Riverside glamping near Harrogate, North Yorkshire

Just north of Leeds and at the gateway to the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), Harrogate is a Victorian spa town that people visit to indulge in the soothing waters. Campers wanting to stay in Harrogate have plenty of options both within and around the town. Harrogate is also an easy base for exploring Nidderdale as well as the national parks a little further away, with the added bonus of being able to indulge in a spa after a busy day in the hills and on the trails.

If heading into Harrogate on a camping holiday, you might like to start your exploration with a visit to the Royal Pump Room Museum, which tells the story of how the town's tourism was built on water. And if you fancy a health boost, how about heading to the Turkish Baths in the Royal Bath House? It's the only remaining part of a larger complex where visitors can relax in hot rooms and plunge pools or try a treatment or two.

Modern shops make up Harrogate’s high street, meaning it's a great place to pick up both supplies and souvenirs or grab a bite to eat. The most famous among the Harrogate eateries is Betty's Tea Room, which has been serving afternoon teas for 100 years.

In addition, Harrogate is a surprisingly green town surrounded by The Stray, a 200-acre green space offering parkland, woodland, and a boating lake. But for wilder adventures, head out to the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Beauty and the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

97% (24)

Top-rated campgrounds

Just north of Leeds and at the gateway to the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), Harrogate is a Victorian spa town that people visit to indulge in the soothing waters. Campers wanting to stay in Harrogate have plenty of options both within and around the town. Harrogate is also an easy base for exploring Nidderdale as well as the national parks a little further away, with the added bonus of being able to indulge in a spa after a busy day in the hills and on the trails.

If heading into Harrogate on a camping holiday, you might like to start your exploration with a visit to the Royal Pump Room Museum, which tells the story of how the town's tourism was built on water. And if you fancy a health boost, how about heading to the Turkish Baths in the Royal Bath House? It's the only remaining part of a larger complex where visitors can relax in hot rooms and plunge pools or try a treatment or two.

Modern shops make up Harrogate’s high street, meaning it's a great place to pick up both supplies and souvenirs or grab a bite to eat. The most famous among the Harrogate eateries is Betty's Tea Room, which has been serving afternoon teas for 100 years.

In addition, Harrogate is a surprisingly green town surrounded by The Stray, a 200-acre green space offering parkland, woodland, and a boating lake. But for wilder adventures, head out to the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Beauty and the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

97% (24)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Little Ranch Glamping

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(12)

124km from Harrogate · 3 units · Glamping · Nantwich, England

Glamping on a charming smallholding beside the Llangollen Canal

2. King Garth

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(9)

141km from Harrogate · 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.

3. Camping at Cardewlees

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(47)

135km from Harrogate · 37 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Carlisle, England

A welcoming, family-run farm campsite between the Lake District and Hadrian's Wall

4. Aldwark Bridge Glamping

17km from Harrogate · 3 units · Glamping · England

A unique and cosy pop-up glamping site Located on the banks of the River Ure next to a quaint and historical wooden toll bridge, Aldwark Bridge Glamping offers a unique and personal camping experience. Nestled between York and Harrogate, the site boasts a fantastic pit stop on the Coast to Coast cycling route, free landing access to the River Ure to enjoy kayaking and stand up paddle boarding and a beautiful river side walk to the local pub. Matt and Joanna invite you to glamp in style here at our cosy garden site with luxury shower room, extensive outdoor kitchen and welcoming communal fire pit seating area.

5. RHC & Glamping

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(7)

54km from Harrogate · 6 units · Glamping · Lancashire, North West England

Hi Hipcampers, We are a 15 acre site of hillsides and woodlands, with woodland paths a few beautiful ponds and a small river! We have fabulous views to of the hills to be enjoyed. Theres lots of wildlife here from deer to Canadian geese. We have some stone fire pits for our guests to use foc! We have a games room and lots of children swings and activities.

6. Bain View Glamping

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(18)

130km from Harrogate · 4 units · Tents, Glamping · Horncastle, Lincolnshire, East Midlands

A canal-side shepherd's hut near the Lincolnshire Wolds, with an outdoor bathtub, a mini vineyard, and total privacy.

7. The Black Swan

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(26)

76km from Harrogate · 3 units · Glamping · Kirkby Stephen, England

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.

8. Smardale Mill Shepods The Ash

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(4)

78km from Harrogate · 3 units · Glamping · Hawes, North Yorkshire, North East England

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.

9. Lake District Herdwick Huts

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(1)

107km from Harrogate · 5 units · Glamping · Rydal, England

You will not find a more stunning place to stay and explore within the UK. Set in the very heart of the Lake District National Park, there is good reason why this magnificent location inspired the poet William Wordsworth to commit some of his most world-renowned poetry to paper. These beautiful huts are nestled underneath the Fairfield horseshoe mountain range and Nab scar, so there is no need to drive anywhere for the finest mountain hikes. With Rydal Lake, a wild swimmers hot spot, and waterfalls and plunge pools on site, it really is hard to beat! You will not find a more stunning place to stay and explore within the UK. Set in the very heart of the Lake District National Park, there is good reason why this magnificent location inspired the poet William Wordsworth to commit some of his most world-renowned poetry to paper. Grasmere is on the doorstep, voted one of the top places to visit in the Lake District, with the famous '‘Coffin route’ walk offering a spectacular lake and mountain view stroll straight from your hut door. With low level to high level walks exploring the Lakes from Rydal caters for everyone. Ambleside and Grasmere are both walking distance for cafes, restaurants and cinemas and Rydal offers scenic off-road strolls to arrive by. Each with fresh linen, wood burning stove and cast iron gas hob, you are sure to be comfortable even in the thick of winter.

10. Inside Out Yurts

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121km from Harrogate · 3 units · Glamping · Keswick, Cumbria, North West England

Rustic yurt glamping with a riverside setting, fell views and an enviable Lake District location

11. Whitelee Farm Shepherd Huts

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(6)

97km from Harrogate · 2 units · Glamping · Cheshire, North West England

Romantic en-suite shepherds huts on a riverside farm in the Peak District National Park.

12. Press Brook Park

92km from Harrogate · 1 unit · Glamping · England

Press Brook Park is in the village of Holmgate near Clay Cross. The site is situated in the countryside however still within walking distance to a dog friendly pub and farm shop with tea room.

13. Coast and Camplight Whitby Glamping

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(2)

79km from Harrogate · 1 unit · Glamping · England

Our camps are spread out across our site, each one secluded from the others with nothing to see but the meadows, woods, views and at night the starry skies. The site is truly wild, with ancient woodland to one side with a beck running through it, and fields which we are rewilding full of wildflowers, bees and butterflies. The wildlife runs riot, with deer, owls, badgers, bats and all kinds of wild birds regular visitors. To preserve our wilderness and peace no cars are allowed on site; our visitors walk down the fields to their camps, leaving the real world with their cars at the gate (if you have mobility problems please contact us directly). Our camps are completely off-grid making it perfect for those looking for a digital detox and to get away from the stresses and strains of modern life. We try hard to be gentle on this beautiful place we call home, and the site is designed to be low impact on the environment with it’s own spring water, composting toilets and willow banks. All lighting is solar or via rechargeable batteries and eco-friendly washing products are provided. All the camps have a luxurious feeling despite feeling completely cut off from the outside world, with proper beds with comfy mattresses and their own hot showers; luxury bedding and fluffy towels are provided. Each camp has been handbuilt entirely by us from scratch from things that are recycled, found, car booted, made, upcycled, saved or rescued. Some things are on their third or even fourth life on the farm. Look out for the details, expect the unexpected, this is not glamping by numbers. Nothing says glamping to us like a real fire at the end of the day, toasting marshmallows, sharing stories and putting the day to rest. Each camp has a firepit for you to do just this. There is very little mobile reception in many places on the farm and we wholeheartedly recommend you take this as an opportunity to leave your phone with the rest of the modern world behind for your stay and remember what it is to live a little bit wild.

14. Hut in the Sheep Wash

104km from Harrogate · 1 unit · Glamping · Grizedale, England

A shepherd’s hut in it’s own riverside field in Cumbria

Camper favorites near Harrogate

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Inside Out Yurts

100%

(9)

121km from Harrogate · 3 units · Glamping · Keswick, Cumbria, North West England

Rustic yurt glamping with a riverside setting, fell views and an enviable Lake District location

Whitelee Farm Shepherd Huts

100%

(6)

97km from Harrogate · 2 units · Glamping · Cheshire, North West England

Romantic en-suite shepherds huts on a riverside farm in the Peak District National Park.

Press Brook Park

92km from Harrogate · 1 unit · Glamping · England

Press Brook Park is in the village of Holmgate near Clay Cross. The site is situated in the countryside however still within walking distance to a dog friendly pub and farm shop with tea room.

Coast and Camplight Whitby Glamping

100%

(2)

79km from Harrogate · 1 unit · Glamping · England

Our camps are spread out across our site, each one secluded from the others with nothing to see but the meadows, woods, views and at night the starry skies. The site is truly wild, with ancient woodland to one side with a beck running through it, and fields which we are rewilding full of wildflowers, bees and butterflies. The wildlife runs riot, with deer, owls, badgers, bats and all kinds of wild birds regular visitors. To preserve our wilderness and peace no cars are allowed on site; our visitors walk down the fields to their camps, leaving the real world with their cars at the gate (if you have mobility problems please contact us directly). Our camps are completely off-grid making it perfect for those looking for a digital detox and to get away from the stresses and strains of modern life. We try hard to be gentle on this beautiful place we call home, and the site is designed to be low impact on the environment with it’s own spring water, composting toilets and willow banks. All lighting is solar or via rechargeable batteries and eco-friendly washing products are provided. All the camps have a luxurious feeling despite feeling completely cut off from the outside world, with proper beds with comfy mattresses and their own hot showers; luxury bedding and fluffy towels are provided. Each camp has been handbuilt entirely by us from scratch from things that are recycled, found, car booted, made, upcycled, saved or rescued. Some things are on their third or even fourth life on the farm. Look out for the details, expect the unexpected, this is not glamping by numbers. Nothing says glamping to us like a real fire at the end of the day, toasting marshmallows, sharing stories and putting the day to rest. Each camp has a firepit for you to do just this. There is very little mobile reception in many places on the farm and we wholeheartedly recommend you take this as an opportunity to leave your phone with the rest of the modern world behind for your stay and remember what it is to live a little bit wild.

Hut in the Sheep Wash

104km from Harrogate · 1 unit · Glamping · Grizedale, England

A shepherd’s hut in it’s own riverside field in Cumbria

Stories from the community

E

Ellen

October 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to King Garth

We absolutely loved our stay at King Garth! It is located in such a tranquil location beside the river and away from other houses, but with alpacas for company! The hot tub was perfect to relax in and we enjoyed a cosy, candlelit evening inside by the fire afterwards! It was fascinating to read about the history of the building too! Will definitely be back :)

V

Virginia

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Camping at Cardewlees

Lovely location, beautiful views. Comfortable pod and great with enclosed garden for the dog. Good facilities too.

S

Sean

August 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to King Garth

We stayed as a birthday treat for my 12 year old. 2 adults, 4 children and our dog. It was a truly fantastic stay from start to finish. Such a unique house and experience. The kids absolutely loved swimming in the river, looking after the alpacas, the hot tub and going back to basics. It was lovely seeing them enjoying themselves with no distractions of the modern world. Games by candle light and food over the bbq, what more could you ask for. Jane was fantastic and made sure we knew everything that was needed before we arrived. Can’t wait to come back.

E

Elma

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Black Swan

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!

S

Sarah

August 2025

1 night at Coast and Camplight Whitby Glamping

A wonderful warm greeting. Much more than we ever expected. We had our own little camp with everything we could ever have needed: outdoor kitchen with stove and utensils, fire pit and cooking plate, hammock, covered table, lovely little toilet and shower and so much space for our dog. So serene and a beautiful view too. We had a fabulous night.

L

Lucy

August 2025

1 night at King Garth

A truly unique stay in a beautiful location. The lane was a little challenging in my picanto but we managed it and was well worth the trip! So much provided in terms of wood, charcoal, crockery candles! Would definitely stay again :)

Eddie

August 2025

With kids

1 night at Little Ranch Glamping

Loved it! Beds were so comfortable and the cabin was well thought out. Petting zoo was great for the kiddos. Would definitely stay here again!

K

Kirsten

August 2025

2 nights at King Garth

We loved staying at the beautiful King Garth, the hot tub was perfect after getting the fire going and sitting in candle light, in front of the fire is the most comforting feeling in the world. A very quiet and peaceful sight with gorgeous views and riverside walks with a pub about 30 mins walk away. We did get lost on the way to the cottage so make sure to follow the map to cargo village and not the middle of a field on the other side of the river 🤣 We even got to feed alpacas and theyre very funny little characters and very friendly. We will be staying again and very recommended

S

Sarah

July 2025

With kids

3 nights at Little Ranch Glamping

We had a lovely stay at Little Ranch. Rod made us feel so welcome and our daughter loved exploring the farm and meeting the animals. The hut is beautifully designed being both spacious and and cosy, with everything you need to relax and enjoy your stay. The little extras on arrival really made it special. We enjoyed some nice walks along the canal, evenings toasting marshmallows by the fire and just really appreciated the peaceful location. We highly recommend Little Ranch and hope to be back again soon!

K

Kate

July 2025

1 night at Coast and Camplight Whitby Glamping

Such a peaceful location! Amazing views and plenty of wildlife to spot. Loved being able to BBQ on the plate outside. Ed and Verity left plenty of kitchen tools and have set up a beautiful space so close to Whitby and the forests nearby, you can tell they’ve really put a lot of love and effort into making a great campsite. The bed was super comfortable too. Would absolutely come again and stay for longer to do some more exploring. Thank you :)

H

Harrison

July 2025

Weekend Trip to King Garth

What an incredible piece of land. The house holds so much history and retains so much of the original charm. The privacy, quietness, and abundant nature was incredibly therapeutic and relaxing. Jane was great at communicating and we had no issues with anything.

L

Lindz

July 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Little Ranch Glamping

It was a really relaxing get away, the cabin is beautiful and well made. The canal view is really tranquil and calming. The cabin is well equipped and the beds are lovely The animals onsite were adorable. Lovely play area for the kids. A nice little place to escape to.

L

Lucy

June 2025

Weekend Trip to King Garth

Absolutely beautiful place to stay. Had everything we needed and sitting by candlelight was lovely

Pridie

June 2025

With pets

1 night at King Garth

This is a very special place. A chance to step back in time and live simply - supper by candlelight, games played beside a roaring fire, dips in the river. We visited when the elder was full in blossom and the willows whispered full-leafed in the wind. Walking along the river edge was like exploring the mangroves in tropical rainforest - a magical experience for kids, dogs and adults alike! We feel like we've just slipped back into history, sat in the window watching the river, we half expected to see boats carrying cargo past to Carlisle... Go prepared to step back in time and live simply. Everything you need is provided - candles, wood, crockery - there is a woodfired tub that you can heat yourselves, a beautifully simple kitchen set up with a water system that is carefully thought out, and a compost loo.

N

Nicole K

April 2025

With kids

4 nights at Little Ranch Glamping

A warm and relaxed welcome from the moment we arrived. The kids were safe roaming in the play area and engaging with the animals. Our dogs were treated like family. We were super comfortable and I was able to switch off from the busy real world and read a book and enjoy the surroundings. The facilities are fantastic and the beds are big and comfortable! Can't wait to visit again.

J

James

February 2025

With pets

1 night at Little Ranch Glamping

Loved our stay in the Canalside Cabin. Very cosy and atmospheric. Amazingly built and full of character and charm. It was lovely to be able to walk the dog along the canal towpath and amazingly quiet. We were sad not to be able to stay longer and will be back! Thanks for having us!

Maria

December 2024

With kids

Weekend Trip to Little Ranch Glamping

We had an amazing time at the cabin. It’s super cozy and comfortable. Very well furnished and warm. Great location too

M

Mark

December 2024

Weekend Trip to Little Ranch Glamping

Great host lovely place definitely go again in summer rod was smashing

S

Sarah

November 2024

With kids

Weekend Trip to Little Ranch Glamping

Fantastic stay in the cabin! Kids loved the play area & feeding the animals. The cabin is beautifully furnished, very comfortable & super cosy with the log burner. Vics & Rod are great hosts. We’ll definitely be back & highly recommend.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Riverside glamping near Harrogate guide

Where to go

Nidderdale AONB

With the Yorkshire Dales National Park to its north, Nidderdale AONB is a beautiful landscape of moorlands, valleys, flower-covered woodlands, and rolling farmland. It’s a short distance from Harrogate so campers can visit on a day trip or stay at campsites and glampsites within the AONB itself. Many accommodation experiences around here are set on private farmland.

Yorkshire Dales National Park

Campers hanging around Harrogate may find it worthwhile to spend some time in the Yorkshire Dales National Park to enjoy the stargazing opportunities around here. Thanks to its rural location and distance from large towns, the night skies are very dark and this park has been designated a Dark Sky Reserve. By day, explore the hills, valleys, waterfalls, ravines, and villages on foot, and by night, ditch the tent for a cosy spot with a view of the night sky.

North York Moors National Park

Visitors to inland Harrogate who are seeking some beach time might want to head to the coast of the North York Moors National Park. While the park covers a large area in northeastern North Yorkshire, the coastal towns of Whitby and Scarborough (just south of the national park) provide plenty of seaside camping options for a lazy time at the beach, especially in summer.

When to go

Harrogate is in North Yorkshire, which experiences a generally cool climate. Tent and caravan camping will be most comfortable in the summer, and some seaside campsites (especially around nearby Whitby or Scarborough) are only operational in season. However, Harrogate is a nice place to visit year-round, thanks to its warm spa waters, so choose your camping or glamping accommodation to suit the seasonal climate.