Camping at Masons Campsite
The Reception and Shop at Mason’s Campsite
Are you looking for a Yorkshire Dales campsite?
Masons Campsite in Appletreewick, the Yorkshire Dales National Park is a perfectly positioned little gem! Located only a stone’s throw from Bolton Abbey and the village of Burnsall, in Wharfedale, there is so much to do when you’re based at Masons.
The campsite is found on the edge of the River Wharfe, with the Dales Way footpath running right alongside it. From the campsite you are able to access the river to paddle or swim (or paddleboard) as well as being able to easily walk to the pubs within Appletreewick itself.
Here, you’ll find out what there is to do at Masons Campsite, what the facilities are like, our personal experience of the site from a family perspective and much more!
But in a nutshell, read on, because Masons Campsite is a place you’re going to want to visit!
The view from the Riverside Field
Our experience of Mason’s Campsite
If you are interested to know all the key family friendly details (and more) about Mason’s Campsite then check out our review!
When did we visit Masons?
We visited Masons Campsite during a super sunny May half term in 2023. The sun was well and truly on form and was well forecasted, so as you can expect on a sunny school holiday weekend, it was BUSY!
Check in was due at 1pm, however as we were a group of families, we contacted Masons in advance to ask whether there was any possibility of an earlier check in. For an additional charge per party, we were able to check in from 11am in the riverside field (*note, this was pre agreed with Masons well in advance of our stay.)
Despite arriving early, there were still several other parties already pitched in the Riverside Field, and a good chunk of riverside space was actually already filled.
Something to bear in mind if you have a preferred place to pitch!
Access to the river is quick and easy from the campsite
Where did we pitch at Masons?
We booked the Riverside Field which is only open 28 days a year (Summer weekends and Bank Holidays). There are no set pitches in the Riverside field, unlike the main field, except for a handful of electric pitches along the edge.
This does mean it is a bit of a free for all and is why we’d recommend getting an early check in time if you can.
There are more electric hook up pitches as well as set non electric pitches available on the main field.
Because we were booked for three nights between the Friday and the Monday we did have to pack up and move the tents on the Sunday morning as the riverside field was closing. There was no time pressure here and we were handily allocated three pitches which were right next to the Riverside field.
Luckily we had a team of super keen ‘helpers’ who managed to move all the camp in record time. However, it was a bit of a faff, so if you can’t be bothered with the hassle of moving and want a longer stay, then book the main field. You can still easily access the river, but you will forgo the river view.
The view in the direction of Bolton Abbey from our second pitch on the main field.
What are the facilities like at Masons Campsite?
Toilets and Showers
Masons has well equipped and modern facilities, with several showers and toilets including disabled access. There are also additional wooden stall toilets in the riverside field and additional urinals too.
Over the weekend the showers and toilets were understandably busy given the number of campers on the field, but on the whole, they were kept reasonably clean and by the time Monday arrived, they were spotless.
We also didn’t have to wait for too long to use the facilities either so wait time was minimal at peak times, which is always a bonus on a busy campsite.
The facilities block
The Shop and Bread Shed
The airstream reception, is also a well stocked shop! During our stay, there was literally all you could think of needing, which is always a relief to somebody who always forgets something!
There were also locally sourced BBQ packs available which was handy too when we ran out of food on the last night!
The Bread Shed is ace! You can pre order pastries, grab fresh warm bread in the morning and also grab a top fresh coffee too! Oh and ice cream. It serves ice cream! They also have pizza nights where fresh pizzas are served.
The other bits and pieces…
There are deep chest freezers to refreeze your ice blocks, ample washing up facilities outside (but under cover), chemical waste disposal and drinking water points.
We thought it was a nice touch to have a boule area, and plenty of outdoor seating around the cafe and reception too in case you have to wait for your coffee or bread! (Also FULLY appreciative of the additional bunting and festoon lighting too!)
The boules and skittles area outside the Bread Shack
What about BBQs and Firepits?
You are allowed to bring your own BBQ as long as you keep it well off the ground. You are also able to hire firepits from Masons.
You are only allowed to use the firepits at Masons, you are not allowed to bring your own. This is so they can manage the number of firepits at any one time. As such, the number of firepits are limited and are allocated on a first come first served basis to campers. The hire of the firepits starts at £15 for one night, then increases dependant on the number of nights you wish to have it. There is also a refundable deposit put down for each, to ensure that the firepits are returned empty and in once piece!
Paddleboarding on the River Wharfe next to the campsite
Want to hear more about the river access from Masons?
As a swimmer and a lover of SUP it was SUCH an incredible place to stay. The access to the river is super easy, particularly from the Riverside Field where we were able to scoot down the bank and get straight in! There are some shallow spots near the campsite, or if you want some deeper water to swim or SUP then you can head upstream a little, or downstream.
If you fancy a swim a little further afield then Burnsall is within walking distance too.
Walking back towards the campsite from the village of Appletreewick
Where else can I walk to from Masons?
This is the other cool part about Masons, there are so many places that are easily accessible by walking!
Appletreewick is the home to the Craven Arms pub and the New Inn. The Craven Arms has an exceptional menu and the food is amazing! It is around a 10 minute walk from Masons.
The New Inn is a little further and is subject to certain closing times, but is also a top place to stop, and the view from the beer garden is amazing! It is about a 15 minute walk from Masons.
Burnsall is a top little Yorkshire Dales hub, which is reached by walking for 20 minutes along the river on the Dales Way footpath. There you will find perfect paddle spots, cafes, ice cream and the Red Lion Pub, with its riverside beer garden. They also have a family friendly menu.
Swimming at Burnsall Bridge
What is there to do around Mason’s Campsite?
There is so much to explore around Masons!
Family friendly walks and wanders
If you fancy heading off on a walk during you stay at Appletreewick, then why not check out the circular walk which can be started at Masons Campsite? You can walk from Masons to Burnsall then back via Kail Hill, which takes you right past the Craven Arms pub too! Check out our Burnsall to Kail Hill circular route.
Located just down the road is Trollers Gill which is a dry limestone gorge. Our walk takes you past Hell Hole and the abandoned mine workings too! Check out the Trollers Gill route for more information.
Want to head a little further afield? Head over to Grassington and walk to Grass Woods, heading past Ghaistrill’s Strid or take a walk to Linton Waterfalls.
The priory ruins at Bolton Abbey
Places to Explore and Days Out
There is so much to explore around Masons Campsite!
Just down the road, you’ll find Bolton Abbey, which is roughly a 10 minute drive away. There you can explore the Abbey Ruins, or take part in one of the seasonal activities. During the Summer months there is the Welly Walk, which is an obstacle course through the woodland surrounding the River Wharfe, or perhaps you’d like to go paddling upstream of the stepping stones.
If you fancy exploring some stunning show caves, then head up to Stump Cross Caverns which is a short distance from Masons.
Or head into Grassington and explore the town which is the filming location for All Creatures Great and Small. There, you’ll find a park and museum and plenty to check out!
Head a little further afield and you could check out the Coldstones Cut and ruins of the Toft Gate Lime Kiln near the town of Pateley Bridge.
Or head towards Kettlewell and check out Kilnsey Pony Trekking Centre, or go fishing at Kilnsey Park.
Paddleboarding alongside the campsite
Are you looking to head to Masons Campsite?
Check out the full and up to date prices and booking details over on the Masons Campsite website.
And enjoy!