Campers urged to 'leave no trace' on visits to Northumberland as motorhome parking concerns raised

The county saw a record number of visitors last year as tourist numbers topped 11 million, with the sector now worth £1.58 billion to the local economy.

However, visitors are being asked to remember the impact they can have on the environment.

Northumberland County Council say that visitors – whether they’re “setting up a tent at a campsite or parking a motorhome next to a fabulous view” – need to share the responsibility of “preserving the area’s natural beauty”.

Cllr Gordon Stewart, cabinet member for Looking after our Communities and Chair of the Fire Authority, said: “The message is simple but crucial – leave no trace. Book at legal campsites, take your litter home, and use designated waste disposal sites.

"Together, we can protect and preserve our countryside now and, in the future, ensuring it remains a haven for wildlife and a place of peace and beauty for all who visit and live here.”

A successful pilot scheme allowed motorhomes to camp overnight in selected Forestry England carparks. The scheme has been expanded for 2026, with the car park at Kielder included.

For just £15, visitors can park up after 5pm and soak up stunning dark sky views. Car parks at Amble, Bamburgh and Beadnell also allow 24-hour overnight parking for motorhomes with a £15 ticket.

Alex MacLennan, of Forestry England, said: “Most visitors already do a great job of respecting the countryside, but occasionally we still see issues with littering, illegal parking, waste disposal and campfires. These simple actions can have a big impact on local communities, wildlife and the landscapes we all come to enjoy.

“By parking in designated areas, taking rubbish home or using the bins provided, and following the Countryside Code, we can all help protect these places for everyone to enjoy.”

There is also a campsite at Druridge Bay Country Park with 20 pitches for motorhomes, caravans or campervans (all with hookups) priced from £32 per night, and pitches available for tents with and without electric from £16.

Cllr Scott Dickinson, who represents the Druridge Bay ward, said action had been taken to stop rule-breaking campers following a devastating wildfire at the bay’s beloved sand dunes last year.

He said: “We are already experiencing high volumes of visitors, which we expect at this time of year. I have coordinated work with partner organisations and we now have a public spaces protection order (PSPO) in place.

“We also have 24/7 CCTV monitoring in place. This is already reducing people staying overnight, breaking the rules and lighting fires.

“I’m not the fun police, but I do want to protect my local area. I want people to enjoy the area safely and when they leave, local people are left with no trace.

“We just had to go to this level after the devastating fire last year. The damage is still being repaired, and the wildlife that was lost will never come back.”

Cllr Guy Renner-Thompson represents the Bamburgh ward, which is one of the county’s biggest tourism draws. The village has had issues with campervans and motorhomes parking on the street overnight, angering local people.

He said: “We have a particular problem with campervans in Bamburgh. They park up on the streets and stay the night.

“It is an ongoing problem and it is getting more of a problem. At the same time, we have caravan site owners saying they’re struggling.

“It would be much better if campervans and people who are camping used the regular sites. That would put more money into those businesses – they’re not contributing to local businesses and they’re upsetting everyone.

“They’re not technically doing anything wrong, but they’re upsetting people and taking up parking spaces. Bamburgh Parish Council is looking at parking in the village and bylaws against sleeping in your vehicle overnight.

“The message has to be use regular campsites with facilities and take all your stuff away, leave it as you found it.”