Camping in Whitby

BritStays lists 33 camping stays in the Whitby area. Most of them, 25, are in or around Whitby itself. The rest are spread across Pickering, Cropton, Lythe, High Dalby, Robin Hoods Bay and Ravenscar, so you can choose between a pitch close to town and somewhere quieter. Here's how to narrow down the options and what to check before you book.

Choosing where to pitch

Your first decision is whether you want to be near Whitby or further out. With 25 of the 33 sites listed under Whitby, you'll have the widest choice there, and it suits you best if you want to walk or take a short trip to the town's sights.

If you'd prefer somewhere smaller, the handful of listings at Cropton, Pickering, High Dalby, Lythe, Ravenscar and Robin Hoods Bay are worth a look. You'll have fewer sites to compare, so it pays to read each listing carefully. The North York Moors National Park is the big draw for countryside walks, and that's where you're likely to spend your days if you choose one of these quieter bases.

• Couples may like a site with a bar or restaurant, so the evening is sorted without driving. Wild Slack has a bar, as does Lythe Caravan And Camping Site, and Low Bell End Farm Campsite lists a restaurant, takeaway food and a hot tub.
• Families should put toilets high on the checklist. Only 9 of the 33 sites list them, so don't assume. Bank Top Camping lists toilets alongside a cafe and gift shop, and Folly Gardens has toilets, parking and a nearby bus stop.
• Dog owners have a narrower choice, with 7 sites listed as pet friendly. Kildale Camping & Barn is one, and it also lists toilets and parking.

What the example stays tell you

The facilities vary a lot from site to site, and many listings are fairly basic. Several examples, including Pexton Moor Farm, Chester Villa Camping and The New Inn Camping 2 at Cropton, don't list any facilities at all. Its neighbour, The New Inn Camping 1, lists toilets. Expect simple, traditional camping unless a listing says otherwise, and contact the site if something matters to you.

A few sites offer a bit more. Priory Farm Campsite has a cafe, takeaway food and a gift shop, which helps if you don't fancy cooking every night. Smugglers Rock Campsite at Ravenscar lists WiFi, which is useful if you need to stay in touch, and also has EV charging nearby.

Group sizes aren't listed for these stays, so check pitch sizes and any limits on tents or vehicles with the site before you arrive.

Getting there and getting around

If you'd rather leave the car at home, this area is a reasonable option. Eleven sites are near a train station, the most common feature across the whole set, and five are near a bus stop. Beacon Farm, near Whitby, is one of the sites near a train station.

Ten sites have EV charging nearby, including Beacon Farm and Farsyde Farm. Only 8 list parking, though, so confirm where your car will go, especially if you're arriving with a roof box or trailer.

What to do once you're there

Whitby Abbey is the obvious first stop. In town, the Captain Cook Memorial Museum and Land of Iron are good for a few hours, particularly if the weather turns. History fans can also seek out Old Mulgrave Castle and Danby Castle.

The North York Moors are there for walking and big skies. With children, you could plan a day at Flamingo Land or the Scarborough Sea Life Centre. Check opening details directly before you set off.

When to book

There are 33 sites in total, and only a minority offer specific facilities. That means the sites with the features you care about can fill up first, especially in school holidays and on bank holiday weekends. If you need toilets, a pet-friendly pitch or parking, book early rather than hoping for a late gap.

Outside the busiest weeks you'll usually have more choice. It's still sensible to check each site's own booking terms, any minimum stays and whether it opens all year. Before you pay, run through the essentials: toilets, parking, dogs, group size and how you'll get there.