Camping in Northallerton

Wild camping without the landowner's permission is against the law in England, and North Yorkshire is no exception, so a proper site is the way to go around Northallerton. The town sits in the Vale of Mowbray, a broad, flat stretch of farmland between the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors, and while Northallerton itself has relatively few campsites right in town, the surrounding countryside in both directions is well provided for, from simple farm-based touring pitches to larger holiday parks nearer Thirsk and the Moors. The flat, sheltered land close to the town tends to make for easy, gentle camping, while sites further out towards Osmotherley and the Moors edge sit higher and more exposed, with correspondingly bigger views.

Camping here works well from late spring through early autumn, when the ground is driest and the long evenings suit a walk along the River Wiske or out towards Cod Beck Reservoir. Many local sites are seasonal, opening around Easter and closing in October, and some offer electric hook-ups and family-friendly facilities aimed squarely at the summer holiday trade, while smaller certified sites nearby cater more to walkers and cyclists passing through on their way to the Dales or the Cleveland Way. Given how changeable Yorkshire weather can be even in summer, it is worth checking a site's drainage and ground cover before pitching, particularly after wet spells.

For those who like the outdoor feel without the full camping kit, glamping options in the wider area range from simple wooden pods to fully-equipped safari tents and shepherd's huts, several with views towards the Moors or the Dales escarpment. Booking ahead is sensible in July and August and around bank holidays, when sites near both national parks fill quickly, but Northallerton's position between the two means there is usually a pitch to be found within a short drive even in peak season, and the town itself remains a handy spot to stock up before heading out to camp.