If a Lake District camping adventure wasn’t already on your road trip to-do list, it will be now! This rugged region in Cumbria that also goes by the name ‘Lakeland’ is England’s largest and probably most hyped-up national park. And with good reason, as its peaks and lakes (including the highest and deepest in England) are simply spectacular. Eager to get on the road and start exploring? You might want to finish this blog first! We’ve rounded up the best Lake District campsites in this beguiling bit of British natural beauty for you to pitch up on.
Photo by James Armes on Unsplash
Castlerigg Farm, Keswick
If you’re in this Lake District camping adventure for the view, then make sure to spend significant time at Castlerigg Farm campsite. This beautiful open-all-year campsite offers panoramic views of Derwentwater, Bassenthwaite Lake and the town of Keswick, which is only a 5-minute drive away. The view truly is magnificent, with something to look at in every possible direction no matter how you park up your motorhome. Facilities include three toilet blocks with underfloor heating, washing machines and dryers, a sun terrace, a campers lounge, wifi and a takeaway truck that serves an array of food options during the summer months.
Castlerigg, Keswick CA12 4TE
54.59275101746303, -3.110692458400442
Church Stile Farm, Wasdale
Nestled away in an oak woodland setting in the heart of the Wasdale Valley, the gorgeous Church Stile Farm offers a spectacular view of the Screes mountain range. If you enjoy scoping out the country’s superlative landmarks then this is the place for you. The campsite is only a 5-minute drive from Wast Water, England’s deepest lake, which lies at the foot of Scafell Pike, England's highest peak. Many walking routes wind through this dramatic stretch of nature that is often described as being ‘New Zealand-like’. Then there’s Seascale Beach at only a 10-minute drive in western direction, and a pub, riverside café and farm shop within walking distance. What more could you wish for? Church Stile Farm has plenty of hardstanding pitches for motorhomes and campervans, but keep in mind only 30 have electrical hook-ups which need to be pre-booked.
Church Stile Farm, Seascale CA20 1ET
54.43333849391988, -3.3466633001704227
Baysbrown Farm, Great Langdale
If you love animals or enjoy submerging yourself in the rustic atmosphere that comes with being on farmland, this Lake District campsite is for you. Baysbrown Farm is a working farm that has an area set aside for campervan travellers. There are no pitches, just turn up and pick a spot you like (it's a first-come, first-serve kind of place). Be aware that the site doesn’t supply an electric hook-up and doesn’t allow large motorhomes but only welcomes smaller campervans. So if you’re travelling in the latter and don’t like your view obstructed by white 4-wheeled giants this definitely is the place for you. Baysbrown Farm allows easy access to the National Park, but keep in mind its location can be a little exposed to the elements. If the rugged, back-to-basics camping experience is for you, you’ll love that this site just has the essentials: clean showers, toilets and a washing-up area.
Great Langdale, Ambleside LA22 9JZ
54.44017569500751, -3.0576017510247997
Photo by Jonny Gios on Unsplash
Fisherground Campsite, Eskdale
If you’re looking for a family-friendly Lake District campsite, look no further than Fisherground Campsite. This camping spot, only a 5-minute stroll from the babbling river Esk, was mentioned in Independent Newspaper as being one of the top campsites for children’s enjoyment. And it delivers! A pond with rafts, an adventure park and a treehouse all add to your kids’ joy, and in turn to your peace. The Eskdale Valley catches more rays than the valleys on the northern side of Scafell Pike and is also a little less crowded than the more centrally located hotspots in the national park. The recently refurbished toilet block is airy and spacious, and there’s even a drying room for the wet boots and gear of those that aren’t shunned by a little bad weather. There’s more; Fisherground Campsite is one of few in the Lake District that allows its campers to unwind by an open fire!
Fellside Cottage, Eskdale, Holmrook CA19 1TF
54.390249706537794, -3.3053324750690547
The Quiet Site, Penrith
Once a basic camping field, now a state-of-the-art motorhome campsite; The Quiet Site knows what touring travellers look for when visiting the Lake District. Its all-weather pitches are open all year for motorhomes, and all have electric hook-ups. The owners describe the site as having an ‘Alpine-feel’, as some of the area’s most distinguished mountains make up the view in every direction. The location of this site really is something. Its position is right on the Ullswater Way — a 20-mile circular walking route all the way around Lake Ullswater. Both the iconic pyramid-shaped Helvellyn Mountain and the awe-inspiring Aira Force waterfall are only a couple minutes' drive away from the campsite. Staff at the Quiet Site pride themselves on their customer service, ensuring guests have everything they could possibly need for a memorable camping experience. We haven’t even mentioned the on-site wood-fired pizza oven and crêpe takeaway yet…
Ullswater, Penrith CA11 0LS
54.6085854055732, -2.8836902226253485
Photo by Matthew Waring on Unsplash
Hill of Oaks, Windermere
With exclusive access to a private mile of Lake Windermere’s shoreline, Hill of Oaks is a Lake District motorhome campsite not to be missed. Opportunities to enjoy the lake are ample, as 5 jetties and multiple slipways for boat, canoe and paddleboard launching provide easy access. The motorhome campsite is tucked away in ancient woodlands with rich biodiversity, and there’s an abundance of forest tracks to explore and ramble down. The site offers hard-standing pitches for motorhome travellers. All include an electrical hook-up, fresh-water, grey-waste drainage and access to a dedicated facility area. Hill of Oaks is much loved by returning guests and can often be fully booked, so make sure to reserve a spot if you don’t want to miss out on this Lake District camping gem.
A592 Windermere, Lake Road, Ulverston LA12 8NR
54.30234622876971, -2.9468231954196864
In need of a vehicle to create those camping memories on one or more of these favourite Lake District campsites? Check out our motorhomes available for hire in the UK to get you out there. Once the campervan is packed and the gear stacked for your Lakeland adventure, this Lake District road trip itinerary will guide you right into the heart of Britain’s beloved national park.
