10 Best Campsites in The Lake District, England

Are you looking for the best campsites in the Lake District, UK? Here are 10 scenic sites suitable for tents, campervans and motorhomes. No better way to unwind than to spend a memorable holiday surrounded by stunning and wild landscapes. 

Located in northern England, the Lake District is the largest National Park in the country and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the ideal destination to reconnect with nature and take time for yourself – and one of my favourite places in the UK! Living only 1h away, I often explore the region and go on camping trips with my partner and dog. And despite the unpredictable weather, we always have a fantastic time with plenty of things to do and see. 

Whether you are an adventure addict or in search of tranquillity, there is something for everyone, whatever the season! Climb to the top of impressive fells, admire the breathtaking views, stroll along one of the lakes, explore picturesque villages or enjoy outdoor activities such as cycling, kayaking, paddle boarding and more.

So, are you ready? In this article, we guide you through the top campsites in the Lake District. From lakeside to mountain locations, these sites are ideal for couples, solo travellers or families with children and will give you an excellent taste of the natural beauty of northern England. Enjoy! 🏕️

READ MORE: The 15 UK National Parks: Complete Guide

My Lake District experience: 
Season Spring, Summer, Autumn & Winter
Favourite campsite Great Langdale

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Overview: best campsites in the Lake District

1. Great Langdale Campsite: best for central location & hiking
2. Syke Farm Campsite: best for back-to-basic experience
3. Waterside House Campsite: best for watersports & groups
4. Low Wray Campsite: best for a peaceful forest setting
5. Keswick Camping & Caravanning Club: best for campervans & motorhomes
6. The Quiet Site: best for sustainability & green camping
7. Baysbrown Farm Campsite: best for stunning 360-degree views
8. Castlerigg Hall: best for luxury glamping
9. Park Foot Holiday Park: best for families with children
10. Seatoller Campsite: best for wild camping

Looking for beginner hiking inspiration? Check out this article:
10 Best Easy Walks & Hikes in The Lake District

Campsites in the Lake District – Map

Click on the top left of the map to display the list of locations.

10 best campsites in the Lake District, UK

1- Great Langdale Campsite, Ambleside

Best for central location & hiking. 

Located in the beautiful Great Langdale Valley, in the heart of the Lake District, Great Langdale Campsite is a popular camping site set amongst breathtaking scenery, with easy access to many scenic trails. It is an excellent base for outdoor enthusiasts and hikers wishing to explore the national park. 

This National Trust campsite has plenty of facilities for both tent and campervan camping, including toilet and shower blocks, washing-up areas and laundry rooms. There is also a small shop to purchase basic supplies and camping equipment.

Whilst staying at Great Langdale Campsite, relax and enjoy the stunning landscapes, or venture out and discover nearby attractions like the Langdale Pikes, Crinkle Crags, Blea Tarn, Lake Windermere and Ambleside, a charming town with shops and restaurants.

📍 Location: Ambleside LA22 9JU
🐶 Dog-friendly: yes
🚐 Campervans: yes – campervans & motorhomes
💵 Prices: from £14 per night
⛺ Main features & facilities:

• BBQs allowed
• Electric hook-up
• Hardstanding
• Laundry
• Play area
• Shop
• Showers & toilets
• Washing-up area

2- Syke Farm Campsite, Buttermere

Best for back-to-basic experience.

Located in the stunning Borrowdale Valley, one of the most scenic areas in the Lake District, Syke Farm Campsite is a picturesque and peaceful camping site offering a more rustic and back-to-basic camping experience.

The campsite provides basic facilities for campers, including toilets and showers. It is known for its simplicity and natural surroundings, making it an ideal place for those seeking a quieter and more immersive camping trip, closer to nature.

Relax and enjoy the panoramic mountain views from your tent, or head into the hills and explore the surrounding area, including Lake Buttermere, Crummock Water, Honister Pass and Scafell Pike, the highest peak in England.

📍 Location: Cockermouth CA13 9XA
🐶 Dog-friendly: yes
🚐 Campervans: no
💵 Prices: from £10 per night
⛺ Main features & facilities:

• Small shelter
• Showers & toilets
• Car-free
• BBQs allowed
• Syke Farm Tearoom

3- Waterside House Campsite, Ullswater

Best for watersports & groups.

Located on the shores of Lake Ullswater, one of the largest and most beautiful lakes in the Lake District, Waterside House Campsite is a well-equipped camping site offering a convenient and picturesque location for outdoor activities.

This campsite provides many modern facilities, including toilet and shower blocks, laundry rooms, a camp shop, a restaurant and a play area for children. It offers a more comfortable camping experience, making it ideal for families and campers who prefer to mix outdoor sports and relaxation.

And thanks to its excellent lakeside location, you will enjoy plenty of water-based activities, including swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding and sailing. And for hikers, you will find many trails to explore the surrounding area, such as the Aira Force waterfall and the charming village of Pooley Bridge.

📍 Location: Penrith CA10 2NA
🐶 Dog-friendly: yes
🚐 Campervans: yes – campervans & motorhomes
💵 Prices: from £22 per night
⛺ Main features & facilities:

• Shop & restaurant
• Showers & toilets
• BBQs allowed
• Electric hook-up
• Laundry
• Play area
• Washing-up area
• Boat hire

4- Low Wray Campsite, Windermere

Best for peaceful forest setting.

Located on the western shores of Lake Windermere, one of the largest and most famous lakes in the Lake District, Low Wray Campsite is a serene camping site with breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding fells, making it a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery.

The campsite offers a fantastic range of facilities, including modern toilet and shower blocks, a laundry room and a well-stocked shop. It is a well-maintained and family-friendly campsite, which aims to provide a comfortable camping experience whilst being close to nature.

Thanks to its ideal lakeside location, Low Wray Campsite is also perfect for water-based activities, including swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding. And if you want to go on a walk, you will find nearby the Wray Castle, a Victorian neo-Gothic castle, and the lovely town of Ambleside.

📍 Location: Ambleside LA22 0JA
🐶 Dog-friendly: yes
🚐 Campervans: yes – campervans & motorhomes
💵 Prices: from £17 per night
⛺ Main features & facilities:

• BBQs allowed
• Laundry
• Play area
• Shop
• Showers & toilets
• Washing-up area

5- Keswick Camping & Caravanning Club, Keswick

Best for campervans & motorhomes.

Located on the outskirts of Keswick, a famous town in the northern Lake District, the Keswick Camping & Caravanning Club site is a well-established holiday park managed by the Camping and Caravanning Club, which operates various camping facilities throughout the UK. 

This campsite offers a range of well-maintained facilities to make your stay more comfortable, including modern toilet and shower blocks, laundry rooms, a camp shop and a play area for children.

Surrounded by stunning landscapes with easy access to Keswick town and its lake Derwentwater, the Keswick Camping & Caravanning Club site is ideal for enjoying the picturesque setting with plenty of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking and sightseeing.

📍 Location: Keswick CA12 5EP
🐶 Dog-friendly: yes
🚐 Campervans: yes – campervans & motorhomes
💵 Prices: from £12 per night
⛺ Main features & facilities:

• BBQs allowed
• Electric hook-up
• Hardstanding
• Laundry
• Play area
• Shop
• Showers & toilets
• Washing-up area

6- The Quiet Site, Ullswater

Best for sustainability & green camping.

Located close to the village of Pooley Bridge and Lake Ullswater, The Quiet Site is a unique family-run campsite known for its unique accommodation options with a focus on sustainability and its serene atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for campers seeking a calmer and more eco-friendly experience.

The campsite offers a variety of facilities, including modern toilet and shower blocks, laundry rooms, a well-stocked camp shop and an on-site bar and restaurant. You will also find a wide range of glamping options designed to be sustainable, affordable and fun.

Living up to its name, The Quiet Site provide a peaceful and scenic environment for all ages, with stunning views of Ullswater and the fells from the campsite. And for all outdoor lovers, from hiking to cycling and rock climbing, you will not get bored.

📍 Location: Penrith CA11 0LS
🐶 Dog-friendly: yes
🚐 Campervans: yes – campervans & motorhomes
💵 Prices: from £30 per night
⛺ Main features & facilities:

• BBQs allowed
• Electric hook-up
• Laundry
• Playroom
• Shop
• Showers & toilets
• Washing-up area
• The Quiet Bite 
• The Quiet Bar

7- Baysbrown Farm Campsite, Ambleside

Best for stunning 360-degree views. 

Located in the Langdale Valley, near the village of Chapel Stile, Baysbrown Farm Campsite is a charming camping site offering a picturesque rural setting, making it an ideal choice for campers looking for a back-to-basic experience with breathtaking views.

This campsite provides basic facilities, including toilet and shower blocks, a washing-up area and a camp shop. It is known for its simplicity and the opportunity to connect with nature, perfect for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life and immerse themselves in the untouched beauty of the Lake District.

Plus, its excellent location makes it a popular hiking destination with many scenic trails nearby, including the Langdale Pikes and the nearby village of Chapel Stile, which also has shops and a pub.

📍 Location: Ambleside LA22 9JZ
🐶 Dog-friendly: yes
🚐 Campervans: small campervans, no motorhomes
💵 Prices: from £12 per night
⛺ Main features & facilities:

• Washing-up area
• Showers & toilets
• BBQs allowed
• Langdale Co-op nearby

8- Castlerigg Hall, Keswick

Best for luxury glamping.

Located near Keswick, Castlerigg Hall is a well-regarded campsite and holiday park known for its beautiful location and diverse glamping options, with camping pods available for those who prefer a more luxurious outdoor experience.

This campsite provides an extensive range of facilities, including modern toilet and shower blocks, laundry rooms, a camp shop and a bar and restaurant. It also benefits from a scenic and elevated position, offering panoramic views of the surrounding fells and countryside.

Not far from the campsite, you will find the bustling town of Keswick with plenty of shops, restaurants and cultural attractions, as well as the Castlerigg Stone Circle, one of the oldest stone circles in Britain.

📍 Location: Keswick CA12 4TE
🐶 Dog-friendly: yes
🚐 Campervans: yes – campervans & motorhomes
💵 Prices: from £11 per night
⛺ Main features & facilities:

• Washing-up area
• Showers & toilets
• BBQs allowed
• Shop
• The Campers’ Kitchen

9- Park Foot Holiday Park, Pooley Bridge

Best for families with children.

Located on the eastern shores of Lake Ullswater, near the village of Pooley Bridge, Park Foot Holiday Park is a popular camping destination offering plenty of outdoor activities in a beautiful setting with direct access to the lake.

This holiday park provides extensive facilities for various needs, including modern toilet and shower blocks, laundry rooms, a well-stocked camp shop, a bar and restaurant and a play area for children. It is perfect for those seeking a well-equipped and more comfortable camping experience.

Additionally, families with children will love Park Foot Holiday Park for its wealth of activities. From wake surfing to pony trekking and going on an easy hike, there is plenty to do and see for all ages.  

📍 Location: Penrith CA10 2NA
🐶 Dog-friendly: yes
🚐 Campervans: yes – campervans & motorhomes
💵 Prices: from £25 per night
⛺ Main features & facilities:

• Shop & restaurant
• Showers & toilets
• BBQs allowed
• Electric hook-up
• Laundry
• Play area
• Washing-up area
• Boat hire

10- Seatoller Campsite, Borrowdale

Best for wild camping.

Located in the Borrowdale Valley, one of the most picturesque areas in the Lake District, Seatoller Campsite is a tranquil camping site known for its scenic location close to the village of Seatolle, offering a beautiful and convenient base for outdoor enthusiasts. 

This campsite provides basic facilities, including toilet and shower blocks, a washing-up area and a small camp shop. With an emphasis on simplicity, it is an excellent place for campers who appreciate a wild and back-to-basic experience in a rural and unspoiled setting.

In addition, Seatoller Campsite has easy access to the surrounding natural attractions and outdoor activities, perfect for adventurers seeking to escape the modern world and immerse themselves in the breathtaking landscapes of the Lake District.

📍 Location: Keswick CA12 5XN
🐶 Dog-friendly: yes
🚐 Campervans: small campervans, no motorhomes
💵 Prices: from £11 per night
⛺ Main features & facilities:

• Shop
• Showers & toilets
• BBQs allowed
• Washing-up area

Wild camping in the Lake District

Wild camping is technically not permitted anywhere in the Lake District without prior permission from the landowner. 

However, if you choose to wild camp, there are important rules and principles to follow to ensure that you camp responsibly and minimise your impact on the environment. 

In addition, parking in campervans and motorhomes is not considered wild camping. However, plan ahead to check where you can park. 

Wild camping is normally tolerated if you:

• Camp above the highest fell wall, away from towns, villages and lake shores.
• Camp at least 100 meters from any roads, buildings or watercourses.
• Stay in one location for a single night. 
• Leave no trace and take all your litter and waste with you.
• Do not light any fires and use a portable camping stove.
• Keep your group size small to only one or two tents.
• Have obtained permission from the landowner if you are camping on private land.
• Use a portable toilet or follow established procedures for burying waste.
• Take care not to damage the landscape and disturb wildlife.

And in doubt, stay in a recognised campsite like those mentioned in this article! Many camping sites offer back-to-basic experiences to enjoy the outdoors and connect with nature. 

Want to make your trip greener? Check out this article:
The Lake District Sustainable Travel Guide

Best time to visit the Lake District

The best time to visit the Lake District is in summer (June to August) when the weather is warm and dry with long daylight hours, an ideal time for outdoor activities like hiking, sailing or wild swimming. However, the national park can get crowded during these months, so be prepared for higher prices and busy attractions.

The time you visit the Lakes will also depend on your preferences and what you want to do. 

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are excellent seasons to visit the Lake District, as the weather is often pleasant, with milder temperatures and fewer crowds than in summer.

Spring is a lovely time to see the landscape come alive with blooming flowers, whilst autumn offers colourful orange foliage – perfect for photo lovers!

And if you thrive in the cold, why not visit the Lake District in winter (December to February)? The national park in this season is beautiful, especially if you enjoy peaceful and snowy landscapes. It is a quiet time, where you can experience the lakes and fells in a more serene atmosphere.

However, some attractions and accommodations may have reduced hours or close during the winter season, so plan ahead.

Looking to extend your vacation? Check out this article:
30 Best & Prettiest Places to Visit in The UK

How long to stay in the Lake District

If you have limited time, a 2-3 day vacation can still give you a great taste of the beauty of the Lake District with some outdoor activities. You will have time to explore one or two specific areas, take a scenic drive and enjoy a few short hikes or boat trips. It is a good option for a weekend escape as a couple or with friends.

With 4-5 days, you can delve deeper into the Lake District experience. You can explore several areas, take part in more outdoor activities and longer hikes, and visit a few major attractions, such as Keswick, Windermere and Ullswater. It is an excellent option for families with children.

Finally, a week in the Lake District allows for a more comprehensive exploration. You can visit various towns, explore different lakes, hike more extensively and immerse yourself in the natural beauty. You will have time to enjoy the main highlights and discover some hidden gems.

Fancy a camping trip in Snowdonia? Check out this article:
10 Best Campsites in Snowdonia National Park

Sustainable camping in the Lake District

Sustainable travel means exploring the world whilst being aware of your surroundings and having a positive social, environmental and economic impact on the places you visit.

The Lake District is one of the most popular places in the UK, and that popularity has come with a price. Of course, many of these effects are positive, but high demand and overtourism also mean more facilities, crowds and carbon footprints, leading to more damage and challenges for the National Park to overcome and consequences you need to be aware of when camping and hiking in the Lakes.

Remember that sustainability also applies to camping. Eco-camping is a way to leave as little impact as possible on the places you stay, which means being mindful of what you pack, where you go and what you do whilst camping.

READ MORE: 20 Best Eco-Friendly & Durable Camping Gear

Here are a few sustainable camping tips to help minimise your impact in the Lake District, whether you are visiting for a short weekend or week-long stay:

• Leave no trace: do not litter and pick up any trash you encounter, as leftover waste can be extremely harmful to the local ecosystem. So take biodegradable bin bags with you and, of course, leave the place better than you found it.

• Bring reusable, plastic-free items: it will help prevent excess trash during your camping trip. For instance, avoid single-use plastic water bottles and prioritise a reusable filtered bottle like this one. You can refill it anywhere from lake to river for clean and fresh water. The same applies to food containers and toiletries.

• Choose eco-friendly toiletries: for your sustainable camping holiday, pack toiletries and cleaning products that are biodegradable and not harmful to the environment. And if you visit the Lake District in summer, wear a zero-waste and natural sunscreen that does not contain destructive chemicals.

• Pack sustainable gear: arrive in the Lake District prepared and pack items made from natural fabrics to limit the spread of microplastics and reduce your impact. Here are a few of my favourite eco-responsible brands: Merrell, Osprey and Rab.

• Minimise campfire impacts: only make a campfire if allowed on the land you are camping and always consider your surroundings first, especially in summer when the terrain is dry. If not done correctly, campfires can have a disastrous impact on wildlife and the environment.

• Respect wildlife: enjoy watching and learning about wild animals, but do not approach or feed them! Remember that you are only a visitor in their home, so do not disturb their environment, especially during mating and nesting seasons.

• Be considerate of other visitors and locals: when camping in the Lake District, chances are you will encounter other people any time of the year. So be mindful of your surroundings, and do not play loud music or make noise late at night. Camping is about reconnecting with nature and appreciating peace – so make the most of it! Also, remember that the national park is a place to live and work. Be grateful to the locals for welcoming you and smile 🙂 

More inspiration for your green adventures:

• Best Travel Apps for Exploring Sustainably
• 15 Travel Books to Inspire Your Next Eco-Adventure
• Best Ecotourism Activities Around the World

England travel planning guide

🚑 Should I buy travel insurance to travel to England?
Yes, buying insurance is always valuable when travelling abroad. Enjoy your camping trip to the Lake District stress-free with one of my favourite providers, Nomad Insurance.

💧 Can you drink the water in England?
Yes, tap water is safe to drink all over England and the Lake District. However, I also recommend travelling with the UltraPress Purifier Bottle, a lightweight filtered water bottle perfect for reducing plastic and staying hydrated.

🚗 Is it easy to rent a car in England?
Yes, renting a car in England is easy and a great way to explore the Lake District freely, especially in remote places. I recommend booking yours with Rentalcars.com – they offer a variety of operators for all budgets.

✈️ What is the best site to buy a flight to England?
I recommend booking your plane with Skyscanner. It has been my favourite platform for years, as it allows me to book the cheapest flights whilst lowering my carbon emissions.

Lake District camping – FAQ

And you, what is your favourite campsite in the Lake District?
Let me know in the comments below!

With love ♡
Lucie