The best romantic campsites near Borrowdale, Cumbria

Borrowdale is a valley in the Lake District National Park in Cumbria, running between Derwent Water and Honister Pass, beneath Scafell Pike, England’s tallest mountain. The landscape here is typical of the region: craggy peaks, wooded valleys, clear rivers, and the remnants of industry. There are plenty of campsites across the Lake District, whether you’re looking for a place to pitch a tent or park a campervan, or fancy giving glamping a try. This valley specifically offers a few places to camp, especially in the village of Keswick at the northern end of Derwent Water. Elsewhere campers should expect mostly simple sites with limited facilities but fantastic views.

99% (89)

Top-rated campgrounds

Borrowdale is a valley in the Lake District National Park in Cumbria, running between Derwent Water and Honister Pass, beneath Scafell Pike, England’s tallest mountain. The landscape here is typical of the region: craggy peaks, wooded valleys, clear rivers, and the remnants of industry. There are plenty of campsites across the Lake District, whether you’re looking for a place to pitch a tent or park a campervan, or fancy giving glamping a try. This valley specifically offers a few places to camp, especially in the village of Keswick at the northern end of Derwent Water. Elsewhere campers should expect mostly simple sites with limited facilities but fantastic views.

99% (89)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Woodman's Huts

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(58)

31km from Borrowdale · 3 units · Glamping · Cumbria, North West England

Beautiful handmade shepherd's huts in the heart of the picturesque South Lakes

2. Ewe Love Camping Pods

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(108)

15km from Borrowdale · 3 units · Glamping · Penrith, Cumbria, North West England

Modern Lake District glamping pods among the trees, with exceptional views of Blencathra

3. Otter Moss Accommodation

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47km from Borrowdale · 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. The Black Swan

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47km from Borrowdale · 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.

5. Chilled Out Adult Only Glamping

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(32)

146km from Borrowdale · 8 units · Glamping · Cheshire, North West England

Lakeside glamping on the edge of Delemere Forest and a 10-minute train ride from Chester

Stories from the community

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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!

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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!

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Kathryn

August 2025

2 nights at Chilled Out Adult Only Glamping

Had an incredible few days at lloyds meadow, my husband did some fishing while I relaxed and crocheted, the campsite was clean and quiet, we even caught the meteor shower on Tuesday evening along with the northern lights. Sarah was an incredible host, always checking we had everything we needed, and very friendly.

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Saskia

July 2025

3 nights at Ewe Love Camping Pods

We had a wonderful little getaway here, exactly what we needed nice and quiet and surrounded by nature, the pod was clean and cosy and provided everything you need for a stay. The bbq was really nice and worked well. Can was really wonderful and helpful especially with a little mishap we had. 10/10 I would recommend going here and we will definitely be back!

Nicholas

July 2025

4 nights at Ewe Love Camping Pods

Another brilliant stay. Can't fault it. Will be returning.

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Declan

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Chilled Out Adult Only Glamping

Lloyds meadow what a beautiful place! As soon as we got here Sarah made us feel very welcomed showing us around and explaining everything that we needed, the bell tents were so clean and cozy. I can now see why the bed is award winning as I had the best sleep ever it was so comfortable! Little touches as ringing the bell for any help and bringing us fire wood whenever we needed it made us feel at home and welcomed. Lloyds meadow is the perfect get away and I would definitely highly recommend to anyone, it’s close to Chester town and has lovely bars and cafes nearby! Cannot fault in any way! Thankyou for having us, will definitely be coming back again! P.S we also made friends with the neighbours they were very welcoming also!!! ( the ducks & goats) xxx Beth and Dec

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Jane

June 2025

2 nights at Chilled Out Adult Only Glamping

The comfiest bed in this beautiful secluded site. The hostess Sarah takes the extra step to make sure your holiday runs smoothly. Ideal for couples or the solo traveller seeking a bit of luxury

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Ken

May 2025

3 nights at Otter Moss Accommodation

If you are looking for peace and quiet, surrounded by beautiful countryside then this place is for you. Great location. Great communication - Ruth came to see us when we contactedher about the WIFI. Use of private bathroom and shower. Only thing for us is that those facilities were across a farm yard and the cabin didn't have its own supply. The bed was comfy and the cabin stayed at a good temperature (even when it was cold outside). Fire pit available. Would recommend

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Alex

May 2025

2 nights at Ewe Love Camping Pods

A lovely stay, with excellent facilities and a great view! Would recommend to anyone looking for a destination in the Keswick area.

The famous goats! Be sure to take them for a walk.

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Joseph

May 2025

Weekend Trip to Chilled Out Adult Only Glamping

Cannot fault our stay with Lloyds Meadow. 1st time we have glamped after years of camping and I don’t think I could go back to normal camping after such a wonderful experience here. Sarah was the best host we’ve ever had. Attentive, knowledgeable and nothing was too much to ask to ensure our stay was the best. We added the fire pit package and breakfast hamper which did not disappoint. Sitting out by the fire into the night, secluded and surrounded by nature & all of the wonderful sounds made for an unforgettable and addicting experience. (We will be back 100%)! We had a fishing peg on the stunning small lake just outside the tent entrance which also didn’t disappoint. Packed with Roach, Bream and some specimen Carp. All really good fun on light tackle. Let’s not forget the goats, who you can let out of the pen if you wish and they follow you around! What a great additional experience. There is also a pub which serves excellent food within a very short walking distance. The showers and toilets onsite were very clean & the best I’ve found on any site. Hats off to Sarah and Dan, who have created the perfect combination of real connection to nature, combined with the luxuries camping lacks sometimes. The beds in the tents are extremely comfy too. Thank you both & see you again soon. Emily and Joe.

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Joe

April 2025

Weekend Trip to Chilled Out Adult Only Glamping

Would highly recommend staying here. The site was perfect, and Sarah couldn’t have been friendlier or more helpful. Bbq, stove cooking breakfast, taking goats for a stroll, exploring the local walking routes, and setting up a wood fire at night - everything you could need.

Clarice

April 2025

Weekend Trip to Chilled Out Adult Only Glamping

Absolutely wonderful experience! Gorgeous glampsite, great cooking facilities. Wonderful views and walks! Sarah is a really lovely host, I would highly recommend this beautiful spot to anyone thinking of booking, we'd love to come back!

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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

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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.

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Eleanor

March 2025

Weekend Trip to Ewe Love Camping Pods

An amazing stay, amazing location with an even better view! The pods were well equipped and the underfloor heating was amazing. I will definitely be returning. Perfect location for our hike up Blencathra.

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Reece

November 2024

3 nights at Otter Moss Accommodation

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the log cabin, from the great atmosphere to the welcoming and helpful people close by, it was one of nicest glamping experiences. The cabin was such a cozy experience along with the beautiful view right outside of your cabin. If you are looking for some time away to relax or for long walks or even a little boat around the stream Ottermoss is the place to go.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best romantic campsites near Borrowdale guide

Where to go

Lake District National Park

Borrowdale sits within the Lake District National Park, a UNESCO-listed park that’s home to deep glacial lakes and tall mountains—in fact, the deepest and highest, respectively, in England. Look for camping in the Borrowdale Valley and throughout the Lake District, where campers can choose between simple campsites, well-equipped holiday parks, log cabins, and cosy cottages. Hikers on long-distance walks should plan their routes carefully to camp at permitted sites, as wild camping isn’t generally allowed in the park.

Scafell Pike

The Borrowdale Valley sits at the bottom of England’s tallest mountain, the 3,209-foot Scafell Pike. Climbers and hikers are drawn to the peak and usually base themselves in nearby towns and valleys like Borrowdale and Eskdale. It’s also possible to wild camp on Scafell Pike, which offers great views across the rugged landscape. Be prepared with proper cold- and wet-weather gear, as conditions can be harsh at these higher altitudes.

Solway Coast AONB

Separated from Scotland by the Solway Firth and Channel of the River Esk, the expansive coastal area of the Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is known for its cliffs, dunes, coastline, and wildlife. North of Borrowdale and the national park, there are several campsites and caravan parks along the coast and in the villages of the AONB, many of which offer great views of the firth and across to Scotland.

When to go

The Lake District is a year-round destination, but summer is the best time for camping. This is when the weather is warmest and driest, with very long days at this northern latitude. If visiting Borrowdale outside of summer, opt for a cabin or cottage rather than tent camping for peak comfort.