Riverside Camping 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).

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Top-rated campgrounds

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% (54)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Walkmill Campsite

98%

(122)

96km from Carlisle · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Northumberland, North East England

Refreshingly understated private camping in the unspoiled Northumberland countryside

2. King Garth

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6km from Carlisle · 1 unit · Glamping · Carlisle, England

Built in 1733, King Garth is also known as The Old Customs House, reflecting its role in these fraught times of smuggling. Its strategic position on the banks of The Eden served as the perfect lookout for a bailiff employed by Carlisle Corporation to protect the very important salmon fishery. The plaques on the building which commemorate the visits by Mayors date back to the 1700s. These visits no doubt involved indulgent banquets centring around freshly caught salmon I grew up on the opposite side of the river. On family walks along the Eden I was always fascinated by the house on the other side sited in such an amazing position. In 2010, when I returned to Cumbria I was amazed to hear that this house was for sale. It was a ruin and everyone told me I was mad..... I probably was a little! But I soon realised that I wasn’t alone in my love of this house, everyone I met from the surrounding villages had a tale to tell about this iconic place. King Garth is for sharing - with locals, (we have an annual barbecue), with wildlife and with people like you. The aim when renovating King Garth was to celebrate and embrace its history. King Garth is off grid and has no running water. It is furnished in a style to reflect its history. It isn’t everyone’s ‘cup of tea’: you have to drive a mile down a muddy lane, there is no hot shower, no electric lighting, and a compost toilet. BUT we offer beautiful evenings of candle light, log burner, hot tub under the stars and bathing in the river. My priority with King Garth and the land attached was to manage in a way to protect the abundant wildlife. There are also alpacas who you can look after during your stay. You will be astounded by the din the birds make at dawn and dusk! Inside the house there is an owl box where one summer a pair of barn owls successfully raised chicks. Since then a kestrel frequents the box and has twice laid there. This part of the Eden is tidal so both estuarine and river species co exist. Kingfishers and otters are often spotted And even the occasional seal! Kinggarth comes with fishing rights and if you want to fish this can be arranged with the host. The bird feeders are frequented by tree sparrows, yellow hammers, wood peckers, nut hatches and in winter red poll.

3. Camping at Cardewlees

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(47)

6.6km from Carlisle · 37 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Carlisle, England

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

4. Aldwark Bridge Glamping

142km from Carlisle · 3 units · Glamping · England

A unique and cosy pop-up glamping site Located on the banks of the River Ure next to a quaint and historical wooden toll bridge, Aldwark Bridge Glamping offers a unique and personal camping experience. Nestled between York and Harrogate, the site boasts a fantastic pit stop on the Coast to Coast cycling route, free landing access to the River Ure to enjoy kayaking and stand up paddle boarding and a beautiful river side walk to the local pub. Matt and Joanna invite you to glamp in style here at our cosy garden site with luxury shower room, extensive outdoor kitchen and welcoming communal fire pit seating area.

5. RHC & Glamping

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137km from Carlisle · 6 units · Glamping · Lancashire, North West England

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.

6. Cleghorn Farm

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103km from Carlisle · 15 units · Tents, Glamping · Lanark, Scotland

*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.

7. Primrose Cottage Camping

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138km from Carlisle · 13 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Chorley, England

A quiet adult-only site (this site does not cater for children), with tents and campervans only, nestled below Healey Nab in the Lancashire Countryside. Rustic and back to basics is what this site is all about. Set amid spectacular countryside, grassy fields, woodland and streams to boot! Well behaved four legged friends are more than welcome. Campfires and good times allowed. *Please note loud music is not allowed.* Flat walks are a plenty along the Leeds and Liverpool canal or maybe a circular walk to white White Coppice might float your boat? For the hill walkers amongst us there is Great Hill and Rivington Pike to climb. Within walking distance or a few minutes drive there is pub at the end of the lane and local shops within the vicinity for those last minute snacks. Chorley town centre is 10 minutes drive away and we are close to the M61 which can take you to the Lake district in less than an hour, Manchester or Blackpool are roughly 30 Minutes away.

8. The Black Swan

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61km from Carlisle · 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.

9. Smardale Mill Shepods The Ash

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(4)

58km from Carlisle · 3 units · Glamping · Hawes, North Yorkshire, North East England

Smardale Mill Shepods are the perfect place to escape, unwind and relax. These modern style shepherds huts are tucked away in an idyllic setting in Cumbria. Situated on a working family farm there is always plenty to see and do. Each shepod sleeps two comfortably with the option of a further two guests on the sofa bed.

10. Lake District Herdwick Huts

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49km from Carlisle · 5 units · Glamping · Rydal, England

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.

11. Inside Out Yurts

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(9)

45km from Carlisle · 3 units · Glamping · Keswick, Cumbria, North West England

Rustic yurt glamping with a riverside setting, fell views and an enviable Lake District location

12. Garden Yurt in a hidden glen

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(3)

69km from Carlisle · 1 unit · Glamping · England

A cosy, romantic getaway. Unwind and reconnect, surrounded by nature and amazing dark skies. The spacious, well-equipped yurt is tucked away in a large private home garden in a beautiful glen, with Scaur Water just over the road. The Yurt at Craignee is a cosy, off-grid retreat, with wood burner and garden area, surrounded by peace and wildlife. Enjoy lots of home comforts with an extra dash of adventure! #bbcwildlife60places winner STL Number: DG01053P

13. Ayrshire Airstream

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(2)

122km from Carlisle · 1 unit · Glamping · Irvine, Scotland

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

14. Hut in the Sheep Wash

75km from Carlisle · 1 unit · Glamping · Grizedale, England

A shepherd’s hut in it’s own riverside field in Cumbria

Camper favorites near Carlisle

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Lake District Herdwick Huts

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(1)

49km from Carlisle · 5 units · Glamping · Rydal, England

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.

Inside Out Yurts

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(9)

45km from Carlisle · 3 units · Glamping · Keswick, Cumbria, North West England

Rustic yurt glamping with a riverside setting, fell views and an enviable Lake District location

Garden Yurt in a hidden glen

100%

(3)

69km from Carlisle · 1 unit · Glamping · England

A cosy, romantic getaway. Unwind and reconnect, surrounded by nature and amazing dark skies. The spacious, well-equipped yurt is tucked away in a large private home garden in a beautiful glen, with Scaur Water just over the road. The Yurt at Craignee is a cosy, off-grid retreat, with wood burner and garden area, surrounded by peace and wildlife. Enjoy lots of home comforts with an extra dash of adventure! #bbcwildlife60places winner STL Number: DG01053P

Ayrshire Airstream

100%

(2)

122km from Carlisle · 1 unit · Glamping · Irvine, Scotland

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

Hut in the Sheep Wash

75km from Carlisle · 1 unit · Glamping · Grizedale, England

A shepherd’s hut in it’s own riverside field in Cumbria

Stories from the community

E

Ellen

October 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to King Garth

We absolutely loved our stay at King Garth! It is located in such a tranquil location beside the river and away from other houses, but with alpacas for company! The hot tub was perfect to relax in and we enjoyed a cosy, candlelit evening inside by the fire afterwards! It was fascinating to read about the history of the building too! Will definitely be back :)

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.

Brian

September 2025

6 m Class B

With pets

1 night at Walkmill Campsite

Spacious clean campsite. Now our best one yet! We chose the upper circle which gave us a lot more space and better views. Clean toilets. Nice little shop with extras for guests. Will certainly recommend and return.

C

Cliff

August 2025

Tent

2 nights at Walkmill Campsite

This is a delightful site. Very peaceful and everything is immaculately clean and tidy. Close to coast. Highly recommended

S

Sean

August 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to King Garth

We stayed as a birthday treat for my 12 year old. 2 adults, 4 children and our dog. It was a truly fantastic stay from start to finish. Such a unique house and experience. The kids absolutely loved swimming in the river, looking after the alpacas, the hot tub and going back to basics. It was lovely seeing them enjoying themselves with no distractions of the modern world. Games by candle light and food over the bbq, what more could you ask for. Jane was fantastic and made sure we knew everything that was needed before we arrived. Can’t wait to come back.

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.

V

Victoria

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Walkmill Campsite

I loved the campsite. The plots were very spacious and not at all crammed in, so there was lots of room for my toddler to run around in. The facilities were good as there was a static caravan with a kitchen, bathroom, toilet and even a couple of lounge areas, which would be useful if you got bad weather. It was so handy having the use of a hot water for washing up. I would definitely go back!

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!

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!

L

Lucy

August 2025

1 night at King Garth

A truly unique stay in a beautiful location. The lane was a little challenging in my picanto but we managed it and was well worth the trip! So much provided in terms of wood, charcoal, crockery candles! Would definitely stay again :)

K

Katie

August 2025

Tent

2 nights at Walkmill Campsite

We loved tent camping at Walkmill, the site was beautifully maintained in a stunning location near the river. Plenty of wildlife to enjoy while sat around the fire pit - we saw a barn owl and hares during our two night stay. The pitches were well spaced out and the site shop had everything you might need in a pinch -we recommend bringing cash for the honesty box. The location is a 45min walk to Warkworth Castle and the coast/coastal path so there is plenty to keep you busy. We are looking forward to coming back!

K

Kirsten

August 2025

2 nights at King Garth

We loved staying at the beautiful King Garth, the hot tub was perfect after getting the fire going and sitting in candle light, in front of the fire is the most comforting feeling in the world. A very quiet and peaceful sight with gorgeous views and riverside walks with a pub about 30 mins walk away. We did get lost on the way to the cottage so make sure to follow the map to cargo village and not the middle of a field on the other side of the river 🤣 We even got to feed alpacas and theyre very funny little characters and very friendly. We will be staying again and very recommended

M

Megan

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Camping at Cardewlees

The campsite had lovely views and the facilities were very accessible.

H

Harrison

July 2025

Weekend Trip to King Garth

What an incredible piece of land. The house holds so much history and retains so much of the original charm. The privacy, quietness, and abundant nature was incredibly therapeutic and relaxing. Jane was great at communicating and we had no issues with anything.

G

Gill

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Walkmill Campsite

Beautiful unspoilt environment, natural landscape. The tents were pitched away from the camper vans which was lovely. Friendly peaceful campers in a lovely atmosphere.

L

Lucy

June 2025

Weekend Trip to King Garth

Absolutely beautiful place to stay. Had everything we needed and sitting by candlelight was lovely

E

Erin

June 2025

1 night at Walkmill Campsite

Lovely host, travelled from south west England to do the NC500 and this campsite has every essential you could possibly need. Would have loved to stay longer! Gorgeous peaceful spot next to the river.

K

Kendra

June 2025

4 m Class B

With pets

Weekend Trip to Walkmill Campsite

This site is set out beautifully. Everything you could ask for with some great little touches

H

Heidi

June 2025

5 m Class B

1 night at Walkmill Campsite

Wunderschöner, naturnaher Campsite. Herrliche Landschaft, viel Platz rund um die blühende Wiese. Alles sehr gepflegt. Sofort wieder!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Riverside 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.