MASONS CAMPSITE
MASONS CAMPSITE
Masons Campsite is one of our favourite campsites. Situated on the banks of the River Wharfe in the Yorkshire Dales, it is situated in beautiful countryside with easy access to the river for paddling, hunting for crayfish, swimming (you might need some dutch courage, let’s just say it’s refreshing) and dinghy fun. There are pubs within walking distance and the campsite has a ‘coffee and bread shed’ where you can get a decent cup of coffee if your campside coffee is not quite cutting it. You can also pre-order fresh baguettes and croissants to collect each morning. A winning combination on many levels.
You can also rent a firepit from the campsite and logs and kindling which is handy for barbequing on and also for later into the night to provide some heat and keep any midges and other critters at bay. (Be aware, that these are limited in supply and it is first come first served...)
The campsite is dog friendly, so that is good as we can’t possibly contemplate a camping trip without Thermodog. (Very good as a heat source for snuggling up to) It was on our last camping trip to Masons , that we established that The Dog does in fact think she is a human. I had suspected it before, given how she likes to sleep on the bed (our bed) with her head on the pillow, she has her own spot on the sofa that if anyone else dares sit on it she just sits on front of them and stares balefully at them and she does not really care to go in the boot of the car, she much prefers it on the back seat and join in the odd game of eye-spy.
Anyway, some of our family had joined us camping and we had cooked quite a substantial barbeque. The cooked food was placed in metal trays on a bench and everyone queued up to get their food. I was heading back from the facilities block and at this point was too far away to prevent what was about to happen - The Dog had joined the end of the queue, was patiently waiting her turn and actually had a good look in each of the metal trays before deciding that what she would like the most was a nice juicy steak. She very delicately helped herself to it and then, clearly of the opinion that she had done nothing wrong at all, sat down alongside everyone else and began to eat it. Even though I was Very Cross (it was my bit of steak) I have to give her full marks for stealth and cunning. Anyway, another good lesson, nothing edible at head height, ever.
Masons Campsite gets a Big Tick from me and a Big Tick from The Child. ✔️ ✔️
Useful Information
There are several pubs within easy access of the campsite. The closest pub to the campsite is The Craven Arms, which is just 100 metres or so walk up the hill. Full of character, it serves good food, beer and wine. It also has a beer garden from which you can enjoy the beautiful view.
You can stay in the main field at Mason’s most of the year I believe which has electric pitches and will also take motorhomes and caravans. The roads going into the campsite are narrow, so if you are going in a caravan or motorhome, consult the website or ask the campsite which is the best way to come.
We normally camp in the ‘River Field’ - this is only open for 28 days of the season (weekends in May - August). This does not have electric but you can normally get a pitch right on the banks of the river.
Take river shoes / shoes suitable for going in the water. It is quite pebbly so much more comfortable for paddling or swimming with the right footwear.
Masons Campsite website is: www.masonscampsite.co.uk/
For our other camping tips see here: Camping Tips
If you want to explore further afield, there is lots to go at including...
Bolton Abbey
Billy Bob's Parlour
Hesketh Farm Park
The Strid
Stump Cross Caverns
Malham Cove
Malham Tarn