- Camping with Wildlife watching
Wildlife-watching campsites near Darlington
98% (78) • 153 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Darlington
Little North Field Glamping
1. Little North Field Glamping
100%
(12)
51km from Darlington · 3 units
Luxury safari tent glamping within striking distance of North Yorkshire's most historic attractions
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£160
/ night
The Black Swan
2. The Black Swan
100%
(26)
58km from Darlington · 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
Breaks Fold Farm Glamping & Camping
3. Breaks Fold Farm Glamping & Camping
98%
(61)
59km from Darlington · 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
Fairy Bell Wood
4. Fairy Bell Wood
100%
(11)
73km from Darlington · 1 unit
An off-grid yurt in a private woodland between the Lakes and the Dales
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from
£119
/ night
Copy House Hideaway
5. Copy House Hideaway
100%
(67)
80km from Darlington · 2 units
Luxury shepherd's huts with wood-fired hot tubs and an adjoining log cabin for extra space
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£146
/ night
The Damson Shepherd's Hut
6. The Damson Shepherd's Hut
98%
(60)
88km from Darlington · 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
Walkmill Campsite
7. Walkmill Campsite
98%
(122)
89km from Darlington · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Refreshingly understated private camping in the unspoiled Northumberland countryside
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£25
/ night
Ewe Love Camping Pods
8. Ewe Love Camping Pods
98%
(108)
93km from Darlington · 3 units
Modern Lake District glamping pods among the trees, with exceptional views of Blencathra
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from
£90
/ night
Woodman's Huts
9. Woodman's Huts
99%
(58)
99km from Darlington · 3 units
Beautiful handmade shepherd's huts in the heart of the picturesque South Lakes
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£135
/ night
Camping at Cardewlees
10. Camping at Cardewlees
99%
(47)
100km from Darlington · 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
Dobella Lane Farm Certificated Site
11. Dobella Lane Farm Certificated Site
92%
(13)
101km from Darlington · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A small dog-friendly campsite in the Vale of York that's open all year
Pets
Electrical hookup
Potable water
from
£18
/ night
Greenoak Hideout
12. Greenoak Hideout
100%
(22)
102km from Darlington · 2 units
A small, yurt glamping site with treasure hunts and alpacas in the Yorkshire countryside
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£125
/ night
Moss Rose Campsite
13. Moss Rose Campsite
99%
(61)
110km from Darlington · 28 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
We have a family friendly Quiet campsite in the heart of Lancashire on our family run farm. Our site is situated in a species rich meadow field with large mown Pitches surrounded by wild flowers and meandering pathways linking the site together.
We are surrounded by a young trees & woodland with the back drop of the Pennines. We offer both glamping and traditional non EHU camping on our site, with lovely hot showers, clean toilet facilities, fresh water point, pot wash area, phone charger lockers, communal freezers, elsan disposal point, microwave, coffee/hot chocolate machine, and our little honesty shack with all little camping essentials to might need whilst staying with us.
We also hire out picnic benches and fire pits to help enhance your camping experience.
We have a lovely little woodland walk, with a meandering mown path, that winds through our woodland/conservation area. Perfect to walk your dog, and let your kids explore.
Adjoining the campsite, we have a padock with super frindly sheep that love to say hello. We sell little bags of sheep feed, just incase you'd like to give them a little treat.
In the middle of the site, we have a little tots play area, perfect for keeping you're small kids entertained.
We are a Quiet family site, with a Reduced Noise policy from 9 pm, and Quiet Time from 10 pm to 8.30 am.
Latest check in time is 8PM, unless prearranged with the campsite.
Our site has close links to the A6 and m6 J33. We are only 13 miles from the Historic city of Lancaster, the Bright lights of Blackpool and the jubilee city of Preston. 4 miles from the first fair trade market town of Garstang and 45 mins into the Lake District. There is also lots of interesting activities to do locally.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£18
/ night
Hazel Mount Fellside
14. Hazel Mount Fellside
98%
(49)
114km from Darlington · 5 units
Nearly wild camping on the western edge of the Lake District overlooking the Duddon Estuary
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
£25
/ night
Baystone Bank Farm Campsite
15. Baystone Bank Farm Campsite
96%
(150)
115km from Darlington · 47 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Lake District camping on a working farm with a stream to splash in, campfires encouraged and a horse-riding centre on the doorstep
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£25
/ night
Beirhope Alpacas
16. Beirhope Alpacas
98%
(137)
117km from Darlington · 11 units
A small, off-grid campsite with alpacas in the historically rich southern Scottish borders
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£20
/ night
Stanley Villa Farm Fishing& Camping
17. Stanley Villa Farm Fishing& Camping
96%
(60)
119km from Darlington · 40 units
Lakeside rural tranquility and the 'kiss-me-quick' fun of the seaside – you can have the best of both worlds at Stanley Villa Farm's cute camping pods
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£60
/ night
Secret Wood Glamping
18. Secret Wood Glamping
95%
(21)
139km from Darlington · 10 units · Tents, Glamping
A private woodland and stream all to yourself, with one spacious bell tent and a hot tub beneath the stars
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£18
/ night
White House Farm Campsite, Wardlow
19. White House Farm Campsite, Wardlow
91%
(93)
141km from Darlington · 61 units · Tents, Motorhomes
What a little Derbyshire gem: back to basics Whitehouse Farm Campsite is a simple site in a most scenic setting five minutes’ drive from the pretty village of Tideswell.
The site’s central location in the Peak District National Park means it’s a top spot for those who want to ramble or ride bikes – several circular trails leave from Tideswell and the traffic-free Monsal Trail is a five-minute drive away. And there’s plenty more activity if you require it too, as activity centres nearby can sort you out days of horse riding, abseiling, climbing and caving.
All this activity isn’t mandatory, of course – this is an equally fine location for days pottering off to local pubs, pigging out on pudding in Bakewell or taking a leisurely stroll around the Chatsworth Estate, 20 minutes away.
And if even that’s too much, you’d be welcome to spend some time loafing about on site: there’s heaps of space here, and as facilities have been kept quite minimal (just showers and toilets) there should be a good serving of peace and quiet to go with it all.
Guests are welcome to light up a barbecue or campfire for cookouts and keeping warm; Tideswell’s the place for supermarket supplies, and it’s also handily got a fish and chip shop and a couple of pubs for days when your firelighting skills aren't up to much.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£24
/ night
White Peak Camping
20. White Peak Camping
99%
(465)
144km from Darlington · 18 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Camping on a Peak District farm near the Monsal Trail
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
£13
/ night
98% (78) • 153 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Darlington
Little North Field Glamping
1. Little North Field Glamping
100%
(12)
51km from Darlington · 3 units
Luxury safari tent glamping within striking distance of North Yorkshire's most historic attractions
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£160
/ night
The Black Swan
2. The Black Swan
100%
(26)
58km from Darlington · 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
Breaks Fold Farm Glamping & Camping
3. Breaks Fold Farm Glamping & Camping
98%
(61)
59km from Darlington · 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
Fairy Bell Wood
4. Fairy Bell Wood
100%
(11)
73km from Darlington · 1 unit
An off-grid yurt in a private woodland between the Lakes and the Dales
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from
£119
/ night
Copy House Hideaway
5. Copy House Hideaway
100%
(67)
80km from Darlington · 2 units
Luxury shepherd's huts with wood-fired hot tubs and an adjoining log cabin for extra space
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£146
/ night
The Damson Shepherd's Hut
6. The Damson Shepherd's Hut
98%
(60)
88km from Darlington · 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
Walkmill Campsite
7. Walkmill Campsite
98%
(122)
89km from Darlington · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Refreshingly understated private camping in the unspoiled Northumberland countryside
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£25
/ night
Ewe Love Camping Pods
8. Ewe Love Camping Pods
98%
(108)
93km from Darlington · 3 units
Modern Lake District glamping pods among the trees, with exceptional views of Blencathra
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from
£90
/ night
Woodman's Huts
9. Woodman's Huts
99%
(58)
99km from Darlington · 3 units
Beautiful handmade shepherd's huts in the heart of the picturesque South Lakes
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£135
/ night
Camping at Cardewlees
10. Camping at Cardewlees
99%
(47)
100km from Darlington · 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
Dobella Lane Farm Certificated Site
11. Dobella Lane Farm Certificated Site
92%
(13)
101km from Darlington · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A small dog-friendly campsite in the Vale of York that's open all year
Pets
Electrical hookup
Potable water
from
£18
/ night
Greenoak Hideout
12. Greenoak Hideout
100%
(22)
102km from Darlington · 2 units
A small, yurt glamping site with treasure hunts and alpacas in the Yorkshire countryside
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£125
/ night
Moss Rose Campsite
13. Moss Rose Campsite
99%
(61)
110km from Darlington · 28 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
We have a family friendly Quiet campsite in the heart of Lancashire on our family run farm. Our site is situated in a species rich meadow field with large mown Pitches surrounded by wild flowers and meandering pathways linking the site together.
We are surrounded by a young trees & woodland with the back drop of the Pennines. We offer both glamping and traditional non EHU camping on our site, with lovely hot showers, clean toilet facilities, fresh water point, pot wash area, phone charger lockers, communal freezers, elsan disposal point, microwave, coffee/hot chocolate machine, and our little honesty shack with all little camping essentials to might need whilst staying with us.
We also hire out picnic benches and fire pits to help enhance your camping experience.
We have a lovely little woodland walk, with a meandering mown path, that winds through our woodland/conservation area. Perfect to walk your dog, and let your kids explore.
Adjoining the campsite, we have a padock with super frindly sheep that love to say hello. We sell little bags of sheep feed, just incase you'd like to give them a little treat.
In the middle of the site, we have a little tots play area, perfect for keeping you're small kids entertained.
We are a Quiet family site, with a Reduced Noise policy from 9 pm, and Quiet Time from 10 pm to 8.30 am.
Latest check in time is 8PM, unless prearranged with the campsite.
Our site has close links to the A6 and m6 J33. We are only 13 miles from the Historic city of Lancaster, the Bright lights of Blackpool and the jubilee city of Preston. 4 miles from the first fair trade market town of Garstang and 45 mins into the Lake District. There is also lots of interesting activities to do locally.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£18
/ night
Hazel Mount Fellside
14. Hazel Mount Fellside
98%
(49)
114km from Darlington · 5 units
Nearly wild camping on the western edge of the Lake District overlooking the Duddon Estuary
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
£25
/ night
Baystone Bank Farm Campsite
15. Baystone Bank Farm Campsite
96%
(150)
115km from Darlington · 47 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Lake District camping on a working farm with a stream to splash in, campfires encouraged and a horse-riding centre on the doorstep
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£25
/ night
Beirhope Alpacas
16. Beirhope Alpacas
98%
(137)
117km from Darlington · 11 units
A small, off-grid campsite with alpacas in the historically rich southern Scottish borders
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£20
/ night
Stanley Villa Farm Fishing& Camping
17. Stanley Villa Farm Fishing& Camping
96%
(60)
119km from Darlington · 40 units
Lakeside rural tranquility and the 'kiss-me-quick' fun of the seaside – you can have the best of both worlds at Stanley Villa Farm's cute camping pods
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£60
/ night
Secret Wood Glamping
18. Secret Wood Glamping
95%
(21)
139km from Darlington · 10 units · Tents, Glamping
A private woodland and stream all to yourself, with one spacious bell tent and a hot tub beneath the stars
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£18
/ night
White House Farm Campsite, Wardlow
19. White House Farm Campsite, Wardlow
91%
(93)
141km from Darlington · 61 units · Tents, Motorhomes
What a little Derbyshire gem: back to basics Whitehouse Farm Campsite is a simple site in a most scenic setting five minutes’ drive from the pretty village of Tideswell.
The site’s central location in the Peak District National Park means it’s a top spot for those who want to ramble or ride bikes – several circular trails leave from Tideswell and the traffic-free Monsal Trail is a five-minute drive away. And there’s plenty more activity if you require it too, as activity centres nearby can sort you out days of horse riding, abseiling, climbing and caving.
All this activity isn’t mandatory, of course – this is an equally fine location for days pottering off to local pubs, pigging out on pudding in Bakewell or taking a leisurely stroll around the Chatsworth Estate, 20 minutes away.
And if even that’s too much, you’d be welcome to spend some time loafing about on site: there’s heaps of space here, and as facilities have been kept quite minimal (just showers and toilets) there should be a good serving of peace and quiet to go with it all.
Guests are welcome to light up a barbecue or campfire for cookouts and keeping warm; Tideswell’s the place for supermarket supplies, and it’s also handily got a fish and chip shop and a couple of pubs for days when your firelighting skills aren't up to much.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£24
/ night
White Peak Camping
20. White Peak Camping
99%
(465)
144km from Darlington · 18 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Camping on a Peak District farm near the Monsal Trail
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
£13
/ 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
T
Tommy
January 2026
Tent
2nd camp here lovely place and views
Showers, toilets are clean
Lovely little shop and cafe onsite
Beautiful horses
See more
a
antje
November 2025
4 m Class B
⸻
White Peak Camping is such a beautiful and peaceful spot — absolutely loved our stay. The campsite is perfectly situated with easy access to stunning walks all around. The toilets were decent and clean, and the little phone-charging points are such a thoughtful touch if you need them. We also really appreciated the free fire pits, which made the evenings super cosy.
The owner, Janice, was great and very communicative, and her son Matt even came to check on us to make sure we didn’t get stuck with our van after the storm the night before. Really lovely people.
One thing to note is that they place strong emphasis on keeping noise down — no loud music at all — which we actually loved, because it made the whole place incredibly quiet, calm, and relaxing.
Highly recommend White Peak Camping if you’re looking for a beautiful, peaceful countryside escape. Thanks, Antje and Jay
See more
L
Luke
November 2025
4 m Class B
Really good location, short walk to a nice pub near a river. A quiet campsite with beautiful views!
See moreG
Graeme
November 2025
5 m Class B
With pets
We said we'd be back again and we were. Still great! Lovely location, great views, clean loos. Great if you just want the basics. Thanks again!
See more
O
Oliver
October 2025
6 m Class B
With pets
I went in October so it was really nice and quiet. Toilets were clean and it had a phone charging station. Good instructions for arriving
See more
H
Heather
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Greenoak Hideout
We had such a lovely stay at Greenoak. The hosts were so friendly and approachable and there were lots of lovely small touches that made the yurts feel homely and comfortable.
The log burners and electric blankets meant that we were warm over night and had a really comfortable sleep. We are looking forward to going in the Summer to be able to enjoy more daylight hours.
The boys (4 and 7) loved all of the friendly animals and the play equipment on the land, as well as the hot tub!
We will definitely book again and would recommend to our friends and family!
Thank you for a lovely stay and we look forward to visiting again next year!
See moreR
Rachel
October 2025
Tent
With kids
I literally never write reviews for anything even when I triple promise I will but this place is just that awesome. It's got all the essentials so makes it comfortable (even on a stormy Oct night first time camping alone with my daughter!) But not too much that you feel like you're cheating- the whole point for me was for it to feel challenging, hey you survived that dear daughter you can do anything (without her dying from exposure). The toilets were nicer and cleaner than all weatherspoons loos, 2 charging ports for phones and a sink, lots of bins for rubbish and a gorgeous site with beautiful views (& a cute little swing). The views of the peak district were just stunning on the way down too. Janice was amazing - she walked down to us in the pouring rain (after a full day's work) to check we had everything! We'll definitely be back again, possibly when it's a bit warmer
See morem
martyn
October 2025
Tent
With pets
Brilliant base camp site, stayed here for the third time. Plenty of walks near by lovely views. Toilets always kept clean. Will definitely be back again.
See moreM
MICHELLE
October 2025
5 m car
With pets
A lovely rural quiet place to stay. Fantastic views and lovely walks right on the doorstep.
Beautiful rural quiet spot with fabulous views. Great value for money. Would 100% definitely recommend. A nice touch was the picnic benches and a tree swing.
The toilets were extremely clean and fully flushable with running water and hand soap/handtowel.
5* from me!
See moreD
Duncan
October 2025
Tent
With pets
Great spot, I was the only camper. Hiked 10km with my dog, put my tent up, cooked evening meal on my trangia on one of the wooden tables that are there, could have walked say 10 minutes to the pub but couldn’t be arsed, so just sat quietly with the dog enjoying the peace and quiet! Toilets are clean and there’s a cold water sink for washing up which is also v clean. Met the farmer on the way in, very pleasant chap. Great place! Hiked back to my car this morning. Lovely break from work!
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G
Gary
October 2025
Tent
Smashing location and a great base for walking to and around Millers Dale. I will return in the future.
See moreM
Mick
October 2025
4 m Class B
Simple back to basics site, toilet and wash facilities good and clean. Great location to wind down from daily stress and a beautiful open sky
See moreI
Isobel
October 2025
J
Jonathan
October 2025
Tent
I visited solo (motorbike camping) mid-week and I was the only one here! I chose this site as I wanted a basic, quiet site to stopover for a night. It provided just that, so clean and quiet and such a pleasant stay. Granted it is next to a working farm so there were a few cows chattering through the night but all adds to the charm. Clean toilets (x3) and wash up block, no shower or hot water but not an issue for this stay. Free fire pit and wood was available for purchase although I did have my own this time. Overall a great, back to basics and quiet location located in a lovely part of the world ☺️
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V
Virginia
October 2025
With pets
Lovely location, beautiful views. Comfortable pod and great with enclosed garden for the dog. Good facilities too.
See moreK
Kate
September 2025
Tent
A quiet space, for the most part, and a lovely one! (There are motorcycles that pass occasionally on a nearby road but these were not too noisy). Clean, well lighted loos were so welcome to us tent-campers!
See more
L
Leanne
September 2025
With pets
The setting was just perfect for our family of five (including two dogs and a 4 year old). The Yurt was comfortable, clean and very cosy. The private shower and toilet facilities were great, as was the hot tub.
We had a trip to the local nature reserve during our stay, however think our daughter and the dogs were just as happy in the grounds with lots to explore, very friendly animals and lots of activities including trampoline and climbing walls.
Thank you.
See more
D
Duco
September 2025
Tent
We loved camping at Hazel Mount Fellside. The view was stunning and it felt more like a piece of nature with some scattered campsites than the opposite, which you most often find. Ruth was a very nice and welcoming host.
See moreJ
Jason
September 2025
6 m Class A
Had a great time, camp site was easy to access and great walks close by. Good facilities and felt looked after by Matt. Would recommend and prob stay again
See more
Wildlife-watching 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.