Campsites near Kendal

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Easily reached from the M6 but also perfectly placed for national park access, this tourist hub just outside the Lake District offers easy access to the fells, woods, lakes, and peaks the region is known for. Campers on limited time can tick off iconic Lake District landmarks such as Windermere, Skiddaw, or Scafell Pike without having to travel far, while those looking for something a little different can travel into nearby Lancashire in search of less famous outdoor destinations. Glamping and camping remain popular ways to soak up the Lake District atmosphere, with a range of holiday parks, luxury pods, and backpacking campgrounds offering options for all manner of Hipcampers.

96% (756)

Top-rated campgrounds

The Duchess's Meadow

4. The Duchess's Meadow

100%
(1)
130km from Kendal · 2 units · Motorhomes · England
Tucked away in peaceful woodland yet just a short stroll from the vibrant heart of Buxton, The Duchess’s Meadow offers the perfect blend of nature, history, and convenience. Set within the private grounds of Corbar Hill House — originally built in the 1850s as a retreat for the Mistress of the 7th Duke of Devonshire — our site sits amid tranquil trees and abundant wildlife. Expect to spot owls, rabbits, woodpeckers, and even the occasional stoat and deer, all against a backdrop of panoramic views across Buxton and the Peak District. Our family fell in love with this land and set out to create a welcoming space where visitors can relax, recharge, and enjoy the beauty of the area. Whether you’re here for a peaceful stopover or a longer stay, you’ll find yourself surrounded by nature yet just a 10-minute walk from Buxton’s bustling town centre. Buxton is famed for its natural thermal spring water, elegant Georgian and Victorian architecture, and rich cultural scene. Home to the magnificent Buxton Crescent, the Opera House, and the gateway to the Peak District National Park, it’s the ideal base for exploring Derbyshire’s scenic walks, limestone caves, and charming villages. At The Duchess’s Meadow, you’ll experience the best of both worlds — the calm of the countryside and the charm of a historic spa town, all from the comfort of your motorhome.
Potable water
Trash
from 
£14
 / night
Damside Campsite

14. Damside Campsite

96%
(14)
129km from Kendal · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes · England
Well-maintained and peaceful wild camping site in the Peak District Buxton 15 minutes’ drive; Chatsworth House half an hour Dogs welcome; 10 minutes’ walk from a pub; nearby playground Just how remote would you like your holiday accommodation to be? If the answer is fair to middling, Damside Campsite might just be the place for you: this pop-up spot is surrounded by the glorious wilderness of Peak District National Park. Doesn’t get much more blissfully peaceful than that – except for the occasional lowing cow, all is stillness here. Having said that, don’t worry: you won’t have to scramble across hills and dales for a pint: a traditional pub serving real ales and home-cooked food is right in the village of Peak Forest, a 20-minute walk away. Both the site and the pub welcome dogs, though it might be wise to keep them on a lead when walking past the farm animals. This is wild camping; facilities might not be abundant (there are no showers), but they are well maintained and include a portable toilet and a washing-up area. There is also fresh running water, and you’re welcome to start a campfire or a barbecue. You can grab essentials in the village shop, or head to Chapel-en-le-Frith (10 minutes) or Buxton (15 minutes). If you’re here with the kids, the flat, grassy field where you’ll set up your tent makes for an excellent play area on which to run around, kick a ball or fly a kite. A nearby playground has swings, slides, a small adventure course and a multisport pitch. Walking paths start from right outside the farm, or you can drive to hiking areas like Chee Dale Stepping Stones (10 minutes), a dramatic gorge on the River Wye.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£20
 / night

Easily reached from the M6 but also perfectly placed for national park access, this tourist hub just outside the Lake District offers easy access to the fells, woods, lakes, and peaks the region is known for. Campers on limited time can tick off iconic Lake District landmarks such as Windermere, Skiddaw, or Scafell Pike without having to travel far, while those looking for something a little different can travel into nearby Lancashire in search of less famous outdoor destinations. Glamping and camping remain popular ways to soak up the Lake District atmosphere, with a range of holiday parks, luxury pods, and backpacking campgrounds offering options for all manner of Hipcampers.

96% (756)

Top-rated campgrounds

The Duchess's Meadow

4. The Duchess's Meadow

100%
(1)
130km from Kendal · 2 units · Motorhomes · England
Tucked away in peaceful woodland yet just a short stroll from the vibrant heart of Buxton, The Duchess’s Meadow offers the perfect blend of nature, history, and convenience. Set within the private grounds of Corbar Hill House — originally built in the 1850s as a retreat for the Mistress of the 7th Duke of Devonshire — our site sits amid tranquil trees and abundant wildlife. Expect to spot owls, rabbits, woodpeckers, and even the occasional stoat and deer, all against a backdrop of panoramic views across Buxton and the Peak District. Our family fell in love with this land and set out to create a welcoming space where visitors can relax, recharge, and enjoy the beauty of the area. Whether you’re here for a peaceful stopover or a longer stay, you’ll find yourself surrounded by nature yet just a 10-minute walk from Buxton’s bustling town centre. Buxton is famed for its natural thermal spring water, elegant Georgian and Victorian architecture, and rich cultural scene. Home to the magnificent Buxton Crescent, the Opera House, and the gateway to the Peak District National Park, it’s the ideal base for exploring Derbyshire’s scenic walks, limestone caves, and charming villages. At The Duchess’s Meadow, you’ll experience the best of both worlds — the calm of the countryside and the charm of a historic spa town, all from the comfort of your motorhome.
Potable water
Trash
from 
£14
 / night
Damside Campsite

14. Damside Campsite

96%
(14)
129km from Kendal · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes · England
Well-maintained and peaceful wild camping site in the Peak District Buxton 15 minutes’ drive; Chatsworth House half an hour Dogs welcome; 10 minutes’ walk from a pub; nearby playground Just how remote would you like your holiday accommodation to be? If the answer is fair to middling, Damside Campsite might just be the place for you: this pop-up spot is surrounded by the glorious wilderness of Peak District National Park. Doesn’t get much more blissfully peaceful than that – except for the occasional lowing cow, all is stillness here. Having said that, don’t worry: you won’t have to scramble across hills and dales for a pint: a traditional pub serving real ales and home-cooked food is right in the village of Peak Forest, a 20-minute walk away. Both the site and the pub welcome dogs, though it might be wise to keep them on a lead when walking past the farm animals. This is wild camping; facilities might not be abundant (there are no showers), but they are well maintained and include a portable toilet and a washing-up area. There is also fresh running water, and you’re welcome to start a campfire or a barbecue. You can grab essentials in the village shop, or head to Chapel-en-le-Frith (10 minutes) or Buxton (15 minutes). If you’re here with the kids, the flat, grassy field where you’ll set up your tent makes for an excellent play area on which to run around, kick a ball or fly a kite. A nearby playground has swings, slides, a small adventure course and a multisport pitch. Walking paths start from right outside the farm, or you can drive to hiking areas like Chee Dale Stepping Stones (10 minutes), a dramatic gorge on the River Wye.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£20
 / night

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Campsites near Kendal guide

Where to go

South Lakeland and the Furness Peninsula

Home to iconic attractions such as Windermere, Hill Top, and the Arnside & Silverdale AONB, South Lakeland is a destination for any Lake District newbie, particularly those with kids. Closer to Kendal, rural holiday parks and working farms provide plenty of overnight options, while coastal camps and glampsites can be found in their dozens down on Morecambe Bay.

Copeland and Allerdale

Discover coast, mountains, lakes, and cascades across these two diverse districts to the west of the park. The soaring peaks of Skiddaw and Scafell Pike are great for climbers and keen hikers, while Derwentwater or Bassenthwaite boat rides offer a more relaxed view of the scenery. The famous Coast to Coast Walk begins on the Saint Bees Head Heritage Coast in Allerdale, crossing the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, and North York Moors on the way to Robin Hood’s Bay on the east coast, and is lined by no-frills field sites and luxury grounds along the way.

Howgill Fells and the Yorkshire Dales

Just east of Kendal, the Howgill Fells roll their way into the Yorkshire Dales, another of England’s must-see national parks. Moors, coves, peaks, and waterfalls draw climbers and all-terrain amblers, while the region’s back-to-basics sites and luxury grounds provide options for backpackers and glampers alike.

Forest of Bowland AONB

If you’ve somehow had enough of the Lake District, this ancient region of moorland and fells remains one of England’s hidden gems. About 90 minutes' drive from Kendal, the area is known for its diverse flora and fauna, hiking and biking trails, and dark skies, with quiet campsites and glamp sites offering ideal spots to soak up the stars.

When to go

As one of the wettest regions in England, Kendal and the Lake District enjoy year-round rain, though this is at its lowest around April. Like many of the region’s tourist towns, Kendal is busiest during the summer and school holidays, so skip these times if you’re after a more sedate experience.

Know before you go

  • Oxenholme Lake District is the closest station to Kendal and has direct connections to London and Edinburgh.
  • Public transport is relatively well connected throughout the region, though it can be useful to bring your own vehicle or bike.
  • Walk-ins aren’t accepted everywhere, so it’s wise to book ahead.
  • Many campsites hire out equipment. Otherwise, supplies can be purchased in one of Kendal’s outdoor shops, including Mountain Warehouse and Nevisport.
  • For cyclists the Grizedale Forest on the other side of Windermere is a great destination to head for and for fell walking.
  • The Lake District is not Kendal’s only national park neighbour—the town is also situated only a short drive from the Yorkshire Dales National Park, so a day spent walking, cycling or horseriding among its meadows and moors is another option for the active.