Camping in Whitby

Whitby is ringed by the North York Moors National Park, and the campsites within reach of the town make the most of that landscape, from woodland touring parks a few miles inland to coastal sites near Robin Hood's Bay with sea views and beach access. None of the sites listed below sit inside Whitby itself, since the town's steep streets leave no room for camping, but all are within around eight miles, close enough for a short drive or, in some cases, a scenic walk along the Cleveland Way.

Facilities across the area's sites tend towards well-run family parks with strong environmental credentials rather than budget backpacker pitches: several hold David Bellamy Conservation Awards and AA star ratings, reflecting the National Park setting. Expect a mix of touring and motorhome pitches with electric hook-up, growing numbers of glamping pods for those without their own kit, and, at the more coastal sites, direct or near-direct beach access. Dogs are welcome at all three sites below, in keeping with the walker- and cyclist-friendly character of this stretch of coast and moor.

All three parks sit within the North York Moors National Park boundary or on its immediate fringe, which means dark skies, quiet lanes and direct access to walking and cycling routes without having to drive to a trailhead. Two of the three are within easy reach of Robin Hood's Bay, a natural pairing for a day out on foot along the Cleveland Way, while the third, further inland, suits those who want woodland shelter and a base for exploring the moors themselves. Booking ahead in the school summer holidays and around Whitby's Goth Weekends is advisable, as these small, well-regarded parks fill quickly once word gets around.