Lake District Campsites

The Lake District is a geologically complex, mountainous region in North West England, famous for its magnificent scenery, lakes, stunning waterfalls, ancient monuments, lush green hillsides and mountains (fells). It is also well known for its associations with the poetry and writing of William Wordsworth, who was inspired by the exquisite beauty of the area, and Beatrix Potter who made her home in Lakeland.

The Lake District was designated a National Park in 1951 and is the largest in England. The park includes Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England, and Britain’s favourite view Wastwater, England’s deepest lake. A walker’s paradise, the Lake District is just 40 miles across and approximately 100 miles in circumference with over 1,800 miles of well-signed footpaths for all levels of ability to choose from.

For a contrast from the peace and tranquillity of the Lakeland landscape, there are many vibrant towns and villages to visit, nestled by the side of a lake or in a valley basin. Spend time in the many independent shops and galleries sampling local produce and craftsmanship, or try out the delicious delicacies in the famous tea shops that are liberally sprinkled throughout the region. With plenty on offer here to suit all tastes and budgets, there has never been a more perfect opportunity to come camping in the Lake District!

All campsites in the Lake District offer plenty of activities and major attractions within easy reach including a variety of museums and galleries, castles, historic houses, Birdoswald Roman Fort and the Lakeland Miniature Village to name but a few.

With a plethora of activities available, and fabulous attractions to visit, camping in the Lake District is the perfect holiday choice!

Remember you can always look at our What's on area to find local events and attractions.

Ravenglass

On the western edge of the Lake District National Park, and once part of the Muncaster Estate – a castle and privately owned family home – this award winning site is set in six glorious acres of mature woodland and lies on the outskirts of a pretty fishing village. The coastal trails are a walker’s paradise, while the seafront is just 500 yards from the campsite with plenty of opportunities for fishing. The nearby Ravenglass and Eskdale narrow gauge railway runs up to 16 trains a day, while the mainline railway travels along the coast, reaching Sellafield, St Bees, Whitehaven and Maryport. Pets are welcome at this site, so you can bring your dog along too.

Troutbeck

The superb location of this campsite provides unbeatable walking trails with fantastic views; it even has resident red squirrels. The pretty towns of Keswick and Penrith are both easily accessible from campsite, while the Coast to Coast cycleway passes directly opposite the site entrance. The rural location of the campsite offers superb walking country and is home to sleepy villages and quaint market towns just waiting to be explored. Other local attractions include Eden Ostrich World, Beckstone Art Gallery, Rookin House Farm Equestrian and Activity Centre and the impressive waterfall of Aira Force. Plus, we are dog friendly, so Man’s best friend can enjoy a holiday too. A 6 berth holiday caravan is also available to book.

Eskdale

Alfred Wainwright described Eskdale as one of the loveliest of Lakeland Valleys. This campsite offers a perfect location, ideal for families and walkers of all abilities. If you fancy something different the site has 10 camping pods each sleeping up to four and a traditional Lakeland camping barn, sleeping eight to book. Walkers can reach England’s highest peak – Scafell Pike – and England’s deepest lake – Wastwater – from the site, while the Hardknott and Wrynose Pass offers a thrilling car ride over the mountains to Ambleside and Windermere. Also nearby are Eskdale Mill, the dramatic Stanley Ghyll Force waterfall and Muncaster Castle. Pets are welcome but touring caravans are not permitted on this site.

Kendal

The gateway to the southern Lake District, this campsite is perfect for exploring the Lakes, the Cumbrian coast and the Pennines, easily accessible from the M6. This hillside site boasts lovely fell views from many of the pitches. The site is great for children with space for them to play, plus it boasts a children’s play park and a dedicated field for ball games. Windermere is the closest lake to this campsite, where you can hire bikes at Windermere station to follow one of the many cycle trails that wind round this beautiful part of the country. Other local attractions include Kendal Castle, the Brewery Arts Centre and Windermere Lake Cruises for boat trips around the lake. Kendal is a dog-friendly site with designated dog walks available.

Derwentwater Oval/Walker Park

Derwentwater campsite is close to the lake after which it is named. The quiet, sister site of Keswick, it is perfectly situated for exploring the stunning walking country of the North Lakes. Keswick is just a 2 minute stroll from the site with its extensive choice of cafes and restaurants and a range of outdoor wear shops. For the little ones why not take a visit to the nearby Trotters World of Animals, or for teenagers visit the exhilarating Go Ape! or Keswick Climbing Wall and Activity Centre? For culture lovers take a trip to Castlerigg stone circle or the Theatre by the Lake. Dogs are also welcome on the campsite, so it really does have something for the whole family!

Keswick

Situated on the shores of Derwentwater in the North Lakes, this beautiful campsite is perfect for exploring the glorious walking country in this part of Lakeland. The views across the lake are magnificent, and you may even spot a red squirrel or otter! There is plenty to do onsite including a children’s play park, boating, and walking. If you want to tred further afield, the town of Keswick is a two-minute walk from the campsite. Or why not take in one of the many performances at the Theatre by the Lake on the shores of Derwentwater, or head to Grisedale Forest Park with fabulous woodland walks or the Go Ape! high-wire attraction for the more adventurous. We are also dog friendly, so Man’s best friend can enjoy a holiday too.

Windermere

Situated a few miles from the lake that shares its name, this is an environmentally- and family-friendly campsite packed full of outstanding facilities including a dedicated back packer facility and family friendly pub restaurant ‘The Whistling Pig’. Pets are also welcome here. Surrounded by stunning views, wildlife and lush scenery, it is not uncommon to share your pitch with deer, rabbits and song thrushes. The site is perfect for walkers of all abilities and the Dales Way long-distance footpath passes a mile and a half from the campsite. You can follow it into Windermere and take the train back to Staveley station. Also make time to visit the nearby World of Beatrix Potter attraction, Kendal Castle and take a trip on the Steam Yacht Gondola that leaves from Coniston Pier or Brantwood jetty.

Braithwaite Fold

Beautifully positioned half way down the eastern shore of Windemere this dog-friendly campsite is the perfect base for exploring the southern lakes by foot, or trying out your watersport skills. The site is just a five-minute walk from the Victorian town of Bowness-on-Windermere in Cumbria where you will find many visitor-friendly shops, activities, pubs and restaurants. Alternatively, at Ferry Nab, close to the campsite, you can take the Mallard chain ferry across Windermere to Ferry House on the western shore, taking you towards the pretty village of Hawkeshead and Hill Top – Beatrix Potter’s former home. A ferry has been operating here for more than 500 years. Other local attractions include the Beatrix Potter Gallery, the Lakes Aquarium and the Quaker Tapestry Museum, while much of the lovely surrounding countryside is protected by the National Trust.