Best wild camping spots in the Yorkshire Dales

The Yorkshire Dales is a beautiful area in the north of England that is perfect for those looking to enjoy wild camping. Boasting breathtaking panoramic views and a plethora of scenic walking trails right on your doorstep, you’re guaranteed to be mesmerized by the natural beauty of this national park.

However, it’s important to note that wild camping is not legal in most areas of the Yorkshire Dales unless you’ve obtained permission. This is because most of the land is privately owned.

There are numerous areas in the Yorkshire Dales where you can find suitable spots for wild camping. While hiking in the area, we recommend you look out for ideal camping locations and make a note of any good spots.

To help you get started, here are a few of our picks of the best places to wild camp in the Yorkshire Dales:

• Malham Tarn – situated in the southern part of the Yorkshire Dales, Malham Tarn provides stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere for wild camping. The Tarn is easily accessible thanks to the nearby Watersinks Car Park allowing you to reach your desired spot quickly.
• Whernside – the highest peak in the Yorkshire Dales, Whernside offers incredible views and challenging terrain for those seeking a wild camping adventure. Whernside is part of the Yorkshire Dales 3 Peaks Challenge and has a lot of hikers attempting the challenge, so we recommend setting off later in the day to avoid most of the crowd.
• Ingleborough – another popular peak in the Yorkshire Dales, Ingleborough offers excellent views of the surrounding area and is a great location for wild camping. This spot has many access routes ranging from short routes around 4 miles to longer routes around 12 miles that offer excellent views of the surrounding peaks, making it a great spot for any level of wild camper.

If you’re intending to wild camp in the Yorkshire Dales, it is crucial to adhere to these straightforward guidelines and show respect for the park’s wildlife. Although wild camping might be tolerated in most cases, we strongly advise seeking permission from the landowner before setting up your tent.

1. Most importantly, LEAVE NO TRACE, which means the only sign of your wild camp should be the flat grass your tent was pitched on.
2. Do not start fires for any reason, use a cooking stove or Trangia instead.
3. Take all your waste and anything else you have bought with you back home.
4. Pitch up late at night and leave early in the morning.
5. Do not stay longer than 1 night.
6. Before heading off on a wild camping adventure, ensure your gear is up for the challenge.

If you’re new to wild camping, consider reading our comprehensive wild camping guide to ensure that you’re fully prepared. If you would prefer to camp at a campsite instead, then check out the best campsites in the Yorkshire Dales.

If you haven’t got a tent yet or feel like upgrading, take a look at our broad selection of tents. We have several lightweight and compact backpacking options that will prepare you for your upcoming adventure. We also offer 30% off a new tent if your old one isn’t up for the challenge.