Wild camping in
Lake District

Angle Tarn above Patterdale is a classic high camp location with the craggy peak of Angletarn Pikes reflected in the dark water. The tarn sits on the route between Patterdale and Boredale Hause, making it a natural stopping point for multi-day walks. Flat grassy pitches surround the tarn, though the best spots can be busy in summer. The tarn is at around 480m so conditions are exposed. The path from Patterdale is well-maintained and the walk up takes about an hour. Views south toward the High Street range are excellent. Wild swim in the tarn on warm days but expect cold water even in summer.

A simple, traditional farm campsite in Great Langdale with stunning views of the Langdale Pikes. The site is basic with toilets, showers, and a washing up area, but no electric hookups. This keeps the atmosphere genuine and connected to the landscape. The farm is a working hill farm and campers are asked to respect the livestock. Crinkle Crags and Bowfell are directly accessible from the site. The campsite has a loyal following of repeat visitors who appreciate its unspoilt character. The Stickle Barn pub is within walking distance for food and drink. Open March to October.

England's most remote youth hostel, a converted shepherd's hut at the head of Ennerdale valley. There is no road access; the walk in from any direction is at least 3 miles over mountain passes. The hostel is basic with dormitory beds, a common room with a fire, and a self-catering kitchen. Evening meals and breakfast can be booked. The setting beneath Great Gable, Kirk Fell, and Pillar is stupendous. Despite being a hostel, it feels like a mountain hut in the Alps. The Coast to Coast walk passes through. Book well in advance as it is small and extremely popular. A genuine adventure just to reach it.

Blencathra (868m) is one of the Lake District's finest mountains, with the knife-edge scramble of Sharp Edge rivalling Striding Edge on Helvellyn. Wild camping on the eastern flanks above Scales provides a high camp with views across to the Northern Fells. The mountain's shapely form is visible from the M6 and is an iconic Lakeland profile. Camp on the grassy shelves above the intake wall, away from the summit area which is too exposed. Water from Scales Beck is reliable. Threlkeld and Keswick provide supplies. The Blencathra Centre at the foot of the mountain offers accommodation and courses.

A stone camping barn in the Borrowdale valley near Stonethwaite, offering basic shelter in one of the Lake District most beautiful valleys. The barn has a sleeping platform, water supply, and composting toilet but no showers or electricity. Eagle Crag and Sergeants Crag tower above the valley. The walk to the barn from the road is short but atmospheric through ancient oak woodland. Keswick is 7 miles north for supplies. Outstanding base for serious fell walking.

The Forestry England site at the western end of Ennerdale Water provides simple camping in a stunning location. The lake stretches away to the east with the Ennerdale fells rising on both sides. Facilities are minimal with a toilet block. The site is a good starting point for walks into the wild upper Ennerdale valley. Swimming in the lake is popular on warmer days. The coast-to-coast walk passes through. The western Lake District is significantly quieter than the central valleys. Ennerdale Bridge, a small village with a pub, is a short walk away. Dogs should be kept on leads due to grazing livestock in the surrounding fields.

The Buttermere valley contains two beautiful lakes, Buttermere and Crummock Water, surrounded by dramatic fells. Wild camping is tolerated on the higher ground above Haystacks (Wainwright's favourite mountain where his ashes were scattered) and on the flanks of Red Pike and High Stile. The valley circuit walk around Buttermere is one of the finest lake walks in the district. The Fish Hotel and Bridge Hotel in Buttermere village provide food and drink. The approach over Honister Pass from Borrowdale is dramatic. Scale Force, the highest waterfall in the Lake District, is on Crummock Water. A quieter alternative to the central valleys.

A campsite with panoramic views of Derwentwater, Borrowdale, and the surrounding fells from its elevated position above Keswick. The site has excellent facilities including showers, a farm shop selling local produce, and electric hookups. Castlerigg Stone Circle, one of the earliest stone circles in Britain, is a short walk away. Keswick town centre with its outdoor shops, cinema, and restaurants is less than a mile downhill. The site is well-positioned for Cat Bells, Skiddaw, and Blencathra. The views from the toilet block are better than most hotel rooms. Popular and busy in peak season - book early.

The Newlands valley south of Cat Bells offers wild camping with views across to Derwentwater and the Borrowdale fells. Cat Bells itself is one of the most popular short walks in the Lake District, but the higher ground in the Newlands valley is quieter. Camp on the grassy flanks of Dale Head or Hindscarth for a higher camp, or in the valley bottom for shelter. The old mining village of Little Town (mentioned by Beatrix Potter) sits at the head of the valley. The terrain is a mix of grassy fells and rocky outcrops. Access from the Newlands Pass road or from Hawse End near Derwentwater.

The old copper mining valley above Coniston offers wild camping amid industrial archaeology and dramatic mountain scenery. The abandoned mines, spoil heaps, and ruined buildings give the area an otherworldly feel. Camp on the flat ground near Levers Water or Low Water for high mountain tarns. The Old Man of Coniston (803m) is accessible from here. The terrain is rocky with mine shafts to avoid. Water from the tarns should be treated due to mineral contamination from old workings. Coniston village below has shops, pubs, and the Ruskin Museum. The approach is a steady walk from the village past the old mine workings.

The distinctive five summits of Crinkle Crags provide one of the finest ridge walks in the Lake District and wild camping on the ridge or on the approach from the Band above Langdale is excellent. The Bad Step, a short scramble on the main ridge, adds excitement. Camp on the grassy shelf between Crinkle Crags and Bowfell for a high, dramatic pitch. The views back down into Langdale are stunning. Water can be found in the streams on the approaches but is scarce on the ridge itself. The walk from the Old Dungeon Ghyll takes around 2-3 hours. Genuinely exposed terrain requiring mountain experience.

The remotest valley in the Lake District, Ennerdale has no through road and is being rewilded under the Wild Ennerdale project. Wild camping in the upper valley is tolerated and the experience is as close to wilderness as England gets. The valley has been replanted with native woodland and the River Liza runs clear through the valley floor. Black Sail Hut youth hostel, the most remote in England, sits at the valley head. Pillar Rock and the Ennerdale horseshoe provide excellent mountain walking. Access is from the western end near Ennerdale Bridge. There are no facilities in the valley. The walk to the head of the valley is about 8 miles.

A peaceful campsite in the quiet Eskdale valley, served by the charming Ravenglass and Eskdale miniature railway. The site sits in a stunning valley setting with Hardknott Pass and the Roman fort above. Facilities include showers, a small shop, and electric hookups. Eskdale is one of the quieter Lake District valleys with excellent walking to Scafell Pike from the west. The Woolpack Inn provides food and drink. The valley has a relaxed atmosphere compared to the busier central lakes. Hardknott and Wrynose passes, two of England's steepest roads, connect to Langdale. Open March to November.

A delightful small campsite in Eskdale accessible by the Ravenglass and Eskdale miniature railway. The site has a swimming tarn, a rope swing, and campfires are permitted, making it a family favourite. Facilities are basic with toilets and cold water. The atmosphere is relaxed and social. The surrounding fells provide walks of all lengths and the river has swimming pools. Muncaster Castle and Ravenglass are nearby for rainy-day activities. The site has a wild, natural character with abundant wildlife including badgers and deer. Children have the freedom to explore. Open Easter to October with no advance booking required.

A small glamping site in the Rusland Valley between Windermere and Coniston, offering Mongolian yurts in a peaceful woodland setting. Each yurt sleeps up to 5 with proper beds, a woodburning stove, and cooking equipment. The site has composting toilets and solar-heated showers. It offers a comfortable base for exploring the southern Lake District without the austerity of a tent. The Rusland Valley is quiet and wooded, away from the tourist crowds. Grizedale Forest with its sculpture trail and mountain bike trails is nearby. Hawkshead and Ambleside provide shops and restaurants. Open April to October.

A well-positioned campsite in the popular village of Grasmere, Wordsworth's home village. The site has modern facilities with showers, electric hookups, and a drying room. Grasmere village has excellent cafes (including the famous gingerbread shop), pubs, and Dove Cottage where Wordsworth lived. The lake is beautiful for walking around and the surrounding fells of Helm Crag, Silver How, and Fairfield offer excellent walks directly from the village. The village can be very busy with tourists in summer. Allan Bank, a National Trust property, hosts events and exhibitions. A comfortable base for exploring the central Lake District.

A small, friendly campsite in Elterwater village at the foot of the Langdale valley. The site has basic facilities with toilets, showers, and a bunkhouse. The Britannia Inn in the village is an excellent pub with food and local ales. Elterwater is a pretty village with a village green and slate quarries. The Langdale Pikes and the fells are easily accessible. Skelwith Force waterfall is a short walk downstream. The village is connected to Ambleside by regular bus service. The atmosphere is social and welcoming. A good option for those wanting a valley-bottom base with pub access. Open March to October.

One of the Lake District's most dramatic valleys, Great Langdale is flanked by the Langdale Pikes and Bowfell. Wild camping is tolerated on higher ground above the valley floor and on the open fells. The Stickle Ghyll provides a steep but rewarding approach to Stickle Tarn, a classic high camp with views across the valley. Camp above the intake wall line to avoid farmland. The valley floor has the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel, a legendary mountaineering pub. Weather can be brutal, with the Langdales catching westerly rain. Ambleside is the nearest town for supplies. This is serious fell country requiring proper equipment and navigation skills.

A Forestry England campsite in Grizedale Forest between Windermere and Coniston in the Lake District's southern reaches. The forest is famous for its outdoor sculpture trail with works by internationally renowned artists. Mountain biking trails from blue to red grading are excellent. The campsite has modern facilities with showers and electric hookups. The forest provides a sheltered alternative to the exposed mountain campsites. Go Ape runs through the treetops. Hawkshead, a charming village with Beatrix Potter connections, is nearby. The campsite is popular with families combining forest activities with Lake District exploration. Open March to November.

A Forestry England campsite set in Grizedale Forest between Windermere and Coniston. The forest is famous for its outdoor sculpture trail with over 40 works hidden among the trees. The campsite offers basic pitches among Sitka spruce and larch with toilet facilities. Mountain biking trails including the renowned North Face Trail start from the nearby visitor centre. Red squirrels and roe deer are regularly spotted. Hawkshead village with its Beatrix Potter connections is 2 miles away.

Red Tarn, cradled in a corrie beneath the summit of Helvellyn (950m), is one of the most popular high camps in England. The tarn sits between the dramatic knife-edge ridges of Striding Edge and Swirral Edge. Pitch on the grassy areas west of the tarn, not on the fragile tarn-side vegetation. The summit of Helvellyn is a short climb from the tarn. Views in clear weather extend to Scotland, the Isle of Man, and Snowdonia. The approach from Glenridding via Striding Edge involves exposed scrambling. An easier route comes from the west via Thirlmere. Wind chill at this altitude can be severe year-round.

The broad summit plateau of High Street (828m) was used as a Roman road and is wide enough for horse racing, which took place annually until the 19th century. Wild camping on the flat summit ridge is unusual and atmospheric, with views east to the Pennines and west across the central Lake District fells. The Straits of Riggindale offer views down to Haweswater and the rare golden eagles that once nested here. Approach from Mardale Head at the southern end of Haweswater for the most interesting route. The terrain is grassy and relatively gentle for Lakeland. Water sources are limited on the summit plateau.

A National Trust campsite near Coniston with access to Tarn Hows, one of the most visited beauty spots in the Lake District. The site is set in woodland with well-spaced pitches. Facilities include toilets and cold water but no electric hookups, maintaining a back-to-basics feel. The walk to Tarn Hows takes about 20 minutes through beautiful woodland. Coniston village has shops, the Bluebird Cafe, and the Ruskin Museum. The Coniston fells including the Old Man are accessible from the village. Brantwood, John Ruskin's house, is across the lake. A peaceful, well-managed site in beautiful surroundings.

Camping at the top of the Honister Pass, home to England's last working slate mine. The site offers a dramatic high-level location at around 350m with the Buttermere fells on one side and Borrowdale on the other. Basic facilities are available at the mine visitor centre. The Via Ferrata on the cliff face is a unique Lake District experience. The mine tours provide fascinating industrial history. Grey Knotts and Fleetwith Pike are accessible from the doorstep. The pass road is steep and narrow but thrilling. Wind exposure at this altitude is significant. The YHA Honister Hause hostel provides a backup in bad weather.

A large, well-equipped campsite on the eastern edge of Keswick with views of Skiddaw and Blencathra. The site has modern facilities with showers, electric hookups, laundry, and a small shop. Keswick is the outdoor capital of the northern Lake District with gear shops, restaurants, the Theatre by the Lake, and the Pencil Museum. Derwentwater is a short walk for lake swimming and boat trips. Cat Bells, one of the most popular short walks in the Lakes, is accessible by launch. The campsite is busy in summer but well-managed. The town provides all supplies. Open March to November.

A National Trust campsite on the western shore of Windermere with direct lake access for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The site is set in mature woodland with well-spaced pitches and a range of pre-pitched tents and camping pods available. Facilities include modern showers, a camp shop, and electric hookups on some pitches. The campsite runs nature activities and evening events in school holidays. Wray Castle, a Victorian Gothic fantasy, is a short walk through the woods. Ambleside is 3 miles north. The setting is beautiful but the site can be busy and prices are high in peak season.

Set in the grounds of the Lowther Castle estate in the eastern Lake District, this campsite offers a different experience from the rugged mountain sites. The partially ruined castle is a dramatic backdrop. The site has good facilities with showers, electric hookups, and a camp shop. The Lowther estate has walking trails, an adventure playground, and formal gardens. The nearby villages of Askham and Bampton are attractive. The eastern fells of High Street and the Martindale deer forest are accessible. Penrith is 4 miles north for supplies. A good option for families combining camping with estate activities.

A secluded valley east of Ullswater with the finest wild red deer herd in England. The deer forest of Martindale has been managed for centuries and the valley has a timeless, untouched quality. Wild camping in the upper valley above Boredale Hause provides solitude and the chance to see the deer at dawn and dusk. The old church of St Martin's in the valley dates from the 16th century. The terrain is rough grassland and heather. Access from Howtown (reachable by Ullswater steamer) adds adventure. Patterdale and Pooley Bridge provide supplies. The valley is one of the quietest in the Lake District.

The Mosedale valley running north from Wasdale Head is quieter than the main valleys and provides excellent wild camping beneath Pillar, one of the Lake District's most imposing mountains. The famous Pillar Rock, a separate rock summit on the mountain's north face, is visible from camp. The valley floor has flat grassy areas beside Mosedale Beck. The walk in from Wasdale Head is about 2 miles. This is a good base for climbing Pillar (892m), Scoat Fell, and the Mosedale Horseshoe. The terrain is rough and rocky. Water from the beck is reliable. An atmospheric spot with a real sense of mountain wildness.

A large National Trust campsite in the heart of Great Langdale with spectacular views of the Langdale Pikes. The site has modern facilities including showers, a drying room, and electric hookups. The Old Dungeon Ghyll pub is a short walk away. This is a popular base for walking the surrounding fells, including the Langdale Pikes, Crinkle Crags, and Bowfell. The campsite atmosphere is friendly with a mix of families and serious walkers. Ambleside is 6 miles east for supplies. The Stickle Barn pub at the campsite entrance serves food. Pre-booking is essential in school holidays. Open March to November.

England's highest mountain (978m) has several wild camping options on its approaches. Styhead Tarn, Sprinkling Tarn, and Angle Tarn all offer high-level pitches with mountain surroundings. The summit area itself is too rocky and exposed for comfortable camping. The mountain is extremely popular for Three Peaks challenge walkers, so expect company on the main paths, particularly at weekends. Conditions at altitude are frequently hostile with cloud, rain, and wind. Navigation skills are essential. The main approaches are from Wasdale Head (shortest), Borrowdale (most scenic), and Langdale. Carry all water as the summit area is dry.

Above the hamlet of Seathwaite in the Duddon Valley, Seathwaite Tarn provides a secluded wild camping spot away from the crowds of central Borrowdale. The tarn is a reservoir but feels natural in its mountain setting. Camp on the grassy banks above the water. The Duddon Valley is quieter than Borrowdale or Langdale but equally beautiful, celebrated by Wordsworth in his Duddon Sonnets. The approach from Seathwaite village is about 2 miles uphill. The terrain is rocky with wet patches. Coniston and Broughton-in-Furness provide supplies. This side of the Lake District sees fewer visitors and retains a genuine feel.

A traditional lakeside campsite on the shore of Ullswater, one of the most beautiful lakes in England. The site is simple with basic facilities but the location beside the water with views up the lake is outstanding. Ullswater steamers stop at the nearby pier, connecting to Glenridding and Pooley Bridge. Place Fell rises behind the site for hill walking, and Helvellyn is accessible from Glenridding. The Wordsworth daffodils that inspired the famous poem were at nearby Aira Force. The campsite has a genuine, unspoilt character. No electric hookups, keeping things traditional. Open Easter to October.

Skiddaw (931m), the fourth-highest Lakeland fell, has a broad, smooth profile that offers numerous wild camping opportunities on its eastern and northern flanks. The Back o'Skiddaw area toward Uldale is particularly quiet. Camp on the grassy shelves above the intake walls. Skiddaw House, once England's highest inhabited house, operates as a hostel and provides a more comfortable option. The terrain is slate and smooth grass, quite different from the rocky central fells. The views from Skiddaw summit take in the Solway Firth, Scotland, and the Isle of Man. Access from Keswick is straightforward via Latrigg.

England's highest and most isolated youth hostel, sitting at 460m on the flanks of Skiddaw in Skiddaw Forest. There is no road access; the walk in from any direction takes at least an hour. The building is a former shepherd's house and shooting lodge with dormitory accommodation, a common room with a stove, and a self-catering kitchen. The setting is wonderfully remote with views across to Blencathra. The Cumbria Way passes through. Despite being called Skiddaw Forest, the area is treeless moorland. Bookable through the independent YHA network. Camping in the grounds is sometimes possible with permission. A genuine adventure to reach.

A classic high-level tarn between Great End and Seathwaite Fell in the Borrowdale fells, Sprinkling Tarn provides one of the finest wild camping locations in the Lake District. The tarn sits at about 600m in a dramatic mountain setting with views to Great Gable. The surrounding terrain is rocky with some boggy areas. The walk in from Seathwaite is about 2.5 miles uphill. The tarn is deep enough for a bracing wild swim. Water can be filtered from the tarn. The nearby Styhead Tarn is busier, making Sprinkling the quieter option. Conditions are exposed and weather can deteriorate rapidly at this altitude. A quintessential high mountain camp.

A small, quiet campsite in the hamlet of Stonethwaite in Borrowdale. The site is surrounded by towering fells with Eagle Crag visible from most pitches. Facilities are basic with toilets and cold water. The Langstrath Inn in Stonethwaite serves food and drink. This is an excellent base for walking in upper Borrowdale, with routes to Watendlath, Langstrath, and the Borrowdale fells. The valley is lush with moss-draped oaks and tumbling becks. Rainfall is high but the scenery is worth getting wet for. The campsite has a genuine, no-frills character that attracts serious walkers. Open Easter to October.

One of the Lake District's most secluded valleys, Swindale is accessed by a dead-end road from Bampton. The valley has been the focus of rewilding efforts with native woodland restoration and river re-meandering. Wild camping at the head of the valley provides genuine solitude - you are unlikely to see another person. The terrain is a mix of rough grassland, juniper scrub, and exposed rock. Red deer and ravens are common. The valley connects over to Mardale and Haweswater via the Mosedale path. There are no facilities of any kind. The quiet, unspoilt character makes this a perfect escape from the busier central valleys.

A basic stone camping barn on the western side of Helvellyn, above Thirlmere. Managed by the Lake District National Park, the barn provides a simple sheltered sleeping area with a composting toilet. No showers or cooking facilities. The barn sits at around 300m altitude among conifers and gives access to several Helvellyn routes including the path via Lower Man. Thirlmere reservoir is below. Keswick is 8 miles north. A proper backcountry shelter for those who want something between wild camping and a campsite.

A National Trust managed camping area near the famous Tarn Hows beauty spot between Hawkshead and Coniston. Set in mixed woodland with views of the Langdale Pikes and Coniston Old Man, this basic site has toilet facilities and water. Tarn Hows itself has become one of the Lake Districts most photographed locations. The easy walk around the tarn is accessible for families. Red squirrels are regularly seen. Coniston village is 3 miles away. A beautiful family-friendly location in the heart of the southern Lakes.

An award-winning campsite near Ullswater that lives up to its name with a strict no-noise-after-10pm policy. The site is set in woodland with well-spaced pitches and a range of accommodation including camping pods, tipis, and standard tent pitches. Facilities are excellent with modern showers, a pub, a pizza oven, and a small shop. The emphasis is on relaxation and enjoying the natural surroundings. Walking routes lead from the site to Ullswater and the surrounding fells. Penrith is nearby for supplies. Children's activities include bushcraft and nature trails. Open year-round. A premium site at premium prices.

The conifer plantations and native woodland around Thirlmere reservoir provide sheltered camping with easy access from the A591. Wild camping in the forest above the reservoir is tolerated, and the tree cover provides welcome shelter from the notorious Lake District rain. The western shore path is particularly scenic. Helvellyn is accessible from the eastern side via the Swirls car park. The reservoir supplies Manchester with water and swimming is not permitted. Castle Crag, a small but rewarding summit, is nearby. Keswick is 4 miles north for supplies. The forest has been partially restored to native broadleaf in recent years.

Borrowdale is famously one of the wettest places in England, but on clear days it is arguably the most beautiful valley in the Lake District. Wild camping is tolerated at higher elevations around Seathwaite and on the approaches to Great Gable and Scafell Pike. The valley floor is lush with ancient oak woodland. Seathwaite Farm, often cited as England's wettest inhabited place, is the starting point for many walks. Carry a reliable waterproof and expect rain even in summer. The Borrowdale Yews, some of the oldest trees in the country, are worth visiting. Keswick is 6 miles north for supplies.

A converted slate quarry building above Buttermere in the Lake District, repurposed as a simple bothy shelter. Not an official MBA bothy but maintained as a community shelter. The building provides basic refuge for walkers on the Haystacks and Fleetwith Pike circuit. Sleeping capacity is about 4 on the floor. There is no fireplace. The setting above Warnscale Bottom is dramatic with views down to Buttermere. The approach from Gatesgarth car park takes about an hour uphill. The bothy is one of very few shelters in the Lake District. Bring a sleeping mat and bag. The area around Haystacks, where Wainwright's ashes were scattered, is classic Lakeland.

The National Trust campsite at the head of Wastwater, England's deepest lake, surrounded by England's highest mountains. This is hallowed ground for British mountaineering, with Great Gable, Scafell Pike, and Pillar all accessible from the site. The campsite is large and can be busy but the setting is magnificent. Facilities include toilets and cold water; the Wasdale Head Inn provides food, drink, and hot showers. The famous Wasdale Head screes plunge into the dark water of Wastwater. Mobile signal is virtually non-existent. Book well in advance for peak season. Open year-round though winter conditions can be severe.

A small camping area beside the famous Wasdale Head Inn, one of the birthplaces of British rock climbing. Will Ritson, the Victorian landlord, was famed as the world's biggest liar and the tradition continues in an annual competition. The site is basic with access to the inn's bar and restaurant. The setting at the head of Wastwater, surrounded by Great Gable, Kirk Fell, and Yewbarrow, is spectacular. This is a different site from the National Trust campsite and has its own distinct atmosphere. The inn has served climbers and walkers for centuries. Booking is essential as it is small and popular.

England only true mountain forest, Whinlatter is a Forestry England site above Braithwaite near Keswick. The forest sits at altitude between 200m and 520m with views across Bassenthwaite Lake. The campsite has basic facilities among the conifers. Mountain biking trails and walking routes start from the visitor centre. The forest has an osprey viewing station. Red squirrels are common. Keswick is 5 miles away. The combination of altitude, forest, and lake views makes this one of the most dramatic forest campsites in England.