Campsites near Settle
A village in the Yorkshire Dales with on-foot access to dramatic waterfalls, cliffs, and tarns.
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Campsites near Settle guide
Overview
Right on the western edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park in North Yorkshire, the small market town of Settle is a handy base for exploring the national park, as well as other nearby nature spots and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs). It’s also an easy place for campers without their own car to check out, as it’s on a railway line and served by two stations—Settle and Giggleswick. There are a few campsites and caravan parks around the town, and many more options in the surrounding countryside.
Where to go
Yorkshire Dales National Park
Settle is just outside the boundaries of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, but is an ideal base for exploring the hiking trails, cycle routes, and natural attractions of the park. The nearby village of Malham is especially worth visiting, as many of the national park’s most beautiful attractions can be visited on foot from here: Janet’s Foss Waterfall, Malham Cove, Malham Tarn, and Gordale Scar among them.
Forest of Bowland AONB
Settle is sandwiched between the Yorkshire Dales and the Yorkshire section of the Forest of Bowland AONB, which crosses over into Lancashire. This landscape of moorland, peat bogs, and pockets of ancient woodlands is another lovely area of picturesque landscapes, walking and cycling trails. It’s easy to visit on a day trip from Settle, or camp in a tent or caravan at a campsite in the AONB (wild camping is not generally permitted).
Nidderdale AONB
East of Settle, Nidderdale AONB is a continuation of the beautiful landscape of moorlands, valleys, flower-covered woodlands, and rolling farmland of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Campers staying in or near Settle can visit on day trips for birdwatching, wildlife-spotting, and walking adventures. There are also more camping options around the AONB, especially glamping sites located on family-run farmland.
Lake District National Park
Cumbria’s Lake District National Park is easy to visit from Settle as a major road runs directly there. This beautiful, Romantic park is worth more than a day trip, though: it’s England’s largest national park and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the trails on foot or by bicycle, and the lakes and coastline by boat or kayak. Sleep in a tent or caravan, or go upmarket at a glamping site, cottage, log cabin, or other unique accommodation.
When to go
Settle is in North Yorkshire, which experiences a generally cool climate, with wind and rain common, especially in the hilly dales nearby. Tent and caravan camping will be most comfortable in the summer. If you’re visiting outside of summer, dress appropriately to enjoy the outdoor attractions and consider opting for a glampsite or cottage in a nearby town or village rather than camping in a tent. The nearby Lake District National Park is especially attractive in the winter, though cold.
