Camping in Acaster Malbis

Acaster Malbis sits in the flat, low-lying Vale of York, right on the banks of the River Ouse, and while the village itself has no dedicated campsite, its riverside setting and easy access to York make the surrounding area a popular one for camping and glamping. As with everywhere in England, wild camping without the landowner's permission is against the law, so anyone hoping to camp nearby should use a licensed site rather than pitching up on riverside land or footpaths. The flat terrain either side of the Ouse is well suited to camping and caravanning, with pitches typically offering easy access to the river towpath for walking and cycling, and a straightforward run into York for sightseeing. Because the land here is low-lying and the Ouse is prone to flooding after heavy rain, the best time to camp is from late spring through summer into early autumn, when the ground is driest and river paths are least likely to be affected. Riverside pitches can flood or become waterlogged in winter, so many sites in the area operate on a seasonal basis. For those who prefer not to pitch a tent, glamping options in the wider York area range from simple pre-erected canvas to more comfortable shepherd's huts and pods, giving the comforts of a proper bed while still being close to the water and the Vale of York countryside. Given the short distance into York, camping near Acaster Malbis suits visitors who want to explore the city by day but return to a quieter, greener spot by the river in the evening, with the Ship Inn's riverside garden a natural place to end the day.