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What a great place this proved to be. Facilities were good, with ample toilets, a couple of shower rooms and pot washing facilities and all were in good order and very clean.
The site itself has 3 fields, one on the riverbank which was an idyllic spot but we were told after some recent rain it was perhaps on the muddy side.
Another was a field in the centre of the village which had some great views and looked well maintained too, this was close to Keld Lodge, a pub / hotel that served food and drink and welcomed campers and walkers, although we did not use it so I cannot comment on what it was like.
We decided to use the upper field above the riverside pitches and it proved to be a great choice, stunning views and extremely quiet and tranquil. There were numerous firepits around the sites and logs can be bought from the on site shop a couple of minutes walk away.
All of the camping fields were very close to some stunning scenery that Swaledale is famous for, rolling hills, rivers and waterfalls.
Even the weather was favorable to us until the morning we left when it rained heavily while we were packing up but even then a quick change of clothes and a bacon butty and pot of tea in the campsite shop /cafe sorted the job out.
At £6 per person per night you could not ask for much more really and we certainly hope to visit again.
This was our first time camping with our children aged 2, 5 and 8. We stayed next to the river. It was over half term holidays but it wasn't too busy - only 4 other tents on this part of the site.
We used BBC weather to work out the time when it wouldn't be raining as it told you by the hour when the rain would come.
The location was beautiful and the local birds were very inquisitive and abundant. We let the children play in the river as the rock pools gave still water areas safe for the children to play. If the kids got wet then we used the car as a drying room for wet clothes.
Wellies are advised to protect the feet and give stability as the rocks in the river can be slippy.
The riverside camp is just a few hundred yards from a number of waterfalls up and down stream of this spot so easy walks for us to take the kids without them moaning it was too far.
The shop was very useful with all basic items plus some treats. We bought a bag of wood for £4 which lasted us for 4 hours - because we just burnt a little at a time. We also collected twigs from the surrounding area that laid on the floor. Chopping down of trees to burn is not permitted - which is fair enough as it would ruin this beautiful area.
Parking was good as it was within 10 yards of the tent. It was a 300 yard walk to the toilets, showers and wash up area, which was nice but if we were feeling lazy, we just drove up.
For mobile phones there was no reception within 4 miles of the site so a great place to get away from the hassles of modern life.
All in all, a beautiful area and site. With good clean amenities and plenty of hot water. From talking to other more seasoned campers this appears to be one of the best campsites in the UK.
It was £21 for 2 adults and 3 children for one night in a family tent.
This is camping at it's best - a farm site offering great value for money with adequate functional facilities, set in a variety of locations within a working farm.
On arrival, Barbara, the owner of the site, explains to you, before you even say yes to taking a pitch, that there are only 4 toilets, 2 showers, and 3 washing up sinks, and that you could have to queue when the site got busy. Well the weekend I was there, the site was quite busy, and the only time I did have to queue, was for a shower at about 8pm on the Saturday night, and then only for a couple of minutes, so that was no hardship - the rest of the time I would say the facilities were used at less than 50% capacity, and although they are basic, they are functional with plenty of room and always relatively clean.
The reception for the site, is a small cafe / shop set within the farmhouse which sells basic provisions if you run out, and is the only place to buy in Keld.
The site, as previously mentioned, operatates on two locations within the village. About 600 metres back through the village are two fields which are part of the site, but which have no facilities apart from the public toilets just outside (which are perfectly usable), and those back on the farm. The main site on the farm, is compromised of three fields, the main one being a large open field about 150 metres through the farm yard and through a gate past the toilets. The second field is off to the right of this, and can only accomodate a few tents (or a few more adventurous souls), due to it basically being a hill. The third field (and by far the best) is down by the river, but as this can only take possibly 12 to 14 tents max, and looks like it fills up first. But be warned, the midges come out for supper around 9 pm every night (and in the morning) so have repelant on hand, and the toilets are up to 400 metres away (that's 400m uphill as well). But the pros by far outweigh the cons - no traffic, very little noise, camp fires by the riverside, going to sleep with the sound of the river in the background - can it get any better?
The site doesn't take bookings, I was told there is always a pitch available even when it's a busy weekend (it might not be a level pitch, but there will be a pitch) - my advice the earlier you get there the more choice (and chance) you have of getting a good pitch.
Would I come back to Rukins? A definite yes. The campsite is one you want to keep to yourself, but then find you tell everyone and anyone about it because youv'e enjoyed yourself so much when you were there, and the area of western Swaledale is outstanding - I'm already planning for May / June 2012 as well as hopefully early Sept this year.
Great Location, easily accessible yet remote (look out for 'Parklodge' signs as there is only 1 for Rukins and its under a lot of tree branches. Easy to miss! Parklodge is same place
The toilets are at the entrance to the site. 4 toilet cubicles (1 ladies, 1 gents, 2 unisex) and 2 showers (1 ladies, 1 gents). At weekends and holiday periods you will queue!
Its a shame that all toilet cubicles have been fitted with sink, mirror and plug sockets cos people go in there to tart themselves up, taking a long time. Not good if your at the back of a massive queue waiting for a quick wee! That said, the facilities were always clean and had toilet paper. Its quite a walk (uphill) from any of the fields you camp in so make sure you take a torch and wear good shoes. I tried nipping to the loo in pumps but really hurt my feet on all the rocks/stones on the approach
The campsite is basically a hillside leading to the river. If you don't arrive early, you will pitch on a slope. There are probably about 20 flat pitches, reduced if like when I was there, one whole level was taken up by 3 huge family tents who set up awnings, windbreaks etc to 'claim' the area. The later you get there depends on how slopey your tent will be! However - the site is beautiful. We pitched up on the top of the hill of the upper field. Great views, the road just the other side of the wall didn't bother us at all. Very few cars go past at night
MIDGES MIDGES MIDGES! Lots of them, thousands in the morning! Take lots of repellent, 100% deet is about the only thing that will work. As soon as you open your tent in the morning, they swarm you until about 10am when the sun heats up (maybe later on cooler weekends) They come back about 5pm but for the afternoons, we just lit a fire and smoked them away. Logs are £3 per bag, which kept our fire going for about 90 mins. It can work out quite an expense if your there a few nights but hey. Its what makes a camping trip!
The pennine way is just 1 minutes walk away and its a good walk to the Tann Hill Inn (britains highest pub) Its a hard walk, uphill for approx 2-3 hours but the pub and its views are beautiful. Well worth the effort. Walking back after a few drinks only took 90 mins as its all downhill. Good way to spend a day :)
The bacon barms from the cafe were delicious! Tasted like they'd been cooked over a fire :) But. Be prepared for a wait. The lady will take one order, go cook it (from scratch) and serve it while everyone else queues. She doesn't return to the counter until they have their food. It'd be much easier to take few orders (there arent many options on the menu. Just bacon, teacake and toast) and do a few together. I waited 20 minutes just to be served, but delicious when I eventually ate
Overall - good weekend I'd return to the area but not the campsite for 3 reasons Midges, Slopes & the lady who runs it.
I know the Midges are nobodys fault but I would choose somewhere away from the river to avid them. A week later and I still have over 100 big swollen bites across my body (and that was with repellent being used!)
The men around the campsite who clean up, do the bins & deliver the fire pits are all very friendly and chatty
One last thing. Ask for your fire pit as soon as you check in! There arent that many so don't wait til it goes dark :)
I stayed here midweek while backpacking the Coast to Coast.
Most of what is said in other reviews is true. It's a beautiful site which is taken care of very nicely by the owners.
I had the place completely to myself so it's hard to comment on the crowding issues. However - the distance from the toilets and showers may deter some, however you can park next to your tent so ideal if you are a 'car camper'.
If you do really need to drive 150 metres to a toilet then stick to the townie sites.
The toilets were lovely - odour free and well looked after. The little shop that sells snacks and teas also has a small supply of things like clothes pegs, dominoes, washing up liquid etc, so it's a handy place.
The lower campsite is right next to the river; if you spent the stay worrying that your kids can't swim then go to the upper site, or get your kids trained. Anyone camping in the summer without insect repellent - you will learn, especially if you camp near water.
It's nice that the owner do supply small fire braziers, as I suppose they're fed up with stacks of charred stones and burnt out grass on the site. Personally, I don't get into this thing about campfires - they're usually more for show than warmth, but if the owners can flog you a quid's worth of logs for a fiver I am sure they're very pleased. A shame that all the trees have notices on saying 'don't cut me for firewood' but that says more about the customers than it does about the owners.
Overall - I liked this site but doubt I would return to it either at a weekend or during a holiday period, as its charm lies in its quiet seclusion. I think the owners do a great job of keeping it as well ordered as possible, so I think it will reward the right sort of quiet camper who needs space and views.
In the heart of Wharfedale, this beautiful site is terraced to give amazing views over spectacular countryside. Hardstanding pitches for caravans and motorhomes and grass pitches for tents, with optional electric hookup. Toast marshmallows around the fire pit! Come and say hello to their family of friendly resident alpacas.
Hot showers, toilets, laundry, washing up. Wifi, dog washing facilities and bike cleaning facilities. Large woodland area where kids can explore for hours. Small shop and morning coffee shop for barista made coffee, fresh pastries and hot chocolate. There are also luxury timber lodges with private patio, wood fired hot tub, fire pit with pizza oven and a picnic table. The perfect base for exploring the beauty of the Yorkshire Dales. Find out more here
Me, my husband and 3 kids just spent the weekend here with 2 other couples and their 2 kids. Camped down by the river, it's beautiful, kids loved the freedom, was a bit scary with 2 kids that couldn't swim as the river is quite deep in places but we could see them clearly from the tent. We weren't pestered by bugs, it was a quiet weekend and we had 2 fire pits going. The sound of the river is wonderful for drowning out the usual campsite noises. The toilets are a long long way from the river so I recommend taking a bucket, if you don't like a long walk or peeing in a bucket the river isn't for you! Take everything you may need with you!
This campsite is miles from anywhere. Take plenty of extra clothes for paddling children, the river bed is very slippy-proper footwear would be best. Although it started raining on the afternoon of our second day and never stopped, we were camped under the trees so very sheltered and still managed to sit out all evening round the fire after we got back from The Tan Hill Inn. Lovely place very glad I have been, won't be rushing back because we like to try new places but overall had a lovely stay.
Stayed here over a long weekend in September. The site was great with tent pitcher close to the river. The while site is really quite scenic.
The toilet block is towards the top of the site and is a bit of a trek if you are desperate. If you aren't particularly mobile it might be better to go to another site. The toilets were well looked after and the shower was one of the best that I've ever had.
You can go on a number of walks from the site and some of these take you to the top of the nearby hills, the view is stunning!
The site itself is a little out of the way, around 20 minutes in the car to the nearest town, so be prepared to travel.
All in all I'd definitely go back, but if you're used to luxury camping and less interested in getting back to basics this might not be for you.
A good site in a great location - ideal for walkers.
Toilets, showers and washing up area were basic (probably not to everyone's tastes) and could do with updating and a good clean - but were OK for us for a couple of nights.
I liked the fire pits - they were a good idea and it was nice to be able to have a camp fire on an evening - more sites should adopt these.
The area down by the river seemed very crowded with hardly any space between the tents - we were glad to have opted for a space on the upper field where there was plenty of room. There was also a 3rd field on the right as you go into the campsite which also looked good.
The farm shop was good and had the essentials as well as a small tea room. We found the owners to be obliging and helpful.
The nearby Keld Lodge (previously a youth hostel) had a couple of well kept ales so is worth a visit however the landlord may ask you to remove your shoes.
In summary a good site and a good location for a couple of days walking.
Nice site, and friendly welcome. The tea and icecream at the shop was a nice surprise at the end of a long hot walking day. Other facilities were good too: the shower was the best I had all week (strong and hot).
Keld Lodge up the road is a good place to eat in the evening; met lots of other walkers passing through on either the Pennine Way or Coast to Coast.
Should have brought some insect repellent to deal with the midges though - they were ferocious, even in the top field away from the river.
The camping fields are uneven though, so at busy times I expect you'll have to arrive early to get a good flat pitch.
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Common Questions
Is Rukins Campsite Park Lodge child friendly? YES, it accepts children View all facilities
Where is the nearest shop to Rukins Campsite Park Lodge? There is a shop on site View all facilities
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
All reviews and comments are the personal opinion of the review author only , and as such do not represent the view of the UK Camp Site.co.uk.
The facilities shown on this website are a guide only, and you should check with the campsite direct before making any booking. The UKCampsite.co.uk will not be held responsible for any errors or omissions
Tent Pitches 
Caravan Pitches 
Motorhome Pitches 
Small Campervans 
No Glamping Units 
No Statics for Hire 
No Statics for Sale 
No Seasonal Pitches 
Electric Hookups 
No Hardstandings 
No Fully Serviced Pitches 
Families Welcome 
Not Members Only 
No Rallies 
Not Naturist Site 
Dogs Welcome 
No Dogs Allowed 
Groups Welcome 
Toilet Facilities 
Hot Showers 
Washing Up 
No Bathroom 
No Baby Changing 
No Laundry 
Drinking Water 
Disabled Friendly 
Chemical Disposal 
No Battery Charging 
No Gas Exchange 
No Recycling Facilities 
No Kitchen Facilities 
No Freezer / Fridge 
No Motorhome Point 
No Wifi Access 
Shop On Site 
Bar <1 mile 
Restaurant or Cafe or Takeaway <1 mile 
No Playground 
No TV Room 
No Games Room 
No Evening Ents 
No Fishing 
Wild Swimming <1 mile 
No Indoor Pool 
No Outdoor Pool 
No Horse Riding 
No Cycle Hire 
No Golf 
No Tennis 
No Beach 
No Watersports 
No Boat Launch 
No Sea Views 
Working Farm 
Campfires Allowed 
Riverside Pitches 
Public Transport <1 mile
Offroad Dog Walk On Site or Direct Access 
What a great place this proved to be. Facilities were good, with ample toilets, a couple of shower rooms and pot washing facilities and all were in good order and very clean. 
