Campsites with swimming in Helvellyn

Set your sights on Helvellyn if you’re after camping spots with swimming on tap—there are over 70 choices in this patch of the Lakes. You’ll find campsites tucked beside streams and tarns, with cold water dips just steps from your tent. Prices start at £25 a night, with most averaging around £130. Facilities like showers, toilets, and pet-friendly pitches come as standard at many sites. Fishing, wildlife-watching, and climbing are all part of the local scene, so you won’t run out of ways to fill your days. Top picks? Kestrel Lodge Campsite (79 reviews) sits in a quiet corner, while The Damson Shepherd's Hut (38 reviews) and Hazel Mount Fellside (26 reviews) offer easy access to wild swims and big skies. Bring your swimmers and a sense of adventure—Helvellyn’s water is always bracing, and the views never disappoint.

98% (163)

Top-rated campgrounds

Set your sights on Helvellyn if you’re after camping spots with swimming on tap—there are over 70 choices in this patch of the Lakes. You’ll find campsites tucked beside streams and tarns, with cold water dips just steps from your tent. Prices start at £25 a night, with most averaging around £130. Facilities like showers, toilets, and pet-friendly pitches come as standard at many sites. Fishing, wildlife-watching, and climbing are all part of the local scene, so you won’t run out of ways to fill your days. Top picks? Kestrel Lodge Campsite (79 reviews) sits in a quiet corner, while The Damson Shepherd's Hut (38 reviews) and Hazel Mount Fellside (26 reviews) offer easy access to wild swims and big skies. Bring your swimmers and a sense of adventure—Helvellyn’s water is always bracing, and the views never disappoint.

98% (163)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Howbeck Lodge

94%

(27)

29 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Hesket Newmarket, England

A dog-friendly farm campsite on the northern edge of the Lake District

2. 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

3. Peaks and Pods

100%

(25)

5 units · Glamping · North Yorkshire, North East England

Luxury pods with extra special touches, sandwiched between the Forest of Bowland and the Yorkshire Dales National Park

4. Harebeck Holidays

84%

(22)

8 units · Motorhomes, Glamping · Wasdale, England

Nestled between the Western Lake District Fells and the Irish Sea coast this site is situated on a working dairy and sheep farm. Farm tours can be arranged on arrival. A play hut with outdoor games, drying room with communal fridge and freezer (some units have their own small fridge). Natural hedges surround the site. Four fruit trees near the shower block Half a mile to Gosforth village with Shop, Bakery, Cafe, 4 Pubs providing food and an Italian restaurant. Gosforth and Seascale villages have play parks. Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, Wasdale, Scafell Pike and Sandy Beaches with Cafes selling local ice cream are nearby with most Lake District attractions within an hours drive and Edinburgh a three hour drive away. There are 5 campervan/motorhome pitches, a pod, a modern take on a shepherds hut with underfloor heating, a heated pod and two gypsy caravans with electricity to book. All pitches are on gravel positioned to enjoy views over farmland to Scafell Pike and other fells, they are surrounded by grassy areas with seating and a picnic table. A wooden play hut has outdoor games and toys inside. Awnings can be added on the 3 larger pitches. Tents can be pitched next to units for an extra £10 per night. Barbeques are allowed on gravel with our Gypsy Caravans having a campfire area. There is a communal fridge and freezer, outdoor drying space. Farm tours can be arranged. Wildlife and farm animals can be seen in the surrounding fields. Fresh vegetables and barbeque packs can be ordered with 24 to 48 hours notice. Grocery deliveries accepted from supermarkets. There is also a holiday cottage on the farm sleeping 6 over two rooms. Situated midway between the Western Lake District Fells and the Irish Sea Coast makes this site ideal for lower or higher level walks. Sandy beaches at Seascale and St Bees have cafes selling locally made ice cream alongside play areas to keep children happy. Scafell England's highest mountain is close by as are a number of Wainwrights. Nearby is Muncaster Castle and Gardens with its Hawk and Owl Centre, also Ravenglass (a Roman port with remains of a bath house), you can ride up the Eskdale Valley on the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway (Laal Ratty). Perhaps take a stroll to Stanley Ghyll waterfall. They have a cafe at both terminuses with a museum in Ravenglass where nearby you can sample Ravenglass Ice Cream. Wasdale and Ennerdale are close by both valleys having cafes and pubs.

5. Northcote Pods - Yorkshire Dales

100%

(11)

2 units · Glamping · Grassington, North Yorkshire, North East England

We are ideally located in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales National Park, with our stunning Northcote Pods situated near Kilnsey Crag. Here, you’ll find spectacular views across Upper Wharfedale. Couples and families alike love to escape to our spacious, comfortable pods; there’s no better place for a holiday getaway. Parking outside the pod leads to a paved patio area with a private wood fired hot tub (Pheasant Pod ONLY), seating, BBQ. Inside offers double bed and sofa bed to accommodate up to 2 children and a hanging rail for clothes. Smart TV with a Netflix account connected, wifi and bluetooth ceiling speakers. Shower room with sink, toilet, shavers socket and heated towel rail. Fully fitted kitchen with sink, fridge, microwave, 2 ring induction hob, toaster and kettle. Dining table and chairs. Electric heating, USB sockets.

6. The Damson Shepherd's Hut

98%

(60)

1 unit · Glamping · Cumbria, North West England

A shepherd's hut for two in the lesser-known Lyth Valley, four miles from Lake Windermere

7. Hazel Mount Fellside

98%

(49)

5 units · Tents · Eskdale, Cumbria, North West England

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

8. Fairy Bell Wood

100%

(10)

1 unit · Glamping · Lambrigg, England

An off-grid yurt in a private woodland between the Lakes and the Dales

9. Hadrian's Wall Country Yurts

100%

(13)

2 units · Glamping · Cumbria, North West England

Two yurts with hot tubs in the Cumbrian countryside just a mile away from Hadrian’s Wall

10. Cherish Glamping

100%

(5)

7 units · Glamping · Hawes, North Yorkshire, North East England

Yurts with private bathrooms, hot tubs, and breakfast included, set in beautiful Wensleydale

Camper favorites in and near Helvellyn

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Harebeck Holidays

84%

(22)

8 units · Motorhomes, Glamping · Wasdale, England

Nestled between the Western Lake District Fells and the Irish Sea coast this site is situated on a working dairy and sheep farm. Farm tours can be arranged on arrival. A play hut with outdoor games, drying room with communal fridge and freezer (some units have their own small fridge). Natural hedges surround the site. Four fruit trees near the shower block Half a mile to Gosforth village with Shop, Bakery, Cafe, 4 Pubs providing food and an Italian restaurant. Gosforth and Seascale villages have play parks. Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, Wasdale, Scafell Pike and Sandy Beaches with Cafes selling local ice cream are nearby with most Lake District attractions within an hours drive and Edinburgh a three hour drive away. There are 5 campervan/motorhome pitches, a pod, a modern take on a shepherds hut with underfloor heating, a heated pod and two gypsy caravans with electricity to book. All pitches are on gravel positioned to enjoy views over farmland to Scafell Pike and other fells, they are surrounded by grassy areas with seating and a picnic table. A wooden play hut has outdoor games and toys inside. Awnings can be added on the 3 larger pitches. Tents can be pitched next to units for an extra £10 per night. Barbeques are allowed on gravel with our Gypsy Caravans having a campfire area. There is a communal fridge and freezer, outdoor drying space. Farm tours can be arranged. Wildlife and farm animals can be seen in the surrounding fields. Fresh vegetables and barbeque packs can be ordered with 24 to 48 hours notice. Grocery deliveries accepted from supermarkets. There is also a holiday cottage on the farm sleeping 6 over two rooms. Situated midway between the Western Lake District Fells and the Irish Sea Coast makes this site ideal for lower or higher level walks. Sandy beaches at Seascale and St Bees have cafes selling locally made ice cream alongside play areas to keep children happy. Scafell England's highest mountain is close by as are a number of Wainwrights. Nearby is Muncaster Castle and Gardens with its Hawk and Owl Centre, also Ravenglass (a Roman port with remains of a bath house), you can ride up the Eskdale Valley on the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway (Laal Ratty). Perhaps take a stroll to Stanley Ghyll waterfall. They have a cafe at both terminuses with a museum in Ravenglass where nearby you can sample Ravenglass Ice Cream. Wasdale and Ennerdale are close by both valleys having cafes and pubs.

Northcote Pods - Yorkshire Dales

100%

(11)

2 units · Glamping · Grassington, North Yorkshire, North East England

We are ideally located in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales National Park, with our stunning Northcote Pods situated near Kilnsey Crag. Here, you’ll find spectacular views across Upper Wharfedale. Couples and families alike love to escape to our spacious, comfortable pods; there’s no better place for a holiday getaway. Parking outside the pod leads to a paved patio area with a private wood fired hot tub (Pheasant Pod ONLY), seating, BBQ. Inside offers double bed and sofa bed to accommodate up to 2 children and a hanging rail for clothes. Smart TV with a Netflix account connected, wifi and bluetooth ceiling speakers. Shower room with sink, toilet, shavers socket and heated towel rail. Fully fitted kitchen with sink, fridge, microwave, 2 ring induction hob, toaster and kettle. Dining table and chairs. Electric heating, USB sockets.

The Damson Shepherd's Hut

98%

(60)

1 unit · Glamping · Cumbria, North West England

A shepherd's hut for two in the lesser-known Lyth Valley, four miles from Lake Windermere

Hazel Mount Fellside

98%

(49)

5 units · Tents · Eskdale, Cumbria, North West England

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

Fairy Bell Wood

100%

(10)

1 unit · Glamping · Lambrigg, England

An off-grid yurt in a private woodland between the Lakes and the Dales

Hadrian's Wall Country Yurts

100%

(13)

2 units · Glamping · Cumbria, North West England

Two yurts with hot tubs in the Cumbrian countryside just a mile away from Hadrian’s Wall

Cherish Glamping

100%

(5)

7 units · Glamping · Hawes, North Yorkshire, North East England

Yurts with private bathrooms, hot tubs, and breakfast included, set in beautiful Wensleydale

Stories from the community

D

Duco

September 2025

Tent

2 nights at Hazel Mount Fellside

We loved camping at Hazel Mount Fellside. The view was stunning and it felt more like a piece of nature with some scattered campsites than the opposite, which you most often find. Ruth was a very nice and welcoming host.

n

natasha

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Fairy Bell Wood

We stayed in the yurt at Fairy Glen Wood and it was just perfect. It had everything we needed for a relaxing little retreat peaceful, comfortable, and surrounded by nature. We really enjoyed our stay and would definitely love to come back!

K

Kerry

September 2025

3 nights at The Damson Shepherd's Hut

I absolutely loved it here . It was my own piece of heaven ❤️

Nova

August 2025

Tent

2 nights at Hazel Mount Fellside

We were lucky enough to get the site for ourselves for this trip and it was absolutely magical. the land and its views are so beautiful, it’s the first campsite i’ve been to that felt connected to the land it was on :’) ruth’s passion for the place shone, and all of the animals are so cute and special and it was so peaceful being there

S

Sarah

August 2025

5 m Class B

1 night at Howbeck Lodge

Good roomy level gravelled site especially suited to motorhomes but I was happy there in a camper. Facilities were clean with plenty of hot water. Christine v prompt in her comms.

S

Stryczek

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Hazel Mount Fellside

Loved camping at snowdrop. Easy to park up and the pitch was ready for us on arrival. Very quiet and peaceful. Would highly recommend!

L

Lisa

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Fairy Bell Wood

This is a truly beautiful space. We've stayed in lots of yurts and this is the nicest by far. It's fab to have somewhere to sit inside if you need. But lovely spots outside too. The kitchen area is really useful and has everything you'd need. We followed the instructions for the shower and it worked perfectly. I loved the full length window to lay in bed and watch the sunset. Best of all if you're as anti social as me..... It's totally on it own! We re already planning our next visit.

J

Jessica

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Hazel Mount Fellside

Lovely campsite! The pitches are extremely spacious - it felt like we were wild camping. Ruth is extremely welcoming. She’s built something special. Would definitely recommend!

L

Louise

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Hadrian's Wall Country Yurts

Absolutely everything about the site was immaculate and so carefully thought out. Beautiful yurts, beautiful surroundings and the most amazing glamping trip.

K

Keerti

August 2025

Tent

With kids

2 nights at Hazel Mount Fellside

Ruth was a wonderful, kind and fascinating host. Her land is stunning and with an ecologist background Ruth is determined to ensure and enable that her land thrives with life diversity as nature intended. It’s a really beautiful natural space and well connected to Millom, Lake Conniston, the stone circle and many other beautiful places to visit and for convenience. Thank you Ruth for accommodating us and for all your tips!

L

Lynn

July 2025

Tent

3 nights at Hazel Mount Fellside

The site was really peaceful with amazing views of the fells and estuary. Ruth showed me around and explained the little extras like the lending library and tiny snack shop. It was so nice to get away from it all and relax in the serene surroundings. Bluebell pitch was exactly as described with some amazing trees. The wildlife (including a tawny owl, woodpecker and a frog) were an unexpected bonus. I would definitely recommend the site to everyone. Thank you Ruth for a lovely stay.

T

Tim

June 2025

Weekend Trip to The Damson Shepherd's Hut

It was an outstanding stay at Jo's place. It was everything we wanted - quiet, peaceful, and very pretty. This was the ideal Lakes location.

F

Finlay

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Howbeck Lodge

Beautiful campsite on a working farm. Facilities are clean and effective. The animals that we ran into were friendly, especially a little black cat that was very eager to say hello. The location was great, site was peaceful and there was very little wind, even with the poor weather that we got on our trip.

C

Craig

June 2025

Tent

With pets

3 nights at Hazel Mount Fellside

We loved our stay on primrose pitch. Listening to Osprey, looking onto beautiful views and we were lucky to have a clear night to see the stars. Ruth was so welcoming and has created a haven to restore nature and allow space for the mini beasts as well as sheep, chickens, geese and a horse. We were lucky to stay on the summer Solstice weekend and visit the amazing stone circle close by. We will definitely be back.

J

Jon

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Hadrian's Wall Country Yurts

Caroline was fantastic! She made the check-in and check out so easy and ensured our comfort throughout, and the yurt and its facilities were perfect! This place is a gem! External cooking facilities were great, as was the wood fired hot tub!....perfect for a just needed getaway! Would certainly stay here again and again!...the yurts décor and cleanliness was exceptional. Top tip...order the pizza oven...its really worth it. Thanks again Caroline....

L

Lisa

May 2025

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.

Charles

May 2025

Weekend Trip to The Damson Shepherd's Hut

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

Pitch and view of surrounding countryside

Lyle

May 2025

5 m Class B

2 nights at Howbeck Lodge

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

J

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

A

Andrew

April 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Hazel Mount Fellside

Beautiful close to nature small site, not a vehicle in site. Wonderful views. The owner,Ruth, is a wonderful host with a real concern and plans for the natural surroundings.