Best camping, glamping, and outdoor stays in Carlisle

·

Explore mediaeval and Roman history before setting out for a night under the stars.

In the heart of Cumbria, the cathedral city of Carlisle attracts visitors with its 12th-century cathedral and its massive keep castle, first built under William II, the son of William the Conqueror. It also makes a good base for exploring bits of what remains of Hadrian’s Wall, and while the city itself is better suited to picking up gear and groceries, there are plenty of places to camp nearby. The National Trust manages four different campsites in the nearby Lake District National Park, south of Carlisle, and there are plenty of privately run Hipcamps due east of the city, toward the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

95% (684) 355 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Carlisle

Camping at Cardewlees

1. Camping at Cardewlees

99%
(47)
6.6km from Carlisle · 37 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A welcoming, family-run farm campsite between the Lake District and Hadrian's Wall
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£16
 / night
Cairn Meadow Pods

2. Cairn Meadow Pods

99%
(42)
12km from Carlisle · 4 units
Glamping pods in Cumbria's secluded Eden Valley with views of the Pennines
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£98
 / night
Howbeck Lodge

3. Howbeck Lodge

94%
(27)
18km from Carlisle · 29 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A dog-friendly farm campsite on the northern edge of the Lake District
Pets
Showers
Water hookup
from 
£30
 / night
Hadrian's Wall Country Yurts

4. Hadrian's Wall Country Yurts

100%
(13)
18km from Carlisle · 2 units
Two yurts with hot tubs in the Cumbrian countryside just a mile away from Hadrian’s Wall
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£210
 / night
Ewe Love Camping Pods

5. Ewe Love Camping Pods

98%
(108)
30km from Carlisle · 3 units
Modern Lake District glamping pods among the trees, with exceptional views of Blencathra
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£90
 / night
The Old Chapel Campsite

6. The Old Chapel Campsite

98%
(97)
48km from Carlisle · 30 units
Nearly wild camping in the North Pennines
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£20
 / night
The Black Swan

7. The Black Swan

100%
(26)
61km from Carlisle · 3 units
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.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£136
 / night
The Damson Shepherd's Hut

8. The Damson Shepherd's Hut

98%
(60)
62km from Carlisle · 1 unit
A shepherd's hut for two in the lesser-known Lyth Valley, four miles from Lake Windermere
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£110
 / night
Fairy Bell Wood

9. Fairy Bell Wood

100%
(11)
63km from Carlisle · 1 unit
An off-grid yurt in a private woodland between the Lakes and the Dales
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£119
 / night
Damson View Glamping

10. Damson View Glamping

100%
(55)
64km from Carlisle · 5 units
Self-contained glamping pods in the Lake District's beautiful Lyth Valley
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£119
 / night
Hill Top Huts

11. Hill Top Huts

97%
(121)
67km from Carlisle · 12 units
Scenic, simple glamping pods set beside a welcoming Pennines pub
Pets
Showers
Wifi
from 
£70
 / night
S

12. S

92%
(93)
68km from Carlisle · 14 units
Lake District camping on the banks of Lake Windermere, with direct access to the water.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£50
 / night
Moss Side Farm Campsite

13. Moss Side Farm Campsite

94%
(131)
69km from Carlisle · 33 units
Small-scale farm camping in the South Lakes, with campfires, wildlife and fine views
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£25
 / night
Tyne View Camping

14. Tyne View Camping

100%
(17)
70km from Carlisle · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Tyne View Camping is a peaceful spot in Tyne and Wear, not far from Hedley on the Hill village. It's on a farm run by David and his family, who welcome guests to enjoy the beautiful countryside views. You can see the Tyne Valley from the camping pitches, which is great for stargazing at night. The site is basic with just water taps and toilets, no showers, but there's lots of space for kids and dogs to play. You're allowed to bring a barbecue or firepit for cooking, and you can buy supplies in Prudhoe nearby. Or, you can walk to Hedley on the Hill for a meal at a top-notch pub. There are plenty of things to do nearby, like walking in the woods, playing golf, or trying gliding. You can also visit Hadrian’s Wall, Newcastle upon Tyne, or explore the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for a varied and enjoyable break.Also this June we will be open for the Sam Fender weekend ie June 12 til the 16th if anyone wants to camp £20 a night plus a taxi for £20
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£20
 / night
Woodman's Huts

15. Woodman's Huts

99%
(58)
72km from Carlisle · 3 units
Beautiful handmade shepherd's huts in the heart of the picturesque South Lakes
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£135
 / night
Hazel Mount Fellside

16. Hazel Mount Fellside

98%
(49)
72km from Carlisle · 5 units
Nearly wild camping on the western edge of the Lake District overlooking the Duddon Estuary
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£25
 / night
Beirhope Alpacas

17. Beirhope Alpacas

98%
(137)
73km from Carlisle · 11 units
A small, off-grid campsite with alpacas in the historically rich southern Scottish borders
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£20
 / night
Baystone Bank Farm Campsite

18. Baystone Bank Farm Campsite

96%
(150)
74km from Carlisle · 47 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Lake District camping on a working farm with a stream to splash in, campfires encouraged and a horse-riding centre on the doorstep
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£25
 / night
Troquhain Woods

19. Troquhain Woods

92%
(33)
75km from Carlisle · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Nearly wild camping for tents and campervans in a Scottish woodland
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
£25
 / night
Walkmill Campsite

20. Walkmill Campsite

98%
(122)
96km from Carlisle · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Refreshingly understated private camping in the unspoiled Northumberland countryside
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£25
 / night

Explore mediaeval and Roman history before setting out for a night under the stars.

In the heart of Cumbria, the cathedral city of Carlisle attracts visitors with its 12th-century cathedral and its massive keep castle, first built under William II, the son of William the Conqueror. It also makes a good base for exploring bits of what remains of Hadrian’s Wall, and while the city itself is better suited to picking up gear and groceries, there are plenty of places to camp nearby. The National Trust manages four different campsites in the nearby Lake District National Park, south of Carlisle, and there are plenty of privately run Hipcamps due east of the city, toward the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

95% (684) 355 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Carlisle

Camping at Cardewlees

1. Camping at Cardewlees

99%
(47)
6.6km from Carlisle · 37 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A welcoming, family-run farm campsite between the Lake District and Hadrian's Wall
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£16
 / night
Cairn Meadow Pods

2. Cairn Meadow Pods

99%
(42)
12km from Carlisle · 4 units
Glamping pods in Cumbria's secluded Eden Valley with views of the Pennines
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£98
 / night
Howbeck Lodge

3. Howbeck Lodge

94%
(27)
18km from Carlisle · 29 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A dog-friendly farm campsite on the northern edge of the Lake District
Pets
Showers
Water hookup
from 
£30
 / night
Hadrian's Wall Country Yurts

4. Hadrian's Wall Country Yurts

100%
(13)
18km from Carlisle · 2 units
Two yurts with hot tubs in the Cumbrian countryside just a mile away from Hadrian’s Wall
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£210
 / night
Ewe Love Camping Pods

5. Ewe Love Camping Pods

98%
(108)
30km from Carlisle · 3 units
Modern Lake District glamping pods among the trees, with exceptional views of Blencathra
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£90
 / night
The Old Chapel Campsite

6. The Old Chapel Campsite

98%
(97)
48km from Carlisle · 30 units
Nearly wild camping in the North Pennines
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£20
 / night
The Black Swan

7. The Black Swan

100%
(26)
61km from Carlisle · 3 units
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.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£136
 / night
The Damson Shepherd's Hut

8. The Damson Shepherd's Hut

98%
(60)
62km from Carlisle · 1 unit
A shepherd's hut for two in the lesser-known Lyth Valley, four miles from Lake Windermere
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£110
 / night
Fairy Bell Wood

9. Fairy Bell Wood

100%
(11)
63km from Carlisle · 1 unit
An off-grid yurt in a private woodland between the Lakes and the Dales
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£119
 / night
Damson View Glamping

10. Damson View Glamping

100%
(55)
64km from Carlisle · 5 units
Self-contained glamping pods in the Lake District's beautiful Lyth Valley
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£119
 / night
Hill Top Huts

11. Hill Top Huts

97%
(121)
67km from Carlisle · 12 units
Scenic, simple glamping pods set beside a welcoming Pennines pub
Pets
Showers
Wifi
from 
£70
 / night
S

12. S

92%
(93)
68km from Carlisle · 14 units
Lake District camping on the banks of Lake Windermere, with direct access to the water.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£50
 / night
Moss Side Farm Campsite

13. Moss Side Farm Campsite

94%
(131)
69km from Carlisle · 33 units
Small-scale farm camping in the South Lakes, with campfires, wildlife and fine views
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£25
 / night
Tyne View Camping

14. Tyne View Camping

100%
(17)
70km from Carlisle · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Tyne View Camping is a peaceful spot in Tyne and Wear, not far from Hedley on the Hill village. It's on a farm run by David and his family, who welcome guests to enjoy the beautiful countryside views. You can see the Tyne Valley from the camping pitches, which is great for stargazing at night. The site is basic with just water taps and toilets, no showers, but there's lots of space for kids and dogs to play. You're allowed to bring a barbecue or firepit for cooking, and you can buy supplies in Prudhoe nearby. Or, you can walk to Hedley on the Hill for a meal at a top-notch pub. There are plenty of things to do nearby, like walking in the woods, playing golf, or trying gliding. You can also visit Hadrian’s Wall, Newcastle upon Tyne, or explore the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for a varied and enjoyable break.Also this June we will be open for the Sam Fender weekend ie June 12 til the 16th if anyone wants to camp £20 a night plus a taxi for £20
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£20
 / night
Woodman's Huts

15. Woodman's Huts

99%
(58)
72km from Carlisle · 3 units
Beautiful handmade shepherd's huts in the heart of the picturesque South Lakes
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£135
 / night
Hazel Mount Fellside

16. Hazel Mount Fellside

98%
(49)
72km from Carlisle · 5 units
Nearly wild camping on the western edge of the Lake District overlooking the Duddon Estuary
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£25
 / night
Beirhope Alpacas

17. Beirhope Alpacas

98%
(137)
73km from Carlisle · 11 units
A small, off-grid campsite with alpacas in the historically rich southern Scottish borders
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£20
 / night
Baystone Bank Farm Campsite

18. Baystone Bank Farm Campsite

96%
(150)
74km from Carlisle · 47 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Lake District camping on a working farm with a stream to splash in, campfires encouraged and a horse-riding centre on the doorstep
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£25
 / night
Troquhain Woods

19. Troquhain Woods

92%
(33)
75km from Carlisle · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Nearly wild camping for tents and campervans in a Scottish woodland
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
£25
 / night
Walkmill Campsite

20. Walkmill Campsite

98%
(122)
96km from Carlisle · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Refreshingly understated private camping in the unspoiled Northumberland countryside
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£25
 / night

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Best camping, glamping, and outdoor stays in Carlisle guide

Where to go

Lake District National Park

Spread out over 912 square miles, the Lake District National Park is characterized by low-lying mountains and soaring mountains that are ideal for challenging treks and climbs. Along with 16 large lakes—including the deepest lake in England (Wastwater) and the country's longest (Windermere)—the park features a handful of tarns, a type of small mountain pool. Popular activities include cycling, stargazing, boating, and swimming.

North Pennines AONB

East of Carlisle, the North Pennies AONB is a UNESCO Global Geopark characterized by moors, dales, rivers, and forests, with plenty to explore on foot, by bicycle, or on horseback. The park is home to 16 Dark Sky Discovery Sites, ideal for nighttime stargazing, along with dozens of hiking and biking trails. You can get all the information you need to start your adventure at the Bowlees Visitor Centre, just over an hour’s drive from Carlisle.

Northumberland National Park

The most remote (and least-visited) national park in England and Wales, Northumberland National Park is the place to go if you've had it with people and want a bit of peace and solitude. It's a great place for hikes and cycling trips, and there are loads of caravan sites and campsites throughout the park, a few of which are right by Hadrian's Wall.

When to go

Carlisle gets rain throughout the year, though autumn and winter tend to get more days of rainfall than spring and summer. The climate is cool, but mild, and while temperatures rarely drop below freezing, Carlisle rarely sees temperatures higher than 20 degrees, even in the peak of summer. If you're a fan of the performing arts, consider visiting in March to attend the Carlisle and District Music and Drama Festival, a festival of music, speech, and drama founded in 1896.