Lakeside camping in the Lake District

Few landscapes capture the storybook beauty of the English countryside like the Lake District. Verdant fells, misty lakes, and craggy peaks make up the UNESCO-listed landscapes of the Lake District National Park, peppered with charming villages, thatched-roof cottages, and traditional country pubs. The lakes—all 16 of them—are the star of the show, and if you’re looking to camp by the water, you’ll find plenty of options. Rent a cosy glamping pod or pitch your tent by the shore of Lake Windermere, combine camping with boating and water sports on Ullswater Lake, or park your motorhome or caravan within a short walk of Wastwater Lake and enjoy views of Scafell Pike, England’s highest peak. Camping options range from rural tent sites with basic facilities to luxury glampsites or larger campsites and caravan parks with electric hookups, full facilities, and extras such as a swimming pool, shop, and onsite pub.

100% (96)

Top-rated campgrounds

Few landscapes capture the storybook beauty of the English countryside like the Lake District. Verdant fells, misty lakes, and craggy peaks make up the UNESCO-listed landscapes of the Lake District National Park, peppered with charming villages, thatched-roof cottages, and traditional country pubs. The lakes—all 16 of them—are the star of the show, and if you’re looking to camp by the water, you’ll find plenty of options. Rent a cosy glamping pod or pitch your tent by the shore of Lake Windermere, combine camping with boating and water sports on Ullswater Lake, or park your motorhome or caravan within a short walk of Wastwater Lake and enjoy views of Scafell Pike, England’s highest peak. Camping options range from rural tent sites with basic facilities to luxury glampsites or larger campsites and caravan parks with electric hookups, full facilities, and extras such as a swimming pool, shop, and onsite pub.

100% (96)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. 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

2. 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

3. Otter Moss Accommodation

100%

(8)

4 units · Glamping · Brampton, England

Otter Moss Accommodation offers a variety of upscale camping options suitable for couples, families, and groups. Nestled within a picturesque 12-acre former farm, the majority of the site surrounds a spacious meadow. Additionally, the site boasts a charming small lake featuring three islands and a rowing boat for leisurely water activities. Situated at the northern edge of the stunning Eden Valley, guests can enjoy sweeping views of the Cumbrian Fells, with visibility extending to the Solway Firth and the Lake District on clear days. The Lake District is a convenient 40-minute drive away, while various sections of Hadrian's Wall are even closer, reachable within a 15-minute drive. Carlisle and the M6 motorway to Scotland are both just 20 minutes away, with the picturesque market town of Brampton also within a 15-minute drive and offering its own attractions. Local pubs are plentiful in the area, with a diverse selection available within a five-mile radius. Accommodation units at Otter Moss come equipped with heating, kitchen utensils, and stoves, ensuring guests' comfort and convenience. Each unit also includes firepits or barbecues, as well as bedding and towels for a hassle-free stay.

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. The Black Swan

100%

(26)

3 units · Glamping · Kirkby Stephen, England

Our three, brand new wood and canvas yurts are nestled in our private, woodland hotel garden beside the beautiful conservation (SSSI) river of Scandal Beck. Just a short drive from The Lake District, The Yorkshire and Durham Dales as well as The Scottish Border, we are perfectly located for you to explore. The yurts themselves are individually decorated with full size furniture, electricity and double beds. The yurts are all located in the garden of The Black Swan Hotel, Ravenstonedale, a multi award-winning hotel, restaurant and bar; recipient of 2 AA Rosettes as well as AA pub of the year for England 2018/19. As part of your stay in our yurts you will receive a full cooked breakfast and buffet option included in the price for 2 people in our hotel restaurant. We like to think of ourselves as a cosy home from home with a relaxed dining atmosphere throughout. We are very dog friendly in the hotel, restaurant, bar and yurts so please bring your furry family members. Our beautiful woodland is also home to red squirrels (which are seen daily), protected, freshwater crayfish in the river, an otter (seen very infrequently but the nemesis of our ducks), 6 Indian runner ducks, free range chickens and our two cockerels! (Dogs are very welcome but are to be kept on a lead whilst in the woodland itself). We are very dog friendly and charge an additional fee of £15 for 1 dog/ £20 for 2 dogs for an additional cleaning fee and for some dog friendly goodies such as poop bags and treats. The price of this yurt is based on an occupancy of 2 people. Any other people who will be staying on the sofa bed will add a charge of £40 per person per night for breakfast and their stay. All yurts come with electrical battery pack, chargeable lanterns, tea/coffee, homemade biscuits, log burning stoves, towels, full breakfast included from the hotel, an outdoor seating area and access to our outdoor toasty warm woodland shower as well as our very cute, wooden toilet cabin. Hairdryers are available in the hotel for your use.

6. Damson View Glamping

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(55)

5 units · Glamping · Cumbria, North West England

Self-contained glamping pods in the Lake District's beautiful Lyth Valley

7. Lake District Herdwick Huts

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(1)

5 units · Glamping · Rydal, England

You will not find a more stunning place to stay and explore within the UK. Set in the very heart of the Lake District National Park, there is good reason why this magnificent location inspired the poet William Wordsworth to commit some of his most world-renowned poetry to paper. These beautiful huts are nestled underneath the Fairfield horseshoe mountain range and Nab scar, so there is no need to drive anywhere for the finest mountain hikes. With Rydal Lake, a wild swimmers hot spot, and waterfalls and plunge pools on site, it really is hard to beat! You will not find a more stunning place to stay and explore within the UK. Set in the very heart of the Lake District National Park, there is good reason why this magnificent location inspired the poet William Wordsworth to commit some of his most world-renowned poetry to paper. Grasmere is on the doorstep, voted one of the top places to visit in the Lake District, with the famous '‘Coffin route’ walk offering a spectacular lake and mountain view stroll straight from your hut door. With low level to high level walks exploring the Lakes from Rydal caters for everyone. Ambleside and Grasmere are both walking distance for cafes, restaurants and cinemas and Rydal offers scenic off-road strolls to arrive by. Each with fresh linen, wood burning stove and cast iron gas hob, you are sure to be comfortable even in the thick of winter.

Camper favorites in and near Lake District National Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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.

The Black Swan

100%

(26)

3 units · Glamping · Kirkby Stephen, England

Our three, brand new wood and canvas yurts are nestled in our private, woodland hotel garden beside the beautiful conservation (SSSI) river of Scandal Beck. Just a short drive from The Lake District, The Yorkshire and Durham Dales as well as The Scottish Border, we are perfectly located for you to explore. The yurts themselves are individually decorated with full size furniture, electricity and double beds. The yurts are all located in the garden of The Black Swan Hotel, Ravenstonedale, a multi award-winning hotel, restaurant and bar; recipient of 2 AA Rosettes as well as AA pub of the year for England 2018/19. As part of your stay in our yurts you will receive a full cooked breakfast and buffet option included in the price for 2 people in our hotel restaurant. We like to think of ourselves as a cosy home from home with a relaxed dining atmosphere throughout. We are very dog friendly in the hotel, restaurant, bar and yurts so please bring your furry family members. Our beautiful woodland is also home to red squirrels (which are seen daily), protected, freshwater crayfish in the river, an otter (seen very infrequently but the nemesis of our ducks), 6 Indian runner ducks, free range chickens and our two cockerels! (Dogs are very welcome but are to be kept on a lead whilst in the woodland itself). We are very dog friendly and charge an additional fee of £15 for 1 dog/ £20 for 2 dogs for an additional cleaning fee and for some dog friendly goodies such as poop bags and treats. The price of this yurt is based on an occupancy of 2 people. Any other people who will be staying on the sofa bed will add a charge of £40 per person per night for breakfast and their stay. All yurts come with electrical battery pack, chargeable lanterns, tea/coffee, homemade biscuits, log burning stoves, towels, full breakfast included from the hotel, an outdoor seating area and access to our outdoor toasty warm woodland shower as well as our very cute, wooden toilet cabin. Hairdryers are available in the hotel for your use.

Damson View Glamping

100%

(55)

5 units · Glamping · Cumbria, North West England

Self-contained glamping pods in the Lake District's beautiful Lyth Valley

Lake District Herdwick Huts

100%

(1)

5 units · Glamping · Rydal, England

You will not find a more stunning place to stay and explore within the UK. Set in the very heart of the Lake District National Park, there is good reason why this magnificent location inspired the poet William Wordsworth to commit some of his most world-renowned poetry to paper. These beautiful huts are nestled underneath the Fairfield horseshoe mountain range and Nab scar, so there is no need to drive anywhere for the finest mountain hikes. With Rydal Lake, a wild swimmers hot spot, and waterfalls and plunge pools on site, it really is hard to beat! You will not find a more stunning place to stay and explore within the UK. Set in the very heart of the Lake District National Park, there is good reason why this magnificent location inspired the poet William Wordsworth to commit some of his most world-renowned poetry to paper. Grasmere is on the doorstep, voted one of the top places to visit in the Lake District, with the famous '‘Coffin route’ walk offering a spectacular lake and mountain view stroll straight from your hut door. With low level to high level walks exploring the Lakes from Rydal caters for everyone. Ambleside and Grasmere are both walking distance for cafes, restaurants and cinemas and Rydal offers scenic off-road strolls to arrive by. Each with fresh linen, wood burning stove and cast iron gas hob, you are sure to be comfortable even in the thick of winter.

Stories from the community

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.

S

Suzy

August 2025

With kids

2 nights at Otter Moss Accommodation

What a beautiful place! Everything we could possibly need was there for us on arrival; the pod was lovely and cozy and it was great to be able to sit out around the firepit in the evening. Birdsong everywhere and plenty of wildlife to see around the place. Sadly it was a bit wet to try the boat out but will have to come back on a sunnier day!

E

Elma

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Black Swan

Initially I wasn’t sure taking the lantern to do your (compost) toilet trip of 1.5 minutes but it worked as long as your mind doesn’t run wild in the dark when you’re on your own! But it all adds up to the whole experience of glamping without running water and electricity in the yurt. I loved the hot shower outside (I also used it to wash my hands after using the toilet), the sound of the stream, the hares who were very elusive, the log burner and the pub breakfast (included in the booking) and the pub food. I had to leave very early, it was still pitch black and I looked at the sky, it was magical with the stars and I even thought I could see 1-2 galaxies; I’m probably exaggerating but it was that clear without the light pollution. I loved the whole experience! Thank you!

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!

M

Megan

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Camping at Cardewlees

The campsite had lovely views and the facilities were very accessible.

D

Darcey

April 2025

2 nights at The Black Swan

This was such an amazing place to say! It was so accommodating! Teas and coffees, a cosy bed and fire, It was such bliss after a day of hiking. Lovely time

T

Tom

April 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Black Swan

Great experience, lovely comfortable Yurt and super close to the Pub for luxury. Great combo! Plus we saw red squirrels in the ground! The kids loved this trip.