Cumbria is best known for being home to the Lake District National Park, the biggest national park in England. One of the most sparsely-populated counties in the UK, Cumbria is filled with natural beauty, from glacial lakes to rugged peaks. With incredible landscapes all around, it’s one of the top places to go camping in the UK. Here is our guide to the best campsites in Cumbria.
Drybeck Farm
Nestled in the heart of the Eden Valley, Drybeck Farm is less than half an hour from Carlisle. It’s set right on the bed of the River Eden, which is perfect for wild swimming. With just a few camping pitches, the site offers privacy and space, along with your very own fire pit. Camping facilities include compost toilets, showers, a washing up area, drinking water tap and chemical waste. The campsite also has a hot tub onsite available for hire. Well behaved dogs are welcome. Find out more here.
Burns Farm Caravan and Campsite
Burns Farm is the perfect base for exploring the Lake District. Situated close to the market town of Keswick, the dog-friendly campsite is set between Bassenthwaite Lake, Derwent Water, Thirlmere and Ullswater. Camping is set in a large field with mountain views of Blencathra, Skiddaw, Helvellyn Range and Causey Pike. Facilities include a biomass heated toilet block with hot showers, hand dryers and shaving points, a large undercover dishwashing room, and free wifi. Burns Farm is located in a Dark Sky site, with only low wattage lighting used to make the most of excellent stargazing.
Moss Side Farm Campsite
Located in the beautiful southern fells of the Lake District, Moss Side Farm is a small, family-run camping and touring site. Nestled in the scenic Woodland Valley, the campsite is not too far from Coniston lake. The farm is a great base for walkers, and you’ll find plenty of footpaths leading from the farm. This quiet campsite is suitable for older families and couples, and dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead. Facilities include toilets and hot showers, fridge-freezer and washing up room, communal power points, kettle, toaster and microwave. Fresh produce such as eggs are sold onsite.
Castlerigg Farm Camping and Caravan Site
Castlerigg Farm is beautifully positioned, very close to Keswick, Derwent Water and Bassenthwaite Lake. This family friendly base is a peaceful and quiet campsite which looks out over a majestic range of mountains. Site facilities include toilets with hand dryers and heated showers, a dishwashing area, a shop and reception area with ice pack freezing, gas exchange and battery charging. There is an onsite cafe and bar which serves food throughout the day. Wifi is available for a small charge. Dogs are welcome, and have access to a dog walk and doggie shower.
Harbour Lights
Located just outside the village of Haverigg on the southwestern tip of the Lake District, Harbour Lights is just a two minute walk from dog-friendly Haverigg Beach. Being so close to the village, you’ll find plenty of pubs and eateries nearby. Dogs are welcome, as are fire pits and barbecues. Campsite facilities include a toilet block with complimentary showers, as well as a camper’s kitchen with all the amenities.
Gill Head Farm
Set on a working farm, Gill Head Farm offers a great central location for touring the high and low fells. There is easy access to the best attractions, walks and places of interest in the Lakes area. The rural location is great for families and couples, and there is also a dog walking area. Facilities include a shower, toilet and laundry block, communal cabin with TV, sofas and dining area, as well as an onsite shop with all the basics. You can also bring your own fire pits, or hire them from the campsite.
Low Greenside Farm Campsite
Low Greenside Farm is an ideal base for exploring the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales. This quiet, dog-friendly, family run site has tent pitches set around the edges of a big field with lovely views of the Howgill Fells. Facilities include free hot showers, water saving toilets, indoor washing up area, fridges, hairdryer sockets and phone charging. The farm is big on reducing food waste, and there is a swap shelf for campers’ food stuff.
Sizergh Caravan and Camping
Located between the Lakes and the Dales, Sizergh Caravan and Camping is set in the quiet Cumbrian countryside. The site is a working farm, and although dogs are welcome, they must be kept on a lead. Facilities include a shower block with two toilets, three shower units, hand basins, hairdryer and underfloor heating. There is also a communal fridge, kettle and microwave. A short walk away is the Lower Sizergh Barn farm shop and cafe, and you’ll also find several pubs in the local area.
Abbot Park Farm
Abbot Park Farm is a small, dog-friendly campsite located on a 120 acre family run hill farm. It’s a fantastic location for hiking, cycling and experiencing life on a working farm. There are cows, horses, sheeps, ducks and chickens onsite, and the farm cafe serves up fresh eggs and milk. There are also laundry and washing up facilities onsite.
Mains Farm Campsite
Mains Farm is located between the North Pennines AONB and only half an hour from the Lake District. At this dog-friendly campsite, you’ll be treated to riverside views and miles of green pastures. Facilities include two heated toilet and shower blocks with power sockets, a coin laundry with tumble dryer, two washing up and drying areas, a small kitchen and a play area for kids with swings and slides. The nearby village has a shop, post office and two pubs.
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