The best campsites near Carlisle, Cumbria with horseback riding

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).

98% (179) • 29 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near 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).

98% (179) • 29 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Carlisle

1. Harebeck Holidays

84%

(22)

62km from Carlisle · 8 units · Motorhomes, Glamping

Nestled between the Western Lake District Fells and the Irish Sea coast this site is situated on a working dairy and sheep farm. Farm tours can be arranged on arrival. A play hut with outdoor games, drying room with communal fridge and freezer (some units have their own small fridge). Natural hedges surround the site. Four fruit trees near the shower block Half a mile to Gosforth village with Shop, Bakery, Cafe, 4 Pubs providing food and an Italian restaurant. Gosforth and Seascale villages have play parks. Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, Wasdale, Scafell Pike and Sandy Beaches with Cafes selling local ice cream are nearby with most Lake District attractions within an hours drive and Edinburgh a three hour drive away. There are 5 campervan/motorhome pitches, a pod, a modern take on a shepherds hut with underfloor heating, a heated pod and two gypsy caravans with electricity to book. All pitches are on gravel positioned to enjoy views over farmland to Scafell Pike and other fells, they are surrounded by grassy areas with seating and a picnic table. A wooden play hut has outdoor games and toys inside. Awnings can be added on the 3 larger pitches. Tents can be pitched next to units for an extra £10 per night. Barbeques are allowed on gravel with our Gypsy Caravans having a campfire area. There is a communal fridge and freezer, outdoor drying space. Farm tours can be arranged. Wildlife and farm animals can be seen in the surrounding fields. Fresh vegetables and barbeque packs can be ordered with 24 to 48 hours notice. Grocery deliveries accepted from supermarkets. There is also a holiday cottage on the farm sleeping 6 over two rooms. Situated midway between the Western Lake District Fells and the Irish Sea Coast makes this site ideal for lower or higher level walks. Sandy beaches at Seascale and St Bees have cafes selling locally made ice cream alongside play areas to keep children happy. Scafell England's highest mountain is close by as are a number of Wainwrights. Nearby is Muncaster Castle and Gardens with its Hawk and Owl Centre, also Ravenglass (a Roman port with remains of a bath house),  you can ride up the Eskdale Valley on the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway (Laal Ratty). Perhaps take a stroll to Stanley Ghyll waterfall. They have a cafe at both terminuses with a museum in Ravenglass where nearby you can sample Ravenglass Ice Cream. Wasdale and Ennerdale are close by both valleys having cafes and pubs.

2. Ewe Love Camping Pods

98%

(108)

30km from Carlisle · 3 units · Glamping

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

3. RHC & Glamping

100%

(7)

137km from Carlisle · 6 units · Glamping

Hi Hipcampers, We are a 15 acre site of hillsides and woodlands, with woodland paths a few beautiful ponds and a small river! We have fabulous views to of the hills to be enjoyed. Theres lots of wildlife here from deer to Canadian geese. We have some stone fire pits for our guests to use foc! We have a games room and lots of children swings and activities.

4. Cleghorn Farm

100%

(11)

103km from Carlisle · 15 units · Tents, Glamping

*PLEASE NOTE THE CABIN IS AVAILABLE FOR MIDWEEK AND WEEKEND BOOKINGS. CAMPING WILL RETURN IN SPRING 2026.* Cleghorn Farm is a mixed farm just north east of the market town of Lanark. Comprised of 250 acres of fields and woodland and bounded to the south by Mouse Water, it is a beautiful spot to get away from it all without having to leave it all behind if you don't want to. The fields are grazed and cultivated but the woodlands are much as they were at the end of the last ice age with spectacular walks along Cleghorn Glen with the chance to see badgers, bats, deer and all manner of birds among the towering pine and beech trees. The Mouse Water (pronounced moose) tumbles down along the edge of the farm and has some glorious pools for swimming, shallows for paddling and some spectacular water falls before it joins the River Clyde.

5. Breaks Fold Farm Glamping & Camping

98%

(61)

123km from Carlisle · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Camping in Nidderdale with excellent facilities, dogs and campfires welcome, and views over Thruscross Reservoir.

6. Crowdy Hall

100%

(2)

100km from Carlisle · 1 unit · Glamping

Crowdy Hall is an off-grid retreat featuring several bespoke-built, timber-framed eco-cabins. Set in 200 acres of picturesque farmland, guests are encouraged to unplug, unwind and relax, enjoying a break away from the hustle and bustle of every day life. Expect wood burning stoves for heat, fire pits on the decking and solar panels for power.

7. Woodman's Huts

99%

(58)

72km from Carlisle · 3 units · Glamping

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

8. The Damson Shepherd's Hut

98%

(60)

62km from Carlisle · 1 unit · Glamping

A shepherd's hut for two in the lesser-known Lyth Valley, four miles from Lake Windermere

9. Hazel Mount Fellside

98%

(49)

72km from Carlisle · 5 units · Tents

Nearly wild camping on the western edge of the Lake District overlooking the Duddon Estuary

10. Otter Moss Accommodation

100%

(8)

13km from Carlisle · 4 units · Glamping

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.

11. The Black Swan

100%

(26)

61km from Carlisle · 3 units · Glamping

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.

12. Bamburgh Under Canvas

90%

(5)

109km from Carlisle · 5 units · Glamping

Luxury Lotus Belle tent glamping with sweeping views, within walking distance of Bamburgh town and castle (and beach)

13. Ayrshire Airstream

100%

(2)

122km from Carlisle · 1 unit · Glamping

A seriously comfortable 1978 Airstream, complete with a hot tub, fire pit and its own bar.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

A

Andrew

November 2025

2 nights at Cleghorn Farm

Friendly and welcoming environment! Nice place if you’re needing to get off the grid a bit.

D

Duco

September 2025

Tent

2 nights at Hazel Mount Fellside

We loved camping at Hazel Mount Fellside. The view was stunning and it felt more like a piece of nature with some scattered campsites than the opposite, which you most often find. Ruth was a very nice and welcoming host.

I

Ian

September 2025

Tent

3 nights at Breaks Fold Farm Glamping & Camping

Really well laid out site. Quite steep in places with rough ground but fine if you are mobile. Toilet and shower facilities are excellent, as is the wash up area with phone charging facilities and shared fridges. Fantastic base to explore the area, right next to the Thurscross reservoir.

K

Kerry

September 2025

3 nights at The Damson Shepherd's Hut

I absolutely loved it here . It was my own piece of heaven ❤️

P

Paul

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Cleghorn Farm

The beautiful cabin is in a lovely quiet private space. There are nice views across to the hills particularly when sat by the firepit. Alex and Lauren made us feel very welcome.

Nova

August 2025

Tent

2 nights at Hazel Mount Fellside

We were lucky enough to get the site for ourselves for this trip and it was absolutely magical. the land and its views are so beautiful, it’s the first campsite i’ve been to that felt connected to the land it was on :’) ruth’s passion for the place shone, and all of the animals are so cute and special and it was so peaceful being there

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!

S

Stryczek

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Hazel Mount Fellside

Loved camping at snowdrop. Easy to park up and the pitch was ready for us on arrival. Very quiet and peaceful. Would highly recommend!

J

Jessica

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Hazel Mount Fellside

Lovely campsite! The pitches are extremely spacious - it felt like we were wild camping. Ruth is extremely welcoming. She’s built something special. Would definitely recommend!

T

Ted

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Breaks Fold Farm Glamping & Camping

Camping was beautiful here lovely walks with dogs very clean showers. Host were great.very friendly. And informative

K

Keerti

August 2025

Tent

With kids

2 nights at Hazel Mount Fellside

Ruth was a wonderful, kind and fascinating host. Her land is stunning and with an ecologist background Ruth is determined to ensure and enable that her land thrives with life diversity as nature intended. It’s a really beautiful natural space and well connected to Millom, Lake Conniston, the stone circle and many other beautiful places to visit and for convenience. Thank you Ruth for accommodating us and for all your tips!

F

Fil

August 2025

Tent

With kids

4 nights at Breaks Fold Farm Glamping & Camping

Excellent facilities. Very welcoming, helpful owners. Very quiet site which suited us. Lots of space even for our large bell tent.

N

Nidal

August 2025

Weekend Trip to RHC & Glamping

We stayed in the Cygnet pod, it was clean, warm and well stocked with cups and coffee/tea. We enjoyed the onsite sauna and complimentary alkaline water then had dinner from the cafe. The pizzas were delicious. Excellent customer service and a lovely bit of the north west to enjoy. 10/10

a

amy

August 2025

Tent

With kids

3 nights at Breaks Fold Farm Glamping & Camping

A lovely place to stay for camping with the kids, even with the midges :). The toilets were immaculate and plenty of shower rooms. We had a mix up with our pitch (i thought i had booked an electric pitch but it hadn't went through on hipcamp), the owner was brilliant and very accommodating. I wouldn't hesitate to book again if we are down that way.

M

Miley

July 2025

2 nights at RHC & Glamping

I love Glamping’s in Rachel’s land there is a great view and loved how there’s horses just up from the cabins and a walk to get to the top of the mountain would definitely go again but no shops near by but got an uber witch was quite cheap

R

Rachel

July 2025

1 night at RHC & Glamping

The site was easy to find and in a beautiful and peaceful setting. Gaining access to the pod was easy and even though not on site when I arrived, the owner left her number and answered my calls straight away. The pod had good amenities and was very cosy, the shower block and toilet area were extremely clean. It was a relaxing and stress free stay

L

Lynn

July 2025

Tent

3 nights at Hazel Mount Fellside

The site was really peaceful with amazing views of the fells and estuary. Ruth showed me around and explained the little extras like the lending library and tiny snack shop. It was so nice to get away from it all and relax in the serene surroundings. Bluebell pitch was exactly as described with some amazing trees. The wildlife (including a tawny owl, woodpecker and a frog) were an unexpected bonus. I would definitely recommend the site to everyone. Thank you Ruth for a lovely stay.

S

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!

T

Tim

June 2025

Weekend Trip to The Damson Shepherd's Hut

It was an outstanding stay at Jo's place. It was everything we wanted - quiet, peaceful, and very pretty. This was the ideal Lakes location.

C

Craig

June 2025

Tent

With pets

3 nights at Hazel Mount Fellside

We loved our stay on primrose pitch. Listening to Osprey, looking onto beautiful views and we were lucky to have a clear night to see the stars. Ruth was so welcoming and has created a haven to restore nature and allow space for the mini beasts as well as sheep, chickens, geese and a horse. We were lucky to stay on the summer Solstice weekend and visit the amazing stone circle close by. We will definitely be back.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best campsites near Carlisle with horseback riding 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.