Campsites near Darlington

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Surrounded by protected landscapes and boasting a pretty town centre plus plenty of natural reserves of its own, Darlington is a standout destination for outdoor enthusiasts in northern England. Whether you’re after quiet countryside camping or active adventure in one of England’s most iconic landscapes, you have options, with the Pennine Chain, North York Moors, and Northumberland National Park all within easy reach of the city. The region’s holiday parks are great for kicking back with the kids, while frill-free field camps and luxury glampsites let you soak up the great outdoors in your own way. Stargazers should keep an eye out for the many Dark Sky Sites scattered throughout the region.

97% (354)

Top-rated campgrounds

The Duchess's Meadow

4. The Duchess's Meadow

100%
(1)
143km from Darlington · 2 units · Motorhomes · England
Tucked away in peaceful woodland yet just a short stroll from the vibrant heart of Buxton, The Duchess’s Meadow offers the perfect blend of nature, history, and convenience. Set within the private grounds of Corbar Hill House — originally built in the 1850s as a retreat for the Mistress of the 7th Duke of Devonshire — our site sits amid tranquil trees and abundant wildlife. Expect to spot owls, rabbits, woodpeckers, and even the occasional stoat and deer, all against a backdrop of panoramic views across Buxton and the Peak District. Our family fell in love with this land and set out to create a welcoming space where visitors can relax, recharge, and enjoy the beauty of the area. Whether you’re here for a peaceful stopover or a longer stay, you’ll find yourself surrounded by nature yet just a 10-minute walk from Buxton’s bustling town centre. Buxton is famed for its natural thermal spring water, elegant Georgian and Victorian architecture, and rich cultural scene. Home to the magnificent Buxton Crescent, the Opera House, and the gateway to the Peak District National Park, it’s the ideal base for exploring Derbyshire’s scenic walks, limestone caves, and charming villages. At The Duchess’s Meadow, you’ll experience the best of both worlds — the calm of the countryside and the charm of a historic spa town, all from the comfort of your motorhome.
Potable water
Trash
from 
£14
 / night
Damside Campsite

13. Damside Campsite

96%
(14)
139km from Darlington · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes · England
Well-maintained and peaceful wild camping site in the Peak District Buxton 15 minutes’ drive; Chatsworth House half an hour Dogs welcome; 10 minutes’ walk from a pub; nearby playground Just how remote would you like your holiday accommodation to be? If the answer is fair to middling, Damside Campsite might just be the place for you: this pop-up spot is surrounded by the glorious wilderness of Peak District National Park. Doesn’t get much more blissfully peaceful than that – except for the occasional lowing cow, all is stillness here. Having said that, don’t worry: you won’t have to scramble across hills and dales for a pint: a traditional pub serving real ales and home-cooked food is right in the village of Peak Forest, a 20-minute walk away. Both the site and the pub welcome dogs, though it might be wise to keep them on a lead when walking past the farm animals. This is wild camping; facilities might not be abundant (there are no showers), but they are well maintained and include a portable toilet and a washing-up area. There is also fresh running water, and you’re welcome to start a campfire or a barbecue. You can grab essentials in the village shop, or head to Chapel-en-le-Frith (10 minutes) or Buxton (15 minutes). If you’re here with the kids, the flat, grassy field where you’ll set up your tent makes for an excellent play area on which to run around, kick a ball or fly a kite. A nearby playground has swings, slides, a small adventure course and a multisport pitch. Walking paths start from right outside the farm, or you can drive to hiking areas like Chee Dale Stepping Stones (10 minutes), a dramatic gorge on the River Wye.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£20
 / night
Scarborough Bay Sea View Camping

16. Scarborough Bay Sea View Camping

81%
(8)
84km from Darlington · 50 units · Tents · England
Scarborough Bay - Sea View Camping, a clifftop retreat on the North Yorkshire coast. Pitch up where you wish on this spacious 5 acre site. All the pitches face the coast so you can have spectacular views over the sea, in this case the North Sea to Scarborough (15 minutes’ drive), giving you a front-row seat on one of England’s most spectacular coastlines. Here you can wake to vibrant sunrises and on clear evenings to watch sunsets in the west. There’s plenty more going for this peaceful site as well: walkers will perk up on hearing that it’s right on the Cleveland Way National Trail, surfers can catch waves at popular Cayton Bay (five minutes’ drive), and families can head for Go Ape or scenic biking trails in Dalby Forest (40 minutes). There’s also a farm shop 15 minutes’ walk away where you can get a decent coffee and homemade food. There’s plenty of room so you’re free to pitch up where you wish. Well-behaved dogs are welcome, and barbecues or firepits are allowed as long as they’re raised off the ground to protect the grass. The camping area is exposed and can get windy at times, so take care when erecting tents and ensure everything is well secured. Facilities are simple: chemical toilets and a water supply. The water supply is from the mains but we recommend bottled water for drinking to be safe. There are no showers on site. Solar showers can be bought on-line for about £10. The access road is alongside a grass field, so please ensure that your vehicle is suitable for the terrain. Local attractions and activities include: - Cleveland Way National Trail (direct access from the site) - Cayton Bay (surfing): five minutes’ drive - Filey Brigg (walking and fossil hunting): 10 minutes - Scarborough (castle and beach): 15 minutes - Alpamare UK (indoor/outdoor pools): 15 minutes - Hunmanby Gap (quiet beach): 15 minutes - Sea Life Scarborough (aquarium): 20 minutes - Dalby Forest (walking and Go Ape): 40 minutes.
Pets
Campfires
from 
£20
 / night
The Old Vicarage

18. The Old Vicarage

79%
(17)
145km from Darlington · 6 units · Tents, Glamping · Retford, Nottinghamshire, East Midlands
The Old Vicarage offers a relaxed and tranquil atmosphere for your stay for camping. We have BBQ's, camp fires to hire and have the shallow river to play in. Free Wifi. Well behaved dogs allowed on leads at all times. Riverside site in grounds of a 17th-century house in Nottinghamshire Close to Sherwood Forest and 25 miles from Nottingham Cave bar on site open on Bank Holidays You'll sense the history all around you at The Old Vicarage, from the old house to the remains of the water mill in the river bed. Stays here are in the grounds of a 17th-century house in the village of Elkesley, six miles from Worksop and 25 miles from Nottingham. Its grounds run down to the banks of the Poulter river, and are lined with stands of acacia, sycamore, ash and oak trees which were originally donated to the first vicar by the Duke of Newcastle in the 1830s. There's plenty of space around the site for traditional outdoor activities, with a rope swing and stepping stones over the shallow river and a bridge that's perfect for playing Pooh Sticks. In the surrounding area there are animal parks and nature reserves to walk around, or to head back further in time, you could take one of the trails through ancient Sherwood Forest, around quarter of an hour's drive away. Guest facilities on site centre around the Cave Bar, a cool little space built into an exposure of 500-million-year-old sandstone, plus an outdoor terrace for sipping drinks out in the sunshine. Other amenities include a washing-up area and bathrooms with plentiful hot showers, toilets and baby changing facilities. No Fire Pits BBQ;s off the floor. No disposable BBQ;s CHECK IN BETWEEN 2PM AND 6PM CHECK INS AFTER 6PM INCUR A FEE OF £10.00 FOR LATE CHECK IN
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£28
 / night

Surrounded by protected landscapes and boasting a pretty town centre plus plenty of natural reserves of its own, Darlington is a standout destination for outdoor enthusiasts in northern England. Whether you’re after quiet countryside camping or active adventure in one of England’s most iconic landscapes, you have options, with the Pennine Chain, North York Moors, and Northumberland National Park all within easy reach of the city. The region’s holiday parks are great for kicking back with the kids, while frill-free field camps and luxury glampsites let you soak up the great outdoors in your own way. Stargazers should keep an eye out for the many Dark Sky Sites scattered throughout the region.

97% (354)

Top-rated campgrounds

The Duchess's Meadow

4. The Duchess's Meadow

100%
(1)
143km from Darlington · 2 units · Motorhomes · England
Tucked away in peaceful woodland yet just a short stroll from the vibrant heart of Buxton, The Duchess’s Meadow offers the perfect blend of nature, history, and convenience. Set within the private grounds of Corbar Hill House — originally built in the 1850s as a retreat for the Mistress of the 7th Duke of Devonshire — our site sits amid tranquil trees and abundant wildlife. Expect to spot owls, rabbits, woodpeckers, and even the occasional stoat and deer, all against a backdrop of panoramic views across Buxton and the Peak District. Our family fell in love with this land and set out to create a welcoming space where visitors can relax, recharge, and enjoy the beauty of the area. Whether you’re here for a peaceful stopover or a longer stay, you’ll find yourself surrounded by nature yet just a 10-minute walk from Buxton’s bustling town centre. Buxton is famed for its natural thermal spring water, elegant Georgian and Victorian architecture, and rich cultural scene. Home to the magnificent Buxton Crescent, the Opera House, and the gateway to the Peak District National Park, it’s the ideal base for exploring Derbyshire’s scenic walks, limestone caves, and charming villages. At The Duchess’s Meadow, you’ll experience the best of both worlds — the calm of the countryside and the charm of a historic spa town, all from the comfort of your motorhome.
Potable water
Trash
from 
£14
 / night
Damside Campsite

13. Damside Campsite

96%
(14)
139km from Darlington · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes · England
Well-maintained and peaceful wild camping site in the Peak District Buxton 15 minutes’ drive; Chatsworth House half an hour Dogs welcome; 10 minutes’ walk from a pub; nearby playground Just how remote would you like your holiday accommodation to be? If the answer is fair to middling, Damside Campsite might just be the place for you: this pop-up spot is surrounded by the glorious wilderness of Peak District National Park. Doesn’t get much more blissfully peaceful than that – except for the occasional lowing cow, all is stillness here. Having said that, don’t worry: you won’t have to scramble across hills and dales for a pint: a traditional pub serving real ales and home-cooked food is right in the village of Peak Forest, a 20-minute walk away. Both the site and the pub welcome dogs, though it might be wise to keep them on a lead when walking past the farm animals. This is wild camping; facilities might not be abundant (there are no showers), but they are well maintained and include a portable toilet and a washing-up area. There is also fresh running water, and you’re welcome to start a campfire or a barbecue. You can grab essentials in the village shop, or head to Chapel-en-le-Frith (10 minutes) or Buxton (15 minutes). If you’re here with the kids, the flat, grassy field where you’ll set up your tent makes for an excellent play area on which to run around, kick a ball or fly a kite. A nearby playground has swings, slides, a small adventure course and a multisport pitch. Walking paths start from right outside the farm, or you can drive to hiking areas like Chee Dale Stepping Stones (10 minutes), a dramatic gorge on the River Wye.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£20
 / night
Scarborough Bay Sea View Camping

16. Scarborough Bay Sea View Camping

81%
(8)
84km from Darlington · 50 units · Tents · England
Scarborough Bay - Sea View Camping, a clifftop retreat on the North Yorkshire coast. Pitch up where you wish on this spacious 5 acre site. All the pitches face the coast so you can have spectacular views over the sea, in this case the North Sea to Scarborough (15 minutes’ drive), giving you a front-row seat on one of England’s most spectacular coastlines. Here you can wake to vibrant sunrises and on clear evenings to watch sunsets in the west. There’s plenty more going for this peaceful site as well: walkers will perk up on hearing that it’s right on the Cleveland Way National Trail, surfers can catch waves at popular Cayton Bay (five minutes’ drive), and families can head for Go Ape or scenic biking trails in Dalby Forest (40 minutes). There’s also a farm shop 15 minutes’ walk away where you can get a decent coffee and homemade food. There’s plenty of room so you’re free to pitch up where you wish. Well-behaved dogs are welcome, and barbecues or firepits are allowed as long as they’re raised off the ground to protect the grass. The camping area is exposed and can get windy at times, so take care when erecting tents and ensure everything is well secured. Facilities are simple: chemical toilets and a water supply. The water supply is from the mains but we recommend bottled water for drinking to be safe. There are no showers on site. Solar showers can be bought on-line for about £10. The access road is alongside a grass field, so please ensure that your vehicle is suitable for the terrain. Local attractions and activities include: - Cleveland Way National Trail (direct access from the site) - Cayton Bay (surfing): five minutes’ drive - Filey Brigg (walking and fossil hunting): 10 minutes - Scarborough (castle and beach): 15 minutes - Alpamare UK (indoor/outdoor pools): 15 minutes - Hunmanby Gap (quiet beach): 15 minutes - Sea Life Scarborough (aquarium): 20 minutes - Dalby Forest (walking and Go Ape): 40 minutes.
Pets
Campfires
from 
£20
 / night
The Old Vicarage

18. The Old Vicarage

79%
(17)
145km from Darlington · 6 units · Tents, Glamping · Retford, Nottinghamshire, East Midlands
The Old Vicarage offers a relaxed and tranquil atmosphere for your stay for camping. We have BBQ's, camp fires to hire and have the shallow river to play in. Free Wifi. Well behaved dogs allowed on leads at all times. Riverside site in grounds of a 17th-century house in Nottinghamshire Close to Sherwood Forest and 25 miles from Nottingham Cave bar on site open on Bank Holidays You'll sense the history all around you at The Old Vicarage, from the old house to the remains of the water mill in the river bed. Stays here are in the grounds of a 17th-century house in the village of Elkesley, six miles from Worksop and 25 miles from Nottingham. Its grounds run down to the banks of the Poulter river, and are lined with stands of acacia, sycamore, ash and oak trees which were originally donated to the first vicar by the Duke of Newcastle in the 1830s. There's plenty of space around the site for traditional outdoor activities, with a rope swing and stepping stones over the shallow river and a bridge that's perfect for playing Pooh Sticks. In the surrounding area there are animal parks and nature reserves to walk around, or to head back further in time, you could take one of the trails through ancient Sherwood Forest, around quarter of an hour's drive away. Guest facilities on site centre around the Cave Bar, a cool little space built into an exposure of 500-million-year-old sandstone, plus an outdoor terrace for sipping drinks out in the sunshine. Other amenities include a washing-up area and bathrooms with plentiful hot showers, toilets and baby changing facilities. No Fire Pits BBQ;s off the floor. No disposable BBQ;s CHECK IN BETWEEN 2PM AND 6PM CHECK INS AFTER 6PM INCUR A FEE OF £10.00 FOR LATE CHECK IN
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£28
 / night

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Campsites near Darlington guide

Where to go

Around Darlington

On the eastern leg of the Teesdale Way, Darlington is a convenient stop off for hikers and bikers, with country parks, nature reserves, and a community woodland providing plenty for outdoor enthusiasts within the city’s reaches. Campgrounds and caravan parks can be found in the Darlington countryside, along with working farms providing back-to-basics experiences.

North York Moors National Park

Just under an hour’s drive from Darlington, the North York Moors boast dramatic coastline and vast moorland, plus family-friendly holiday parks and farm sites aplenty. The Cleveland Way National Trail cuts a scenic route through the park’s diverse landscapes, making it a destination for ramblers and riders.

Yorkshire Dales National Park

Only 15 miles (25 kilometres) from Darlington, the market town of Richmond offers a gateway into one of England’s most famous landscapes. No-frill farm sites, hilltop campgrounds, and glamping pods provide accommodation options for all types of adventurer, while the region’s caves, cascades, and gorges—including Cautley Spout, England's highest above-ground waterfall—are a playground for watersports enthusiasts.

North Pennines AONB

Also on the Pennine Way, this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty just north of the Yorkshire Dales draws adventurers with its day-time and night-time offerings, including the impressive High Force waterfall and several Dark Sky Sites. Wild-style camping is popular here, while Eden Valley to the west hosts several working farm campgrounds.

Northumberland National Park

At the northern border of England, around 40 miles (65 kilometres) from Darlington, this vast landscape is best known for its secluded campgrounds, low crowds, and abundance of flora and fauna. Adventurers can follow Hadrian’s Wall, hike the remote Otterburn Ranges, or ride across the rolling Cheviot Hills, looking out for native wild goats, red squirrels, and all manner of birdlife along the way.

When to go

Not all campgrounds remain open during the winter season and the relative seclusion of the region means off-season scheduling isn’t necessary to beat the crowds. Plus, off-road trails are generally more accessible from spring to early autumn, before the icy northern frost settles.

Know before you go

  • Darlington is two hours from Edinburgh and two-and-a-half hours from London via train.
  • Several towns around the national parks or AONBs are connected to Darlington via bus or train, though it can be more convenient and quicker to bring your own vehicle.
  • Some sites hire out camping gear. Otherwise, branches of camping specialists Trespass and Millets can be found in Darlington’s city centre.
  • Not all sites allow walk-ins, so check or book ahead of time.