Ivy Bank Staycation, a campsite near Ripon, has been named a finalist for the Campsite of the Year category at the upcoming Vanlife Awards. 

The annual awards recognize innovation and creativity within the camping sector, celebrating businesses that enhance the outdoor travel experience. The winners will be announced on April 26 at Lightwater Valley.

Ivy Bank Staycation has grown over the years under the leadership of owner Sam Raw, who started the business nearly two decades ago as a side venture while working as a dementia care assistant in Harrogate. 

“The business grew and evolved from a caravan site to include camping and glamping whilst working closely with the Glawning company,” Raw said in a report by Your Harrogate. “We then branched into our own glamping offering, converting a double-decker bus, a horse lorr, and pod-style units.”

The site’s transformation highlights a broader trend within the outdoor hospitality industry—operators adapting and expanding their offerings to meet the changing demands of travelers. 

Ivy Bank Staycation’s addition of hot tubs and a Yorkshire-inspired café, Wok Inn, reflects the growing consumer preference for unique, experience-driven accommodations. 

By sourcing ingredients from businesses in the neighboring village of Kirkby Malzeard, the site also showcases a community-centric approach that can serve as a model for other operators looking to integrate local partnerships into their business strategies.

The Vanlife Awards are determined through a two-stage process involving a panel of industry leaders and experts. 

The selection process includes an initial pre-scoring phase to establish the shortlist, followed by in-depth discussions to determine the winners. Judges for this year’s panel include Johnny Vegas, Steve Balsamo, and Jim Stewart.

A Vanlife Awards spokesperson emphasized the event’s role in recognizing contributions to the industry. 

“The Vanlife Awards is where wanderlust meets recognition. It’s a platform dedicated to honoring and celebrating the incredible journeys, creativity, and businesses that emerge from life on four wheels,” they said.

For outdoor hospitality professionals, accolades such as the Vanlife Awards provide opportunities to benchmark their operations against industry leaders, gain visibility, and attract new guests. 

Recognition from a respected industry award can enhance a site’s credibility, offering valuable marketing potential for business owners looking to stand out in a competitive market.