Campsites near Eskdale
Eskdale camping holidays are set near Scafell Peak and the Lake District National Park.
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Campsites near Eskdale guide
Overview
Eskdale is a glacial valley stretching between Gosforth, near Cumbria’s west coast, to the foot of Hardknott Pass. The valley contains the small villages of Santon Bridge, Boot, and Eskdale Green, and given Eskdale camping holidays are in the shadow of the Lake District’s highest peaks, your campsite is likely to have stellar views. It’s a popular place for outdoor enthusiasts thanks to its location in the very west of the Lake District National Park and its proximity to Scafell Pike, the tallest mountain in England at 3,210 feet. There’s a National Trust campsite in Eskdale, and several other scenic camping options throughout the valley and the nearby national park, ranging from simple to comfortable, although you won’t find many large holiday parks. Whether you’re here on your own to conquer the fells or bringing the family for a summer holiday, there are some great classic campsites to pick a pitch on.
Where to go
Lake District National Park
Eskdale sits within the Lake District National Park, a popular outdoor playground in Cumbria. The UNESCO-listed site is home to deep glacial lakes—including the deepest lake in England, Wastwater—tall mountains (for England, that is!), and rich cultural history, as this was a favourite hangout spot for several literary greats. There are plenty of places to stay throughout the park, including simple campsites, well-equipped holiday parks, log cabins, and cosy cottages.
Scafell Pike
England’s tallest mountain presides over Eskdale, drawing climbers and hikers to the area. Many who climb and hike Scafell Pike stay in the villages within the Eskdale valley. It’s also possible to wild camp on Scafell Pike for great views across the rugged landscape, but temperatures can be especially cold at these higher altitudes.
Walney Island
This island in the Irish Sea is just off Cumbria’s coast but is connected to Barrow-in-Furness on the mainland by a road bridge. The North Walney Nature Reserve and the South Walney Nature Reserve lie at either ends of the island, and the village of Walney sits in the middle. There are a couple of places to camp on the island, or visitors can day trip from Eskdale or nearby Barrow-in-Furness.
When to go
Eskdale and the Lake District are beautiful at any time of year, but to make the most of camping and outdoor activities, visit in summer. This is when the weather is warmer and the days are longer, and it’s also driest at this time of year—especially important in a part of England that gets a lot of rain. If visiting outside of summer and worried about the cold, opt for a cabin or cottage rather than tent camping.