we saw a barn owl and hares during our two night stay. The pitches were well spaced out and the site shop had everything you might need in a pinch -we recommend bringing cash for the honesty box. The location is a 45min walk to Warkworth Castle and the coast/coastal path so there is plenty to keep you busy. We are looking forward to coming back!
See more
T
Ted
August 2025
Tent
With pets
Camping was beautiful here lovely walks with dogs very clean showers.
Host were great.very friendly. And informative
See more
F
Fil
August 2025
Tent
With kids
Excellent facilities. Very welcoming, helpful owners. Very quiet site which suited us.
Lots of space even for our large bell tent.
See morea
amy
August 2025
Tent
With kids
A lovely place to stay for camping with the kids, even with the midges :). The toilets were immaculate and plenty of shower rooms. We had a mix up with our pitch (i thought i had booked an electric pitch but it hadn't went through on hipcamp), the owner was brilliant and very accommodating. I wouldn't hesitate to book again if we are down that way.
See moreM
Megan
August 2025
Tent
With pets
The campsite had lovely views and the facilities were very accessible.
See more
S
Saskia
July 2025
3 nights at Ewe Love Camping Pods
We had a wonderful little getaway here, exactly what we needed nice and quiet and surrounded by nature, the pod was clean and cosy and provided everything you need for a stay. The bbq was really nice and worked well. Can was really wonderful and helpful especially with a little mishap we had. 10/10 I would recommend going here and we will definitely be back!
See more
Nicholas
July 2025
4 nights at Ewe Love Camping Pods
Another brilliant stay. Can't fault it. Will be returning.
See more
G
Gill
June 2025
Tent
Beautiful unspoilt environment, natural landscape. The tents were pitched away from the camper vans which was lovely.
Friendly peaceful campers in a lovely atmosphere.
See more
Wildlife-watching campsites 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.