Campervan and Motorhome Stopovers in North Yorkshire
Motorhome Touring in North Yorkshire
North Yorkshire is England's largest county, and that size works in your favour when you're touring by motorhome. There's proper space here. The Yorkshire Dales in the west are all dry-stone walls, sheep, and river valleys with names like Wensleydale and Swaledale that sound like something from a period drama. The North York Moors to the east are bleaker and emptier, with heather-covered plateaus that turn purple in August and September. Between them, the Vale of York is flat farming country that you'll mostly pass through on the A1 corridor. Then there's the coast, from Whitby down to Scarborough and Filey, with proper seaside towns that haven't been gentrified beyond recognition. The driving is good: wide A-roads connect the main towns, and even the dale roads are better maintained than you'd expect.
Top Stopovers and Campsites in North Yorkshire
The Dales have a solid network of small campsites, many run by farmers who've been taking tourers for decades. Don't expect glossy facilities. What you get is a flat pitch, usually with hookup, and reliable directions to the nearest pub. Hawes, Leyburn, and Settle are the main cluster areas. Sites around Hawes tend to book up during the weekly Tuesday market.
On the Moors, the villages of Helmsley, Pickering, and Hutton-le-Hole have nearby sites that serve as good bases for walking. The Forestry England sites at Dalby Forest and Cropton are set in woodland, which is pleasant in summer but can feel damp and enclosed outside peak months.
The coast has larger, busier sites. Whitby and Robin Hood's Bay attract motorhomers year-round, but pitches near Whitby fill fast on weekends when the goth festival is on (late October) or during school holidays. Scarborough has several commercial parks, some with sea views and some decidedly without. Check what you're booking. Britstops options are scattered across the county, with a decent concentration of pub stopovers in the western Dales.
Suggested Touring Routes in North Yorkshire
The Dales Run (3 days)
Enter the Dales from the south via the A65 to Settle. The road is wide and fast from the M6 junction. Visit Settle's market square, then head north on the B6479 through Ribblesdale, past the Ribblehead Viaduct (there's a layby with space for motorhomes and a view of the viaduct that's worth the stop). Continue to Hawes on the A684. Wensleydale's main road is comfortable for large vehicles. From Hawes, take the moorland road over to Swaledale via the Buttertubs Pass. This is a proper single-track road with steep drops and passing places. Fine in a smaller motorhome, not advisable over 7 metres. Reeth at the bottom of Swaledale has a village green and a couple of good pubs. Return east via Richmond and the A1.
The Moors and Coast (2-3 days)
Start in Helmsley, which has a decent car park near the castle that takes motorhomes. Head north on minor roads through Rievaulx (the abbey ruins are worth a stop, small car park) and up onto the moor. Pick up the A170 eastward to Pickering, then take the A169 north to Whitby. This road crosses the open moor with long views and few obstacles. Whitby itself is tricky to park in, so use the park-and-ride or one of the campsites on the outskirts. From Whitby, the A171 south through Robin Hood's Bay to Scarborough is a good coastal road, though Robin Hood's Bay village is accessed by a very steep, narrow lane that you shouldn't attempt in a motorhome. Park at the top and walk down.
The Heritage Loop (2 days)
A gentler route for larger motorhomes. Start in Harrogate (the Stray car park can accommodate motorhomes during the day), head north through Ripon to Fountains Abbey. The abbey has a large National Trust car park without height barriers. Continue to Masham, home to two breweries and a good stopover town. Then across to Thirsk (James Herriot's surgery is now a museum) and south to York. York itself is best approached by park-and-ride. The Askham Bar site is the easiest for motorhomes. The A1(M) corridor makes this loop straightforward and stress-free for any vehicle size.
Overnight parking
Blakey Junction Overnight parking
York, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Overnight parking
Danby Beacon on Beacon Hill Overnight parking
Danby, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Overnight parking
Yan Brow parking area above Hutton le Hole Overnight parking
York, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Overnight parking
Cleveland way overflow car park Overnight parking
York, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Overnight parking
White Horse top car park Overnight parking
Thirsk, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Overnight parking
White Horse Bank car park Overnight parking
Thirsk, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Overnight parking
Blue Lagooners Womersley Overnight parking
Doncaster, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Overnight parking
Big Bear Bikes Overnight parking
Pickering, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Overnight parking
Boroughbridge Overnight parking
York, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Overnight parking
White Horse Forest parking Overnight parking
York, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Overnight parking
Hawes Farmers Auction Mart Overnight parking
Hawes, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Overnight parking
Ingleton Community Centre Overnight parking
Ingleton, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Overnight parking
Greenfoot car park Overnight parking
Settle, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Overnight parking
Coach street car park Overnight parking
Skipton, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Overnight parking
Back Lane Car Park Boroughbridge Overnight parking
York, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Crooked Billet Inn Tadcaster Pub Pub stopover
Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The White Swan Pub Pub stopover
Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
Scotts Arms Sicklinghall Wetherby Pub Pub stopover
Wetherby, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Masons Hopperton Pub Pub stopover
Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Jefferson Arms Thorganby Pub Pub stopover
York, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Black Swan At Burn Bridge Pub Pub stopover
Harrogate, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
Rokeby Inn Pub stopover
Richmond, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
Kellington Manor Hotel Pub stopover
Goole, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Bay Horse Inn Pub stopover
Goole, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Ham and Cheese Pub Pub stopover
Malton, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The New Inn Pub stopover
Pickering, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
Ye Olde Forge Valley Inn Pub stopover
Scarborough, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Denison Arms Pub stopover
Scarborough, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
Bryherstones Country Inn Pub stopover
Scarborough, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Charles Bathurst Inn Pub stopover
Richmond, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
Old Oak Tree Pub stopover
Thirsk, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Piebald Inn Pub stopover
Filey, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Kings Arms Pub stopover
Thirsk, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Highwayman Pub stopover
York, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Royal Oak Filey Pub stopover
Filey, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Fleece Inn Pub stopover
Malton, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Station Inn Pub stopover
Carnforth, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Moorcock Inn Pub stopover
Sedbergh, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
George and Dragon Pub stopover
Leyburn, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Cover Bridge Inn Pub stopover
Leyburn, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Craven Arms Pub stopover
Settle, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
Helwith Bridge Inn Pub stopover
Settle, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Wyvill Arms Pub stopover
Leyburn, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
Bay horse Pub stopover
Skipton, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Squinting Cat Pub stopover
Harrogate, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
Woodlands Hotel Pub stopover
Harrogate, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Knox Pub stopover
Harrogate, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Plough Hotel and Restaurant Pub stopover
Skipton, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Swan Inn Skipton Pub Pub stopover
Skipton, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Bay Horse Skipton Pub Pub stopover
Keighley, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
Cross Keys East Marton Skipton Pub Pub stopover
Skipton, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Crown Hutton le Hole Pub stopover
York, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Blacksmiths Arms Pub stopover
Leeds, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Farmers Arms Pub stopover
Brompton on Swale, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
Harefield Hall Pateley Bridge Pub Pub stopover
Harrogate, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Wellington Inn Darley Pub Pub stopover
Harrogate, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Sun Inn Harrogate Pub Pub stopover
Harrogate, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
Askwith Arms Pub Pub stopover
Otley, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
Cavendish Arms Pub Pub stopover
Skipton, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
Royal Shepherd Inn Pub Pub stopover
Skipton, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Old Spring Well Harrogate Pub Pub stopover
Harrogate, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Queens Head Harrogate Pub Pub stopover
Harrogate, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Chequers Inn Harrogate Pub Pub stopover
Harrogate, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
South Lodge Ripon Pub Pub stopover
Ripon, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Stavely Arms Pub Pub stopover
Ripon, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Angel at Topcliffe Pub Pub stopover
Thirsk, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Campsite
High Farm Certified Location Campsite
Pockley, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Campsite
Manor Farm Certified Location Campsite
Malton, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Campsite
Dyke Bottom Farm Certified Location Campsite
Killinghall, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Campsite
Lower Banks Farm Certified Location Campsite
Huby, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Campsite
Paddock House Certified Location Campsite
Saltburn by the sea, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Campsite
Primrose Bank Certified Location Campsite
Kexby, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Campsite
Campervan Corner Campsite
Skipton, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Campsite
Smugglers Rock Country House Certified Location Campsite
Ravenscar, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Campsite
Summertree Farm Certified Location Campsite
Malton, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Campsite
Warthill Grange Certified Location Campsite
York, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Campsite
Wiske Moor Caravan Park Certified Location Campsite
Northallerton, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Campsite
How La Hay Farm Certified Location Campsite
Skelton Ellars, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Campsite
Laurels Park Certified Location Campsite
Drax, North Yorkshire, United KingdomThings to Do in North Yorkshire
Walking is the main draw, and the variety is real. The Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge (Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, Ingleborough) is a full-day hike that starts and finishes in Horton-in-Ribblesdale, where there's a car park that fits motorhomes. It's a serious walk at 24 miles, not a casual outing. For something lighter, the riverside path from Aysgarth Falls through Wensleydale is flat, short, and has a good tea room at the end.
Whitby deserves a full day. The abbey ruins on the clifftop, the 199 steps, and the harbour with its fish and chip shops are all within walking distance. The town has a connection to Bram Stoker's Dracula, which you'll hear about repeatedly whether you want to or not. The fish and chips from the Magpie Cafe have a reputation, but the queue can run to 45 minutes in summer. The smaller places on Church Street serve comparable fish without the wait.
York is the big cultural draw: the Minster, the Shambles, the National Railway Museum (free entry, excellent). You'll need a full day minimum. Don't try to drive into the city centre. The medieval streets literally cannot accommodate a motorhome. Castle Howard, about 15 miles north-east of York, has grounds worth half a day and a car park that handles coaches, so motorhomes are no problem.
Practical Information for Motorhomers in North Yorkshire
Service points are available at many of the larger campsites, particularly around Harrogate, Scarborough, and the main Dales villages. No public motorhome service areas exist in the county. Plan waste disposal around your campsite stops.
For fuel, Tesco and Morrisons in Harrogate, Northallerton, and Scarborough all have easy-access stations. Avoid filling up in the Dales villages where there are few stations and prices are noticeably higher. Some of the more remote Moors villages have no fuel at all, so don't let your tank drop below quarter.
Road-wise, North Yorkshire is one of the easier counties for motorhomes. The A1(M), A59, A64, A170, and A684 are all wide and well-surfaced. The dale heads get narrower, particularly upper Swaledale and Littondale, where you'll encounter single-track roads with passing places. The North York Moors roads are generally good, with the exception of some lanes around Farndale and Rosedale. Height barriers exist at several coastal car parks in Whitby and Scarborough. Whitby's main town car parks are generally not suitable for motorhomes due to size constraints.
FAQs: Motorhome Touring in North Yorkshire
Can I park a motorhome in Whitby?
The town centre car parks are tight and mostly have height restrictions. Use the park-and-ride on the A171 approach, or stay at a campsite on the outskirts and walk or bus in. The West Cliff area has some larger spaces but fills early in summer.
Are the roads in the Yorkshire Dales suitable for motorhomes?
The main valley roads (A684 through Wensleydale, A65 along Ribblesdale) are fine for any motorhome. The cross-dale passes like Buttertubs and Fleet Moss are single-track and better suited to vehicles under 7 metres. Stick to the valley floors if you're driving something large.
Where can I empty motorhome waste in North Yorkshire?
Larger campsites with chemical disposal points are your main option. Some will allow non-residents to use facilities for a small charge. There are no dedicated public service points in the county.
What's the best time to visit the North York Moors by motorhome?
Late August and September for the heather. The moors turn purple and the light is warm. Spring is good for lambing season and empty roads. Winter is possible but exposed, and some moorland roads close in snow.
Can I drive a motorhome to Robin Hood's Bay?
You can drive to the village, but the road down to the seafront is extremely steep with a 1-in-3 gradient. Don't attempt it. Park at the top car park (no height barrier, reasonable size) and walk the 10 minutes down to the bay.
Is there motorhome parking near York city centre?
Use the Askham Bar park-and-ride on the A64 approach. It takes motorhomes, the bus runs every 10 minutes into the centre, and it's far less stressful than trying to navigate York's medieval street layout in a large vehicle.
Explore More
From North Yorkshire you're well placed to head west into Cumbria and the Lake District, or north to explore Northumberland's castles and coast. See the full England motorhome touring guide for more destinations.