Lake Camping: Best Lakeside Campsites in the UK

Looking for lake camping in the United Kingdom? You’ll find over 880 campsites where you can pitch up by still water, paddle out for a swim, or catch the sunrise through the mist. Lakeside spots here aren’t just for the view—campers come for wild swimming, wildlife-watching, and even a bit of horseback-riding along the shore. Most sites offer toilets, showers, and let you enjoy a campfire at the end of the day. You don’t need to spend a fortune, either—some pitches start from as little as £10 a night, with average stays around £75. Favourites like Henbant Permaculture Farm + Camp (172 reviews), Radcot Leisure on Thames (97 reviews), and Whitlingham Broad Campsite (52 reviews) come up again and again in camper recommendations. Pack your swimmers and binoculars—there’s a lakeside pitch waiting for you.

95% (1.2K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Looking for lake camping in the United Kingdom? You’ll find over 880 campsites where you can pitch up by still water, paddle out for a swim, or catch the sunrise through the mist. Lakeside spots here aren’t just for the view—campers come for wild swimming, wildlife-watching, and even a bit of horseback-riding along the shore. Most sites offer toilets, showers, and let you enjoy a campfire at the end of the day. You don’t need to spend a fortune, either—some pitches start from as little as £10 a night, with average stays around £75. Favourites like Henbant Permaculture Farm + Camp (172 reviews), Radcot Leisure on Thames (97 reviews), and Whitlingham Broad Campsite (52 reviews) come up again and again in camper recommendations. Pack your swimmers and binoculars—there’s a lakeside pitch waiting for you.

95% (1.2K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe

95%

(147)

14 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Warwickshire, England

Think Countryfile meets Time Team. Camping in six-acres of unspoiled Cotswold countryside, built in the grounds of a Norman castle.

2. Torrent Walk Campsite and Bunkhouse

91%

(140)

78 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Dolgellau, Gwynedd, North Wales

Campfires, mountain views and ample grassy space in the heart of Snowdonia National Park

3. The Nut Plat Retreat

93%

(71)

3 units · Glamping · Kent, South East England

Antique living wagons on the banks of the River Bourne, with a charming orchard setting, a pub down the lane and a history unlike anywhere else

4. Langley Dam Glamping

5 units · Glamping · England

Nestled in the Tyne Valley, on our beef and sheep farm, at the edge of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Langley Dam Glamping provides high quality, en-suite accommodation in our unique glamping cabins. The six ‘Langley Longboat’ cabins are positioned on the bank of Langley Dam Reservoir, providing exceptional views over the 14 acres of water and towards Whitfield moor. Langley Dam itself is a commercial fly fishery and Troutmaster water. Visitors are welcome, and encouraged, to enjoy the fishing experience that the water provides (charges do apply, but residents have discounted fishing fees). We also have rowing boats that can be hired for fishing purposes. We have created some fantastic 3D showcases of the inside of the cabins. You can use these to get a better feel of how the cabins are laid out. We have created 3 showcases to reflect the 3 types of cabins we have. Humbleton is unique, then The Wonneys which is the same layout as The Rushy Lot, and Wheatleys which is the same as Blackcleugh and Bare Bones.

5. Henbant Permaculture Farm + Camp

94%

(413)

12 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Caernarfon, Gwynedd, North Wales

A small, sustainable farm site with epic sea views, set in the foothills of Snowdonia.

6. Radcot Leisure on Thames

89%

(305)

50 units · Tents, Glamping · Oxfordshire, South East England

A Thames’ island campsite in the Oxfordshire countryside – with a lovely pub just over the bridge

7. Castle Howard Lakeside Holiday Park

94%

(27)

88 units · Tents, Motorhomes · England

Located in North Yorkshire on the Castle Howard Estate, Castle Howard Lakeside Holiday Park is just across The Great Lake from Castle Howard itself. A selection of hardstanding and grass pitches, with and without electric hook up. Pet friendly, open all year. On-site shop. The perfect base to visit Castle Howard and explore the surrounding area.

8. The Enchanted Wilderness

93%

(43)

6 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Yelverton, England

Simple riverside camping pitches in the Tamar Valley on the edge of Dartmoor

9. The Secret Garden

100%

(5)

3 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Newquay, Cornwall

2 sites to stay ruby rose for chalet or jasmine pitch for van This secret garden's is surrounded by the fields and tall hedges, a magical place, it’s in a world of its own and will certainly make those memories. * Private spacious camping in a very peaceful and beautiful space just for you and your favorites ! either with chalet on its own, van, tents or both :) chalet with double bed, single bed, bathroom, shower, tv mini kitchen, plates, kettle, cutlery, pots & pans, outside washing up area Chill in your massive jacuzzi with a your favourite drink and best tunes 🎶 (add on for Jasmine) * Picnic bench, garden, hot shower, flushing toilet, firepit (add on for Jasmine) * A very special gated garden to spend time out with your favourite people. Family friendly You may spot wild pheasants, chickens, indian runner ducks, our super friendly Bengal Cats! if you like them!😻 Your own furry friends are welcome as it is a gated secure garden. Enjoy the fire pit (wood and firelighters can be brought in advance) or bring your own :) Your car/van can park right outside the gate to your secret garden. (jasmine is another pitch) Lovely walk down the bottom of our lane to river gannel, bring your own paddle boards, kayaks, yourself for a swim :) From the river gannel if you walk from your garden it will take you to crantock beach and quant village, including the 2 local pubs worth a visit if your into our local history. Trenance 15 minute walk 0r 3 minute drive (walk the country back lane here to Trenance via river gannel for a beautiful nature walk) *Horse riding along the river gannel at Trenance riding stables *Trenance Boating lake, Tea rooms, rose gardens and Boat hire *Trenance Play park for the kids 5 mins walk to esso/budgens for essentials 24 hour 5 Mins car ride to the quant Crantock Village beach, or long walk to the beach. Tearooms, the outstanding C-bay day spa for an extra special day out. 1.2 miles into town, 10 min car ride to Newquay town centre to visit our beautiful Cornish beaches, harbour (fishing trips) golf course, chip shops, deliveroo do deliver here :) Lifts i can do for £10 back from town before 12am if your stuck :) Bus direct into Newquay town Center or any other part of Cornwall 4 minute walk down the lane :)

10. Woodman's Huts

99%

(58)

3 units · Glamping · Cumbria, North West England

Beautiful handmade shepherd's huts in the heart of the picturesque South Lakes

11. Eden's Nook

100%

(38)

6 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Welshpool, Wales

The most welcoming camping park in the heart of the Welsh Countryside. Forest View is situated 9 miles from the Town of Llanfyllin and 3 miles from Lake Vyrnwy. We are nestled next to the Dyfnant Forest and offer superb views and access to the Welsh countryside Eden's Kitchen Serves Breakfast 8am to 11am

12. North Norfolk Camping & Glamping

89%

(14)

15 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Sheringham, England

🌲 North Norfolk Camping & Glamping Holt Hollow - Lakeside Forest Retreat North Norfolk Camping & Glamping, known as Holt Hollow, provides a rare, tranquil, and back-to-nature escape in the heart of the Norfolk countryside. Nestled in a wooded area on the outskirts of the AONB, the site's most distinctive feature is its beautiful natural lake and surrounding peaceful woodlands, ideal for walks and wildlife spotting. 🔥 Back-to-Basics & Off-Grid Ethos The site strongly emphasizes its back-to-basics philosophy: Off-Grid Living: Holt Hollow operates off-grid with limited to no phone coverage, promoting full disconnection from technology. Glamping units (Shepherd's Huts/Bell Tents) utilize gas-powered showers and solar lighting, with log burners for heat. Campfires: Campfires and BBQs are encouraged and allowed. Glamping units include private fire pits/braziers for evening gatherings under the clear, dark Norfolk skies, which are excellent for stargazing. Core Facilities: Essential amenities are kept clean and functional, including shared shower/toilet blocks and fresh drinking water stations. 🐾 Dog-Friendly Woodland & Accommodation The campsite is proudly dog-friendly, welcoming companions on all pitches (tents, campervans, caravans) and in most glamping units. The open meadows and surrounding woodlands provide ample space for walks, and the lake allows for safe paddling. Some pitches even allow dogs to be off-lead. 🗺️ Local Area: Holt Village and the Coast The site’s rural location is conveniently close to key North Norfolk highlights: Holt Village: The charming Georgian market town of Holt is just a short 5-minute drive away (or a longer walk). It is perfect for exploring independent shops, cafes, and art galleries, and for accessing local gems like Holt Country Park. The Coast: The stunning North Norfolk Coast (part of the AONB) is only a short drive (approx. 20 minutes) away, providing access to: Blakeney Point (famous for seal watching boat trips). Wells-next-the-Sea and Holkham Bay (vast sandy beaches). Coastal walks along the Norfolk Coast Path. North Norfolk Camping & Glamping offers an authentic outdoor adventure, blending rustic living with the comfort of having the best of the Norfolk coast and countryside within easy reach.

13. Glastonbury Wild Glamping

100%

(7)

2 units · Glamping · England

Yurt stays with wild swimming and views of Glastonbury Tor

14. Purple Badger Camping&Fishing Lakes

97%

(66)

12 units · Tents, Glamping · Beeby, England

Glamping and campfire-friendly camping by a pair of fishing lakes in the Leicestershire countryside

15. Culdees Castle Estate Glamping

88%

(25)

5 units · Glamping · Perthshire , Scotland

Luxury woodland cabins, each with a private hot tub, in the grounds of a Scottish castle

16. Cornish Tipi Holidays & Camping

97%

(147)

168 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Cornwall, South West England

Wake up to the sound of birdsong, go swimming before breakfast in the clear water of a secluded lake. Cook your bacon and eggs over an open fire while you plan your day, or just laze it away in the peace and quiet of your own personal tipi. You can always go fishing tomorrow, and walk along the cliffs the day after that… The site is a unique woodland valley folded around a clear, spring-fed lake created from the old Tregildrans Quarry. Our tipis and tent pitches are dotted about this secret 20 acres full of ferns, bluebells, oak and meadowsweet. Left in peace for many years there's been no modern chemicals or poisons on the land, meaning we've got bluebells, dormice, Red Admirals and shy woodland Jays for you to spot. It’s a place set apart from the rush and clutter of the modern holiday experience, with an atmosphere that makes you forget the world outside, and just lounge, ramble, or potter about in a boat. We're committed to giving you a genuinely individual service from first contact to your time staying with us. We established CTH in 1996. This was the first and we believe still is the best tipi holiday site in the UK. We know our area inside out and can always help with local knowledge or contacts if you need them. We want to offer our guests a sustainable holiday. A return to real camping means the lowest possible impact on the land and environment - our tipi poles don’t even break the surface of the earth. Your footprint while here could only be bettered by a survival expert. You don't have to fly! a major bonus, and we source all our wood, fish and canvas locally and work with local people wherever possible.

17. Camping at Cardewlees

99%

(47)

37 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Carlisle, England

A welcoming, family-run farm campsite between the Lake District and Hadrian's Wall

18. Pleasant Streams Farm Camping

91%

(70)

67 units · Tents, Glamping · St Austell, England

Lakeside camping with streams, rope swings and farmyard animals in rural Cornwall

19. Whitlingham Broad Campsite

98%

(164)

72 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Norfolk, East Anglia

Laid-back camping and glamping a stone's throw from Norwich and at the gateway to the Norfolk Broads

20. Glamp or Camp at Magical Mena Farm

100%

(63)

16 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Bodmin, Cornwall, South West England

Easily accessed camping on a 15-acre farm, with family facilities and a vast amount of wild space to explore

Camper favorites in United Kingdom

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Glastonbury Wild Glamping

100%

(7)

2 units · Glamping · England

Yurt stays with wild swimming and views of Glastonbury Tor

Purple Badger Camping&Fishing Lakes

97%

(66)

12 units · Tents, Glamping · Beeby, England

Glamping and campfire-friendly camping by a pair of fishing lakes in the Leicestershire countryside

Culdees Castle Estate Glamping

88%

(25)

5 units · Glamping · Perthshire , Scotland

Luxury woodland cabins, each with a private hot tub, in the grounds of a Scottish castle

Cornish Tipi Holidays & Camping

97%

(147)

168 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Cornwall, South West England

Wake up to the sound of birdsong, go swimming before breakfast in the clear water of a secluded lake. Cook your bacon and eggs over an open fire while you plan your day, or just laze it away in the peace and quiet of your own personal tipi. You can always go fishing tomorrow, and walk along the cliffs the day after that… The site is a unique woodland valley folded around a clear, spring-fed lake created from the old Tregildrans Quarry. Our tipis and tent pitches are dotted about this secret 20 acres full of ferns, bluebells, oak and meadowsweet. Left in peace for many years there's been no modern chemicals or poisons on the land, meaning we've got bluebells, dormice, Red Admirals and shy woodland Jays for you to spot. It’s a place set apart from the rush and clutter of the modern holiday experience, with an atmosphere that makes you forget the world outside, and just lounge, ramble, or potter about in a boat. We're committed to giving you a genuinely individual service from first contact to your time staying with us. We established CTH in 1996. This was the first and we believe still is the best tipi holiday site in the UK. We know our area inside out and can always help with local knowledge or contacts if you need them. We want to offer our guests a sustainable holiday. A return to real camping means the lowest possible impact on the land and environment - our tipi poles don’t even break the surface of the earth. Your footprint while here could only be bettered by a survival expert. You don't have to fly! a major bonus, and we source all our wood, fish and canvas locally and work with local people wherever possible.

Camping at Cardewlees

99%

(47)

37 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Carlisle, England

A welcoming, family-run farm campsite between the Lake District and Hadrian's Wall

Pleasant Streams Farm Camping

91%

(70)

67 units · Tents, Glamping · St Austell, England

Lakeside camping with streams, rope swings and farmyard animals in rural Cornwall

Whitlingham Broad Campsite

98%

(164)

72 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Norfolk, East Anglia

Laid-back camping and glamping a stone's throw from Norwich and at the gateway to the Norfolk Broads

Glamp or Camp at Magical Mena Farm

100%

(63)

16 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Bodmin, Cornwall, South West England

Easily accessed camping on a 15-acre farm, with family facilities and a vast amount of wild space to explore

Stories from the community

D

David

3 weeks ago

3 nights at The Nut Plat Retreat

Such a beautiful spot, we took Ransoms for 3 nights. Everything we needed was ready for us, nice kitchen and a lovely hot tub. The host is very friendly and helpful. Don’t miss out on The Kentish Rifleman’s Pie and a Pint on Tuesdays and walks through Plaxtol, Igtham moat, and the green fields.

R

Richard

October 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Eden's Nook

Second visit. It will not be my last visit. Great welcome

V

Virginia

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Camping at Cardewlees

Lovely location, beautiful views. Comfortable pod and great with enclosed garden for the dog. Good facilities too.

D

Duco

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Purple Badger Camping&Fishing Lakes

Nice pitches at a pretty little campsite in a surprisingly beautiful environment. And the coffee cart is nice.

p

peter

September 2025

6 m Class A

Weekend Trip to Castle Howard Lakeside Holiday Park

Location was lovely. Had a really peaceful break with plenty of room for privacy . Lovely local walks & watching the sunset over the lake was amazing.

C

Chris

September 2025

5 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Henbant Permaculture Farm + Camp

A magical place - even in the torrential rain that persisted while we were there.

M

Macky

September 2025

5 m car

2 nights at Henbant Permaculture Farm + Camp

Nice place, nice spot, beautiful location. Recommended.

M

Matt

August 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Nut Plat Retreat

Excellent weekend stay. Fantastic location for stunning walks around the area. Vineyards, pubs etc all within walking distance.

A

Alicja

August 2025

2 nights at The Nut Plat Retreat

The Nut Plat retreat is great. We had a lovely time at the Bomford. Perfect relaxing break. Duncan is very nice and helpful. Bed is comfortable, shower is hot, there is everything you need. The Rifleman pub is a stones throw from the nuthatch, but unfortunately it was fully booked on Thursday, so it is worth to book a table in advance . Wood fired hot tub is a nice touch. Just have to be patient with it. Follow Duncan's instructions and you will get it very hot in less than two hours. Fire pit and all the trees around are lush. Even though you have neighbours around 100 meters away, it feels very private. Would definitely go back.

C

Charlotte

August 2025

Tent

1 night at The Enchanted Wilderness

Lovely site, great amenities that were also eco friendly, river is right there for a swim or kayak and the morning views were beautiful. We were the only campers so it was super quiet but Jonathan was close by if we had any issues. Would have loved to have stayed longer!

L

Liam

August 2025

4 m Class B

With kids

1 night at Henbant Permaculture Farm + Camp

loved the woodland sauna, the farm shop ( great fennel!) and the atmosphere - and the setting was fantastic with view of the sea in the distance - will come again !

Railway 2 - Wild Camping - Private Pitch

A

Alejandra

August 2025

Tent

With kids

4 nights at Cornish Tipi Holidays & Camping

My family and I loved the campsite. We were 10 people: 7 adults and 3 5-year-old children. We chose one of the private sites and brought 4 tents. The site was large and private. We enjoyed 3 nights there and plan to return sometime soon. We cooked over a lovely campfire, which the kids loved. They also went canoeing one morning, completing a fascinating trip.

C

Chris

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Castle Howard Lakeside Holiday Park

Beautiful place unreal setting and the night sky was unreal with a added bonus of half price tickets for 2 people around the 1000 acre castle Howard

M

Marie-clare

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Radcot Leisure on Thames

Great spot with great walks next to the river! We had a great time and would definitely go back! The pub was also great and allowed us to meet more of the other campers! They also rent out paddle boards and kayaks for trips up the river. However some improvements could be done to the facilities on the camp site. The sink for washing dishes is very low and only has cold water, the sink could also do with a clean. The showers also are quite tight, only have one temperature and make it impossible to not get your hair wet.

S

Susan

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Whitlingham Broad Campsite

Brilliant place to camp. Couldn’t fault it. It was great being able to hire a fire pit to sit around in the evenings.

S

Sally

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Whitlingham Broad Campsite

This has got to be one of the best campsites ever. The facilities are incredible, surrounded by trees, walkable distance to a brewery, cafe and broad and never too busy even when fully booked. I'm actually hesitant to write this review as I want to keep the secret to myself!

A

Ally

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Camping at Cardewlees

Just returning from our first visit to Cardewlees and we could not of asked for a better stay. Cardewlees is an absolute little gem of a campsite and Johnny could not have been a better host if he tried. Toilet and showering facilities were more than adequate and the water was always nice and warm. Thank you for a perfect stay and we look forward to coming back soon. Ally and Lee x

E

Eleanor

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Camping at Cardewlees

A simple but friendly camping experience. A very attentive host!

Wild Camping - Communal Meadow Tent Pitch

N

Nick

August 2025

Tent

With kids

4 nights at Cornish Tipi Holidays & Camping

An interesting and wonderful spot that is a superb location for cornwall adventures and an incredible campsite with the lake and restaurant! They need to sort out the hot water and when they do it will be 5/5!

K

Kate

August 2025

6 m Class B

1 night at Henbant Permaculture Farm + Camp

Great views of Eryri (Snowdonia) and across to Holyhead mountain. Great that you can have fires, although I didn't on my one night stay. The bonus of being able to book the sauna was fab! I was on one of the few campervan pitches and it was very spacious.