The Lake District has earned its name as a true playground for outdoor lovers, and honestly, it is no surprise that this National Park is packed with incredible campsites waiting to be explored 🌄
From towering fells and magical woodlands to hidden waterfalls, charming villages, and shimmering tarns, the natural beauty here hits different and stays with you long after you leave.
But with so many campsite options across the massive 2,362 km² National Park, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming, especially if it is your first time visiting.
You might be wondering, where should I stay? What adventures can I dive into? And how do I make the most of this epic landscape?
Do not stress, we have got you covered.
With solid local know-how and real love for the area, we handpicked five of the absolute best campsites in the Lake District that you will genuinely be excited about as you read on.
Each one sits close to some of our favorite spots in all of Lakeland, comes highly rated, offers fair prices, and puts you right in the heart of nonstop outdoor action, so you will never run out of things to explore 🔥
Best Campsites In The Lake District
Before we dive in, quick heads up, we are not saying we have explored every single campsite in the Lake District because honestly, there are way too many to count.
This list is based on our own personal experience, me and my partner, two proud Lake District lovers who know this place inside out and keep coming back for more 🌄
If you believe there is a hidden gem that deserves a spot here, reach out and tell us, we are always down to check out new places and add them to our adventure list.
Every campsite we mention is family friendly, calm, and perfect for a proper night’s rest so you wake up recharged and ready to take on the day.
These are not party campsites, so if that is the vibe you are chasing, this list will not be the right fit for you.
Syke Farm Campsite
Tucked just southwest of Keswick in the Lake District, right between the stunning waters of Buttermere and Crummock Water, the charming little village of Buttermere is the ultimate escape for anyone craving peace, quiet, and a real connection with nature 🌿
Right in the heart of Buttermere, you’ll find Syke Farm – a rustic campsite that keeps things simple, letting you soak in some of the most breathtaking Lakeland scenery you’ve ever seen 🌿
The no-frills vibe here is a breath of fresh air: no electric hook-ups, just a peaceful plot with basic toilets, showers, and a small shelter. Perfect for disconnecting.
When you arrive, grab your camping ticket from the café across the road – and trust me, treat yourself to one of their homemade ice creams! Then head to the campsite, tucked just beyond the local National Trust carpark.
The magic really starts at sunset. As night falls, the village slows down, leaving only the gentle sounds of wildlife and the river flowing right beside the campsite.
For daytime adventures, Buttermere Lake and Crummock Water are just a short stroll away, offering stunning spots for walking and soaking up nature’s beauty.
If you’re after something more challenging, the area is surrounded by iconic fells just waiting to be conquered, and for the truly adventurous, the hidden Buttermere Infinity Pool is not far from camp 🏞️
No matter what activities you choose, you’ll love the peaceful seclusion tucked between the towering fells.
It’s such a dreamlike spot that by the end of your stay, leaving might feel impossible!
Low Wray Campsite
Ranked among the top campsites on Windermere, the Lake District’s most famous lake, this spot is hard to beat for location and vibes 🌊
With easy access for wild swimming, a stunning castle, and a charming shingle beach, camping here almost feels like stepping onto the set of a medieval fantasy adventure!
Fun fact – although the towering castle looks straight out of the medieval era, it’s actually a Victorian neo-gothic gem built in 1840. Still, there’s no denying that camping right beside it is seriously epic 🏰
Whether you pitch in the woodlands or right by the lake, few things beat waking up on a breezy summer morning, zipping open your tent, and diving straight into the water as the sun rises.
Low Wray also welcomes campervans, and for a touch of luxury, their camping pods or Berber-style tents offer a cozy glamping experience.
With scenic walking and cycling routes starting right at the campsite, you can easily explore the surrounding landscape without ever needing your car.
For water lovers, canoe, kayak, and paddleboard hire is available from April to October, letting you get close to the beauty of Lake Windermere.
If you fancy a short trip, Hawkshead is just a ten-minute drive, and the town of Windermere is around twenty minutes away.
Wild swimming enthusiasts will be spoiled for choice, with plenty of incredible spots to dive into during your visit.
Hoathwaite National Trust Campsite
Update: Sadly, this campsite is now closed, and it’s unclear if it will reopen. Fingers crossed it welcomes campers again in 2024 🤞
About seven miles east of Low Wray Campsite, you’ll find Hoathwaite National Trust Campsite – a peaceful, charming spot overlooking the stunning western shore of Coniston Water 🌊
Fun fact – stretching five miles long and reaching depths of up to 184 feet, Coniston Water is the National Park’s third largest lake by volume and fifth largest by area.
Another back-to-basics campsite, Hoathwaite keeps things simple with just showers and toilets, making it ideal for anyone craving a true outdoors escape 🌿
It’s not for everyone, but the remote, stripped-back vibe is perfect for unplugging and leaving the modern world behind.
Coniston Water is a brilliant playground for adventure, offering amazing wild swimming, water sports, scenic walks, and charming villages to explore 🌊
For a touch of classic style, hop on the Victorian steam boat, the renovated Steam Yacht Gondola, which sails from March to November and gives breathtaking views – guaranteed to be a hit with the kids!
For more walking inspiration, check out our post on the “6 BEST Walks In Coniston.”
Notice: One thing to be aware of – a road runs through the campsite, which can be a bit annoying if your pitch is too close. It might also be a safety concern for children, so try to grab a spot further from the road if you can.
Rydal Hall Campsite
Outdoor lovers will struggle to find a better spot than the historic Rydal Hall for camping 🌿
Nestled near the Fairfield Horseshoe and Nabscar, and just a short walk from the famous Rydal Water, the Rydal Hall Estate spreads across 30 acres of forests, meadows, and stunning natural scenery.
A great perk here is the three-metre pitching rule, so you’ll never feel cramped while setting up your tent.
If roughing it isn’t your thing, glamping and BnB options are also available for a cozier stay.
The must-do activity here is hiking around Rydal Water, exploring Rydal Cave, and catching the beauty of Rydal Waterfall.
If you fancy exploring further, Rydal Hall is within walking distance of both Ambleside and the charming village of Grasmere 🌸
Grasmere is a personal favorite – its fairy-tale charm is unmatched, and of course, you can’t miss trying its world-famous gingerbread!
With towering fells all around, hikers are completely spoiled for choice, surrounded by some of the most stunning terrain in the Lake District 🏞️
And don’t just take my word for it – legendary poet William Wordsworth, a true walking enthusiast, once called Rydal Water “the loveliest spot that man hath ever found.”
After experiencing it yourself, you’ll likely find it hard to argue!
Wasdale Campsite
Last but definitely not least, we have the campsite at the base of Scafell Pike, the Lake District’s most legendary peak 🏔️
Rising to 978 metres, Scafell Pike is England’s tallest mountain, drawing over 250,000 eager hikers every year aiming to tick it off their bucket list.
Owned by the National Trust, this campsite sits in the jaw-dropping Wasdale Valley – home to England’s deepest lake, highest mountain, and even its tiniest church!
With countless trails leading up Scafell Pike, the campsite is just a short stroll from Wasdale Head Car Park, the starting point for one of the peak’s most popular routes.
Set on a scenic, secluded plot surrounded by classic craggy Lakeland countryside, pitching here truly feels like you’re in the heart of the National Park.
To keep the atmosphere peaceful, the National Trust limits groups to a maximum of four adults, whether booked together or separately.
For hill walking enthusiasts, the site is perfectly positioned near iconic fells such as Great Gable, Kirk Fell, Bowfell, and Red Pike.
While you’re here, don’t miss the awe-inspiring views of Wastwater Lake, famously crowned Britain’s favourite vista 🌊
Beyond camping, Wasdale offers eight heated camping pods, three tipis, and a bell tent, giving plenty of options for all types of visitors.
Where is the best place to camp in the Lake District?
With five epic camping spots lined up, I’m confident you’ll find one that sparks your sense of adventure 🌟
We don’t earn any commission from these campsites, but if you do stay at one, it would mean a lot if you let the owners know you discovered them through us.
We’re always working to grow our little blog, and your support makes all the difference – thanks a ton!
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