Sleeping under the stars: campsites in the Yorkshire Dales

Simon Edward • April 8, 2024

Looking for campsites in the Yorkshire Dales? Look no further than our guide to camping under the stars.

When you live in the Yorkshire Dales, the twinkling canopy of the night sky is your constant evening backdrop. It's easy to take its magnificence for granted.

So let's take a moment to appreciate the wonder of the stars. Or, better yet, grab a sun lounger and spend the evening stargazing.

An evening in the Dales can become one of the most beautiful and captivating evenings you'll ever experience. The longer you gaze, the more the night sky will seem to become illuminated just for you.

If you too would like to experience an evening like this, why not visit one of the many Yorkshire Dales campsites and bask in the celestial spectacle of the starlit night?

Here are a few options you could try.

Knight Stainforth Hall Camping and Caravan Park, Settle

Picture of stepping stones over the River Ribble, Stainforth.

Just two miles from the market town of Settle stands the 45-acre estate of Knight Stainforth Hall. This estate hosts a caravan and camping park, which has hosted visitors for nearly a century.

Needless to say, its owners – the Maudsley family – are experts at good old-fashioned hospitality. With five-star on-site facilities, you'll have everything you need for a great stay. There's even The Knights Table, a restaurant that serves up crisp beers and a large and varied food menu.

The river Ribble runs through the bottom of the site. When the sun is shining, this river provides hours of fun for old and young alike.

And with no street lights and limited light pollution, you'' be in the perfect position for stargazing.

Sleningford Watermill Caravan and Camping Park, North Stanley

This award-winning, family-friendly campsite is another great spot for stargazing.

Set beside the river Ure, the 14-acre site is great for tents, caravans, motorhomes and camper vans.

By day, you can kayak and canoe along the river, enjoy a spot of fishing or watch the abundant wildlife. By night – with no light pollution here – you have the perfect spot for watching the majestic night sky. Make sure you remember those sun loungers…

Breaks Fold Farm Glamping and Camping, West End, Harrogate

This traditional working farm hosts visitors for the summer season, starting from the first May bank holiday. When you visit, you can see the many sheep, cows, horses and hens along with a plethora of local wildlife.

Nestled in the beautiful surroundings of the West End and next to Thruscross Reservoir, Breaks Fold Farm offers a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere in tranquil surroundings. It makes for the perfect retreat if you want to escape modern life and all its stresses.

The night sky will relieve your stress further as you watch it become a canvas of inky blackness, dotted with twinkling jewels.

Howgill Lodge, Bardon, Skipton

Stylish, chic and classy are not words that would normally go hand-in-hand with camping. Howgill Lodge, however, manages to be all of the above.

Set in the breathtaking Wharfedale Valley, this campsite has it all. There are glamping lodges with hot tubs, as well as pitches for tents, caravans, motorhomes and camper vans. So, whether you like a luxury camping experience or a simpler set-up, there's something here for you.

And when the lights go off at night… Wow! What a sight you'll see as you gaze into the valley.

Stump Cross Caverns, near Pateley Bridge

Picture of Stump Cross Caverns, near Pateley Bridge.

Calling all motorhome owners!

After discovering the amazing network of underground caves at Stump Cross Caverns, why not stay on our overnight motorhome and camper van pitch?

It's not just the perfect spot to rest your weary wheels. With our remote and beautiful position between Pateley Bridge and Grassington, it's also ideal for watching the evening sky evolve into a glistening canopy of stars.

Learn more about our motorhome camping site.

Masons Campsite, Appletreewick

Picture of the River Wharfe below Masons Campsite.

In the village of Appletreewick, on the banks of the River Wharfe, you'll find Masons Campsite.

This campsite has it all. It's a place where traditional camping setups like tent and caravan pitches mingle with unique glamping tents and yurts. And Masons has been welcoming travellers for the past 70 years, so the owners know how to keep you well-cared-for and well-accommodated.

The real gem, though, is Masons Kitchen. Open daily, the cafe offers everything from your morning coffee and croissants to freshly baked pizza in the evening. It's the perfect way to fuel up for a night of stargazing.

Catgill Farm, Bolton Abbey

Picture of River Wharfe heading towards Bolton Priory.

The problem with camping in the UK is that you can never predict the weather. Well, that doesn't have to be a problem at Catgill Farm.

Its GeoDomes – The Woodpecker, The Honeybee and The Hedgehog – offer an upgraded outdoor experience. You won't need to watch the weather if you choose one of these.

The campsite can also provide a more traditional experience, welcoming tents, caravans, motorhomes and camper vans. So, however you want to stay, you'll be able to enjoy amazing views, day and night.

Orcaber Farm, Austwick

Picture of one of the Norber Erratics, Austwick.

If you visit Orcaber Farm, you'll be in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. This means having easy access to the Yorkshire Three Peaks, as well as Bowland: an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Camping pods are available and tents are caravans are welcome. All are served by excellent facilities

With 360° views of the Yorkshire Dales and limited light pollution, this is the perfect place to lay back on an evening and watch the night sky come alive.

If you want scenes to capture your imagination and round off your stargazing trip, be sure to visit us here at Stump Cross Caverns. Our ancient underground caves are just as awe-inspiring as the stars above us. Learn more about us or go ahead and book your tickets online.