The best desert campsites in Lake District National Park

1. Popular Lake District holiday parks and glamping sites can fill up quickly, so it’s essential to book ahead—up to six months in advance if visiting in July-August or school holidays.
2. If you do arrive without a reservation, it’s a good idea to secure a campsite first thing in the morning, as available spots will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. 
3. You will need to pay a deposit to secure your campsite reservation, and some sites ask for the full payment upfront.
4. Be sure to check seasonal opening and closing dates, as many Lakeland campsites and caravan parks open only from June through October. Check the ease of access too—some campsites are reached by steep and narrow roads that can be tricky for motorhomes and caravans.

The Lake District is busiest in July and August, and it’s near impossible to escape the crowds during this period. Instead, come in spring to admire the daffodils and bluebells or in fall to see the changing foliage. Hiking trails are quietest on weekdays, but whenever you visit, prepare for rain—downpours can occur even in midsummer. Lake District camping is best from June through October, and many campsites close in the off-season. Don’t be put off a winter visit, though—there’s backcountry skiing and sledding, as well as Christmas events in villages such as Keswick and Ravenglass.

• Lake District National Park is in Cumbria, just west of the Yorkshire Dales. The nearest cities are Carlisle, an hour’s drive away, and Manchester, an about 1.5-hour drive. 
• Trains connect the Lake District to Manchester and London, with stations at Kendal, Staveley, and Windermere. Within the park, public buses run between the towns and villages.
• There are pay-and-display car parks throughout the national park, and there’s also a Park and Explore option, including a day bus pass. Arrive early in peak season to secure a spot as popular car parks fill up quickly. 
• The best places to pick up supplies are Windermere and Keswick, but Ambleside and Grasmere also have convenience stores. 
• Prepare for all weather when visiting the Lake District—even summer hikes can be cold and rainy up in the hills. 
• There are 48 accessible trails in the Lake District, and all park transport is accessible. 
• Cell phone service and 3G can be patchy throughout the park, but there’s free wifi at the Information Centres and some Lake District campsites. 
• Wild camping is not permitted anywhere in the Lake District. However, it is possible to park your campervan and motorhome on areas of open moorland, providing you leave no trace.