Camping in Ingleton

Ingleton sits in classic limestone camping country, with the Yorkshire Dales National Park's karst scenery of gorges, potholes and open fell providing a dramatic backdrop for a night under canvas. As with the rest of England, wild camping without the landowner's permission is not legal here, so pitch at one of the area's established campsites rather than heading out onto open fell or riverside land uninvited. Fortunately Ingleton has no shortage of options, from simple touring and camping fields close to the village to sites right by the entrance of the Waterfalls Trail with direct access to the gorge walks.

Several sites within a mile or two of the village combine traditional tent and caravan pitches with a growing number of glamping options, including shepherd's huts and lodges with hot tubs, useful for anyone wanting Dales scenery without giving up home comforts. Facilities on the larger sites typically include showers, laundry and hook-ups for tourers, while smaller, more secluded farm sites tend to be simpler and quieter, better suited to those after a back-to-basics stay. Given the popularity of the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, many sites are used to early departures and muddy, tired arrivals, and some offer drying rooms or storage for gear.

The limestone terrain that makes the area so scenic also makes it prone to rapid drainage, so ground conditions are generally good even after rain, though the surrounding gorges and rivers can rise quickly, so it is worth checking conditions if camping close to the Twiss or Doe after heavy weather. The best camping season runs from late spring to early autumn, when evenings are light enough for a walk up to Ingleborough or along the waterfalls trail after making camp, though several sites stay open through the shoulder seasons for those chasing quieter pitches and crisper views. Midges can be a nuisance on still summer evenings near the rivers, so it is worth packing repellent alongside the usual gear.