Sleningford Watermill Caravan and Camping Park is an award-winning, 20 acre park on the banks of the River Ure, near the Nidderdale Area of Oustanding Natural Beauty. The site welcomes tents, tourers and RVs across spacious grass pitches with the option of electric. Providing a peaceful haven for guests and a refuge for wildlife, the site has been awarded the David Bellamy Conservation Gold Award with plenty of countryside walks nearby too!

Why choose Sleningford Watermill Caravan and Camping Park

Featured in our 2025 Outstanding Sites list of reliably excellent camping, glamping, and touring sites

Peaceful site on the bank of the River Ure with access for canoeing and fishing

Just a 15 minute walk from the village of West Tanfield with charming country pubs

Nestled five minutes from the Nidderdale AONB and the Lightwater Valley Family Adventure Park

About the site

This 20 acre site is tucked beside the beautiful River Ure, with a historic mill. Within easy reach of the Yorkshire Dales and Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Beauty, the site is perfectly situated for getting out and enjoying walks, exploring cycling trails and days on the water. All of the grass pitches onsite welcome tents, caravans, campervans, motorhomes and RVs, with up to six guests allowed per pitch. There are 43 non electric situated on one side of the island with two more private electric pitches which stand alone at the front of the mill. Across from the watermill are a further 45 grass pitches which are all electric. These pitches are spread across the Watermill, Horseshoe, Oak Tree, Long Meadow, and Mole End areas, each at least 10m wide and varying in length. Trailer tents, caravans, campervans, motorhomes and RVs also have the option of one of the electric hardstanding pitches. The is a stand alone pitch tucked away in the courtyard, along with seven riverside pitches which are near the amenity block, facing out on to the river. A well-equipped, self catering holiday flat is also available, sleeping up to four without pets. The park is a haven for wildlife and there are plenty of nature activities for children to enjoy while they are on site. There are also seasonal pitches for caravans and motorhomes in two areas on site. If you want to cook up a BBQ, they are welcome onsite but must be raised from the ground. Please note, open fires are not permitted. A maximum of three dogs are allowed per pitch at an additional cost but please ensure they are kept on the lead at all times.

"Relaxing river to listen to and a beach of sorts for the kids to play at"

Steven J

"It was absolutely faultless. The facilities were very clean and tidy, the owners were wonderful"

Leah P

"From the warm welcome to the beautiful location I was blown away"

Lydia F

"Perfect if you're looking for peace and tranquillity"

Joe B

"What a gem this campsite is"

Sue M

Sleningford Watermill Caravan and Camping Park is open from 01/04 to 31/10. Pitches from £30/night for 2 people.

What facilities are at Sleningford Watermill Caravan and Camping Park?

Accessible facilities

Allow commercial vans

Allow pets on site

Café / restaurant / takeaway

Drinking water

Family friendly

Shop

Showers

Toilets

W.C. disposal

WiFi

Electric hookups

Fishing

Laundry

Near pub

Peaceful

RV pitches

Watersports

Site facilities include two heated, free to use shower and toilet blocks open 24 hours a day (during cleaning, one block will always be available and one also has disabled access). There is a laundry area with a washing machine and tumble dryer. Ice pack freezing, sheltered washing up sinks, an information room and a book exchange are also available.

A licensed shop onsite sells beer and wine, ice creams, fresh bread, milk, local eggs, soft drinks, confectionery, tinned goods, etc. Calor gas can also be purchased. The Bull Inn and The Bruce Arms pub are also within a 15 minute walk.

Great for everyone

Enjoy scenic lakeside pitches, an onsite shop selling treats for the kids, and even make a splash canoing, kayaking, and fly fishing along the River Ure!

A note from the site themselves...

We are proud to have been an independent site since 1973. We love welcoming families, couples, nature lovers and anyone else who wants to enjoy our peaceful escape. Our site is a haven for wildlife and a serene getaway for guests. We look forward to welcoming you, David and Vicky

Sleningford Watermill Caravan and Camping Park is ideal for...

Couples

Duke of Edinburgh Award

Older children (13+)

Peace and quiet

Rallies

Young children

There are 105 accommodation options on-site

Bookable pitches and accommodation options

47 x Standard Non Electric Grass Pitches (Island's Riverside Meadow)

Max 6 people

Grass pitches without electric on one side of the island, in a free-pitching area. Suitable for tents, caravans, campervans, motorhomes and RVs.

48 x Premium Electric Grass Pitches

Grass pitches with electric across the Watermill, Horseshoe, Oak Tree, Long Meadow, and Mole End. Pitches are at least 10m wide and vary in length, suitable for tents, trailer tents, campervans, caravans, motorhomes and RVs.

2 x Premium Electric Hardstanding Mill Pitches

Max 6 people

Stand-alone hardstanding pitches with electric in front of the historic watermill building. Suitable for trailer tents, campervans, caravans, motorhomes and RVs.

River View Electric Hardstanding Pitch

Max 1 people

Hardstanding pitch set back from the river with uninterrupted views and electric hook up.

Premium Electric Courtyard Hardstanding Pitch

Max 1 people

A standalone hardstanding pitch with electric, set in a private area away from the water in the courtyard. Suitable for trailer tents, caravans, campervans, motorhomes and RVs.

6 x Premium Electric Riverside Hardstanding Pitches

Max 6 people

Hardstanding pitches in a linear arrangement facing out onto the River Ure, offering river views. These pitches are also close to the amenity block with accessible facilities. Suitable for trailer tents, caravans, campervans, motorhomes and RVs.

Sleningford Watermill Caravan and Camping Park reviews

4.86 /5

101 reviews

99%

would recommend

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Latest

Popular mentions

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Showing the most recent reviews from guests

Review

Recommends site

Paul H

VW-Type Campervan - Premium Electric Riverside Hardstanding PitchesOct 2025

Beautiful site in a great location. Booked a river side pitch and the views were amazing. The site and facilities were very clean and the on site shop was well stocked with essentials. The owners were very friendly and helpful. Would recommend this site and will be visiting again.

Site's response

Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the riverside views and found everything clean and well-stocked. It’s great to know our team made you feel welcome. We really appreciate your recommendation and look forward to seeing you again on your next visit! David, Vicky and the Team

Lovely last minute stay

Recommends site

Jenna B

VW-Type Campervan - Premium Electric Grass PitchesOct 2025

Beautiful place in a great location. This was a last minute week away, and we were lucky to have found this great site. We stayed in Mole End area, which was perfect as we'd asked peace and quiet, so worth the longer walk to the facilities. Lovely to be near the river and stream, very peaceful. Easy access from the A1. Friendly welcome, everything explained well and pitches clear and spacious. Good clean toilet blocks. Lovely village in walking distance along a footpath most of the way, with 2 good pubs and a nice village shop. Only slight minor, I guess is a bit on the pricey side for a grass electric pitch out of season, but would visit again.

Site's response

Thank you so much for your lovely review — we're really pleased you enjoyed your stay in Mole End and appreciated the peace and quiet by the river. We just wanted to mention that our pitch prices remain the same all year round (except for bank holidays). We hope to welcome you back again soon! David, Vicky and the Team

Lovely campsite

Recommends site

Nick S

Sprinter-Type Campervan - Premium Electric Grass PitchesSep 2025

Our first visit to Sleningford, which was very enjoyable. Lovely peaceful location by the river with nice country walks and everything we needed.

Site's response

We’re so pleased you enjoyed your first visit to Sleningford! It’s wonderful to hear you loved the peaceful riverside setting and nearby country walks. We’d be delighted to welcome you back again anytime. David, Vicky and the Team

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Need to know

Frequently asked questions about Sleningford Watermill Caravan and Camping Park

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Site rules

Is Sleningford Watermill Caravan and Camping Park dog-friendly?

Dogs are welcome onsite, with three being allowed per pitch. Just please make sure they remain on the lead and under control at all times.

What time is check-in and check out at Sleningford Watermill Caravan and Camping Park?

You are welcome to check-in between 1pm and 10pm. Check out is due by 11:30am on the day of your departure.

Does Sleningford Watermill Caravan and Camping Park allow BBQs and campfires?

The site does allow BBQs but there are a few rules that need to be followed. Only purpose-built BBQ equipment is allowed to be used on site. Disposable BBQs are welcome but you must borrow a stand from reception to ensure it is raised from the ground. Only charcoal is allowed to be used to cook food; cooking with wood is not allowed. Once you have finished with your BBQ, any remaining ashes must not be used to create any other form of open or ground fire. All BBQs must be put out by 9pm, with water if necessary, and should not be left unattended or used close to caravans/motorhomes/tents.

Does Sleningford Watermill Caravan and Camping Park allow group bookings?

The site is designed for couples, families and those traveling alone. Stag and hen parties, along with large groups are not allowed. The site may consider groups of families or groups from organisations such as clubs, but this is at their discretion.

Does Sleningford Watermill Caravan and Camping Park have a quiet time or noise policy?

Yes, the site operates a quiet policy after 11pm. Please note, amplified music is not allowed at all between 10pm and 10am.

Pitches

Does Sleningford Watermill Caravan and Camping Park allow awnings, gazebos or pup tents?

The site does allow all three, at a small additional cost.

Can I park near my pitch at Sleningford Watermill Caravan and Camping Park? Or Is there parking adjacent to the pitch?

Yes, guests are welcome to park a maximum of two vehicles at their pitch.

Facilities

Is there WiFi at Sleningford Watermill Caravan and Camping Park?

Sorry, this site does not have WiFi.

Does Sleningford Watermill Caravan and Camping Park have a shop onsite?

Yes, there is a licensed shop onsite offering a variety of items, including beer and wine, ice cream, fresh bread, milk, local eggs, soft drinks, sweets, canned goods, and more. Calor gas is also available for purchase.

What's nearby

What are the nearest public transport links to Sleningford Watermill Caravan and Camping Park?

The Village Hall bus stop is less than a ten minute drive from the site, while Thirsk train station is less than a 25 minute drive away.

Still have questions?

Ask a question and a member of the team will get back to you as soon as they can

Site tariff

Things to do on site and in the Ripon area

A great spot for stunning riverside walks, trips in the gorgeous Nidderdale countryside and more. The Ripon Rowel Walk passes through this park and stretches over 50 miles. If you're keen to take to the water, you can canoe, kayak or fly-fish on the site (you must bring your own equipment), or just enjoy a spot of wild swimming in the sunshine.

If you are wanting to keep the family entertained, the Lightwater Valley Family Adventure Park is a five minute drive away. Scale the treetop trails, get lost in the hall of mirrors, test your fear of heights on the Eagle's Claw or challenge the family to a game of adventure golf.

National Trust - Brimham Rocks are also just a 30 minute drive from the site. The unique rock formations are great for rock climbing with bouldering with tasty ice cream available for after!

Other nearby attractions include: