The best star host campsites in Northumberland National Park

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The best campsites available this weekend near Northumberland National Park

The best dog-friendly campsites near Northumberland National Park

Camping at Cardewlees

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(47)

37 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Carlisle, England

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

Walkmill Campsite

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10 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Northumberland, North East England

Refreshingly understated private camping in the unspoiled Northumberland countryside

King Garth

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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.

Beirhope Alpacas

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11 units · Tents · Kelso, Scotland

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

Tyne View Camping

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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

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best star host campsites in Northumberland National Park guide

Notable campgrounds

Best for sightseers: Hadrian’s Wall Campsite offers back-to-basics camping just 20 minutes’ walk from the UNESCO-listed landmark.
Best for families: Herding Hill Farm has a petting farm, playground, and cornershop on site, plus tent pitches, luxury lodges, and a BBQ hut.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Hadrian’s Wall is one of the main draws of the region, so if you’re looking for last-minute accommodation, consider heading into the park’s more northerly reaches.
Walk-ins aren’t accepted everywhere, so it’s advisable to book ahead.
Not all campsites remain open during the low season, but those that do usually have pitches available.

When to go

As the UK’s least populated park, visitors can enjoy tranquility and seclusion year-round, though the sights and delights of summer still bring their fair share of holidaymakers. Adventurers who aren’t put off by a cold wind will find plenty to explore during the winter season, which begins in October, when wintering birds arrive in the dozens and the remote landscape is blanketed by the occasional falling of snow.

Know before you go

Wheelchair-accessible attractions and viewpoints can be found across the park, including the Vindolanda Roman Fort, Walltown Country Park, and Cawfields Dark Sky Discovery Site.
Two park visitor centres offer advice, maps, and facilities: Walltown Visitor Centre and The Sill National Landscape Discovery Centre, both near Hadrian’s Wall.
Payable car parks are available throughout, with the money going into the park’s upkeep. Some free car parks dot the park as well, notably at Lordenshaws Hillfort, Wedder Leap, and Harehaugh Picnic Site.
As with all of the UK’s outdoor attractions, the Countryside Code applies.