The best great views campsites near Windermere

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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.

94% (236) 97 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Windermere

Harebeck Holidays

1. Harebeck Holidays

84%
(22)
34km from Windermere · 8 units · Motorhomes, Glamping
Nestled between the Western Lake District Fells and the Irish Sea coast this site is situated on a working dairy and sheep farm. Farm tours can be arranged on arrival. A play hut with outdoor games, drying room with communal fridge and freezer (some units have their own small fridge). Natural hedges surround the site. Four fruit trees near the shower block Half a mile to Gosforth village with Shop, Bakery, Cafe, 4 Pubs providing food and an Italian restaurant. Gosforth and Seascale villages have play parks. Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, Wasdale, Scafell Pike and Sandy Beaches with Cafes selling local ice cream are nearby with most Lake District attractions within an hours drive and Edinburgh a three hour drive away. There are 5 campervan/motorhome pitches, a pod, a modern take on a shepherds hut with underfloor heating, a heated pod and two gypsy caravans with electricity to book. All pitches are on gravel positioned to enjoy views over farmland to Scafell Pike and other fells, they are surrounded by grassy areas with seating and a picnic table. A wooden play hut has outdoor games and toys inside. Awnings can be added on the 3 larger pitches. Tents can be pitched next to units for an extra £10 per night. Barbeques are allowed on gravel with our Gypsy Caravans having a campfire area. There is a communal fridge and freezer, outdoor drying space. Farm tours can be arranged. Wildlife and farm animals can be seen in the surrounding fields. Fresh vegetables and barbeque packs can be ordered with 24 to 48 hours notice. Grocery deliveries accepted from supermarkets. There is also a holiday cottage on the farm sleeping 6 over two rooms. Situated midway between the Western Lake District Fells and the Irish Sea Coast makes this site ideal for lower or higher level walks. Sandy beaches at Seascale and St Bees have cafes selling locally made ice cream alongside play areas to keep children happy. Scafell England's highest mountain is close by as are a number of Wainwrights. Nearby is Muncaster Castle and Gardens with its Hawk and Owl Centre, also Ravenglass (a Roman port with remains of a bath house),  you can ride up the Eskdale Valley on the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway (Laal Ratty). Perhaps take a stroll to Stanley Ghyll waterfall. They have a cafe at both terminuses with a museum in Ravenglass where nearby you can sample Ravenglass Ice Cream. Wasdale and Ennerdale are close by both valleys having cafes and pubs.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
from 
£25
 / night
Ewe Love Camping Pods

2. Ewe Love Camping Pods

98%
(108)
28km from Windermere · 3 units · Glamping
Modern Lake District glamping pods among the trees, with exceptional views of Blencathra
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£90
 / night
Chapel View Wild Campsite

3. Chapel View Wild Campsite

97%
(31)
132km from Windermere · 3 units · Tents
A remote campsite for Hikers and Wild Campers Sittng on the Penine Bridleway on the foothills of Kinder above Chapel-en-le-Frith, offering beautiful views across the valley and being within immediate reach of some of the most popular walking trails in the UK. The campsite is in shadow of South Head and is directly on the Penine Bridleway less than 2 miles from Jacobs Ladder, the Penine Way and Kinder Low. You can break camp in the morning already in the heart of hiking country and return to your camp in the evening without ever leaving the remote wilderness of the national park.
Pets
Campfires
from 
£5
 / night
Baystone Bank Farm Campsite

4. Baystone Bank Farm Campsite

96%
(149)
27km from Windermere · 47 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Lake District camping on a working farm with a stream to splash in, campfires encouraged and a horse-riding centre on the doorstep
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£25
 / night
Tyne View Camping

5. 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
Burrs Manor Wild Camping

6. Burrs Manor Wild Camping

87%
(152)
145km from Windermere · 30 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Nearly wild camping in the Peak District National Park, near Buxton
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
The Old Chapel Campsite

7. The Old Chapel Campsite

98%
(97)
39km from Windermere · 30 units · Tents
Nearly wild camping in the North Pennines
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£20
 / night
Camping at Cardewlees

8. Camping at Cardewlees

99%
(47)
53km from Windermere · 37 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A welcoming, family-run farm campsite between the Lake District and Hadrian's Wall
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£16
 / night
Moss Side Farm Campsite

9. Moss Side Farm Campsite

94%
(131)
20km from Windermere · 33 units · Tents
Small-scale farm camping in the South Lakes, with campfires, wildlife and fine views
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£25
 / night
Beirhope Alpacas

10. Beirhope Alpacas

98%
(137)
126km from Windermere · 11 units · Tents
A small, off-grid campsite with alpacas in the historically rich southern Scottish borders
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£20
 / night
White Peak Camping

11. White Peak Camping

99%
(465)
146km from Windermere · 18 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Camping on a Peak District farm near the Monsal Trail
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£13
 / night
Chrome Hill Campers

12. Chrome Hill Campers

98%
(22)
147km from Windermere · 5 units · Motorhomes
Far reaching views from one of the highest touring site in England, overlooking Chrome Hill in the picturesque village of Hollinsclough in Derbyshire. The site only accepts campervans and has 5 pitches available. This is a new site and has new toilet and shower facilities, water and waste disposal points and also there is a secure paddock area for children to play.
Pets
from 
£20
 / night
Plas yn Llangoed

13. Plas yn Llangoed

94%
(71)
142km from Windermere · 16 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Camping pitches and bell tents on Anglesey Island with views across the Menai Strait to the mountains of Snowdonia
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£38
 / night
White House Farm Campsite, Wardlow

14. White House Farm Campsite, Wardlow

91%
(93)
145km from Windermere · 61 units · Tents, Motorhomes
What a little Derbyshire gem: back to basics Whitehouse Farm Campsite is a simple site in a most scenic setting five minutes’ drive from the pretty village of Tideswell. The site’s central location in the Peak District National Park means it’s a top spot for those who want to ramble or ride bikes – several circular trails leave from Tideswell and the traffic-free Monsal Trail is a five-minute drive away. And there’s plenty more activity if you require it too, as activity centres nearby can sort you out days of horse riding, abseiling, climbing and caving. All this activity isn’t mandatory, of course – this is an equally fine location for days pottering off to local pubs, pigging out on pudding in Bakewell or taking a leisurely stroll around the Chatsworth Estate, 20 minutes away. And if even that’s too much, you’d be welcome to spend some time loafing about on site: there’s heaps of space here, and as facilities have been kept quite minimal (just showers and toilets) there should be a good serving of peace and quiet to go with it all. Guests are welcome to light up a barbecue or campfire for cookouts and keeping warm; Tideswell’s the place for supermarket supplies, and it’s also handily got a fish and chip shop and a couple of pubs for days when your firelighting skills aren't up to much.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£24
 / 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.

94% (236) 97 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Windermere

Harebeck Holidays

1. Harebeck Holidays

84%
(22)
34km from Windermere · 8 units · Motorhomes, Glamping
Nestled between the Western Lake District Fells and the Irish Sea coast this site is situated on a working dairy and sheep farm. Farm tours can be arranged on arrival. A play hut with outdoor games, drying room with communal fridge and freezer (some units have their own small fridge). Natural hedges surround the site. Four fruit trees near the shower block Half a mile to Gosforth village with Shop, Bakery, Cafe, 4 Pubs providing food and an Italian restaurant. Gosforth and Seascale villages have play parks. Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, Wasdale, Scafell Pike and Sandy Beaches with Cafes selling local ice cream are nearby with most Lake District attractions within an hours drive and Edinburgh a three hour drive away. There are 5 campervan/motorhome pitches, a pod, a modern take on a shepherds hut with underfloor heating, a heated pod and two gypsy caravans with electricity to book. All pitches are on gravel positioned to enjoy views over farmland to Scafell Pike and other fells, they are surrounded by grassy areas with seating and a picnic table. A wooden play hut has outdoor games and toys inside. Awnings can be added on the 3 larger pitches. Tents can be pitched next to units for an extra £10 per night. Barbeques are allowed on gravel with our Gypsy Caravans having a campfire area. There is a communal fridge and freezer, outdoor drying space. Farm tours can be arranged. Wildlife and farm animals can be seen in the surrounding fields. Fresh vegetables and barbeque packs can be ordered with 24 to 48 hours notice. Grocery deliveries accepted from supermarkets. There is also a holiday cottage on the farm sleeping 6 over two rooms. Situated midway between the Western Lake District Fells and the Irish Sea Coast makes this site ideal for lower or higher level walks. Sandy beaches at Seascale and St Bees have cafes selling locally made ice cream alongside play areas to keep children happy. Scafell England's highest mountain is close by as are a number of Wainwrights. Nearby is Muncaster Castle and Gardens with its Hawk and Owl Centre, also Ravenglass (a Roman port with remains of a bath house),  you can ride up the Eskdale Valley on the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway (Laal Ratty). Perhaps take a stroll to Stanley Ghyll waterfall. They have a cafe at both terminuses with a museum in Ravenglass where nearby you can sample Ravenglass Ice Cream. Wasdale and Ennerdale are close by both valleys having cafes and pubs.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
from 
£25
 / night
Ewe Love Camping Pods

2. Ewe Love Camping Pods

98%
(108)
28km from Windermere · 3 units · Glamping
Modern Lake District glamping pods among the trees, with exceptional views of Blencathra
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£90
 / night
Chapel View Wild Campsite

3. Chapel View Wild Campsite

97%
(31)
132km from Windermere · 3 units · Tents
A remote campsite for Hikers and Wild Campers Sittng on the Penine Bridleway on the foothills of Kinder above Chapel-en-le-Frith, offering beautiful views across the valley and being within immediate reach of some of the most popular walking trails in the UK. The campsite is in shadow of South Head and is directly on the Penine Bridleway less than 2 miles from Jacobs Ladder, the Penine Way and Kinder Low. You can break camp in the morning already in the heart of hiking country and return to your camp in the evening without ever leaving the remote wilderness of the national park.
Pets
Campfires
from 
£5
 / night
Baystone Bank Farm Campsite

4. Baystone Bank Farm Campsite

96%
(149)
27km from Windermere · 47 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Lake District camping on a working farm with a stream to splash in, campfires encouraged and a horse-riding centre on the doorstep
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£25
 / night
Tyne View Camping

5. 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
Burrs Manor Wild Camping

6. Burrs Manor Wild Camping

87%
(152)
145km from Windermere · 30 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Nearly wild camping in the Peak District National Park, near Buxton
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
The Old Chapel Campsite

7. The Old Chapel Campsite

98%
(97)
39km from Windermere · 30 units · Tents
Nearly wild camping in the North Pennines
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£20
 / night
Camping at Cardewlees

8. Camping at Cardewlees

99%
(47)
53km from Windermere · 37 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A welcoming, family-run farm campsite between the Lake District and Hadrian's Wall
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£16
 / night
Moss Side Farm Campsite

9. Moss Side Farm Campsite

94%
(131)
20km from Windermere · 33 units · Tents
Small-scale farm camping in the South Lakes, with campfires, wildlife and fine views
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£25
 / night
Beirhope Alpacas

10. Beirhope Alpacas

98%
(137)
126km from Windermere · 11 units · Tents
A small, off-grid campsite with alpacas in the historically rich southern Scottish borders
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£20
 / night
White Peak Camping

11. White Peak Camping

99%
(465)
146km from Windermere · 18 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Camping on a Peak District farm near the Monsal Trail
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£13
 / night
Chrome Hill Campers

12. Chrome Hill Campers

98%
(22)
147km from Windermere · 5 units · Motorhomes
Far reaching views from one of the highest touring site in England, overlooking Chrome Hill in the picturesque village of Hollinsclough in Derbyshire. The site only accepts campervans and has 5 pitches available. This is a new site and has new toilet and shower facilities, water and waste disposal points and also there is a secure paddock area for children to play.
Pets
from 
£20
 / night
Plas yn Llangoed

13. Plas yn Llangoed

94%
(71)
142km from Windermere · 16 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Camping pitches and bell tents on Anglesey Island with views across the Menai Strait to the mountains of Snowdonia
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£38
 / night
White House Farm Campsite, Wardlow

14. White House Farm Campsite, Wardlow

91%
(93)
145km from Windermere · 61 units · Tents, Motorhomes
What a little Derbyshire gem: back to basics Whitehouse Farm Campsite is a simple site in a most scenic setting five minutes’ drive from the pretty village of Tideswell. The site’s central location in the Peak District National Park means it’s a top spot for those who want to ramble or ride bikes – several circular trails leave from Tideswell and the traffic-free Monsal Trail is a five-minute drive away. And there’s plenty more activity if you require it too, as activity centres nearby can sort you out days of horse riding, abseiling, climbing and caving. All this activity isn’t mandatory, of course – this is an equally fine location for days pottering off to local pubs, pigging out on pudding in Bakewell or taking a leisurely stroll around the Chatsworth Estate, 20 minutes away. And if even that’s too much, you’d be welcome to spend some time loafing about on site: there’s heaps of space here, and as facilities have been kept quite minimal (just showers and toilets) there should be a good serving of peace and quiet to go with it all. Guests are welcome to light up a barbecue or campfire for cookouts and keeping warm; Tideswell’s the place for supermarket supplies, and it’s also handily got a fish and chip shop and a couple of pubs for days when your firelighting skills aren't up to much.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£24
 / night

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The best great views 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.