Campsites near Windermere

·

Sharing its name with England’s largest natural lake and set close to its shores in Lake District National Park, the modest town of Windermere mainly functions as a gateway to wider Lakeland exploration, along with its shoreside neighbour, Bowness-on-Windermere. From here, adventurers can cruise the open water, setting up camp somewhere along her banks, or head further inland to scale England’s mountainous midlands or sleep beneath the stars in remote rural spots. Seafaring folk can head south or west to the Irish Sea coast, where holiday parks and water sports centres host family-friendly activities, while long-distance trails such as the Coast to Coast Walk or Cumbria Way cut a scenic path through the Lake District’s top outdoor attractions. With so much natural beauty around, camping is quite simply the best ways to stay—choose camping in Windermere to find yourself immersed in scenery from sunrise to sunset.

95% (650)

Top-rated campgrounds near Windermere

6. The Duchess's Meadow

100%
(1)
140km from Windermere · 2 units · Motorhomes
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.
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
from 
£14
 / night

10. King Garth

100%
(9)
62km from Windermere · 1 unit · Glamping
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.
Pets
Campfires
Hot Tub
from 
£80
 / night

12. Tyne View Camping

100%
(17)
92km from Windermere · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Tyne View Camping is a peaceful spot in Tyne and Wear, not far from Hedley on the Hill village. It's on a farm run by David and his family, who welcome guests to enjoy the beautiful countryside views. You can see the Tyne Valley from the camping pitches, which is great for stargazing at night. The site is basic with just water taps and toilets, no showers, but there's lots of space for kids and dogs to play. You're allowed to bring a barbecue or firepit for cooking, and you can buy supplies in Prudhoe nearby. Or, you can walk to Hedley on the Hill for a meal at a top-notch pub. There are plenty of things to do nearby, like walking in the woods, playing golf, or trying gliding. You can also visit Hadrian’s Wall, Newcastle upon Tyne, or explore the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for a varied and enjoyable break.Also this June we will be open for the Sam Fender weekend ie June 12 til the 16th if anyone wants to camp £20 a night plus a taxi for £20
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£20
 / night

18. Greener Pastures

100%
(3)
136km from Windermere · 8 units · Tents, Motorhomes
This isn’t a place for drive-in, drive-out holidays. It’s for staying, relaxing and enjoying nature. More 'nearly wild' in farming countryside, than manicured sectioned areas. Enclosed paddocks, no nearby roads, and only the gentle hum of a distant train from across the canal, this is countryside relaxation at its finest. Watch the canal boats drift by, or go for a walk or cycle on the network of paths beside them. If your feeling adventurous, take a paddleboard or canoe onto the water, or hire a longboat for the day. Walk to the nearby dog friendly, local pubs, or a short drive there are many options of restaurants, from country pubs to fine dining of all different cultures including takeaways. Or stay onsite with a BBQ, campsite cooking or firepit. Supermarkets, farm shops, garden centres, national trust, activity parks and many other off site places to visit within close proximity, such as historic Chester or the monkeys at Trentham Garden. You can book experiences with the animals we have on site, horses, alpacas, pygmy goats, sheep, rescue hens and our own dogs love a fuss. Your dogs are very welcome, including reactive and exempt dogs. We have enclosed 1 acre paddocks for you to stay. With a choice of paddock or hardstanding pitches, we can accommodate you whatever the weather. We have a glamping tent with a full size double bed available to hire. This can sleep 6 with additional beds. Subtle solar lighting, table and chairs, blankets and cushions to sit outside in the evenings and watch the sunset. We are perfect for a technology detox, while we have electricity on site to charge your phones, there is no electric to the pitches. Use of a fridge freezer, small kitchen area with hot water, shower bay and mains water. 1 x EHU available..
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£15
 / night

Sharing its name with England’s largest natural lake and set close to its shores in Lake District National Park, the modest town of Windermere mainly functions as a gateway to wider Lakeland exploration, along with its shoreside neighbour, Bowness-on-Windermere. From here, adventurers can cruise the open water, setting up camp somewhere along her banks, or head further inland to scale England’s mountainous midlands or sleep beneath the stars in remote rural spots. Seafaring folk can head south or west to the Irish Sea coast, where holiday parks and water sports centres host family-friendly activities, while long-distance trails such as the Coast to Coast Walk or Cumbria Way cut a scenic path through the Lake District’s top outdoor attractions. With so much natural beauty around, camping is quite simply the best ways to stay—choose camping in Windermere to find yourself immersed in scenery from sunrise to sunset.

95% (650)

Top-rated campgrounds near Windermere

6. The Duchess's Meadow

100%
(1)
140km from Windermere · 2 units · Motorhomes
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.
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
from 
£14
 / night

10. King Garth

100%
(9)
62km from Windermere · 1 unit · Glamping
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.
Pets
Campfires
Hot Tub
from 
£80
 / night

12. Tyne View Camping

100%
(17)
92km from Windermere · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Tyne View Camping is a peaceful spot in Tyne and Wear, not far from Hedley on the Hill village. It's on a farm run by David and his family, who welcome guests to enjoy the beautiful countryside views. You can see the Tyne Valley from the camping pitches, which is great for stargazing at night. The site is basic with just water taps and toilets, no showers, but there's lots of space for kids and dogs to play. You're allowed to bring a barbecue or firepit for cooking, and you can buy supplies in Prudhoe nearby. Or, you can walk to Hedley on the Hill for a meal at a top-notch pub. There are plenty of things to do nearby, like walking in the woods, playing golf, or trying gliding. You can also visit Hadrian’s Wall, Newcastle upon Tyne, or explore the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for a varied and enjoyable break.Also this June we will be open for the Sam Fender weekend ie June 12 til the 16th if anyone wants to camp £20 a night plus a taxi for £20
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£20
 / night

18. Greener Pastures

100%
(3)
136km from Windermere · 8 units · Tents, Motorhomes
This isn’t a place for drive-in, drive-out holidays. It’s for staying, relaxing and enjoying nature. More 'nearly wild' in farming countryside, than manicured sectioned areas. Enclosed paddocks, no nearby roads, and only the gentle hum of a distant train from across the canal, this is countryside relaxation at its finest. Watch the canal boats drift by, or go for a walk or cycle on the network of paths beside them. If your feeling adventurous, take a paddleboard or canoe onto the water, or hire a longboat for the day. Walk to the nearby dog friendly, local pubs, or a short drive there are many options of restaurants, from country pubs to fine dining of all different cultures including takeaways. Or stay onsite with a BBQ, campsite cooking or firepit. Supermarkets, farm shops, garden centres, national trust, activity parks and many other off site places to visit within close proximity, such as historic Chester or the monkeys at Trentham Garden. You can book experiences with the animals we have on site, horses, alpacas, pygmy goats, sheep, rescue hens and our own dogs love a fuss. Your dogs are very welcome, including reactive and exempt dogs. We have enclosed 1 acre paddocks for you to stay. With a choice of paddock or hardstanding pitches, we can accommodate you whatever the weather. We have a glamping tent with a full size double bed available to hire. This can sleep 6 with additional beds. Subtle solar lighting, table and chairs, blankets and cushions to sit outside in the evenings and watch the sunset. We are perfect for a technology detox, while we have electricity on site to charge your phones, there is no electric to the pitches. Use of a fridge freezer, small kitchen area with hot water, shower bay and mains water. 1 x EHU available..
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£15
 / night

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Campsites near Windermere guide

Where to go

South Lakeland and the Furness Peninsula

Glamp sites, campgrounds, and luxury retreats line the banks of Windermere and her sister lakes, while Morecambe Bay and the Furness Peninsula boast seaside parks within an hour’s drive. From South Lakeland, the Cumbria Way guides hikers north via lakes, pikes, and waterfalls, while the nearby Arnside & Silverdale AONB hosts cycle-friendly routes and wildlife trails.

Copeland and Allerdale

Encompassing much of the Lake District’s western reaches, plus a vast stretch of Irish Sea shoreline, Copeland and Allerdale offer all manner of outdoor adventure. From scaling Scafell Pike and the Southern Fells to sailing on Derwentwater or embarking on the Coast to Coast Walk, there’s plenty to fill your days, while nights are catered for in coastal touring parks, rural campsites, or lakeside lodges.

Eden Valley and the North Pennines

Living up to its name, this idyllic region northeast of Windermere is a destination for hikers, bikers, boaters, and horse riders, thanks to a protected landscape of waterfalls, fells, and lakes. Several long-distance trails pass through the area and the adjacent national park, including the Pennine Way, with overnight options ranging from back-to-basics farm sites to luxury countryside glamping.

Howgill Fells and the Yorkshire Dales

East of Windermere, the Lake District’s dramatic landscape rolls through the Howgill Fells into another of England’s iconic national parks, the Yorkshire Dales. Best known for their wiley, windy moors and boating natural landmarks such as the Cautley Spout, the Dales are a rambler’s paradise, with hill-top camps, no-frills field sites, and luxury pods providing plenty of spots to rest weary legs.

When to go

The Lake District is among England’s wettest regions, so be prepared for rainfall at any time of year. The tourist season starts in April, when Wordsworth’s famous daffodils spring to life, though early arrivals can still enjoy relatively secluded views along the lake shores.

Know before you go

  • The closest major train station is Oxenholme Lake District, which connects directly to London, Glasgow, and Edinburgh.
  • The area is relatively well connected with public transport, though if you plan to travel to more remote spots it’s worth bringing your own vehicle.
  • Bike, boat, and camping gear rental can be found in Windermere and Bowness-on-Windermere, as well as on some campsites.
  • Not all sites take walk-ins, especially in high season, so it’s worth booking in advance.
  • A mile north of Windermere is Ambleside, the starting and ending point for lots of walks and a good spot for hikers. At the far south of the lake is the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway, a heritage steam railway with a restored station and short section of lakeside track.