The six best campsites in the Lake District

The Lake District is one of England’s most beautiful – and busy – national parks. In 2023, more than 18 million tourists visited its mountains and valleys. In 2026, some 19 million are expected to pop into its cafes and walk its fells.

For adventurous travellers, the Lake District has become more than a beautiful backdrop for strolls along the water’s edge – it’s a top destination for fell runners, open water swimming and wild camping. A cursory search on social media will reveal people diving into its natural infinity pools and then tucking themselves their sleeping bags for the night – nowhere near an official campsite.

Unfortunately, wild camping in the Lakes, while tolerated to some degree, is not strictly legal. For the most part, campers are discreet, following the simple rule of “leave no trace”. But the boom in popularity for has increased instances of littering, fires and causing a disturbance to wildlife.

Last year, Cumberland Council cracked down on illegal behaviour after a particularly bad spate of “fly camping” – so-called because tents, barbecues and rubbish were left behind.

Happily, though, there are plenty of well-appointed and beautifully clean campsites across the Lake District. Here are six of the best.

1. Burns Farm

Three miles from Keswick, Burns Farm is a large campsite that accommodates campervans, motorhomes and caravans alongside tents. Its luxury huts and cabins are a more recent addition, catering for a more upmarket stay in the north Lakes. It’s easy to reach Keswick on foot via the railway path, and if walking is your passion, the campsite is a great base to explore Helvellyn, Skiddaw and Blencathra.

Burns Farm has what are probably the best toilet facilities of any campsite in the Lakes, namely for their bookable wetrooms, two of which have baths. There are mobile phone charging lockers, a laundrette and even a dog and bike wash. This is the campsite for those wanting to get stuck in – and covered in mud. Suitable for families and dog friendly. No noise or music between 11pm and 7am.

Pitch price: Two-night minimum stays, from £36 per night. Prices vary for camper cans and cabins.

2. Great Langdale Campsite

Rattling down the winding narrow road on the bus to Great Langdale Campsite, it’s easy to believe you’ve landed in paradise. The steep mountains poking rocky peaks into the ever-changing sky, the deep green of the meadows with their fluffy Herdwick sheep, even the moss-covered stone walls make this one of the most quintessential spots in the National Park.

Great Langdale can get busy with hikers, walkers, runners and sightseers, and so parking up for the night can get tricky. At Great Langdale campsite there are plenty of pitches for campervans and tents alike, plus camping pods for the glampers. Its location directly opposite the world-famous climbing pub The Old Dungeon Ghyll is more than enough reason to stay the night. National Trust-owned, dog friendly and very child suitable.

Pitch price: Tents from £28 per night; campervans with electricity from £35.

3. Grizedale Campsite

Grizedale Campsite has been independently run on Bowkerstead Farm for decades. It’s a friendly campsite with the amenities you need, but be warned – as accommodating as the family are, this is a working agricultural site and a place for the self-sufficient. Fires are allowed, there’s a pub a 10 minute walk away and the location is perfect for stargazing.

There is no electricity, barely any phone reception and enough space for families to stay far away from noisier campers. A firm favourite with mountain bikers, cyclists, walkers and anyone who just wants to escape to a somewhere without frills. There are yurts, pods and a bunk barn to choose from for a little more luxury.

Pitch price: Tents from £9 per person per night; small campervans from £20.

4. Low Wray Campsite

The beauty of Low Wray Campsite is its location. Tucked away in a quiet corner of Windermere, it's the perfect place to base yourself for some walking and far away enough from busy villages to feel like a true retreat. A local wood-fired pizza company takes orders during the high season and there’s a well-sticked shop on site as well as plenty of showers. It’s a National Trust campsite, meaning there are rules about noise at night – making this an ideal spot for a family holiday. Dogs allowed.

Pitch price: Tents from £35 per night; campervans with electricity from £35.

5. Sykeside Camping Park

The Dovedale Valley is one of the Lake District’s quieter areas, with tourists tending to continue along the scenic road towards Ullswater and Pooley Bridge rather than make a stop. More fool them. Sykeside Camping Park boasts its own country pub, The Brotherswater Inn, where roast dinners on a Sunday taste that much better after a swim.

As well as families taking in the fresh air, the campsite welcomes groups of young people, cyclists, walkers and campervan types. Fires are allowed as long as they’re in a pit. The views of the surrounding peaks are stunning – make sure you schedule in some time for just sitting back and enjoying the scenery. Unlike many Lake District campsites, this one is open all year round.

Pitch price: Tents from around £35 per night, less in low season; campervans and motorhomes with hard standing and electricity from £39 in high season. Camping pods and bunkhouse available. Dog friendly.

6. Syke Farm Campsite

The family-run Syke Farm in the heart of Buttermere is an idyll. The riverside camping fields are set offer views of crags and pikes, and the entire campsite is car free. Park your car in the village and walk over the wooden bridge to find your camping spot.

This is a perfect spot for walkers, ramblers and climbers. Around 40 years ago the family used to welcome backpacking travellers to spend the night on their land. Now there are yurts, washroom facilities and plenty of pitches. For a nearby adventure, head upstream and uncover Moss Force Waterfall. Dog friendly.

Pitch price: Tents from £24 per night; yurts and a shepherd’s huts available. Car parking £5 per night.