Caravan parks in Kielder Forest
Expect camping trips filled with wildlife watching, woodland walks, and water sports.
- Kielder Forest
Community favorites in and near Kielder Forest
Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.
9 top caravan sites in Kielder Forest
Caravan parks in Kielder Forest guide
Overview
With 250 square miles of forest and the largest manmade lake in northern Europe, Kielder Water and Forest Park is a one-stop destination for wildlife watching, woodland walks, and water sports. Explore miles of trails on foot, by bike, or on horseback, including the 27-mile Lakeside Way. Visit attractions such as Kielder Castle and the Birds of Prey Centre, cruise around Kielder Water, or take to the water to canoe, fish, or stand-up paddleboard. Campers can stay by the riverside or in Kielder village, and an overnight stay comes with stargazing opportunities—this is also an International Dark Sky Reserve.
When to go
Outdoor activities are fun year-round at Kielder Water, but campsites within the forest park are open from March through October only. Come in the spring and summer months for lake cruises and water sports, in autumn to admire the fall foliage, or during the festive season to visit the Kielder Winter Wonderland. Popular events throughout the year include the Kielder Marathon (October), a 24-hour mountain bike race (February), and a Night Run (March).
Know before you go
- Kielder Water and Forest Park is in Northumberland, 30 miles northwest of Hexham. There is no public transport to the park. Parking is available at Hawkhope, Kielder Dam South Abutment, Tower Knowe, Kielder Waterside, Matthew’s Linn, Bakethin Nature Reserve, Kielder Castle, Skyspace lower car park, and Elf Kirk. A single parking ticket is valid all day at any of the car parks.
- Facilities within the park include a gas station (card payment only) at Kielder village, two cafés, a restaurant, and restrooms. Download the free Kielder visitor map to your phone to help navigate.
- There are overnight parking spots for self-sufficient campers at Kielder Castle car park, Anglers Arms rear car park in Kielder village, Elf Kirk View Point, and Tower Knowe car park. Fees apply.
- Midges are common in the park from March through September, so bring insect repellent. The weather can change quickly in northern England, so it’s a good idea to pack a raincoat even in summer.
- There are wheelchair-accessible facilities at Kielder Water and some accessible trails.
