Live it up in the great outdoors with these camping sites near Leeds.
Leeds is surrounded by some awe-inspiring countryside, so it’s a given that we’ve also got some pretty great campsites. Whether you’re switching off your phone for the night at a back-to-basics retreat, enjoying a round of golf at an on-site driving range or simply immersing yourself in nature, there’s a camping site near Leeds with your name on it. Check them out.
Esholt Caravan Park
Whether you’re looking to pitch your tent for a day or a week, Esholt Caravan Park is one of the best places to go camping near Leeds. Located in the pretty West Yorkshire village of Esholt, your stay here will take you back to basics, with unspoiled greenery, friendly local folk and roaming wildlife.
That doesn’t mean they’re lacking in facilities, though. You can enjoy hot showers, clean toilets, ‘pay as you go’ electricity hookups and even a pint at the nearby Esholt Sports & Leisure Club.
What’s more, the camp’s a great base for exploring the historic UNESCO World Heritage Site of Saltaire, as well as the quaint market towns of Otley and Ilkley. The only question is, where will you go first?
Where? Esholt – find it on Google Maps
How much? From £25 a night per grass pitch.
Why we love it? You feel like you’re out in the sticks, but you still have all the mod cons.
Get it booked: esholtcaravanpark.co.uk
Clarion Lodge Campsite
Though it’s just a half hour’s drive away from Leeds, a stay at Clarion Lodge Campsite will have you feeling a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of city life, complete with gorgeous views over the rolling hills of Lower Wharfedale.
The campsite’s grounds are beautifully maintained, landscaped by flowers, trees and shrubs, with facilities including ladies and gents toilets, a shower block, and wash-up facilities.
If you’re asking us, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better campsite near Leeds in terms of location – Otley and its Chevin are just down the road for exploring, while the Yorkshire Dales are right on your doorstep. In the mood for a tipple or two? The cosy Chevin Inn is just five minutes away.
Where? Menston – find it on Google Maps
How much? £22 per night per pitch
Why we love it? The view from the site is incredible.
Get it booked: chevinparks.co.uk
Wuthering Heights Inn
Want to live out your Brontë fantasy? A trip to the campsite at the Wuthering Heights Inn is in order. Nestled behind the pub, it’s small but perfectly formed, and in a great location for walkers – you’ve got easy access to the Pennine Way, Brontë Way and Millennium Way.
If you’re not an avid rambler, a short 45-minute hike will take you to the glorious Top Withens, the purported inspiration for Wuthering Heights. Back at base, the campsite has everything you need, from toilets and showers to a utility room with a kettle, fridge and hairdryer.
The campsite is for over 18s only, so if you’re looking for a grown-up night away with some peace and quiet, this is your sign.
Where? Stanbury – find it on Google Maps
How much? £8 per person, per night.
Why we love it? Its easy access to the moors.
Get it booked: thewutheringheights.co.uk
Catgill Farm
Credit: Catgill Farm
Peaceful, beautiful and modern, Catgill Farm has everything you need and more if you want to go camping near Leeds. The farm is nestled in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, and with views across the Wharfe Valley and a stream snaking its way through the site, you can really feel at one with nature here.
What’s more, with home comforts like hot showers, plugs, hair dryers, and a small shop, you can revel in the joys of camping while avoiding all the hassle. They even offer a BBQ for Two package, complete with sausages, burgers, corn on the cob and more!
When it comes to nearby attractions, you can reach Bolton Abbey in 10 minutes, but if you want to go further afield, the Dales Way footpath nearby leads you to Ilkley, Burnsall and Grassington.
Where? Bolton Abbey – find it on Google Maps
How much? From £38 per night per standard pitch.
Why we love it? There’s loads to do within a short walk.
Get it booked: catgillfarm.co.uk
Rudding Holiday Park
The whole family will have a whale of a time at Rudding Holiday Park. One of the best caravan and camping sites near Leeds, it sits just outside of Harrogate and is filled with abundant nature, from a lush lake to the towering trees that surround the park.
If you’re wanting activities to keep the kids entertained, look no further – the park has an on-site heated outdoor pool and playground, as well as a driving range and golf course which are both great family fun.
Looking to head out and about? It’s the perfect base for exploring the local area, from day trips spent exploring Mother Shipton’s Cave to kicking back and relaxing in Harrogate’s Turkish Baths.
Where? Harrogate – find it on Google Maps
How much? From £23 per night per pitch.
Why we love it? It’s ideal for a family holiday.
Get it booked: ruddingholidaypark.co.uk
Pool Bridge Farm
Credit: Johnny Walton
If you love open water swimming, you’ll love Pool Bridge Farm. Although their six-acre camp site is a mere 10 minutes drive from York, it’s teeming with nature and greenery, with three serene swimming lakes and a whole host of wild animals – make sure you say hello to Sirius the duck.
A stay at Pool Bridge Farm is a great way to switch off from the outside world. With no electric hookups, no wifi and limited phone data, they encourage you to switch off your phones and enjoy the peace.
So, how about taking an alfresco swim before letting off some steam in the lakeside sauna? For a bite to eat, we recommend heading to the on-site cafe, where you can tuck into locally sourced pies and wood-fired pizzas. Yum!
Where? York – find it on Google Maps
How much? From £45 per adult, per night.
Why we love it? The Monet lake – it’s stunning.
Get it booked: poolbridge.co.uk
Greenscapes Nursery
There’s more to Greenscapes Nursery than meets the eye. Owner Ruth Dorrington specialises in lavender, a range of vegetables, perennials and herbs, all of which you can buy on site. If you head on to the back of the nursery, you’ll even find one of the best campsites and caravan parks near Leeds.
The site’s facilities are basic, including two showers and two toilets, as well as a little kitchen where campers can use the microwave or wash up – the on-site shop also has a range of art, cards, jam and knitted gifts. What really makes it special is its rural setting, surrounded by fields and farmland.
You’ll find numerous public footpaths and bridleways within a few minutes of the nursery, leading you to the majestic Harewood House estate in one direction, or the 700 acres of Roundhay Park in the other.
Where? Leeds – find it on Google Maps
How much? From £15 per unit per night.
Why we love it? You can buy some lovely lavender to take home.
Get it booked: greenscapesnursery.co.uk
Crowden Campsite
Fancy heading to the Peak District for your next camping trip? Why not stay the night at Crowden? The campsite may be on the outskirts of Glossop but it’s still near Leeds, with well laid out grass pitches, ready made tents and space to park your caravan.
As for facilities? Well, they have an amenity building with flushing toilets, showers and washing machines, as well as an on-site shop where you can grab milk and eggs for breakfast. The location of the site is pretty secluded, so you won’t find many pubs or restaurants nearby, but if you’re a walker you’ve hit the jackpot.
We recommend taking the nearby Longdendale Trail, a 6.5-mile long walk that’ll take you along six man-made reservoirs on the River Etherow.
Where? Glossop – find it on Google Maps
How much? From £10.50 per pitch per night.
Why we love it? Its secluded location.
Get it booked: campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk
