Camping in Kielder Forest

Expect camping trips filled with wildlife watching, woodland walks, and water sports.

99% (266 reviews)

United Kingdom
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England
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Kielder Forest

99% (266 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Kielder Forest

Under £50

96%

(133)

12 top campsites in Kielder Forest

96%

(133)

Kestrel Lodge Camping

10 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

Ruberslaw Wild Woods Camping

53 units · Glamping, Tents500 acres · Hawick, Scottish Borders

Pick between the woods and the walled garden at this stunning Scottish Borders site

Beirhope Alpacas

10 units · Tents1 acre · Kelso, Scotland

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

The Old Chapel Campsite

30 units · Tents1 acre · Grizedale, England

Nearly wild camping in the North Pennines

Walkmill Campsite

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

Refreshingly understated private camping in the unspoiled Northumberland countryside

100%

(19)

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

94%

(9)

Howbeck Lodge

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

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

Booked 2 times

Otter Moss Accommodation

4 units · Glamping12 acres · 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.

98%

(89)

Ewe Love Camping Pods

3 units · Glamping120 acres · Penrith, Cumbria, North West England

Modern Lake District glamping pods among the trees, with exceptional views of Blencathra

99%

(37)

Cairn Meadow Pods

4 units · Glamping3 acres · Cumbria, North West England

Glamping pods in Cumbria's secluded Eden Valley with views of the Pennines

94%

(127)

Catgill Farm Camping & Glamping

153 units · Glamping, Tents1 acre · North Yorkshire, England

Family camping and glamping on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales and a stone's throw from famous Bolton Abbey

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.

Camping in Kielder Forest guide

Overview

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.

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.