Where to Go Camping in York, England

There are many beautiful places around York where you can camp and enjoy the great outdoors
There are many beautiful places around York where you can camp and enjoy the great outdoors | © Andrew Kearton / Alamy Stock Photo
Georgie Young

The first people to settle in York were the Romans, who, in 71CE, pitched up on the banks of the River Ouse when they came across the strategically advantageous site. Fast-forward a few thousand years, and the historic UK city has been built, rebuilt and – in places – destroyed. But one thing remains: it still attracts travellers who want to pitch their tents and sleep under the stars. Culture Trip’s local insiders, who know the area well, share their favourite camping spots in York, England.

York Naburn Lock Caravan Park

Camping

If waking up to the sound of a gurgling river is your campfire cup of tea, then the York Naburn Lock Caravan Park is where you’ll want to pitch your tent. It nails the “get away from it all” atmosphere, with the River Ouse hemming one side and strategically planted hedgerows on the other, giving each pitch an air of privacy. However, it’s also easy to get back to civilisation; the park-and-ride stop, with buses heading into the city every hour or so, is just seconds away. Recommended by local insider Charlie Bush

York Caravan Park

Camping

The prize piece of York’s architectural landscape is York Minster with its jagged spires and crumbling facade. It’s arguably the centre point of the city, and York Caravan Park is just 3km (2mi) away. Morning spire views? Pretty much guaranteed. It’s also the only campsite within the York city ring road (the modern incarnation of the famous medieval walls) and has a respectable 3ha (7 acres) of lush countryside in which you can pitch a tent or park a caravan. Recommended by local insider Charlie Bush

Nurseries Caravan Park

Camping

The Celts called York Eborakon, which roughly means “the place of yew trees”. Although York’s forest has largely been replaced by its medieval architecture, staying at Nurseries Caravan Park means you get to sleep inside one of the city’s last leafy outposts. The former plant nursery is populated by indigenous English trees, creating the illusion of being deep in the woods when you’re only 5km (3mi) outside the city. Plus, those who prefer to wake up under wooden beams rather than canvas can opt for one of the swish glamping pods. Recommended by local insider Charlie Bush

Jollydays Camping

Camping

Tucked away down a tree-lined country lane and surrounded by 81ha (200 acres) of forest, this family-run woodland site falls on the rustic end of the glamping scale – but glamping it certainly is. Here, the woodland lodges marry the pastoral with the pricey (think roll-top baths and faux deer heads), while the woodcutter tents ooze cosiness with log-burning stoves and four-poster beds. For an added touch of magic, you’ll also be within flitting distance of the Northwood Trail, England’s Fairy Sanctuary – the perfect activity for younger glampers. Recommended by local insider David Taylor

Champs Field Campsite

Camping

You’ll have to arrive early to stay at this small camping field – there’s only space for six tents and caravans. It’s the newest business of Home Farm, which has been run by the Kay family since 1948. Steer clear of the local supermarkets when packing your campfire supplies; instead, buy everything from homegrown vegetables to tender grass-reared beef at Home Farm’s on-site shop. Should you need them, owners Andrew and Angela are almost always on hand to give recommendations (as well as a proper Yorkshire brew). Recommended by local insider David Taylor

Home Farm York Campsite

Camping

A short drive downstream from York itself, 30 caravan pitches sit mere metres from the banks of the River Ouse. This family-owned site prides itself on its secluded setting and peaceful atmosphere, with birdwatching, fishing and horse riding all on the cards – although the Blacksmith Arms, the village pub, is just around the corner for those who fancy a different way to relax. For an added touch of luxury, opt to stay in one of the four hand-built wooden lodges – worth it purely for the hot tubs. Recommended by local insider David Taylor

For more options, discover our guide on the most luxurious places to go glamping in England and book now on Culture Trip. Or for great hotel options, check out our pick of the best hotels in York, England, bookable on Culture Trip.

speech icon man in bubble

Destinations Unlocked:

Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture trip

Looking for an expert's perspective?

Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
speech icon man in bubble
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

culture trip left arrow
 culture trip brand logo

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

women sitting on iceberg

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

culture trip logo letter c
group posing for picture on iceberg
group posing for picture on iceberg

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

map of volcanic iceland trip destination points
culture trip brand logo
culture trip right arrow
landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

X

Holiday Sale Offers on Our Trips

Incredible Savings

Edit article