The 12 Best Lake District Camping Spots

Camping offers one of the best opportunities to get up and close to Mother Nature. And what better environment to immerse yourself in nature than the Lake District?

When you go camping in the Lake District, you can:

Take in the showstopping scenery

The Lake District is one of the UK’s most picturesque regions. Moss-coated mountains, mirror-like lakes, and sleepy hiking routes characterise the national park. Given its abundance of natural beauty, the Lakes attract 18.1 million visitors every year.

Even with this many tourists, numerous tucked-away spots allow you to camp with plenty of space to yourself.

Experience the adrenaline of adventure activities

The Lake District is perfect for a restful break, but adventure lovers will also find a wealth of things to do. For example, the District’s many lakes allow for various kayaking, fishing, and boat cruise opportunities.

Those who prefer dry land will love the walking trails, which cater to all skill levels. These range from mountain climbs to lakeside walks. Other activities in the Lakes include pony-riding, treetop obstacle courses, and white-water rafting.

Disconnect from daily life

With many of us leading busy lifestyles, slow living can feel impossible. This isn’t the case in the Lake District, where time moves at a more relaxed pace.

A Lake District camping trip is the perfect occasion to forget about your phone and reconnect with nature. The miles of serene hilltops and patchwork fields will give you space to recuperate and recharge.

Enjoy stargazing opportunities

The Lake District doesn’t have the light pollution of urban areas. As such, the national park is an ideal spot for stargazing. A clear night is all you need to enjoy breathtaking views of constellations across the charcoal-black skies.

Explore the local history

The Lake District isn’t just about beautiful views. The area is also steeped in a rich history and cultural heritage. There are many historical landmarks to explore, like Ambleside Roman Fort and Castlerigg Stone Circle.

What’s more, the Lake District is home to the former residences of literary greats Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth.

Where are the best Lake District camping sites?

The Lake District is brimming with camping sites to suit all tastes. These sites range from traditional campsites to upmarket glamping parks. There are too many bucket-list Lake District destinations with campsites to list here, but some of the most popular include:

• Wasdale
• Ullswater
• Windermere
• Coniston
• Cockermouth
• Ennerdale
• Penrith
• Troutbeck
• Crosthwaite
• Keswick
• Ambleside
• Ravenglass

We’ll cover all of these towns and villages below.

Lake District camping sites

The Lake District offers innumerable camping sites to suit parties of all kinds. Some provide family-friendly set-ups and allow pets. Others provide a touch of luxury with televisions and heated facilities.

Many allow you to pitch up your own tent or book a static caravan. Three of the most popular Lake District camping areas include:

• Wasdale: Towering mountains and England’s deepest lake make this civil parish a popular location for campers. Wasdale is also near Scafell Pike, which many campers like to visit as it’s the tallest mountain in England.

If you’re bringing family, campsites like Church Stile Farm and Holiday Park are ideal, offering a playground and allowing dogs.

• Ullswater: Many campers select this lake to enjoy the peaceful setting and water activities. The Ullswater Steamers are especially popular. They run on most days and stop at old-world locations like Howtown and Glenridding.

Campers looking for an accessible campsite can opt for The Quiet Site, which is easily reachable from the M6 but far enough away not to hear road noise.

• Windermere: Home to the Lake District’s biggest lake, this town sits at the heart of the national park’s action. Windermere isn’t as remote as other areas. However, it does offer boating opportunities, Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top farmhouse retreat, and Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway.

Those hoping to unwind after a busy day will love nearby campsites like Hawkshead Hall. Sitting at the head of Esthwaite Water, this Lake District camping site offers a TV room and a heated shower block.

Wild camping in the Lake District

Wild camping appeals to many nomads. Heading into the depths of the countryside and pitching up with no one for miles is on many travellers’ dream trip lists. Given the Lake District’s immense beauty, it’s no surprise that so many people hope to go wild camping here.

Can you do wild camping in the Lake District?

Unfortunately, it’s illegal to go wild camping in the Lake District unless you have permission from the landowner. You could get a fine if you camp on land belonging to the Lake District National Park. Because of this, you’ll need to find private land and ask the owner for permission to stay.

This isn’t only the case in the Lake District. Wild camping without permission is illegal everywhere except for Scotland and Dartmoor National Park, one of the UK’s biggest national parks. That said, both of these options offer countless wild camping opportunities for those looking to get up and close with nature.

As a lot of Snowdonia’s land is privately owned, it may also be easier to get permission to camp here than in other areas.

Where can you pitch your tent in the Lake District?

With permission from the landowner, three popular locations to pitch your tent in the Lake District include:

• Holme Fell, Coniston: Many wild campers pick this location to enjoy the views of Coniston Water and the local winding walks. Holme Fell itself is only 317m tall, making it an easy walk with several secluded wild camping spots. There’s also a reservoir about halfway up, which is perfect for wild swimming.
• Haystacks, Cockermouth: This hill in Buttermere Valley offers lots of sheltered space for wild campers to pitch tents. Campers who love fishing and walking particularly love this area as there’s plenty of opportunity for both.
• Ennerdale Valley, Ennerdale: One of the Lake District’s remotest places, this valley attracts campers who want to escape daily life. Untamed hills and woodlands sprawl throughout the area, where wild campers can find many hidden gem spots to pitch up.

Glamping sites in the Lake District

While camping isn’t for everyone, glamping can accommodate those who prefer a few home comforts while on holiday. The Lake District offers scores of glamping options suited to couples, families, and friends.

Rainproof pods keep guests comfy even in the wetter weather. On top of this, many accommodation providers include luxuries to make stays extra special.

Here are three popular Lake District areas to book a glamping holiday:

• Penrith: Those looking for a glamping getaway with lots of history will love Penrith. Walks aside, there’s a 14th-century castle and plenty of ancient artefacts to see at Penrith and Eden Museum.

Glamping providers like Camp Eden provide rustic bell, bedouin, and Royal Indian Shikar tents in the nearby area. Guests can also enjoy late-night campfires and wood-fired pizzas.

• Troutbeck: This idyllic location makes for the perfect escape, with glamping pods overlooking the mountain Blencathra. Troutbeck’s mini hamlets follow a valley road, where you’ll find traditional slate cottages and lots of green spaces.

Glamping providers include Ewe Love Camping Pods, which offers three pods on a small working farm. Given the small number of accommodations, you’ll be in the quietest of quiet spots. The pods even have en-suite bathrooms and underfloor heating.

• Crosthwaite: This Lyth Valley location is one of the prettiest in the Lakes. Beyond this charming location, the busier Windermere, Ambleside, and Kendal are all within a short drive. Each of these offers several things to see and do.

Glamping pod provider Damson View Glamping provides luxuries like king-sized beds, towels and toiletries, and firepits.

Campervan sites in the Lake District

Like with wild camping, you can’t show up in the Lakes and park your campervan wherever you like. This means you’re limited to campsites. However, many Lake District camping sites welcome visitors in campervans or motorhomes.

Some of the most popular spots for those staying in campervans include:

• Keswick: This beautiful town ranks first in Brownhills’ 12 Most Beautiful Places to Take Your Motorhome in the UK. Keswick also ranks third in Van Clan’s Best Places to Visit in a Campervan UK.

The town teams spectacular scenery with plenty of things to see and do — ideal if you have rainy weather. In this case, there’s an old-fashioned cinema, an independent brewery, and a theatre overlooking Derwent Water. Time it right, and you also can visit the Keswick Mountain Festival.

Park up at campsites like Castlerigg Hall Camping and Caravan Site, which has its own shop, campers’ kitchen, and lounge.

• Ambleside: Like Keswick, this Victorian town blends majestic countryside with many things to do. From the Armitt Museum to Rydal Mount and Gardens (home of William Wordsworth), the local to-do list is endless.

Ambleside is also famous for its Lakeside Pier, a great spot to enjoy fish and chips overlooking the water.

Park up at campsites like Low Wray National Trust Campsite, one of the sites that allows barbecues.

• Ravenglass: This pretty village has a maritime legacy that dates back by almost 2,000 years, when the Romans guarded the coast against Barbarian invasion.

Today, you can explore the local bath house, narrow gauge railway, and the Hawk and Owl Centre at Muncaster Castle.

Park up at campsites like Ravenglass Camping and Caravanning Club Site, a coastal site with a motorhome service point.

Can you sleep in your car in the Lake District?

You can sleep in your car, but only if you park on a formal campsite. Much like with wild camping in the Lake District, you’ll need permission from the landowner to park up and sleep in your car.

Planning your Lake District camping trip

Once you’ve picked your Lake District camping site, it’s time to plan your trip. These five checks will make sure everything is in order, ready for your stay.

• Remember to pack your camping essentials: Beyond your sleeping bag and tent, you’ll also need a first-aid kit, a strong rucksack, a torch, and bug spray. Other essentials could include a camping stove, sunscreen, toilet paper, hand sanitiser, and a rubbish bag.

• Come dressed for the occasion: You’ll need strong, comfortable hiking boots, rain gear, and warm layers in case of cold weather. Slip-on shoes will make life easier for late-night toilet trips, too.

• Schedule a supermarket sweep on the way: Buying groceries can prove expensive from corner shops in the Lake District. Stop en route in a larger town like Kendal or Windermere to pick up ingredients and snacks.

• Read your campsite’s rules: You’ll need to know what the etiquette is before heading out. Check-in and check-out times will vary from site to site. Some sites allow campfires and others don’t. There may also be rules about party sizes, animals, and noise.

• Check all your gear and supplies are in good working order: Make sure there aren’t any tears in your tent and that you have all the poles. You’ll also want to make sure your torch has batteries and that your camping stove works.

Planning your Lake District camping trip with Avanti