If you’re looking for the ultimate stay-cation destination in England, then you should definitely consider the Lake District.
Renowned for stunning scenery, hiking trails, and water activities; and home to museums, historical attractions, and delicious treats (Kendal mint cake or Grasmere gingerbread anyone?), the Lake District is the perfect holiday destination for the whole family.
And, while there are plenty of B&Bs or hotels to choose from, there’s something special about camping or caravanning in the Lake District to really immerse yourself in everything the region has to offer. Whether you’re a camping newbie, or head out most weekends, learn more about how you can explore this gorgeous national park with our guide from Winfields Outdoors.
Nestled in the North Western corner of England, the Lake District spans across the historic counties of Cumberland, Lancashire, and Westmoreland in what is now commonly called Cumbria.
The Lake District holds the distinguished distinction as England’s largest National Park at approximately 2,362 km2 (or 912 square miles). Designated on the 9th May, 1951, you can find lakes, mountains, and valleys aplenty within its borders – with geological variation from limestone to granite depending on the area you’re in. All of this means the Lake District is home to a great variety of wildlife, glorious views, and everything you could want for a camping holiday.
Of course, the Lake District had to get its name from somewhere – but have you ever wondered how many lakes are in the Lake District?Â
Well, the answer isn’t as clear cut as you may think. Depending on who you ask, the answer is 16 or 17 – as the classification of Brothers Water has been disputed as a tarn rather than a lake.
According to the dictionary definition, a tarn is a small mountain lake or pool, formed in the hollows formed by glaciers. Meanwhile, a lake is a basin of water surrounded by land, which is not connected to the ocean (except by streams or rivers).Â
But we think we’ll leave the classifications up to the professionals!
Fun fact: only one of the lakes in the Lake District actually has the word lake in their name – Bassenthwaite Lake. The rest are waters or meres (e.g. Wastwater, or Windermere).
Deciding where to stay in the Lake District can be tricky – there are so many incredible areas to choose from that will offer you different experiences. To help you out, we’ve picked some of our firm favourites of the area, and included some of the top camping sites in the Lake District too.
Top tip: want to gear up for your next trip? Make sure to explore our range of camping tents to find the best one for you.
Practically the poster child for the Lake District, Windermere is one of the most famous lakes from this national park. And for good reason. Windermere is the largest lake in England at 10.5 miles long (approximately 18 km), offering visitors ample opportunities for boat rides, kayaking trips, and other water sports.
Along the shoreline sits Bowness-on-Windermere, a bustling town where many of the boats dock for cruises on the water. You shouldn’t confuse this with the small town of Windermere, which sits just under a mile from the lake that shares its name.
If you want to take your caravan to the Lake District, why not check out the Windermere Camping and Caravanning Club Site? Set between Bowness-on-Windermere and Kendal, this Lake District caravan site is the perfect place to park up with your caravan for a long weekend exploring the southern end of the national park.
When it comes to camping, you might want to consider nearby Ambleside as your resting place. Situated on the north side of the lake, the town of Ambleside offers you easy access to Lake Windermere, as well as plenty of walks further inland. Camping in Ambleside also gives you close links to Keswick and Grasmere (other popular towns in the Lake District).
Low Wray Campsite, under the National Trust, is a fantastic example of what to expect from campsites in the Lake District. Set close to Windermere, this is one of the best Lake District campsites for exploring more of the area – with close links to Hill Top, Wray Castle, and Claife Viewing Station.
Made famous by various 18th and 19th century poets like Samual Taylor Coleridge, John Dalton, and Robert Southey, Keswick sits roughly in the South-East of the Lake District – a scant three mile walk from the Derwentwater.
Keswick town itself has various attractions for you to explore. Gaining its market charter roughly 700 years ago, you can still visit a market on Saturdays and pick up regional produce from local suppliers at the heart of the community. Or, take the family to the Derwent Pencil Museum (yes, really), which is home to items such as the first pencil, and one of the largest colouring pencils in the world at 8 m long!
If you’re planning to visit, there is a wide selection of Keswick campsites for you to choose from depending on your requirements.
Looking out over the Derwentwater, Castlerigg Farm is a fantastic Keswick campsite for new campers or families with younger children. With a range of facilities, including a shop, cafe, toilets and shower rooms, and even a laundry room, this Lake District campsite allows you to experience the beautiful surroundings without having to compromise on certain modern amenities.
Looking for something simpler? Dalebottom Farm Camping and Caravanning Park promises a relaxing stay for couples and family groups looking for a potentially quieter alternative to Windermere. Choose from a range of electric or non-electric camping pitches, or bring your caravan to the Lake District via Keswick for a comfortable family touring experience. Prefer the creature comforts of home? This Lake District camping and caravan site even has cottages and static caravans for a cosy stay away.
If you’re a keen hiker or climber, you may want to consider settling down in and around Wasdale. Wasdale rose in popularity during the early days of British climbing due to its proximity to Scafell Pike – England’s tallest mountain.Â
But this isn’t the only place you should explore from your home base. The Napes, and Napes Needle on Great Gable, is one of the most iconic rock climbing routes in England (although it’s only suitable for experienced climbers due to the severe difficulty rating).
The whole of Wasdale is steeped in climbing history, but none more so than the Wasdale Head Inn. This iconic country inn is a must-visit for climbing enthusiasts and walkers alike. Whilst you can book some of their hotel rooms or self-contained apartments, why not fully embrace your surroundings and pitch up in their onsite campsite? This is definitely one of the more basic camping sites in the Lake District. But, with usually no need to book, this campsite is the perfect spot for adventurers – or those on the Coast to Coast walk wanting to bed down for the night.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for something a little more moderate, you can head out from Wasdale to the Greendale and Middle Fell walk. This route will take you along the quieter, western side of the fells, and offer you spectacular views of the Wastwater – and even the Isle of Man on a clear day.
Fun fact: the Wastwater is England’s deepest lake at 260 ft deep (that’s just over 79 m!).
Another superb National Trust camping site in the Lake District, the Wasdale Campsite is perfectly placed between Wasdale Head and the Wastwater for walkers and hikers of any ability. Trek to the summit of Scafell Pike, or explore some of the easier paths along a variety of riverbanks, waterfalls, and ancient horse trails. This is one of the best campsites in the Lake District for small groups, offering unfettered access to some of the top sights within the whole national park.
If you’re a fan of Arthur Ransome’s children’s book, Swallows and Amazons, the surroundings of Coniston will likely ring a bell. Ransome adored the Lake District for its stunning views and atmosphere, which is reflected in his book. So, Coniston is definitely somewhere to take the kids to create their own adventures.
Situated in the central southern region of the Lake District, Coniston (and its associated lake called Coniston Water), is a stunningly picturesque town with The Old Man of Coniston providing a dramatic backdrop.
When it comes to getting back to nature, one of the best Lake District campsites is definitely Coniston Hall Camping. With no marked pitches, you can set up in an area that suits you – perhaps one that gives you easy access to the water to launch a boat or canoe? With minimal (but clean and functional) facilities, like a toilet and shower block, and coin operated washing machines and dryers, this campsite allows you to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Simply pitch up, breathe, and relax!
Camping at Coniston offers you ample opportunity to explore the Lake District by foot, with plenty of walks for all abilities. Take a stroll around Tarn Hows (which used to be owned by Beatrix Potter), or spend an afternoon climbing the Old Man of Coniston and discover a variety of industrial remains.Â
Top tip: make sure you have a sturdy pair of Hiking Boots for additional ankle support on your trip.
If you prefer your camping with a side of Wifi and washrooms, check out the facilities at the Coniston Park Coppice Club Campsite. This is the perfect spot for some relaxed caravanning in the Lake District, with touring pitches with electricity hook ups available. Or, pitch your tent in one of the designated camping spots within the National Trust woodland to soak in the atmosphere. With close proximity to Coniston Water for dinghy sailing, or hopping aboard the Coniston Gondola steamboat, there’s plenty for all the family.
Top tip: this spot is even great for birdwatchers, especially in nearby Grizedale Forest. Make sure you have a good pair of Highlander Binoculars handy!
We couldn’t mention camping in the Lake District without discussing the idea of wild camping.
First things first, wild camping is technically illegal in England (except in Dartmoor). So, if you are keen on wild camping, you need permission from the landowner before you pitch up.
However, in areas like the Lake District, it’s certainly more tolerated – as long as you respect the area and behave responsibly. You should make sure to camp away from roads, and remain as inconspicuous as possible. Always leave the area as you found it, and make sure you take away any rubbish to keep the countryside safe and tidy.
The National Park has their own guidance about Wild Camping in the Lake District if you need more information.
We think we can all agree, the Lake District is a phenomenal holiday spot, with activities and attractions for everyone to enjoy. To help you make the most of your time there, we’ve put together a handy list of our top tips for camping in the Lake District.
The first, and possibly most important, thing you can do before a Lake District camping trip is to pack smart. Throwing things haphazardly into the car and hoping for the best might be easier – but this is a surefire way to forget simple things.
Instead, make sure you create a packing list that you can stick with, covering essentials like:
Not sure you’ve remembered everything? Read our Essential Weekend Camping Checklist to double check.
Top tip: make sure you have a sturdy Rucksack or Backpack to pack in to keep everything safe and in one place.
One aspect of packing smart is also making sure you have the right stuff to suit the weather. For example, if the forecast says rain, you’ll want to make sure you have a Waterproof Coat close to hand to stay dry.Â
Alternatively, if you’re camping in the summer, make sure you pack plenty of suncream and water to protect yourself and your family in the heat.
Whenever you head outdoors, you always need to respect your surroundings. But this is even more important in the countryside to protect it for future generations – and to look after the many types of wildlife that call it their home.Â
So, if you’re planning a camping trip to the Lake District, make sure you follow the Countryside Code by:
Part of exploring national parks like the Lake District is knowing where you can and cannot go. So, make sure you refresh your memory on what different signs mean before you head out.
When it comes to camping in the Lake District, we’re absolutely spoilt for choice. If we haven’t mentioned your favourite, why not tag #Winfields on your next trip and show us your favourite spots in this glorious national park?
Of course, don’t forget to explore our wide range of outdoor and camping supplies, including Camping Furniture, Sleeping Equipment, and essential Camping Accessories to make your trip the best one yet!
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