The Ultimate Guide To Scarborough Camping: Best Campsites, Wild Camping, Tips & More!

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Last updated on July 3, 2023 by Wandering our World

Located in North Yorkshire, the lovely seaside town of Scarborough has become a popular tourist destination thanks to its sandy beaches and dramatic cliffs. The town has a long history, dating back to the 7th century, but more recently camping in Scarborough has become popular, and many fantastic campsites have sprung up around the town.

Scarborough’s beaches are the obvious major draw, with North Bay and South Bay both offering excellent swimming and sunbathing opportunities. But there’s plenty on offer for visitors away from the coast, and there’s some excellent Scarborough campsites to enjoy too.

Luckily, we know this area well. So below we share with you our favourite campsites in Scarborough, and explain what’s close by to each. We then give you information on wild camping in Scarborough, and look at when’s the best time to camp here.

So read on to begin your Scarborough camping adventure!

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/pkanchana

Camping In Scarborough: The Six Best Campsites for Fun, Views & Adventure

In our opinion camping in Scarborough is a great way to experience the town’s natural beauty and history. And luckily there’s some excellent campsites in Scarborough that are worth checking out.

However, there are some things to keep in mind when camping in Scarborough. The town is located in a coastal area, so wind and rain can be expected. So make sure to pack appropriate clothing and gear for your camping trip.

Additionally, the town’s beaches can become crowded during the summer months, so it is sometimes nice to find a site away from the town’s hustle and bustle. (Related: The Best Pubs in Scarborough).

Below are some of our favourite Scarborough camping spots. Expect fantastic views, lots of fun, and plenty of outdoor adventure!

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/nortonrsx

1. Pinewood Park

At Pinewood Park, you’ll find an award-winning, 4-star site perfect for couples and families. This park is situated in a quiet location. but still just two miles from Scarborough town centre.

It’s family owned and run, so you can expect impeccable customer service, some Yorkshire charm, and a big warm welcome waiting for you.

The camping area is the perfect place to relax and take in the wonderful rural views. The spacious hardstanding pitches are ideal for your caravan or motorhome and this site is open all year round. The tent pitches are spacious too, and there’s plenty of open space for children to run around and play.

They also have glamping sites – including renovated helicopters! So you can enjoy all the fun of camping without missing out on any of the creature comforts of home.

Glamping options include some gorgeous modern tipi tents which are raised off the ground on wooden decks, complete with picnic benches so you can enjoy dining al fresco! Inside the tents, you’ll find beds for a family of four or three adults, electric lighting and heating, and carpeting to keep things cosy.

As an added bonus, this is one of the most dog friendly campsites in Scarborough too!

What’s Close By

This place is the perfect base for a holiday in the North York Moors, as Pinewood is close to Scarborough, Bridlington, Whitby, Pickering, and York. Scarborough town centre is within walking distance, and there’s two beautiful beaches only a few miles away.

The fun Flamingo Land is a short drive away and perfect for kids. This amusement park is less than 20 miles from the campsite and is packed with thrilling rides, unique attractions, and family-friendly fun.

But that’s not all – this area is also a hotspot for fishing, surfing, cycling, and horse riding. Plus you can always enjoy a peaceful walk in the North York Moors National Park if that’s your thing. It’s practically on your doorstep when staying here!

Price: From £22 per night

Address: Racecourse Rd, Scarborough YO12 5TG

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/monkeybusinessphotos

2. Arosa Caravan and Camping Park

Arosa Camping Park is a fun family-friendly site nestled in the heart of Seamer, a few minutes away from Scarborough. Join in with the on-site activities, enjoy homemade food, or head to Joe’s Bar for karaoke and themed nights! This place has lots going on.

Generations of the same family have run this park with love and care, making it a true family affair. With the North York Moors almost at your doorstep and the seaside town of Scarborough close by, this camping park is in a perfect location for nature and history lovers alike.

There’s a clubhouse great for socialising and modern facilities here, plus the pitches are spacious and can accommodate tents, caravans and motorhomes of all sizes. The modern facilities at this campsite include laundry facilities, a games room, toilets and shower blocks with metered showers.

You can even cook your own meals in the on-site restaurant. When night falls, the fun doesn’t stop! Karaoke entertainment fills the on-site bar (see photo below), and a play area outside is perfect for little ones. Round out your day by grilling up dinner in the BBQ area, or joining one of the community BBQs.

You can even stock up on essentials and food at the on-site shop. Wi-Fi is also available throughout, so you can stay connected while you relax.

If you’re looking for a Scarborough camping experience with lots happening on-site, this may just your best choice.

What’s Close By

The site is perfect for those who love the outdoors. It’s situated in the heart of the Yorkshire Moors, which is excellent for walkers, and it’s only a few minutes away from Scarborough, which has a great beach and other fun activities.

It’s also perfect for people who are looking for lots to do on-site too, with social events and activities run by the park on some evenings.

If you’re looking for something more adventurous, the Yorkshire Dales are not out of reach. And if pampering is in order,  there are some excellent spas nearby. There’s also a games room, live entertainment and a play area for children on-site.

Price: From £20 per night

Address: Ratten Row, Seamer, Scarborough YO12 4QB

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Peera Sathawirawong

3. Killerby Old Hall Holiday Cottages & Caravan Park

Killerby Old Hall is a peaceful and serene 30-pitch touring site near Cayton Bay set in the grounds of a wonderful old building – hence the name! It also has a selection of glamping bell tents.

This site close to Scarborough is picturesque, surrounded by open fields and trees and has excellent facilities, including centrally heated facilities, an on-site bar and even an indoor pool! It’s a countryside camping getaway with a touch of luxury.

There’s also plenty of wash-up places, and even a play area for the kiddos. Wi-Fi is free too, so you can stay connected even while unplugged.

This site is just a short walk from Cayton village, where you’ll find everything you need for a perfect holiday. There are pubs, a post office, two general stores, and a fish and chip shop. And if you need a bigger supermarket, Morrisons is just 2 miles away.

What’s Close By

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches – Scarborough’s South Bay and Filey Beach are only a few miles away. Both offer stunning views and plenty of opportunities to explore.

Sealife enthusiasts will love the Scarborough Sea Life Sanctuary, just two and a half miles from Killerby Old Hall. And for history buffs, there’s always Scarborough Castle.

Price: From £40 per night

Address: Killerby Old Hall, Cayton, Scarborough YO11 3PU, United Kingdom

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/cookelma

4. Scarborough Camping & Caravanning Club

Camping at Scarborough Camping and Caravanning Club Site is a great way to experience the natural beauty of Yorkshire’s coastline and the North York Moors.

This campsite is situated just north of the Victorian seaside town of Scarborough, making it the perfect base for exploring the area. The nearby cliffs and beaches are simply breathtaking, and the stunning North York Moors are a must-see for any nature lover.

Depending on your needs, you can choose to have an electric or non-electric pitch, and as always with a camping and caravanning club site, the facilities are modern and well maintained.

The pitches are flat and spacious, there’s a big children’s playground on site, and a great pub beside the campsite perfect for a pint after a long day exploring.

And if you fancy some luxury, they have ten glamping safari tents that offer the perfect break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. These tents come with all the amenities you need, including real beds and furnishings.

What’s Close By

The cliffs are only a 15-minute walk away, as is the beach below, and the town of Scarborough is just a few miles away. The town is home to various attractions, including the Scarborough Sea Life and Marine Sanctuary, the imposing Scarborough Castle, the Rotunda Museum, and the North Bay Railway—a miniature railway that winds its way along the coast. No wonder this is a great place for a family vacation.

The Scarborough Open Air Theatre is nearby too and is a beautiful place to spend a summer evening. The shows are always worth checking out.

On top of that, the Cleveland Way National Trail is just a ten-minute walk from the campsite, and is the perfect place for ramblers and cyclists. You can also view seabirds such as gannets and puffins at nearby RSPB Nature Reserve Bempton Cliffs.

Price: From £10 per night

Address: Field Ln, Burniston Rd, Scarborough YO13 0DA

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/welcomia

5. Jacobs Mount Caravan and Camping Park

As you drive up the long, winding driveway to Jacobs Mount, the first thing you’ll see is a beautiful view towards Scarborough and its sandy beach. On the other side, you’ll see the peaceful North York Moors.

With that the case, we’ve found this vacation spot to be ideally situated for enjoying all that Yorkshire has to offer, from the charming seaside towns of Whitby and Filey to the old-world charm of Pickering and Bridlington.

Step into a world of natural beauty and serenity at this family-run park as it’s surrounded by the picturesque Forge Valley Woods National Nature Reserve. So you’ll find yourself in a blissful haven where pitches are nestled in peaceful and sheltered surroundings.

The site facilities are fantastic, with a heated shower (token operated), disabled and baby changing facilities, and a licensed clubhouse and restaurant. Guests can also take advantage of the family room, play areas, and two launderettes on-site.

What’s Close By

When it comes to a day by the seaside, there’s no better place than Scarborough. With its golden sands and endless amusements, the whole family will be entertained for hours. If you need a break from the beach, there are two first-class golf courses nearby to try, or you could spend a lazy day fishing nearby.

Walks are a must in this part of Yorkshire – the Forge Valley Woods Reserve is right beside this campsite and is excellent for wildlife encounters. There’s plenty more to discover in Dalby Forest and Wykeham Lakes too.

If you’re looking for an evening out, check out Scarborough Open Air Theatre or the Sea Life Centre. And don’t forget the North Cliff Railway – it’s an authentic Scarborough tradition!

Price: From £16 per night

Address: Stepney Road, Scarborough YO12 5NL

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/SolisImages

6. Cayton Village Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite

Cayton Bay Touring Caravan and Camping Park is a quiet and idyllic spot, nestled atop the lovely Yorkshire Wolds. This place is popular with motorhomes and caravans due to the fantastic facilities geared towards both.

You can enjoy picturesque panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and sheep-filled meadows from the pitches, and if that’s not enough, the park is just half a mile away from Cayton Bay’s sandy beach.

Alongside spacious pitches with electric hookups, there’s clean and modern facilities like a toilet block with free hot showers, washbasin, and a disabled-friendly wet room. There’s also a laundry room on-site, all-weather basketball court and football pitch, and an information point where you can pick up maps and local tips.

This is also one of the most dog friendly Scarborough camping options, and they even have a designated dog walking area.

What’s Close By

Just half a mile away from the campsite is Cayton Bay, which offers a wide sandy beach with plenty of rock pools to explore. Dogs are allowed on the beach.

Scarborough is a lively seaside town just three miles away, with a castle, bays, and many shops and entertainment. The North York Moors are also nearby and offer plenty of opportunities for walkers and nature lovers.

The campsite is also close to Filey, a town with a long sandy beach and a pier. There are also shops, pubs, and restaurants in Filey.

Price: From £16 per night

Address: Mill Ln, Cayton Bay, Scarborough YO11 3NN, United Kingdom

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/AnjoKanFotografie

Wild Camping In Scarborough: Everything You Need To Know

DISCLAIMER: Below we give general advice, but we always recommend staying in an official campsite. If you choose to go wild camping/dispersed camping, then make sure you do so with someone who already knows the area where you’re planning on camping for your own safety.

The bad news is that in general wild camping in Scarborough and England is illegal. However it is sometimes tolerated by locals if you are not camping in a group, and you are camping far from settlements and people’s homes.

Furthermore, sometimes people will wild camp when walking long-distance routes. In general wild camping while hiking is sometimes tolerated if done in a considerate manner.

Although we always advise choosing a campsite, if you do decide to go wild camping in Scarborough and the surrounding region, then make sure you camp discreetly.

Be careful not to damage the ground where you pitch your tent and if you think you’re on private land (like a farmer’s field) then you should always seek out the permission of the land owner. They may ask for a small fee.

If wild camping in Scarborough, we’d advise sticking to the following guidelines in order to be as considerate as possible:

  • You should camp in the same place for one night only, and pitch your tent discretely and in a remote place. Therefore don’t camp in or near settlements, someone’s farm or on cultivated land. If you think you’re on private land, always seek out the landowner and ask permission.

  • Campers should set up their tent at dusk, and take it down at dawn. A tent that is discreet and pitches quickly is best. Therefore a lightweight walking and hiking tent like this one would be a great investment for someone planning to walk and camp in Scarborough and the surrounding area.

  • If you are walking a main hiking trail you should camp away from the path as a matter of courtesy. 

  • When wild camping in Scarborough and the surrounding area you must never make a campfire. Instead of building campfires, you could look into using a storm cooker for cooking – but check local laws first. Then there is much less wildfire risk and you can cook knowing that the fire is contained. We believe the best ones on the market are Trangia storm cookers.

  • When going to the toilet you should do it far from water sources, such as rivers and lakes. Make sure to use a trowel (like this folding one) to bury any human waste – don’t just leave it out in the open.
Photo via Unsplash+

Scarborough Camping: Best Time To Camp

The summer months tend to be the most popular time to go camping in Scarborough and the surrounding region, mostly due to the warm temperatures and lack of rain compared to other parts of the year. However campsites and tourist attractions can get busy.

For that reason we tend to like camping near the end of spring of start of autumn, where temperatures are usually decent, but crowds are much fewer. Outside of peak season campsite prices will often be cheaper too. Another big plus point.

The town is also home to festivals and events, including the Scarborough Jazz Festival – which tends to be held around mid to late September – so you may want to factor that into when you want to camp.

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  • Wandering our World

    Hi and welcome to Wandering our World! This article was written by one of the Wandering our World team - a team of travel enthusiasts who live around the globe.