Whitby Campsites

The seaside town of Whitby in North Yorkshire offers a delightful base for a camping holiday, with its dramatic clifftop ruins, sandy beaches, bustling harbour and proximity to the North York Moors National Park. This guide will explore everything you need to know about the various campsites available in and around Whitby, from large holiday parks with entertainment and facilities to small, back-to-basics sites for tent campers seeking peace and seclusion.

Benefits of Camping in Whitby

Whitby delivers the classic ingredients for a great British camping trip. Within minutes, you can swap rural campsite views overlooking the Esk Valley for an ice cream stroll along the beachfront or fish and chips beside the old harbour. The rich maritime history, connections to British heritage like Captain Cook and Dracula ties, independent shops, abundant pubs and restaurants provide plenty of rainy day fascination too.

Visiting out of high summer delivers smaller crowds, the chance of fine autumn colours and winter storm drama while still offering cultural venues, events and some open cafes. You’ll also avoid peak rate pricing. Of course in true British style, always pack waterproofs and warm layers!

Exploring the Surrounding Area

With the North York Moors National Park practically on the doorstep and picturesque former fishing villages dotted along the rugged headlands to the north, Whitby makes an excellent base to explore a wealth of splendid scenery and coastline by foot, bike or car.

North York Moors villages Hutton-Le-Hole, Rosedale Abbey and Lastingham make for attractive day trips through peaceful dales and moorlands. Head north to experience the fresh sea air and sandy bays of fishing villages such as Sandsend, Runswick Bay and Robin Hood's Bay.

The cliff scenery and walking trails along the Cleveland Way National Trail is particularly stunning to the north of Whitby towards Saltwick Bay and beyond towards quaint Staithes village. Ramble over headlands carpeted in heather and gorse to discover hidden waterfalls, seabird colonies, smugglers tales and fossils in the Jurassic "Dinosaur Coast" cliffs.

Choosing a Whitby Campsite

A diverse range of camping options exist to suit all requirements. For motorhomes and caravans seeking facilities like electric hook-ups, hot showers and recreation areas, several large campsites and holiday parks surround Whitby. Most also allocate pitches for trailer tents or canvas tents.

More intimate sites with simpler amenities provide a peaceful, back-to-nature feel. Some also allow small campervans while prioritising tent campers. Walkability, scenery and pricing tend to take precedence here over facilities and organised entertainment.

Wherever you rest your weary head, the charms of Whitby await exploration!

Park Resorts Whitby Holiday Park

Just a 20 minute riverside walk west along the Esk from Whitby town centre, Park Resorts Whitby makes a family-friendly camping base brimming with amenities and set beneath the Whalebone Arch on the outskirts of Ruswarp village.

Facilities and Entertainment

This lively holiday park caters particularly well to children with indoor and outdoor playgrounds plus organised kids’ clubs and activities. Adult entertainment ranges from quizzes to visiting cabaret shows. Onsite amenities include a pub/restaurant, convenience store, fish and chip café and mini golf.

For water lovers, there’s an indoor heated pool with flumes and spa bath. Sports like archery and climbing are also offered. Comfortable static caravans or contemporary lodges provide an alternative to camping. Free WiFi keeps everyone connected.

Touring Pitches and Electric Hook-Ups

Over 100 camping and touring pitches sprawl across open grass or hardstanding areas with 16 or 32 amp electric hook-ups. Motorhomes and caravans take priority for hook-ups but tents can use certain grass spaces. Modern heated amenity blocks offer all expected facilities.

Location and Booking

The holiday park enjoys a pleasant leafy site below tree-lined slopes. Whitby Abbey and the famous 199 steps are a 30 minute walk, while the steam railway also links the town. By car, sandy beaches like Tate Hill stretch minutes away.

Online booking allows previewing available pitches marked with dimensions while prices depend on season and length of stay.

Scarborough Holiday Village

Scarborough Holiday Village makes another well-equipped base just 8 miles south of Whitby via the A171 at Osgodby, perfect for exploring the coastline and North York Moors.

Facilities and Entertainment

Catering primarily for family holidays, this large park overlooks Cayton Bay. Kids enjoy an indoor soft play barn and outdoor playground plus activity clubs like NERF Wars. Swimming options range from indoor and outdoor pools to jacuzzi, steam room and water slides.

Top grade evening entertainment includes cabarets, magic and live bands alongside quizzes, choirs and kids’ discos. Daily activities could feature crafts, sports or contests. The site also has a restaurant, bars and small shop.

Touring Pitches and Electric Hook-Ups

Over 150 grass and hardstanding touring pitches feature 16 amp electric hook-ups plus modern amenity blocks and free WiFi. Tent camping is limited to specific overflow fields but more glamping options exist like bell tents or shepherd huts.

Location and Booking

Well located for both Whitby and Scarborough with York also under an hour distant. Online booking shows available pitches or accommodation choices like luxury lodges or static caravans. Additional facilities incur fees like boat launching from the private beach.

Other Local Holiday Parks

Several smaller or more basic holiday parks can also be found within the wider Whitby area that still offer self-catering accommodation plus touring pitches and amenities.

Whitby Camping and Caravanning Club Site

Perched dramatically on the cliffs just over a mile north of Whitby Harbour, Whitby Camping and Caravanning Club Site offers basic amenities and sensational sea views within walking distance of the town along the picturesque cliff path.

Location and Access

Occupying a clifftop position off Church Lane in Sneatonthorpe, this compact Club site sits surrounded by open countryside despite its proximity to town. The famous 199 Steps linking Whitby Abbey with the harbour are just a 15 minute walk away downhill. Vehicle access is steep and quite narrow.

Pitches and Facilities

Pitches are semi-elevated to maximise sea views but fairly tightly packed with little separation. A limited number have 16 amp electric hook-ups. Washing up and laundry facilities are available along with amenity blocks plus a small children’s play area.

Atmosphere and Booking

With no entertainment or clubhouse, the focus rests firmly on the dramatic clifftop location. The site attracts mainly couples seeking walking access to Whitby’s attractions in peaceful natural surroundings. Booking is available online or by phone.

Caedmons Campsite

In woodland just outside Whitby in Sleights village, Caedmons Campsite offers a peaceful, sheltered site near bus links 2.5 miles from town.

Location and Access

Caedmons enjoys a rural setting off the A169 east of Whitby but has bus stops immediately outside giving quick links into town as well as along the coast. Whitby Railway Station sits 5 minutes’ drive away. The Esk Valley rambles past 500m distant.

Pitches and Facilities

Camping beside the sheltered Radar Field suits tents and small touring units like campervans. Electric hook-up points are available on certain pitches which have hardstanding or gravel surfaces and enjoy access to amenity blocks plus washing up and laundry facilities.

Atmosphere and Booking

Catering mainly for tents seeking a peaceful base for exploring Whitby and the North York Moors, Caedmons has walks and cycle paths from the site while prohibiting loud music. Bookings are taken via phone, email or the website booking form.

Whitby YHA Hostel

For cheap, no-frills accommodation almost in central Whitby, Whitby YHA Hostel offers private rooms and dormitory-style bunks plus occasional camping.

Location and Access

Tucked just back off the A171 Larpool Lane beneath the old railway viaduct arches, Whitby YHA sits a 10 minute walk uphill from the town centre above Pannett Park. Limited parking exists onsite.

Camping Facilities

In addition to beds, the hostel offers four wooden camping barns - basic bunk rooms with shared facilities that suit hiking groups, schools or those on a budget. When available due to cancellation, tent camping space allows brilliant town access but must be pre-booked.

Atmosphere and Booking

Despite the old building, renovated interiors feel modern with an outdoor decking area overlooking town. Guests mingle in communal areas like the lounge and self-catering kitchen. Official YHA membership and pre-booking online is required.

Whitby Caravan Club Site

For an in-town camping base just minutes from Whitby's attractions, Whitby Caravan Club Site occupies a surprising hillside spot behind Whitby Hospital.

Location and Access

Just a 7 minute walk via Larpool Lane to the swing bridge over the River Esk leading into the bustling town centre, the site enjoys a quiet, elevated location below West Cliff. Limited vehicle access involves a narrow steep lane with tight bends.

Pitches and Facilities

Offering only 10 small pitches for camping and caravans with no electric hook-ups, this intimate site best suits small campervans seeking convenient Whitby access. Facilities cover the basics like amenity blocks although no pot wash is available. Breath-taking panoramic views unfold over Whitby, the Esk Valley and distant moorland.

Atmosphere and Booking

Given its confinement within town limits and tight squeeze for larger vehicles, the cosy site creates a friendly social ambience between campers who appreciate the optimal location for exploring Whitby on foot, especially during festivals and events when accommodation is at a premium.

Escrick Street Caravan Site

For motorhomes or caravans under 6 metres seeking a one night stopover, Escrick Street offers basic amenities 550 yards south of Whitby Harbour.

Location and Access

Tucked off Escrick Street below West Cliff just behind Penny Hedge cafe, the site hides discreetly away from the tourist bustle. Its hillside position and tight access restricts entry to smaller vehicles only.

Pitches and Facilities

With room for just half a dozen units but no tent camping, the central focus is on short overnight stays. No electric hook-ups feature but lighting, running water and separate facilities blocks serve basic needs.

Atmosphere and Booking

Bordered by residential housing, this secret hideaway suits overnighting enroute with quick level walking access through alleyways directly into town. Advance booking via phone is nonetheless essential before arriving.

Larpool Lane Caravan & Camping Park

Set in elevated woodlands 2 miles north of Whitby offering great views, Larpool Lane features over 100 grass and hardstanding pitches with electric hook-up for tents through to large motorhomes.

Location and Access

High above the Esk Valley in peaceful surroundings, the site perches close to the old railway line on the outskirts of town with panoramic glimpses through the trees down valley to the sea. Secluded footpaths lead downhill while the nearby road gives motor access.

Pitches and Facilities

Each pitch enjoys 16 amp electric hook-up access aside central amenity blocks with toilets, showers and disabled facilities. Laundry and dish washing support self-sufficiency while recreation areas provide fields for games and children’s play equipment. Some pets are allowed.

Atmosphere and Booking

Well suited to families and groups, this spacious site with views still ensures privacy. Online booking shows available pitches suiting all camping styles from large trailer tents or motorhomes to small tents.

Seacliff Caravan Club Site

For guaranteed sea views when camping near Whitby, Seacliff Site perches dramatically atop North Cliff 4 miles north along the coastal road towards Sandsend beach.

Location and Access

Occupying a remote cliff top position with just a lone farm for company, Seacliff enjoys splendid isolation above Sandybed Beach. The site is accessed off the beach road by a very steep, partly gravel drive with tight corners unsuited to longer vehicles.

Pitches and Facilities

Around 20 small pitches offer hardstanding with nine having 16 amp electric hook-ups. Facilities provide the basics with amenity block, laundry, children’s playground and walking areas with tap water supply. Larger campers may struggle with the confined space.

Atmosphere and Booking

The exposed headland location ensures fantastic sunny views, sea air and dark night skies but requires windbreaks for shelter. Best suiting smaller motorhomes and caravans seeking tranquility, online booking shows available pitches.

Hawsker Farm Campsite

Just a 5 minute drive outside Whitby above the North Bay, clifftop Hawsker Farm offers small, tents-only camping amidst panoramic views over the town and Yorkshire coast.

Location and Access

Found by following the coastal road out of Whitby towards Robin Hood’s Bay for 2 miles then turning up a narrow lane, the site enjoys an elevated position on the outskirts of Hawsker. Whalebones and Whitby Abbey feature scenically across the fields.

Pitches and Facilities

With space strictly limited for around 5 small tents and campervans only, little separates the 10 quiet grass pitches. Electric hook-ups offer charging and lighting with sinks supplying fresh water. Separate ladies and gents showers feature alongside compost loos and washing up sinks in the basic amenities block.

Atmosphere

No groups are permitted at this intimate site where tranquillity reigns. Just the sounds of bird calls and distant waves drift between tents pitched near flowery field margins or sheltering dry stone walls. A local pub makes an atmospheric 25 minute walk across the fields or along the cliff path into Whitby.

Booking

Booking ahead by email is strongly recommended given the tiny scale and sheer demand caused by outstanding views over Whitby, especially for event weeks. Minimum two night stays assist availability for this adults-only sanctuary.

Ellerbeck Caravan Site

In a sheltered, rural setting along the Esk Valley under 2 miles from Whitby centre, Ellerbeck Caravan Site focuses on providing a peaceful budget camping base beside the North York Moors.

Location and Access

Found outside the hamlet of Stakesby Vale off the A171, Ellerbeck nestles amidst rolling pastureland below the old railway line. Bus links offer connections into Whitby town centre just over a mile away. Footpaths stretch down through the valley woodlands.

Pitches and Facilities

With room for around thirty assorted tents, trailer tents and small caravans across grass pitches on sloping ground, only two electric hook-ups are available. Facilities cover basic sanitation needs with piping hot showers in one ladies and gents amenities block each.

Atmosphere

Oak and ash trees surround this tranquil, remote feeling site near the level crossing where steam trains sometimes still run. Birdlife abounds over the adjoining Esk valley. Without frills, entertainments or WiFi, the location suits campers seeking rural charm and riverside walks above site facilities.

Booking

Administration rests lightly at this casual family-run site. Booking ahead for specific pitches is not necessary outside summer. Just turning up within opening hours guarantees a warm welcome and a restful night’s sleep.

With stunning scenery, heritage attractions, fantastic fish and chips and a lively harbour, Whitby makes a wonderful destination for a camping holiday. To secure your place at the campsite of your choice, it's wise to book early, especially during the summer season and popular annual events.

Peak Times in Whitby

As one of Yorkshire’s most popular tourist hotspots, Whitby sees visitor numbers surge during summer, especially through the main school holiday weeks in July and August. Easter breaks and half term weeks also draw substantial crowds.

Bedding down in the famous fishing town for any of its headline festivals or events including Goth Weekends, Regatta week and the spring and autumn live music events will also require booking your campsite pitch months ahead.

Even high season weekends tend to fill up quickly across accommodation options from hotels and B&Bs through to campsites and holiday parks as tourists flock to soak up the atmospheric harbour, beaches, abbey views and coastal strolls.

Booking Methods

Several Whitby campsites such as Whitby Holiday Park and Whitby Caravan Club Site allow booking your specific pitch online via their website. This allows previewing available options on site maps showing dimensions while entering arrival and departure dates displays prices that vary by season.

Phoning the campsite office remains an alternative, especially for smaller independent sites. This allows double-checking finer details like latest arrival times or clarifying pitch sizes to fit your tent, trailer or motorhome before providing card payment over the phone to secure your reservation.

Emailing smaller providers is also commonplace, outlining the key requirements around dates of stay, unit dimensions and electric hook-up needs plus party size to receive a booking confirmation response.

Essential Booking Tips

To avoid disappointment amidst Whitby’s immense popularity, booking your chosen campsite early secures the best options across dates, locations and pitch sizes. While great availability exists off-peak, don’t delay booking summer trips.

Seeking to extend stays once onsite often proves fruitless in summer so fix full durations from the outset. Double checking fine details like arrival closing times and payment methods for deposits also prevents problems later.

Above all, book early for festivities like Goth Weekends, Regatta Week music festivals and 1940s weekends which possess limited accommodation. Late attempts usually end fruitless.

Aside from its general popularity as a holiday accommodation hub throughout summer, crowds descend on Whitby’s quaint historic streets and atmospheric harbour to attend a series of annual festivals and vibrant events that keep the town rocking, reeling and rolling all season.

Whitby Regatta

Usually spanning the third week of August as late summer approaches, the historic Whitby Regatta stretches back over 175 years with records dating its aquatic beginnings on the harbour to 1847. Today the traditional three day extravaganza fuses classic coastal sports like rowing races plus crabbing and sand castle contests with parades, vintage vehicle rallies, live music, street performances, arts, crafts, air displays plus incredible fireworks.

The flagship maritime event attracts over 30,000 visitors across its weekend who pack out hotels B&Bs or campsites for miles around. Booking accommodation including campervans and tents at local sites needs arranging by February latest.

Whitby Goth Weekends

Twice yearly as spring and autumn arrive, the unique Whitby Goth Weekend sees the quiet North Yorkshire town assume a distinctly darker atmosphere. Beginning Sunday night and running through Monday, live music fills pubs and clubs while thousands parade the cobbled streets in Goth fantasy attire - think vampires, zombies and Victoriana with liberal amounts of leather, lace, top hats and corsets supplemented by talons of eyeliner and ivory face paint!

This hugely atmospheric celebration of alternative subcultures traces its heritage to a Goth music event one weekend in 1994. Demand to experience the macabre costumery and echoes of Dracula lore - Whitby is where Bram Stoker’s Count landed - now requires booking nine months ahead for hotels and campsites. Over 12,000 attend during April and November.

Other Annual Events

Music continues through spring as the Whitby Blues, Folk and Rock Festival livens up early June with three days of top quality live bands across multiple venues including big tops while local Ales, gin and rum prove popular!

The 1940s weekend in September sees military convoys with living history displays. Enthusiasts don uniforms or victory roll hairdos and dine/dance to Glenn Miller tunes.

Smaller events like Whitby Spring Session traditional folk weekend in May also swell out available accommodation.