Camping in Scarborough

Scarborough sits close to some of the best touring country on the Yorkshire coast, and the campsites around the town reflect that: a mix of large, well-equipped holiday parks aimed at families, and smaller touring sites that put you closer to the coast path and the moors. Most sites are a short drive rather than a walk from the town centre, spread around Scalby, Burniston and Cayton to the north and south of Scarborough itself, with easy access back in for the beaches, the castle and the harbour.

Facilities vary a good deal between sites. The bigger holiday parks tend to have shops, bars, laundrettes and play areas built in, and often run a static caravan side alongside their touring pitches, which suits families wanting entertainment on site as well as easy beach access. Smaller touring-focused sites and the membership-club campsites are generally quieter, with a stronger emphasis on well-kept pitches, good shower blocks and reliable electric hook-up, rather than entertainment - a better fit if you are using Scarborough as a base for walking the Cleveland Way or exploring Forge Valley and the Moors.

Whichever type of site suits you, book ahead for the school summer holidays and bank holiday weekends, when the coastal parks around Scarborough fill quickly. Spring and early autumn are quieter and often better value, and give you the added benefit of the coast path and clifftop walks without the peak-season crowds.