Dog-friendly camping near Carlisle, Cumbria

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).

94% (627) • 280 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Carlisle

Stanley Villa Farm Fishing& Camping

1. Stanley Villa Farm Fishing& Camping

96%

(60)

120km from Carlisle · 40 units

Lakeside rural tranquility and the 'kiss-me-quick' fun of the seaside – you can have the best of both worlds at Stanley Villa Farm's cute camping pods

Showers

Campfires

Hot Tub

from

£60

/ night

Copy House Hideaway

2. Copy House Hideaway

100%

(67)

122km from Carlisle · 2 units

Luxury shepherd's huts with wood-fired hot tubs and an adjoining log cabin for extra space

Showers

Campfires

Hot Tub

from

£146

/ night

Little North Field Glamping

3. Little North Field Glamping

100%

(12)

126km from Carlisle · 3 units

Luxury safari tent glamping within striking distance of North Yorkshire's most historic attractions

Showers

Campfires

Potable water

from

£160

/ night

Stone Raise Bells

4. Stone Raise Bells

92%

(6)

12km from Carlisle · 3 units

Off-grid bell tents on a working farm in Cumbria’s Eden Valley

Showers

Campfires

Potable water

from

£65

/ night

Otter Moss Accommodation

5. Otter Moss Accommodation

100%

(8)

13km from Carlisle · 4 units

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.

100%

(8)

13km from Carlisle · 4 units

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.

Showers

Campfires

Wifi

from

£85

/ night

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

E

EngineerMe

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Stone Raise Bells

Fantastic welcoming experience for adults and kids. Really good communication, great view and super quiet. Will be returning shortly! Thankyou John and Emma

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!

D

Daniel

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Stone Raise Bells

We had a great night stay at this campsite. It was a good setup with a lovely view of the surrounding area. The Bell tents were great and I’d recommend them to anyone looking to stay here!

Vitalija

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Copy House Hideaway

We loved our stay at Bracken Hut! Very clean and hospitable - we really felt that we were welcomed there. Also it was such a quiet place with an amazing views.

K

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

R

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

Dog-friendly camping near 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.