Dragonfly Camping

View prices & book 9.8 56 reviews
Camping field
Setting up in the walnut orchard
Walnut orchard pitches
Wilder pitches in walnut orchard

  • Pop-up campsite among woodlands at a Co. Durham working farm
  • Durham city centre 15 minutes' drive; 20 minutes to the coast
  • Dog-friendly site; choose from main field or wilder orchard pitches
Want to spend some time deep in the delightful Co.Durham countryside? Don’t particularly want to have to make a long diversion from the main road to get there? Book yourselves a space at Dragonfly Camping – this splendid spot is part of a working farm surrounded by woodlands, and yet it’s no more than 15 minutes’ drive from either the A1 or the A19. You’ll probably start to notice the peaceful atmosphere as you make your way down the farm track to the camping area. At this point you’ll need to make a choice – will you set up in the main field (a popular choice for groups and families because of its open space and proximity to facilities), or among the trees in the Walnut Orchard for more of a secluded wild camping-style experience? Either way, you’ll have access to toilets and showers, along with water points in the camping fields. You’ll be allowed to bring your dog along too – perhaps to accompany you as you wander through the woods and grasslands around the site, looking out to see what sort of wildlife you can spot. Once you’ve stretched your legs on site, there’s much more to explore in the area – including outings to the Durham Dales, the Durham Heritage Coast and, of course, the city of Durham itself, which is about 15 minutes’ drive away. You won’t have to go that far for your picnic supplies though, as you can pick those up at the convenience store five minutes’ drive away in Wheatley Hill (which also has a café and a couple of takeaways).

Site type

Tent pitches 50
Rent a tent 2
Open now
Opens 17 April
Please note
  • Under 18s must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.
  • The site does not accept breeds/crossbreeds listed in the Dangerous Dogs Act (i.e. XL Bully, Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro).
  • Dogs are not allowed if you are staying in the accommodation units.
  • If making a fire, the fuel, logs and coal have to be purchased on site.
  • Guests are advised to bring a good quality torch with them as parts of the site are unlit.
  • Please note that the toilet/shower facilities are unisex.

Languages spoken

English

Spanish

Open from Thu, 17 Apr to

Reviews

  • 91%
    10
  • 0%
    9
  • 7%
    8
  • 0%
    7
  • 1%
    6
  • 0%
    5
  • 0%
    4
  • 0%
    3
  • 0%
    2
  • 0%
    1
Location
10
Value for money
10
Accommodation
10
Facilities / Activities
9
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
10
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
7

98% would recommend this site to a friend

98% would stay here again

What customers say

Dragonfly Camping provides a tranquil, no-frills escape, with secluded walnut orchard or open field sites. Campers rave about the friendly, helpful owners, tidy (often quirky!) facilities, and chilled vibe. While some note basic amenities and damp access, it's a hit for proper wild camping with a handy touch. Many plan to return.

Summary AI-generated from Pitchup.com customer reviews

Reviews page 1 of 6
Arrival date (latest first)

Clean, friendly, pure bliss

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
10
Value for money
10
Accommodation
10
Facilities / Activities
8
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
10
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
No rating
Glen B.

Non-electric grass and earth tent pitch

Liked What an absolute gem of a find this campsite was, it was the most peaceful I have felt in a long time, I've been going through a pretty bad time but spending time here made me feel calm. Nestled amongst the walnut trees, with a table, chairs and a fire pit in was pure relaxation. Super friendly host right from the start. Quirky site office/shower block and shop, everything was great. Also caught an amazing sunset behind the bell tents. If you like a back to basic campsite or if you have never tried it before I would highly recommend Dragonfly Camping. I will be a returning customer for sure.

Disliked Not staying longer

Recommend to friends Visit again

Perfect site for a secluded stay in nature.

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
10
Value for money
10
Accommodation
10
Facilities / Activities
10
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
No rating
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
No rating
Matt H.

Non-electric grass and earth tent pitch

Liked Secluded, spacious site, really nice orchard area for a wild-camp feel. Matt the owner met me on site and showed me the orchard, where I had the choice of pitch. Laid back feel to the place. Very useable toilet and shower block.

Disliked Nothing

Recommend to friends Visit again

Great camp site. Matt was very welcoming and helpful. Will definitely be…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
10
Value for money
10
Accommodation
10
Facilities / Activities
10
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
No rating
Cleanliness
No rating
Wifi
No rating
Anonymous

Non-electric grass and earth tent pitch

Liked Great camp site. Matt was very welcoming and helpful. Will definitely be back

Disliked Nothing

Recommend to friends Visit again

Hidden gem

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
10
Value for money
10
Accommodation
10
Facilities / Activities
10
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
10
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
2
Anonymous

Non-electric grass and earth tent pitch

Liked Proper campsite with a few really nice bespoke touches around the site like the pallet seating and fire pit in the woodland adjacent the camping field . Very relaxing space with nature all around. Matt is very friendly & chilled host . Highly Recommended .

Recommend to friends Visit again

Friendly owners, lovely campsite, clean facilities. Will definitely be booking again!…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
10
Value for money
10
Accommodation
10
Facilities / Activities
10
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
10
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
No rating
Lucie F.

Non-electric grass and earth tent pitch

Liked Friendly owners, lovely campsite, clean facilities. Will definitely be booking again!

Disliked Nothing

Recommend to friends Visit again

Would highly recommend this site, very spacious and great hosts

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
10
Value for money
10
Accommodation
10
Facilities / Activities
10
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
10
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
No rating
Anthony M.

Non-electric grass and earth tent pitch

Liked Loved the opportunity to camp in the forest yet still be in a safe environment, the owners were lovely and welcoming, the site was clean and the whole experience was amazing. We will absolutely be returning as soon as possible.

Disliked There was nothing to dislike at all.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Very friendly and very welcoming also lovely woodland and the option of…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
8
Value for money
10
Accommodation
8
Facilities / Activities
6
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
No rating
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
No rating
Dylan B.

Non-electric grass and earth tent pitch

Liked Very friendly and very welcoming also lovely woodland and the option of the field too toilet facilities on site too

Recommend to friends Visit again

Brilliant location. The wild camping experience was great! Very peaceful and owners…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
10
Value for money
10
Accommodation
10
Facilities / Activities
10
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
10
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
10
Anonymous

Non-electric grass and earth tent pitch

Liked Brilliant location. The wild camping experience was great! Very peaceful and owners were fantastic. Have told all my friends about this gem of a camping site that's right on our doorstep! Definitely will be coming back.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Perfect, clean, beautiful views

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
10
Value for money
10
Accommodation
10
Facilities / Activities
10
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
10
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
No rating
Stacey Y.

Non-electric grass and earth tent pitch

Liked Owners are lovely , campsite very clean and easy access we will definitely be back

Recommend to friends Visit again

Excellent site with good facilities

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
10
Value for money
8
Accommodation
10
Facilities / Activities
10
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
10
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
No rating
Anonymous

Non-electric grass and earth tent pitch

Liked We stayed in the woodland tent pitches, which were fantastic b it the fields were also available. Plenty of areas between the trees and shrubs to choose from, compost toilet nearby. Campfires were permitted, with wood to buy there. Matt was fantastic, showed us around and was helpful with any questions.

Disliked Occasional groups of people using portable speakers for disturbing, loud music, but this would be turned off by the later evening at least.

Recommend to friends Visit again


Features

Leisure on site

Bar or club house Cycle hire Evening entertainment Fishing Fitness centre Games room Indoor swimming pool Kids' club On-site restaurant/cafe Outdoor swimming pool Play area TV room Take away Tennis Watersports

Amenities on site

Bath available Car parking by pitch/unit Composting toilet Dog park Drying room Food shop Free wifi Ice pack freezing Internet access Launderette Parent & baby washroom Pick-up from public transport Portable toilet Pub toilets Public telephone Shower available Toilet block Washing-up area Wifi

Groups welcome

D. of E. welcome Family friendly Motorcycle friendly Single-sex groups welcome Student groups welcome

Rules

Barbecue provided Barbecues allowed Campfires allowed Commercial vehicles allowed Dogs allowed Dogs allowed all year

Camping 2.0

Jumbo tent pitches

Themes

Budget/backpacker Forest Peaceful Remote location Spectacular scenery Walkers' paradise Wild camping Wildlife haven

Utilities

Charging facilities Chemical disposal Electric car charging point(s) Gas cylinders available Recycling available Renewable energy

Nearby amenities

Bar nearby Dog walk nearby Nearby farmers' market Public transport nearby Shop nearby

Type

Farm Medium (26-50 pitches) Pop-up campground

Location

Dragonfly Camping

Carr House Farm

Town Kelloe

Durham

Co. Durham

England

DH6 4PS

Directions

Timezone

Europe/London +0100 (GMT+01:00)

GPS

54.72923°N
1.44885°W

Route directions

Turn down the signposted track (marked Carr House Farm) at Town Kelloe and follow all the way to the farm.

Nearest transport

Coach
10.1 km Bus Station
16.2 km Interchange Stand 1
16.2 km Interchange Stand 2
Rail
10.2 km Durham Rail Station
13.9 km Seaham Rail Station
15.7 km Newton Aycliffe Rail Station
Ferry
21.5 km Transporter Bridge North Side
21.5 km Transporter Bridge South Side
29.3 km Newcastle International Ferry Terminal
Airport
24.3 km Durham Tees Valley Airport
38.1 km Newcastle International Airport

Please note: All distances on this page are calculated "as the crow flies" - please check actual distance depending on your mode of travel using the Get directions button above.

Local attractions

Attractions and activities nearby include: - Wingate Quarry nature reserve: five minutes’ drive - Durham (cathedral, castle and botanic gardens): 15 minutes - White Hill Woods: 15 minutes - Blackhall Rocks beach and Durham Heritage Coast: 20 minutes - National Trust - Crook Hall Gardens: 20 minutes - Adventure Valley theme park: 25 minutes - Binchester Roman Fort: 25 minutes - Angel of the North: 25 minutes - Beamish, the Living Museum of the North: half an hour - Kynren live attraction: half an hour - Raby Castle, Deer Park & The Plotters' Forest: 35 minutes - Heddon-on-the-Wall (for Hadrian’s Wall): 45 minutes.

Water quality at nearby bathing waters

Name Distance Type 2020201920182017
Crimdon 12.9 km Sea GoodExcellentExcellentExcellent
Seaham Beach 14.9 km Sea N/AGoodExcellentExcellent
Seaham Hall Beach 15.1 km Sea N/AGoodGoodExcellent
Seaton Carew North 18.4 km Sea N/AN/AGoodGood
Seaton Carew Centre 18.9 km Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent

Data source: European Environment Agency

Must see

Durham Cathedral 9.5 km

Durham Castle 9.7 km

Durham Coast 11.7 km

Hartlepool's Maritime Experience 16.1 km

Locomotion:The National Railway Museum at Shildon 16.8 km

National Trust

Washington Old Hall 19.7 km

Ormesby Hall 26.8 km

Souter Lighthouse and The Leas 27.3 km

Gibside 28 km

Holy Jesus Hospital 28.7 km

Cycle routes

Find local routes on the National Cycle Network - over 12,000 miles of cycling routes.

Other

Cassop Vale 1.5 km

Cassop Vale - Cassop Moor - Old Quarrington 1.6 km

Littletown - High Haswell - Littletown 6.3 km

Haswell to Hart 6.3 km

Croxdale Hall 6.9 km

Please note: All distances on this page are calculated "as the crow flies" - please check actual distance depending on your mode of travel using the Get directions button above.

Nearest sites

Unfortunately, we have no nearby bookable sites.

Want to know more about camping in Co. Durham?

Frequently asked questions

  • Does Dragonfly Camping have a swimming pool? No View all features
  • Is Dragonfly Camping dog friendly? Yes View all features
  • What attractions are near Dragonfly Camping? Attractions and activities nearby include: - Wingate Quarry nature reserve: five minutes’ drive - Durham (cathedral, castle and botanic gardens): 15 minutes - White Hill Woods: 15 minutes - Blackhall Rocks beach … Read more
  • When can I check in and check out of Dragonfly Camping?
    Camping and touring
    Arrive:  1 p.m. –  8 p.m.
    Depart by:  11 a.m.
    On-site accommodation
    Arrive:  1 p.m. –  8 p.m.
    Depart by:  11 a.m.
    Read more
  • How much does it cost to stay at Dragonfly Camping? From R855,18 (for 1 night, 2 adults) - prices may change depending on your dates and party.