Camping in Kielder Forest

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With 250 square miles of forest and the largest manmade lake in northern Europe, Kielder Water and Forest Park is a one-stop destination for wildlife watching, woodland walks, and water sports. Explore miles of trails on foot, by bike, or on horseback, including the 27-mile Lakeside Way. Visit attractions such as Kielder Castle and the Birds of Prey Centre, cruise around Kielder Water, or take to the water to canoe, fish, or stand-up paddleboard. Campers can stay by the riverside or in Kielder village, and an overnight stay comes with stargazing opportunities—this is also an International Dark Sky Reserve.

97% (423)

Top-rated campgrounds

King Garth

7. King Garth

100%
(9)
1 unit · Glamping · 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.
Pets
Campfires
Trash
from 
£80
 / night
Tyne View Camping

8. Tyne View Camping

100%
(17)
15 units · Tents, Motorhomes · 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
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£20
 / night
High Farm Holiday Park Ltd

11. High Farm Holiday Park Ltd

100%
(1)
37 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Toft Hill, England
How about a camping break with spectacular Durham Dales views? High Farm Holiday Park might well be the spot for you, a scenic, family- and dog-friendly glamping/ touring site. Restoring and recycling vintage items is a passion of ours and may examples of this can be found throughout the site including our showstopping /repurposed Railway Wagons – each one found around the local area and completely refurbished into cute and cosy mini lodges decked out with stylish wooden interiors. Set in the County Durham countryside on a family-run former dairy farm, the site also features developing woodland and wetlands with loads of amazing wildlife, and mown walkways for you to explore your surroundings. An on-site café, shop and board game library are also all available for your use. Open all year, the site is close to the market town of Bishop Auckland (10 minutes’ drive), with its wide range of shops, restaurants and pubs, as well as the woodland walks and art trails in Hamsterley Forest.
Pets
Potable water
Showers
from 
£30
 / night
Otter Moss Accommodation

15. Otter Moss Accommodation

100%
(8)
4 units · Glamping · Brampton, England
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
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£85
 / night
Toadlands Shepherd Huts

18. Toadlands Shepherd Huts

100%
(4)
2 units · Glamping · Barnard Castle, England
Welcome to Toadlands Established in 2021 on repurposed farmland, our charming Shepherd’s Huts Roudabout and Bill Lunes offers glamping for two in style. Nestled into the Teesdale countryside, get back to nature in the luxury of a cosy Shepherd’s Hut. Whether you’re looking to unwind, explore, or both, Toadlands is a special place to do it. So, relax in the wood-fired hot tub, stargaze by the firepit, and discover what the local area has to offer. The space We have two Shepherd Huts totally private from each other with separate access .The huts are supplied with Luxury linens, cotton towels and bathrobes. Fully equipped bijou kitchen, induction hob, ceramic sink, microwave, fridge with ice compartment. Generous bathroom with spacious electric shower & heated towel rail. Luxurious Hypnos bed and mattress with plenty of storage. The hut offers a cosy interior with walls finished in dark blue tongue and groove paneling, an oak floor and contrasting white ceiling. Sumptuous Linwood fabrics have been used throughout on the windows and furniture. Double glazed hardwood doors and windows combined with electric thermostatically controlled heating ensure consistent comfort throughout the changing seasons. Outdoors, relax in the wood fired hot tub or sit around the fire pit sipping wine or enjoying mugs of hot chocolate whilst enjoying the wonderful views of the Teesdale countryside. we are a stone throw away from the railway walk that can take you to the neighbouring villages of Romaldkirk, or Middleton- in-Teesdale, or hop in the car and take a short drive to the picturesque market town of Barnard Castle. Guest access Cars can be parked approx 100 metres from the hut, access is from the B6277 along a private grass lane, waterproof footwear is recommended for pedestrian access during wet weather.
Potable water
Campfires
Showers
from 
£163
 / night

With 250 square miles of forest and the largest manmade lake in northern Europe, Kielder Water and Forest Park is a one-stop destination for wildlife watching, woodland walks, and water sports. Explore miles of trails on foot, by bike, or on horseback, including the 27-mile Lakeside Way. Visit attractions such as Kielder Castle and the Birds of Prey Centre, cruise around Kielder Water, or take to the water to canoe, fish, or stand-up paddleboard. Campers can stay by the riverside or in Kielder village, and an overnight stay comes with stargazing opportunities—this is also an International Dark Sky Reserve.

97% (423)

Top-rated campgrounds

King Garth

7. King Garth

100%
(9)
1 unit · Glamping · 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.
Pets
Campfires
Trash
from 
£80
 / night
Tyne View Camping

8. Tyne View Camping

100%
(17)
15 units · Tents, Motorhomes · 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
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£20
 / night
High Farm Holiday Park Ltd

11. High Farm Holiday Park Ltd

100%
(1)
37 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Toft Hill, England
How about a camping break with spectacular Durham Dales views? High Farm Holiday Park might well be the spot for you, a scenic, family- and dog-friendly glamping/ touring site. Restoring and recycling vintage items is a passion of ours and may examples of this can be found throughout the site including our showstopping /repurposed Railway Wagons – each one found around the local area and completely refurbished into cute and cosy mini lodges decked out with stylish wooden interiors. Set in the County Durham countryside on a family-run former dairy farm, the site also features developing woodland and wetlands with loads of amazing wildlife, and mown walkways for you to explore your surroundings. An on-site café, shop and board game library are also all available for your use. Open all year, the site is close to the market town of Bishop Auckland (10 minutes’ drive), with its wide range of shops, restaurants and pubs, as well as the woodland walks and art trails in Hamsterley Forest.
Pets
Potable water
Showers
from 
£30
 / night
Otter Moss Accommodation

15. Otter Moss Accommodation

100%
(8)
4 units · Glamping · Brampton, England
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
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£85
 / night
Toadlands Shepherd Huts

18. Toadlands Shepherd Huts

100%
(4)
2 units · Glamping · Barnard Castle, England
Welcome to Toadlands Established in 2021 on repurposed farmland, our charming Shepherd’s Huts Roudabout and Bill Lunes offers glamping for two in style. Nestled into the Teesdale countryside, get back to nature in the luxury of a cosy Shepherd’s Hut. Whether you’re looking to unwind, explore, or both, Toadlands is a special place to do it. So, relax in the wood-fired hot tub, stargaze by the firepit, and discover what the local area has to offer. The space We have two Shepherd Huts totally private from each other with separate access .The huts are supplied with Luxury linens, cotton towels and bathrobes. Fully equipped bijou kitchen, induction hob, ceramic sink, microwave, fridge with ice compartment. Generous bathroom with spacious electric shower & heated towel rail. Luxurious Hypnos bed and mattress with plenty of storage. The hut offers a cosy interior with walls finished in dark blue tongue and groove paneling, an oak floor and contrasting white ceiling. Sumptuous Linwood fabrics have been used throughout on the windows and furniture. Double glazed hardwood doors and windows combined with electric thermostatically controlled heating ensure consistent comfort throughout the changing seasons. Outdoors, relax in the wood fired hot tub or sit around the fire pit sipping wine or enjoying mugs of hot chocolate whilst enjoying the wonderful views of the Teesdale countryside. we are a stone throw away from the railway walk that can take you to the neighbouring villages of Romaldkirk, or Middleton- in-Teesdale, or hop in the car and take a short drive to the picturesque market town of Barnard Castle. Guest access Cars can be parked approx 100 metres from the hut, access is from the B6277 along a private grass lane, waterproof footwear is recommended for pedestrian access during wet weather.
Potable water
Campfires
Showers
from 
£163
 / night

Camper favorites in and near Kielder Forest

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Camping in Kielder Forest guide

When to go

Outdoor activities are fun year-round at Kielder Water, but campsites within the forest park are open from March through October only. Come in the spring and summer months for lake cruises and water sports, in autumn to admire the fall foliage, or during the festive season to visit the Kielder Winter Wonderland. Popular events throughout the year include the Kielder Marathon (October), a 24-hour mountain bike race (February), and a Night Run (March).

Know before you go

  • Kielder Water and Forest Park is in Northumberland, 30 miles northwest of Hexham. There is no public transport to the park. Parking is available at Hawkhope, Kielder Dam South Abutment, Tower Knowe, Kielder Waterside, Matthew’s Linn, Bakethin Nature Reserve, Kielder Castle, Skyspace lower car park, and Elf Kirk. A single parking ticket is valid all day at any of the car parks.
  • Facilities within the park include a gas station (card payment only) at Kielder village, two cafés, a restaurant, and restrooms. Download the free Kielder visitor map to your phone to help navigate. 
  • There are overnight parking spots for self-sufficient campers at Kielder Castle car park, Anglers Arms rear car park in Kielder village, Elf Kirk View Point, and Tower Knowe car park. Fees apply.
  • Midges are common in the park from March through September, so bring insect repellent. The weather can change quickly in northern England, so it’s a good idea to pack a raincoat even in summer. 
  • There are wheelchair-accessible facilities at Kielder Water and some accessible trails.

Top towns in and near Kielder Forest