Campsites by waterfalls near Ambleside, Cumbria

In Ambleside, waterfall chasers have over 30 camping options that put you within striking distance of tumbling streams and hidden pools. Average stays run about £72 a night, but you can snag a pitch for as little as £32. On Hipcamp, top spots include Camping at Cardewlees (20 reviews), Peaks and Pods (9 reviews), and Deerstone Glamping (6 reviews). You’ll find campsites where the sound of falling water drowns out traffic, pets are welcome, and you can end your day around a proper campfire. Facilities like hot showers keep things civilised, while fishing, hiking, and wild swimming are just steps from your tent. Local tip: pack your boots and a towel—you’ll want both.

100% (26)

Top-rated campgrounds near Ambleside

In Ambleside, waterfall chasers have over 30 camping options that put you within striking distance of tumbling streams and hidden pools. Average stays run about £72 a night, but you can snag a pitch for as little as £32. On Hipcamp, top spots include Camping at Cardewlees (20 reviews), Peaks and Pods (9 reviews), and Deerstone Glamping (6 reviews). You’ll find campsites where the sound of falling water drowns out traffic, pets are welcome, and you can end your day around a proper campfire. Facilities like hot showers keep things civilised, while fishing, hiking, and wild swimming are just steps from your tent. Local tip: pack your boots and a towel—you’ll want both.

100% (26)

Top-rated campgrounds near Ambleside

1. Camping at Cardewlees

99%

(47)

47km from Ambleside · 37 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

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

2. Lake District Herdwick Huts

100%

(1)

2.3km from Ambleside · 5 units · Glamping

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.

3. 2 Luxury Hapus Yurts & Barn Kitchen

141km from Ambleside · 1 unit · Glamping

A tranquil hideaway full of love, unique quirkiness and peace. Tucked away in the ancient woodland of the Conwy valley you will find Hapus Yurt. A peaceful glamping site, that includes two yurts, a converted barn, a cabin and wonderful grounds. Staying here you will feel a real sense of Welsh wilderness this remote location is only a short drive away from Snowdonia, the coast, historic towns, urban life and local castles. All year round Hapus Yurt is the perfect place to stay and relax with friends and loved ones, from summer days spent by the seaside followed by evenings in the garden under the stars, to mountain walks and winter evenings cozying up by the wood burning stoves in the yurt, Hapus Yurt is an unforgettable home from home. Come and visit our happy place in an ancient, undisturbed valley full of woodland and goodwill.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp 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.

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.

J

Jodie

April 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Camping at Cardewlees

Really friendly greeting from the owner and the pitch was excellent.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

This buzzy little town is a short hop from the northern shores of Lake Windermere and the perfect location from which to hike up Red Screes, amble along Ambleside high street or go canoeing on Lake Windermere. We've searched high in the hills and out across the valleys to pick our selection of the best camping and glamping sites near Ambleside.