Stars and fresh air await you at the best camping sites in Leeds!
We’ve heard tales of campers pitching near Leeds and never wanting to leave. Sounds over dramatic, but we get it; we’re surrounded by the great outdoors, after all.
With great camping sites nearby, we never have to jet off for a full-on digital detox or a lovey-dovey night under the Yorkshire sky.
Ah, you must be curious about where these spots are, so say no more. Here are our personal favourites, approved by all our campers.
Clarion Lodge Campsite
– From chevinparks
Address: W Chevin Rd, Menston, Ilkley
Contact Details: 01943 876300
Operating Hours: Daily – 9 am to 5 pm
Distance from the Leeds CBD: 41 mins (17.8 km)
Honestly, we thought Clarion Lodge Campsite was kilometres away from civilisation, only to find out it was actually less than an hour from Leeds.
Our stay’s highlight was the rural Yorkshire surroundings. Flowers and trees run through the entire site, with facilities like well-cleaned toilets and powered glamping pods ensuring creature comforts.
But if glamping isn’t your style, their grass pitches welcome motorhomes, campervans, and caravans.
Tip: They also accommodate trailer tents. Just email [email protected] for the lowdown.
Catgill Farm
– From catgillfarm
Address: Catgill Farm – Camping and Glamping, Bolton Abbey, Skipton
Contact Details: 01756 710247
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Distance from the Leeds CBD: 1 hr 12 mins (37.7 km)
Catgill Farm has the best of both worlds. As a camping and glamping site cosied up on the Yorkshire Dales, it keeps things wild—but without roughing it too much.
Here, a stream winds throughout the green and fab Wharfe Valley location. They even have alpacas around that guests can meet!
As for where to stay, it depends on your budget and preference: do you want to be posh in a pod with a bathtub and stargazing dome, or go traditional in a tent?
Tip: Pooches are welcome. There’s even a dedicated dog-friendly pod for them!
Wuthering Heights Inn
– From gingerlinstead
Address: Wuthering Heights Inn, Stanbury, Keighley
Contact Details: 01535 643332
Operating Hours:
- Mon – 12 pm to 9 pm
- Tue – 4 pm to 9 pm
- Wed – 12 pm to 9 pm
- Thu – 12 pm to 11 pm
- Fri – 12 pm to 10 pm
- Sat – 12 pm to 11 pm
- Sun – 12 pm to 10 pm
Distance from the Leeds CBD: 1 hr 4 mins (39.3 km)
Our fondness for Emily Brontë and camping peaked at the adult-only Wuthering Heights Inn. Sitting snug on Stanbury’s rugged moors and even rougher hikes, the site’s shepherd’s huts bask in remote stillness.
And when we say remote, we mean properly off-grid. No water, electricity, and flushing loos.
Fortunately, food wasn’t an issue. There’s a pub that’s just right around the corner.
Tip: Call to book. It’s highly recommended, especially if you’re a weekend camper.
Rudding Holiday Park
– From touringwithriva
Address: Follifoot, Harrogate
Contact Details: 01423 870439
Operating Hours: Daily – 9:30 am to 5:30 pm
Distance from the Leeds CBD: 47 mins (24.7 km)
Fifty acres of tree-shaded walks (walks leeds) and features like an outdoor heated pool give Rudding Holiday Park a glowing reputation among families, especially those into caravaning.
Motorhomes, caravans, and camper vans are fair game here with their supersite and hardstanding pitches, all powered. Larger options even have hedging and planting—ideal if you’d rather avoid the crowd.
Tip: If you want to use the swimming pool, you have to make reservations.
Camp Kátur
– From campkatur
Address: Camp Katur The Camp Hill Estate, Kirklington, Bedale
Contact Details: 01845 202100
Operating Hours: Daily – 9 am to 5 pm
Distance from the Leeds CBD: 1 hr 8 mins (72.3 km)
If camping in a romantic wooden cabin or an ensuite geodome sounds like the magic you’re after, Camp Kátur’s 300 acres of serenity won’t disappoint.
Sleeping here means cosying up amid either a rolling meadow or dense woodland. The accommodations, may it be a teepee, yurt, or the ones mentioned above, are also spaced out and hidden.
That said, the campsite still enjoys a ‘communal feel.’ Campers often bond over pizza on the outdoor seats, while the kids play in the massive toy shed.
Tip: Why not tie the knot on this site?
Glenfield Caravan Park
– From yorkshirecaravan
Address: Blackmoor Ln, Bardsey
Contact Details: 01937 574657
Operating Hours: Mon to Sat – 10 am to 6 pm
Distance from the Leeds CBD: 32 mins (12.9 km)
Bet you’d have a hard time not pitching up at the 3-acre Glenfield Caravan Park. ‘Idyllic and open’ fit it well, and you have the tree-lined, flowery countryside to thank for that.
For lodging, you’ll have to snooze off in motorhomes and touring caravans, which should be easy enough given the 30 hardstandings available.
Don’t worry, the place isn’t stuck in the dark ages. Guests have access to modern and accessible toilets, shower blocks, and Wi-Fi.
Tip: Check their pricing structure thoroughly before booking, as it can be tricky.
Pool Bridge Farm
– From poolbridgefarm
Address: Wheldrake Ln, York
Contact Details: 07928 359420
Operating Hours: Daily – 7:30 am to 7:30 pm
Distance from the Leeds CBD: 50 mins (42.5 km)
Offering a good swim in open waters, the 6-acre Pool Bridge Farm was an easy pick.
There are 4 lakes here, namely, Monet, M, Horseshoe, and Q. The Monet Lake is especially loved for its Moon Swims—an experience that’ll let you splash around under the moonlight, or knock back pints around a campfire.
Once you’re done doing laps, slowing down in one of the 3 lakeside saunas is a no-brainer. There are glass windows, meaning you won’t miss out on the sights.
Tip: There’s no electricity here, and phone data is limited. Consider that when preparing.
Stanley Villa Farm Fishing & Camping
– From stanleyvillafarm
Address: Back Ln, Greenhalgh, Preston
Contact Details: 01253 804588
Operating Hours: Daily – 9 am to 5 pm
Distance from the Leeds CBD: 1 hr 48 mins (127.2 km)
If you fancy reeling in carp and rudd in between naps, head straight to the award-winning Stanley Villa Farm. Here, you can cast a line in a 4-acre carp lake before unwinding by a campfire or in a woodfired hot tub.
You’ll also catch some kip in well-spaced glamping pods and bell tents. These come with beds and mattresses, though electricity isn’t part of the deal.
Tip: You must bring your license if you want to fish.
Bramhope Scout Campsite and Activity Centre
– From joanne_dawn
Address: Occupation Ln, Bramhope
Contact Details: 0113 531 3623
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Distance from the Leeds CBD: 36 mins (13.9 km)
The 15.3-acre Bramhope Scout Campsite and Activity Centre is bang on for large groups looking to chill or sweat it out on the fringes of the Dales.
Guests can crash in one of their 5 independent camping fields, with modern accommodations offered for those who’d rather not sleep in tents or under the stars.
As for activities, you have plenty to choose from, including archery, tower climbing, and conquering a low ropes course.
Tip: Bring your own charcoal to use in their BBQ area.
Bilton Park Village Farm
– From the_festival_blonde
Address: Bilton Ln, Harrogate
Contact Details: 07957 565070
Operating Hours: Daily – 9 am to 5 pm
Distance from the Leeds CBD: 1 hr 3 mins (30.2 km)
Bilton Park Village Farm is often used as a Yorkshire base. It makes sense, knowing this rural campsite is a stone’s throw from the region’s countryside and relaxation hotspots, like Nidd Wood and Harrogate.
On its own, it holds up well, too. The hardstanding pitches brave all sorts of weather while offering electricity and water hook-ups.
Tip: Pack lots of food. There are no restaurants or cafes nearby.
Esholt Caravan Park
– From thebyreandthebothy
Address: Sports & Leisure Club, Upper Mill Cottages, Esholt Ln, Esholt
Contact Details: 01274 587792
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Distance from the Leeds CBD: 56 mins (17.7 km)
Those who’ve seen the soap opera “Emmerdale” should know how postcard-worthy Esholt Caravan Park is. This West Yorkshire site has countryside scenery and serenity for days.
It’s also a true back-to-nature experience, with a few modern touches to not make you feel like a caveman. For instance, you’ll be bedded down on a levelled grass pitch while still enjoying Wi-Fi and clubhouse bar access.
Tip: Soap can run out here, so bring several bars or bottles.
Greenscapes Nursery
– From natty_sugarxandxskulls
Address: Brandon Cres
Contact Details: 07778 839706
Operating Hours: Daily – 10 am to 4 pm
Distance from the Leeds CBD: 30 mins (11.2 km)
Greenscapes Nursery may not be a 5-star glamping site with saunas or hot tubs, but it’s definitely a flora lover’s dream. Flourishing on its rural soil are lavenders, perennials, herbs, and vegetables, some of which you can even take home!
In terms of amenities, campers get the basics—a kitchen, showers, toilets, and farmland peace. Snagging homemade jams and local crafts is part of the camping experience, too.
Tip: Take your bike with you. The camp is a perfect hub for taking on cycling routes, like the ones leading to Harewood Estate.
St. Helena’s Caravan Park
– From chevinparks
Address: Otley Old Road, Horsforth
Contact Details: 0113 284 1142
Operating Hours:
- Mon – 11:30 am to 4:30 pm
- Tue to Thu – 9 am to 4:30 pm
- Fri – 9 am to 6 pm
- Sat – 9 am to 5 pm
- Sun – 9 am to 4 pm
Distance from the Leeds CBD: 28 mins (12.1 km)
Nothing against kids, but sometimes they can be a handful—which is why we’re thankful for St. Helena’s Caravan Park’s existence. This one is an adult-only campsite, sprawled across 45 acres of Whaferdale woodland.
The serviced pitches are hardstanding and all-weather, so tents, caravan homes, camper vans, and caravans won’t sink into the mud. They’re also dog-friendly, but make sure your pooch behaves.
Tip: The park has some crucial rules to follow. Review them to avoid trouble.
Upwood Holiday Park
– From louise_dawkinsxx
Address: Black Moor Rd, Oxenhope, Keighley
Contact Details: 01535 644242
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Thu – 8:30 am to 5 pm
- Fri to Sat – 8:30 am to 9:30 pm
- Sun – 8:30 am to 5 pm
Distance from the Leeds CBD: 59 min (35.5 km)
The Aire Valley and Brontë Moors get their moment at Upwood Holiday Park. What’s even better is they have features others here don’t have, like a healing lodge with treatments for both the body and spirit.
We can’t skip the digs, either. The park is credited as the first to have heated and insulated glamping mega-pods that can house a family of 4.
No biggie if that’s not your cup of tea since they’re also licensed for tents, motor homes, and touring caravans.
Tip: Stay during the weekends to enjoy entertainment like bingo sessions!
Hawksworth Camping Ltd
– From hawksworthcampingltd
Address: Hawksworth
Contact Details: 07375 899987
Operating Hours: Tue to Fri – 9 am to 8 pm
Distance from the Leeds CBD: 48 mins (21.3 km)
At 2 acres, Hawksworth Camping Ltd isn’t Leed’s largest campground. If we’re talking about nearby attractions, though, it’s right on the money, which is why most campers use this smallholding site as a hub.
Just to show you, it’s 9 minutes from Ilkley Moor’s Cow and Calf Rocks and 15 minutes from Saltaire, a world heritage site.
Mind you, the site is no slouch on its own since it has sheltered hardstanding pitches and relaxing moorland vistas.
Tip: There’s a cafe that’s open year-round, so you don’t have to pack tons of food.