Waterside camping near Scafell Pike, Cumbria

Camping waterside near Scafell Pike means waking up to the clang of sheep in the valley and the sound of streams cutting through the fells. You’ll find over 150 campsites here with direct access to rivers, tarns, and lakes—perfect if you want your boots muddy and your mornings crisp. Top picks include Social District (38 reviews), Baystone Bank Farm Campsite (30 reviews), and Moss Side Farm Campsite (30 reviews). Expect shower facilities, campfires allowed on most pitches, and a warm welcome for pets. Hiking trails start at your tent flap, and it’s common to spot a heron or two fishing at dawn. Fishing and wildlife-watching are local staples, with water cold enough to feel like a proper challenge. Prices average £45 per night, with some sites dipping as low as £20—plenty of choice for anyone after a waterside stay in the shadow of England’s highest peak.

95% (254)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Camping at Cardewlees

99%

(47)

46km from Scafell Pike · 37 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Carlisle, England

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

Camping waterside near Scafell Pike means waking up to the clang of sheep in the valley and the sound of streams cutting through the fells. You’ll find over 150 campsites here with direct access to rivers, tarns, and lakes—perfect if you want your boots muddy and your mornings crisp. Top picks include Social District (38 reviews), Baystone Bank Farm Campsite (30 reviews), and Moss Side Farm Campsite (30 reviews). Expect shower facilities, campfires allowed on most pitches, and a warm welcome for pets. Hiking trails start at your tent flap, and it’s common to spot a heron or two fishing at dawn. Fishing and wildlife-watching are local staples, with water cold enough to feel like a proper challenge. Prices average £45 per night, with some sites dipping as low as £20—plenty of choice for anyone after a waterside stay in the shadow of England’s highest peak.

95% (254)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Camping at Cardewlees

99%

(47)

46km from Scafell Pike · 37 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Carlisle, England

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

Stories from the community

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.

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!

M

Megan

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Camping at Cardewlees

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

J

Jodie

April 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Camping at Cardewlees

Really friendly greeting from the owner and the pitch was excellent.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Part of the popular Three Peaks Challenge, Scafell Pike acts as a constant draw for peak-baggers and outdoor lovers and as a result the area around it is surrounded by excellent campsites and a few lovely glamping sites too. Bring the tent, load up the campervan and don’t forget the OS Map, England's highest mountain awaits...