Derwent Park Caravan and Camping Site
The Derwent Park Bungalow, Rowlands Gill NE39 1LG, UK
View on Google MapsWooded valley site at Rowlands Gill, about 9 miles south-west of Newcastle city centre
About Derwent Park Caravan and Camping Site
Newcastle has no campsite of its own, and Derwent Park is the closest properly equipped option to the city. It sits on the edge of Rowlands Gill in the Derwent Valley, roughly nine miles south-west of the centre, and is run by Gateshead Council rather than a holiday company, which shows in the pricing and in the unhurried feel of the place. The setting is green and enclosed, with the River Derwent and the wooded slopes of the valley immediately beyond the boundary.
The layout separates the two halves of the site neatly. Caravans and motorhomes go on a level grassed area with hardstanding bays and electric hook-up on every pitch, while tents are pitched in a natural woodland glade that is left to grow wild flowers through the summer. That makes it noticeably more attractive than the average municipal site for anyone under canvas. There is a heated toilet and shower block with accessible facilities, a laundry, chemical disposal and a small play area for children. Dogs are welcome on leads. There is no shop or bar, so stock up in Rowlands Gill village, which is a few minutes walk away and has a Co-op, a chip shop and a couple of pubs.
The location earns its keep. The Derwent Walk, a traffic-free railway path for walkers and cyclists, passes close by and runs seventeen miles between Swalwell and Consett. The National Trust estate at Gibside, with its chapel and long avenue, is barely two miles off, and Beamish open air museum is a short drive south. Buses run into Newcastle from the village, and the Metrocentre and the western end of the Metro network are both easily reached, so you can spend the day in the city and be back among the trees by evening.
What's nearby
- Endeavour Fitness next door
- Vale of Derwent Social Club next door
- Maguires Chip Shop next door
- The Tavern 200m away
- Gardner & Wake 250m away
Distances as the crow flies, via Google
Good to know
Parking
- ✓Free car park
- ✓Paid car park
- ✓Free street
Accessibility
- ✓Accessible parking
- ✓Accessible entrance
- ✓Accessible toilet
Details via Google — worth confirming with the site before you travel, especially for access needs.
Photos
Photos via Google
Can I bring...?
Hook-up
Facilities
Takeaway & food delivery
Handy if you fancy a night off cooking — here's what delivers near this site.
Just Eat — 234 takeaways deliver to this postcode (NE39 1LG)
Harvey's Fish Bar
5.0 · Fish & Chips, Pizza
1771 Club House
5.0 · Italian, Lunch
Oh My Cod
5.0 · Fish & Chips, Kebab
Sainsbury's - Denton Burn Whickham View Local
5.0 · Groceries, Alcohol
Craft Burger - Gateshead
5.0 · Burgers, Chicken
Checked 26 Aug 2026 — always confirm on justeat.co.uk before ordering, as coverage can change.
Deliveroo — 89 restaurants nearby
McDonald's
Wingstop
Taco Bell
KFC
Burger King
Checked 26 Aug 2026 — always confirm on deliveroo.co.uk before ordering, as coverage can change.
Nearest supermarkets
Handy if you're self-catering or need to stock up on arrival.
- Co-op, Newcastle upon Tyne 2.1 miles
- Lidl, Newcastle upon Tyne 3.1 miles
- Morrisons, Blaydon-on-Tyne 3.2 miles
- Asda, Gateshead 3.6 miles
- Aldi, Gateshead 3.7 miles
- Tesco, Stanley 4.4 miles
- Sainsbury's 5.1 miles
Straight-line distances — the drive will be longer. Store data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
What visitors say
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ I have visited Druridge Bay Country Park several times, but unfortunately it is not a place that I find particularly cosy or relaxing for a picnic. The area is spacious and has some nice views, but it lacks the warm and welcoming atmosphere that I personally look for when spending time outdoors with family. There are other parks and picnic spots in the region that I find more enjoyable and comfortable. That said, it may still appeal to people who enjoy open spaces, walking and nature.
a month ago · via Google
Never stayed at the park and can only get on it if have pass, but their park areas are great the kids always asking to go to 'sandpark'. Location is ok right by Gibside national trust
4 months ago · via Google
Free parking, play area with sand and water, play area for bigger kids, large picnic field, crazy golf and easy access to the river for a nice walk. Dog friendly. Lovely free day out with a picnic.
a year ago · via Google
Great Caravan Park. Lots of green space around the area with a caged football/basketball pitch and playground for younger and older children. The younger childrens playarea is fenced with a large sand pit. Crazy golf area. Lovely river area too which is great for a dip or swim. Caravan park also has a small shop that sells ice creams, nets, bucket/spades etc. Although it is cash only
a year ago · via Google
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