North Yorkshire
Riverside pitches near Stainforth Force, a few miles north of Settle
Knight Stainforth Hall occupies a 45-acre estate on the banks of the River Ribble, about three miles north of Settle and within easy reach of the Three Peaks. The site has been run by the same family for generations and is laid out over several level fields, with a mix of grass tent pitches, grass touring pitches and hardstandings for larger vans. Most of the touring pitches have electric hook-up; the tent fields are largely without, which keeps them quieter.
Facilities are more comprehensive than at most Dales sites. There are heated toilet and shower blocks, a washing-up area, laundry, a chemical disposal point and a motorhome service point, plus a shop stocking basics and camping gas, battery charging and cool-block freezing. There is a children's play area and a games room, and Wi-Fi is available across much of the site. Up to two dogs are allowed per pitch and there is a dedicated exercise area, though they must be kept on leads elsewhere.
The location is the main draw. Stainforth Force, a set of falls on the Ribble where salmon leap in autumn, is a short walk away, and the packhorse bridge above it is a National Trust property. Footpaths lead up to Catrigg Force and on towards Malham, and Settle is a ten-minute drive for shops, pubs and the railway station. Pen-y-ghent is close enough that many Three Peaks walkers use the site as a base, so expect early starts on summer weekends. Prices start at around £27 a night for a non-electric grass pitch for two adults, with electric pitches and extra occupants charged on top. The site opens from spring to late autumn and books out well ahead for bank holidays.