Camping in Helvellyn

Discover and reserve the best camping, glamping, caravan parks, and more.

96% (641 reviews)

United Kingdom
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England
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Helvellyn

96% (641 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Helvellyn

Community favorites in and near Helvellyn

Stories from the community

Tommy

2 days ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Old Chapel Campsite

We traveled just over an hour to get there and it was mine and my girlfriends first camp out we had done and it was great, really friendly owner and great site.

1 night at King Garth

This is a very special place. A chance to step back in time and live simply - supper by candlelight, games played beside a roaring fire, dips in the river. We visited when the elder was full in blossom and the willows whispered full-leafed in the wind. Walking along the river edge was like exploring the mangroves in tropical rainforest - a magical experience for kids, dogs and adults alike! We feel like we've just slipped back into history, sat in the window watching the river, we half expected to see boats carrying cargo past to Carlisle... Go prepared to step back in time and live simply. Everything you need is provided - candles, wood, crockery - there is a woodfired tub that you can heat yourselves, a beautifully simple kitchen set up with a water system that is carefully thought out, and a compost loo.

Weekend Trip to Puddlemire

We had a great time, second visit and will definitely come again!

Weekend Trip to Puddlemire

Our second time camping here and was brilliant again. 4 small children, lovely walk to the pub, paddles in the stream. All great. Shirley is an excellent host too.

Weekend Trip to Howdy Glamping

From first meeting Andri and Tom I knew it was going to be a lovely place. They couldn't be more helpful, nothing was any bother. Beautiful surroundings and so peaceful. I'm definitely going back and I met other people who are regulars to Andri and Tom. I would HIGHLY recomend staying there.. Thank you Andri and Tom x

5 nights at Moss Rose Campsite

Beautiful setting. Really friendly host. Absolutely loved the extra touches like being able to use a fridge-freezer and the snack and honesty box (I hope my girls put enough money in!) such a shame we had to leave early but the weather was just too awful but we will definitely be back another time.

Lisa

2 weeks ago

3 nights at The Damson Shepherd's Hut

What a delightful little find. Absolutely lovely little hut in total isolation. Everything you need to get away from it all. Perfect evening sitting outside by the fire listening to the countryside. But equally great tucked up inside with the log burner on listening to the pouring rain.

Weekend Trip to The Old Chapel Campsite

We had a brilliant few days camping at Ted’s farm. Ted was very welcoming, helpful and even let us feed the little lambs! The views of the hills from the campsite and stars at night were beautiful. It was a wonderfully peaceful and quiet place, but still close enough to neighbouring villages for food/drinks. Couldn’t recommend this spot more!

Charles

3 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to The Damson Shepherd's Hut

Cosy hut in a perfect location, I would highly recommend.

Weekend Trip to The Old Chapel Campsite

Ideal spot for a base for walks in the area. A working farm with ducks and sheep wondering around the camp field. The owner “Ted” is a lovely guy and can’t do enough, definitely stay again!

Weekend Trip to The Old Chapel Campsite

Camping ground was easy to find. Beautiful views graced us in the morning. And some very cute lambs!

Weekend Trip to The Old Chapel Campsite

A Little Slice of Peace – Highly Recommend! Stayed here for just one night and it was exactly what I needed. The owner, Ted, was incredibly friendly and made me feel instantly welcome—like visiting an old friend. The landscape is absolutely beautiful, with animals roaming freely and adding to the peaceful, natural vibe. It’s the kind of place that slows you down in the best way. I only wish I’d stayed longer! Can’t wait to come back Ted!! Sarah x

Weekend Trip to Baystone Bank Farm Campsite

The site was a wonderful surprise; everyone was so friendly & helpful! We’ll definitely be going for a return visit ❤️💕

1 night at Howdy Glamping

Close to the A66 & M6 by Penrith, so good place to be based for exploring the area. Site clean and tidy, super laid back, a bit rustic and quirky... in a nice way. Friendly people and dog! Free use of on site fridge/freezer and kettles, toilets and shower clean. Nice out door seating area/s with fire pits/bbq's. Glamping pods/tents and caravans looked interesting...! We stayed in my campervan..

2 nights at Howbeck Lodge

Lovely spot in the farmland, close to the lakes district. Good hot showers and clean toilets. Would recommend.

John

May 2025

Weekend Trip to The Damson Shepherd's Hut

Beautiful little hut, on an incredibly picturesque plot of land. We had everything we needed (including the weather) to make for a great couple of days. Jo was amazing. Thank you

Weekend Trip to The Old Chapel Campsite

The campsite is situated on a beautiful little piece of land off the side of Ted’s house. The campsite is enclosed by a stone brick wall and had access via a gate. There are geese, sheep, lambs, ducks and a turkey that roam around the site - all are very friendly and Ted very kindly let us bottle feed the lambs! There is a porter loo for campers to use, it was fully supplied with toilet roll, soap, running water and hand tissues. Ted has fresh hen and duck eggs for sale on the land. We brought a raised pit fire with us, but Ted also has them available to rent for your whole stay along with bags of firewood. Ted was very kind and made us feel very welcome. We’d definitely return! The only issue we ran into was a nearby camping group playing music throughout their stay and loudly into the night - we messaged Ted and he kindly popped out to ask them to turn it down.

Weekend Trip to Puddlemire

Beautiful place amazing hosts can't do enough we had a beautiful night there and will look forward to returning for a 2 night stay next time we didn't want to leave, the relaxing break was what we needed

Weekend Trip to Camping at Cardewlees

Great natural site with lovely views and sheep and cattle to keep you company (on other side of fence). Quiet and easy to walk into village. Helpful host and facilities as described. Definitely return.

3 nights at Moss Side Farm Campsite

Quiet, relaxed, easy feel, part of a working farm (in which you often get curiously and delightfully visited by various pairs of animals from a couple of old rams, a pair of goats, ducks and sheep dogs!), fires permitted, no children, stunning views, perfectly good enough facilities and great walks on the quieter (but no less beautiful) side of the Lakes! Highly recommended. Louise, the owner, is salt of the earth too. ❤️😁🙏

Top camping destinations

12 top campsites in Helvellyn

100%

(11)

Howdy Glamping

10 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents14 acres · Penrith, Cumbria, North West England

Sociable, eco-friendly glamping in the woods, 10 minutes' drive from the Lake District.

99%

(72)

The Old Chapel Campsite

30 units · Tents1 acre · Murton, England

Nearly wild camping in the North Pennines

97%

(164)

Kestrel Lodge Campsite

11 units · Tents4 acres · Keswick, Cumbria, North West England

A family-friendly Lake District campsite, nestled between the quiet shores of Bassenthwaite Lake and the beautiful Cumbrian fells

Wanderlusts Gypsy Caravans

3 units · Glamping4 acres · Melmerby, England

Travelling from site to site in a bow-top gypsy caravan, through Cumbria's stunning scenery

95%

(55)

Stanley Villa Farm Fishing& Camping

36 units · Glamping30 acres · Preston, Lancashire, North West England

Lakeside rural tranquility and the 'kiss-me-quick' fun of the seaside – you can have the best of both worlds at Stanley Villa Farm's cute camping pods

97%

(33)

Puddlemire

22 units · Glamping, Tents5 acres · Kirkby Lonsdale, England

Camping in countryside between the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales

96%

(137)

Baystone Bank Farm Campsite

47 units · Motorhomes, Tents1 acre · Millom, England

Lake District camping on a working farm with a stream to splash in, campfires encouraged and a horse-riding centre on the doorstep

94%

(63)

Social District

30 units · Tents55 acres · Grizedale, Cumbria, North West England

Lake District camping on the banks of Lake Windermere, with direct access to the water.

99%

(39)

Camping at Cardewlees

37 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents1 acre · Carlisle, England

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

97%

(39)

Hazel Mount Fellside

5 units · Tents5 acres · Eskdale, Cumbria, North West England

Nearly wild camping on the western edge of the Lake District overlooking the Duddon Estuary

99%

(40)

Moss Rose Campsite

28 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents8 acres · Pilling, Preston, England

We have a family friendly Quiet campsite in the heart of Lancashire on our family run farm. Our site is situated in a species rich meadow field with large mown Pitches surrounded by wild flowers and meandering pathways linking the site together. We are surrounded by a young trees & woodland with the back drop of the Pennines. We offer both glamping and traditional non EHU camping on our site, with lovely hot showers, clean toilet facilities, fresh water point, pot wash area, phone charger lockers, communal freezers, elsan disposal point, microwave, coffee/hot chocolate machine, and our little honesty shack with all little camping essentials to might need whilst staying with us. We also hire out picnic benches and fire pits to help enhance your camping experience. We have a lovely little woodland walk, with a meandering mown path, that winds through our woodland/conservation area. Perfect to walk your dog, and let your kids explore. Adjoining the campsite, we have a padock with super frindly sheep that love to say hello. We sell little bags of sheep feed, just incase you'd like to give them a little treat. In the middle of the site, we have a little tots play area, perfect for keeping you're small kids entertained. We are a Quiet family site, with a Reduced Noise policy from 9 pm, and Quiet Time from 10 pm to 8.30 am. Our site has close links to the A6 and m6 J33. We are only 13 miles from the Historic city of Lancaster, the Bright lights of Blackpool and the jubilee city of Preston. 4 miles from the first fair trade market town of Garstang and 45 mins into the Lake District. There is also lots of interesting activities to do locally.

93%

(7)

The Farmer's Field at Lowick Green

10 units · Motorhomes, Tents2 acres · England

Set amidst 6 acres of land around our community pub, our dog and family-friendly camping area is sustainably managed for biodiversity and surrounded by hedgerows. Well away from surrounding roads, and just a short, level walk from our carpark, you will enjoy stunning views up the Crake Valley towards the fells. Enjoy a simple, no frills stay within a few minutes stroll of our historic pub, with its 16th century bar serving local beers and wonderful food. Our cafe is a great stop-off for coffee and cakes, and our outdoor wood-fired oven serves unforgettable pizza. Our pub and cafe are open Thursday- Sunday and we only accept bookings during this time. The Farmer's Field is ideally located as a base from which to explore both the South Lakes and West Cumbria, or perhaps as a stop en route further north.

Available this weekend

100%

(2)

Garrison Shepherd's Huts

4 units · Glamping10 acres · Bowness On Solway, England

Shepherd’s hut glamping near Hadrian’s Wall and the Solway Firth.

Grinsdale Campsite

1 unit · Motorhome, Tent1 acre · England

Wild camping with water and toilets on site, also the King Charles coastal path, just 2 minutes from Hadrians Wall and next to the River Eden.

97%

(121)

Hill Top Huts

12 units · Glamping1 acre · Durham, North East England

Scenic, simple glamping pods set beside a welcoming Pennines pub

83%

(3)

Stone Raise Bells

3 units · Glamping3 acres · Carlisle, England

Off-grid bell tents on a working farm in Cumbria’s Eden Valley

100%

(13)

Hadrian’s Wall Campsite

3 units · Glamping4 acres · Northumberland, North East England

4 units · Glamping20 acres · Malham, England

Year-round pod glamping in the Yorkshire Dales near Malham Cove and Gordale Scar

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping in Helvellyn guide

Overview

Scaling the 950-metre summit of Helvellyn—the third-highest peak in the Lake District National Park—has long been a popular challenge for hikers and mountaineers. There are several routes to the top, but the most scenic is via Striding Edge. Hike along dramatic mountain ridges, scramble up steep passages, then walk the summit plateau for magnificent views across the lakes and the distant Pennines. Summiting Helvellyn takes about six or seven hours return, depending on the chosen route, and there are five mountain ridges to explore. Campers will find plenty of options in nearby Ullswater and Thirlmere.

When to go

The most popular time to climb Helvellyn is from June through September, when the weather is most favourable for hiking, and the terrain is typically dry and easily accessible. Choose a clear, dry day for the best views. The summit is still accessible throughout winter, although it’s a much more technical climb, and shorter daylight hours mean you might find yourself descending in the dark.

Know before you go

Helvellyn is located just north of Ambleside in the Lake District National Park. There are several routes up the mountain, but the most popular are via Striding Edge (for the most impressive views) or Swirral Edge (for the shortest and easiest way to the top). Paid parking is available in Glenridding, the starting point for both routes.
Hiking Helvellyn is a moderately challenging route and best suited to intermediate hikers. Depending on the route, there are some steep sections and scrambles. Hiking outside of the main season is best left to experienced hikers.
The weather on Helvellyn is notoriously changeable, and it’s essential to check conditions before setting out. Follow the Lake District Weatherline for daily updates and prepare for all seasons, even in summer.
Proper hiking gear and boots are essential for summiting Helvellyn. Bring an OS map and compass, plenty of food and water, sunscreen, a raincoat, and warm clothes for the summit.
Wild camping is not permitted anywhere in the Lake District. However, some hikers do wild camp around Red Tarn lake on the mountain’s eastern slopes.