Best Lakeside Campsites UK - The Camping and Caravanning Club
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Lake near Keswick Campsite

Lakeside Camping

Our best lakeside campsites

Whether you’re looking for spectacular views, adventurous water sports or wonderful wildlife, we have a lakeside campsite for you. Pitch up on any of these popular campsites with lakes and get direct access to all of the activities and local attractions on offer.

12 Lakeside Campsites

Bowness on Windermere
Northern England, Cumbria
5 (96)

Camp on the shores of Lake Windermere and explore the southern Lakes from this campsite.

Key Facilities
  • Pets welcome on site.
  • Wireless internet access available on Club Sites only. For full details go to campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/sitewifi Note: may only be available on parts of the campsite.
  • The site has dedicated accessible facilities for disabled campers, including level access shower and equipment.
  • There are washbasins on site.
  • The site has flushing toilet facilities.
  • Showers on site.
  • There is a motorhome service point on site for disposal of grey waste and filling up of fresh water. Some Club Sites may also offer a stop off service for none camping members on payment of a small fee (please check with site or on dedicated web page).

Bowness on Windermere Club Site, Lake District

Camping at the Bowness on Windermere Club Site offers a perfect retreat in the heart of the Lake District. Nestled amidst scenic landscapes, the campsite is just a five-minute walk from Windermere, England's largest natural lake.

To reach the best view, take the footpath directly from the campsite towards Cockshott Point. This short, scenic walk leads you to a stunning vantage point overlooking the lake. Enjoy boating, swimming, fishing, or water sports on the lake, or explore the picturesque walking and cycling trails around it.

Loch Ness Shores
Scotland, Inverness
5 (64)

Loch Ness Shores are looking forward to welcoming you.

 
Key Facilities
  • The site has dedicated accessible facilities for disabled campers, including level access shower and equipment.
  • Fishing facilities on (or near) site.
  • Pets welcome on site.
  • There is a designated dog walk on site.
  • The site has flushing toilet facilities.
  • There are washbasins on site.
  • Showers on site.

Loch Ness Shores Club Site, Scotland

Be privy to panoramic views year round when you camp on the south shore of Scotland’s most famous loch. Our campsite is one of the few places small boats are allowed to be launched from the shoreline. You can hire kayaks and fishing boats directly from the campsite, so long as you have a permit.

As well as being a great campsite for making the most of the water, being located near the village of Foyers puts you in great proximity to nearby attractions too. Once one of Scotland’s largest castles, Urquhart Castle overlooks the loch and offers a glimpse into the area's medieval history. The scenic village of Fort Augustus is a short drive away and well worth a visit.

Keswick
Northern England, Cumbria
5 (57)
If you’re planning to explore the northern Lakes, our Keswick camping site on the shores of Derwentwater is hard to beat as a base for your explorations.
Key Facilities
  • The site has flushing toilet facilities.
  • Showers on site.
  • There are washbasins on site.
  • The site has dedicated accessible facilities for disabled campers, including level access shower and equipment.
  • There is a motorhome service point on site for disposal of grey waste and filling up of fresh water. Some Club Sites may also offer a stop off service for none camping members on payment of a small fee (please check with site or on dedicated web page).
  • Pets welcome on site.
  • Wireless internet access available on Club Sites only. For full details go to campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/sitewifi Note: may only be available on parts of the campsite.

Keswick Club Site, Lake District

Lakeside camping in the Lake District doesn’t get any better than this. Pitch up here with views of Derwentwater on one side and mountains on the other. Kayaking and canoeing are particularly popular on this campsite, with the ability to launch directly from the campsites shoreline.

With Keswick town just a short stroll away and numerous lake and hillside tracks to pick up from the campsite, this is a great campsite for walkers.

Delamont Country Park
Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland
5 (11)
Enjoy wonderful Northern Irish hospitality in this beautifully situated campsite in County Down.
Key Facilities
  • Pets welcome on site.
  • Wireless internet access available on Club Sites only. For full details go to campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/sitewifi Note: may only be available on parts of the campsite.
  • The site has dedicated accessible facilities for disabled campers, including level access shower and equipment.
  • The site has flushing toilet facilities.
  • Showers on site.

Delamont Country Park Club Site, Northern Ireland

Journey up the hill from this campsite and you’ll be rewarded with views across Strangford Lough, the largest loch in the British Isles. The Strangford Lough Canoe Trail takes you on a spectacular route around the many small islands, narrows and shorelines the inlet has to explore. Look out for seals and porpoise in the water.

Delamont Country Park offers an activity for everyone, from the more active to those seeking a relaxing break with astonishing views. It’s worth mentioning that this part of Northern Ireland has several filming locations from the HBO series, Game of Thrones and tours are available.

Hereford
Central England, Herefordshire
5 (58)
If it’s adventure in the great outdoors you’re seeking, then head to our scenic Hereford Club campsite.
Key Facilities
  • There is a motorhome service point on site for disposal of grey waste and filling up of fresh water. Some Club Sites may also offer a stop off service for none camping members on payment of a small fee (please check with site or on dedicated web page).
  • Fishing facilities on (or near) site.
  • Pets welcome on site.
  • There is a designated dog walk on site.
  • Wireless internet access through various other providers. Note: may only be available on parts of the site.
  • Showers on site.
  • The site has flushing toilet facilities.

Hereford Club Site

Our Hereford campsite is home to The Millpond, a three and a half acre fishing lake. Having won multiple awards for its fishing and excellent facilities, The Millpond makes Hereford a great base for a lakeside fishing break.

The quiet town of Hereford with its distinctive black and white buildings is perfect for a gentle afternoon stroll. Symonds Yat, Goodrich Castle and Hereford Cathedral are all worth a visit while camping here.

Windermere
Northern England, Cumbria
5 (61)

Camping in Windermere provides water-based fun, walking and all of the attractions of the Lakes are accessible from this site.

Key Facilities
  • Showers on site.
  • The site has dedicated accessible facilities for disabled campers, including level access shower and equipment.
  • There is a motorhome service point on site for disposal of grey waste and filling up of fresh water. Some Club Sites may also offer a stop off service for none camping members on payment of a small fee (please check with site or on dedicated web page).
  • There is a designated dog walk on site.
  • Wireless internet access available on Club Sites only. For full details go to campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/sitewifi Note: may only be available on parts of the campsite.
  • The site has flushing toilet facilities.
  • There are washbasins on site.

Windermere Club Site, Lake District

Camp in the vicinity of Windermere lake where cruises, windsurfing and canoeing all await. The largest natural lake in England provides not just water sports activities but stunning walks, cycling trails and popular tourist attractions nearby.

With a pub on-site, a children’s play area and backpacking facilities, this is a great campsite, catering to the needs of all. You won’t need to go far to stock up on essentials with an on-site shop stocking basics. You’ll also find a supermarket just across the fields and a few pubs to occupy any spare time.

Milarrochy Bay
Scotland, Glasgow
4.5 (54)

With spectacular views over Loch Lomond, this Club campsite is great for relaxing.

Key Facilities
  • The site has flushing toilet facilities.
  • There are washbasins on site.
  • There is a designated dog walk on site.
  • Showers on site.
  • The site has dedicated accessible facilities for disabled campers, including level access shower and equipment.
  • Pets welcome on site.
  • Wireless internet access available on Club Sites only. For full details go to campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/sitewifi Note: may only be available on parts of the campsite.

Milarrochy Bay Club Site, Scotland

Camp on Loch Lomond’s east shore and enjoy magnificent views and easy access to water sports, walking and nearby attractions. On Milarrochy Bay campsite, you can pitch up on the shoreline, with views out across the water and direct access to launch boats and canoes.

If boating and canoeing isn’t your thing, you can still enjoy the water by boarding one of the cruises available from the Loch Lomond Shores Visitor Centre. The West Highland Way footpath is right on the doorstep of this campsite too, making it ideal for a walking break.

Kingsbury Water Park
Central England, West Midlands
5 (42)
Enjoy water, wildlife, cycling and walking from this Midland's-based Club Site.
Key Facilities
  • The site has flushing toilet facilities.
  • Showers on site.
  • There are washbasins on site.
  • The site has dedicated accessible facilities for disabled campers, including level access shower and equipment.
  • There is a motorhome service point on site for disposal of grey waste and filling up of fresh water. Some Club Sites may also offer a stop off service for none camping members on payment of a small fee (please check with site or on dedicated web page).
  • Pets welcome on site.
  • Wireless internet access available on Club Sites only. For full details go to campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/sitewifi Note: may only be available on parts of the campsite.

Kingsbury Water Park Club Site, West Midlands

Kingsbury Water Park is adjacent to this campsite, offering a host of activities for all, both on and off the water. With 15 lakes in total, there’s plenty of water-based fun to be had. Visit the Outdoor Education Centre for abseiling, rafting, sailing and more. Alternatively, keep your feet dry with a spot of birdwatching, geocaching, walking or fishing.

With 600 acres of Country Park on your doorstep, you won’t be short of things to do when camping on Kingsbury. If you do want a few days off-site though, you’re not far from Birmingham and its many attractions.

Derwentwater
Northern England, Cumbria
5 (31)
Keswick Club Site is a two-minute walk from this site with water-based activities on Derwentwater.
Key Facilities
  • The site has flushing toilet facilities.
  • There are washbasins on site.
  • Wireless internet access available on Club Sites only. For full details go to campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/sitewifi Note: may only be available on parts of the campsite.
  • Showers on site.
  • The site has dedicated accessible facilities for disabled campers, including level access shower and equipment.
  • There is a motorhome service point on site for disposal of grey waste and filling up of fresh water. Some Club Sites may also offer a stop off service for none camping members on payment of a small fee (please check with site or on dedicated web page).
  • Pets welcome on site.

Derwentwater Club Site, Lake District

Just a two-minute walk from our Keswick campsite on the shores of Derwentwater, this site offers a quiet retreat surrounded by all of the pulls of the Lake District National Park. You’re within walking distance to all that the lakes offer including cruises, sailing, canoeing and kayaking.

Keswick, just a short walk away, is a major centre for tourism with shops, restaurants, museums and more to enjoy. When you’ve explored the water, head off on foot on the many walking paths from the campsite. Choose a lakeside stroll, a hilly meander or more of a challenge with a climb up Skiddaw.

Skye
Scotland, Isle of Skye
5 (37)
Our Club Site on the beautiful Isle of Skye.
Key Facilities
  • There is a designated dog walk on site.
  • Fishing facilities on (or near) site.
  • There is a motorhome service point on site for disposal of grey waste and filling up of fresh water. Some Club Sites may also offer a stop off service for none camping members on payment of a small fee (please check with site or on dedicated web page).
  • Pets welcome on site.
  • The site has flushing toilet facilities.
  • Showers on site.

Skye Club Site, Isle of Skye

Imagine pitching up on the shores of Loch Greshornish with highland cattle grazing nearby and daily fresh produce from the on-site shop. On our Skye campsite, you’ll be privy to exactly that as well as views across the loch to the hills beyond.

Whilst camping on Skye, a visit to Dunvegan Castle, on the Island's west coast is a must. With manicured gardens next to the sea, this is the oldest inhabited castle in Scotland. Look out for the seal spotting boat trips that operate from the castle jetty. There's no licence or charge for lake fishing in Loch Greshornish.

Horsley
South East England, Surrey
5 (25)
Horsley Club Site, near the North Downs is perfect for fishing, relaxing, walking.
Key Facilities
  • The site has flushing toilet facilities.
  • Showers on site.
  • There are washbasins on site.
  • The site has dedicated accessible facilities for disabled campers, including level access shower and equipment.
  • Pets welcome on site.
  • There is a designated dog walk on site.
  • Wireless internet access available on Club Sites only. For full details go to campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/sitewifi Note: may only be available on parts of the campsite.

Horsley Club Site, Surrey

Pitch up next to Horsley’s fishing lake and enjoy the sounds of lapping water, ready for a day of exploring all Surrey has to offer. Enjoy a picnic whilst watching the ducks go about their business while waiting to see what your fellow camper’s catch of the day is.

Nearby, the Surrey Hlls provide endless footpaths to explore. Active campers looking for a challenge can make use of the North Downs Way and the Horsley Jubilee Trail.

Inverewe Gardens Poolewe
Scotland, Highlands
5 (25)
Venture out to our most northerly Scottish campsite in the Western Highlands.
Key Facilities
  • The site has flushing toilet facilities.
  • Showers on site.
  • There are washbasins on site.
  • The site has dedicated accessible facilities for disabled campers, including level access shower and equipment.
  • Pets welcome on site.
  • Wireless internet access available on Club Sites only. For full details go to campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/sitewifi Note: may only be available on parts of the campsite.
  • Denotes a separate building that may sell groceries as well as other items. Please contact the site for details.

Inverewe Gardens Club Site, Scotland

Enjoy views across Loch Ewe when you camp on our Inverewe Gardens Club Site. This peaceful campsite is surrounded by over 2,000 acres of conservation estate so there’s plenty of space to explore. Jump on one of the daily cruises to see dolphins, explore the wartime history of the area and relax on the sandy Firemore Beach.

This campsite is great for walkers and backpackers, with dedicated facilities available. The small village of Poolewe just a short walk away.

Lakeside camping FAQs

What are some popular lakeside campsites in the UK?

Some of our most frequently booked lakeside campsites in the UK include:

Loch Ness Shores, which sits on the south shore of the loch.
Keswick, which has spectacular views of Derwentwater.
Milarrochy Bay, on the shore of Loch Lomond.
Skye, with wonderful highland views over Loch Greshornish.
Hereford which is home to The Millpond, a three and a half acre fishing lake.

Last Modified: 16 May 2023
Where are the best lakes in the UK?
With over 40,000 lakes in the UK, choosing where to explore first can be difficult. We've listed 10 of the most beautiful UK lakes to discover near our campsites.
Last Modified: 15 Apr 2024
What activities can visitors do while camping at a lakeside campsite?
Our campsites give you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Whether you’re looking for some rip-roaring outdoor adventures or a quiet break away, our campsites are the perfect places to base your lakeside camping holiday around. We’ve put together a variety of handy guides and inspirational holiday blogs in our advice hub to help you plan your break.
Last Modified: 16 May 2023
Can I bring my dog to a lakeside campsite in the UK?

Yes! All of our Club Sites welcome dogs with no extra fees. Look at campsite facilities to check which dog-friendly extras are available, like dog showers and dedicated walking areas.

Last Modified: 16 May 2023
What pitch types are available at these lakeside campsites?

You’ll find information about the pitch types available at each campsite on their information pages prior to booking. When you book, you’ll be able to select your desired pitch type if it’s available. Grass, grass with electric, hardstanding with electric, jumbo pitches for larger tents, jumbo pitches with electricity and super service pitches are some of the options available.

Last Modified: 16 May 2023
Is it possible to fish on these lakeside campsites?
Yes, view our best campsites with fishing either on-site or nearby.  
Last Modified: 16 May 2023
What amenities are typically available at lakeside campsites?
To see the full list of facilities available at your chosen campsite, ensure you check the sites page prior to booking. Toilets, showers, Wi-fi and dishwashing facilities all come as standard on our Club Sites, and additions like washing machines, parent and baby rooms, ball game areas, recreation rooms, shops, and dog washes are all features to look out for.
Last Modified: 16 May 2023
What are some tips for camping at a lakeside campsite in the UK?

To ensure you have a brilliant lakeside camping trip with us, here’s some information to look at prior to setting off:

Camping checklist
Campsite arrival guide
Advice and inspiration
UK camping policies 

Last Modified: 16 May 2023

Tips for your next lakeside camping trip

More ways to get away