The Best Lake District Campsites for Campervans

Campervans, caravans and motorhomes are ideal for spontaneous excursions into the countryside, and the United Kingdom has plenty of remote offerings. The Lake District is one of the most popular destinations, magnetising outdoor lovers from across the country thanks to its stunning views and endless outlets for adventure. But, where are the best Lake District campsites for campervans?

To explore its beauty on four wheels (or more), you’re going to want one of the exemplary vehicles we have on offer at Spinney. From brand-new campervans to cutting-edge motorhomes and innovative caravans for sale, at Spinney, we can inspire you to see the wider world differently, offering you an entirely new way to explore and discover.

If you like the sound of a spontaneous adventure but don’t have the budget for a brand-new vehicle, why not explore our used campervans, second-hand caravans and pre-owned motorhomes? No matter if they’re brand new or used, we hold each of our vehicles to the same high standard, meaning you can save money without losing out on quality.

Once you’ve secured your new leisure vehicle, you’re going to want somewhere to make the most of it, so let’s get into the very best campsites across the Lake District.

The best places to camp in the Lake District

The largest national park in England, the Lake District covers 912 square miles, meaning you could go time and time again and still discover something new. Due to its size, it can be difficult to know where exactly to camp, with the very best locations offering something a little different from the next. Just some of the very best locations include:

• Ambleside and Lake Windermere: Access to historical landmarks, ancient waterfalls and England’s largest lake.
• Buttermere: Hike across mountain ridges and explore the centuries-old village.
• Coniston Water: Hike up The Old Man of Coniston or take a cruise on the Steam Yacht Gondola.
• Grasmere: Close to Rydal Cave and a multitude of historic villages and museums.  
• Haweswater and Riggindale: Straddling Haweswater Reservoir, staying at  Haweswater or Riggindale allows you to explore Kidsty Pike and beyond.
• Keswick and Derwentwater: Visit one of the Lake District’s most vibrant towns and explore Derwentwater’s Friar’s Crag.
• Seascale: Located on the Lake District coast, staying at Seascale allows you to see the area in a whole new light.  

The 10 best Lake District campsites for campervans

From Seascale to Windermere, the Lake District is packed with beauty from top to bottom, coast to crag. Below, we’ve listed just ten of our very favourites, but don’t be mistaken, there are plenty more hot spots to be discovered.

1. The Quiet Site – Penrith

Unsurprisingly, the Lake District is known for its stunning bodies of water, and Windermere isn’t the only one. North of the UK’s largest lake is Ullswater and The Quiet Site, a location that prides itself on its sustainability, providing campers with local pleasures and effortless tranquillity. The Quiet Site gets the simple stuff right, giving you access to basic facilities while impressing with an on-site 16th-century bar that serves breakfast, dinner and much more.

Perfect for: Green travellers who want to limit their carbon footprint while embracing the outdoors.

2. Church Stile Farm – Wasdale

Located a short distance away from the grand Scafell Pike and the lake of Wast Water, Church Stile Farm is perfectly nestled into the stunning valleys of the Lakes. Offering hardstanding pitches for campervans and motorhomes, as well as 30 electric hook-up pitches, Church Stile Farm is your ideal destination for a tranquil escape away from normality.

Perfect for: Couples looking for a quiet escape into the natural beauty of the Lakes.

3. Hawkshead Hall Caravan & Campsite – Ambleside

Situated in the middle of a 100-acre working farm, staying at Hawkshead Hall Caravan & Campsite allows you to stay in the heart of the Lakes while being connected to some of the area’s biggest tourist destinations. Close to Grizedale Forest, which provides an array of outdoor activities, as well as The World of Beatrix Potter, which is ideal for young children, this Ambleside location has it all.

Perfect for: Families searching for activities and adventure.

4. Low Wray Campsite – Ambleside

Just an 8-minute drive from Hawkshead Hall lies Low Wray campsite, which offers stunning views over Lake Windermere. The versatility of the Auto-Trail Adventure range would be ideal for this location, offering four berths – perfect for a small family to cosy up inside. A family and dog-friendly campsite, Low Wray is perfect for those who want to soak up the Windermere sights.

Perfect for: Windermere and watersports lovers.

5. Park Cliffe Camping & Caravan Estate – Windermere

On the opposite end of the Lake, towards its narrow bottom in the south, sits Park Cliffe Camping & Caravan Estate. Nestled in the trees, a stone’s throw from the lake, Park Cliffe offers excellent amenities such as free Wi-Fi and private bathrooms that are up for rental. With easy access to the fells and the lake, you can get out in the day and enjoy the home comforts of motorhome Wi-Fi in the evening.

Perfect for: Those looking to experience a smorgasbord of Lake District delights.

6. Ravenglass Camping & Caravanning Site – Ravenglass

It’s easy to forget about the stunning coastline when travelling to the Lake District, but Ravenglass Camping & Caravanning Site doesn’t let you forget. Nestled into the middle of six acres of woodland just a 500-metre walk from the seafront, at Ravenglass, you’re spoiled for choice if you fancy a ramble. With several types of pitches available, including grass pitches with an electric hook-up, this site is ideal for campervans, caravans and motorhomes of any size berth.

Perfect for: Walkers wanting endless routes and unforgettable scenery.

7. Troutbeck Head Club Campsite – Penrith

If peace and quiet is what you’re after then the remote location of Troutbeck Head Club Campsite may well be the destination for you. Providing dramatic vistas of the Lakes, Troutbeck campsite sits right beside the Great Mell Fell and is just a short drive from the iconic Kirkstone Pass. While boasting a perfect location, Troutbeck also does the basics very well, offering drive-over waste disposal that makes using your cassette toilet simple and extensive laundry facilities.

Perfect for: People looking for a haven of serenity.

8. Wasdale Campsite – Seascale

Want to be close to England’s tallest mountain? You won’t be able to stay much closer than Wasdale Campsite, a location that’s ideal for adventurers, offering hiking routes, challenging biking trails and climbing spots begging to be explored. Perfect for both campervans and motorhomes, Wasdale offers all the amenities you could want in addition to providing effortless views of the stunning countryside.

Perfect for: Adventure seekers looking for a base to relax when they’re not pumped with adrenaline.

9. Waterside House Campsite – Howtown

Right at the top of Ullswater, close to Penrith, sits Waterside House Campsite, which, as the name suggests, offers incredible access to the lake. Just imagine sliding open the door of your compact Xplore CV in the morning and being greeted by the serene shore of Ullswater Lake. From here, you can hire boats from the campsite or partake in any of the other various water-based activities that are available literally on your doorstep.

Perfect for: Those looking for a wet, wild weekend escapade.

10. Coniston Park Coppice Club Campsite – Windermere

One of the greatest things about a Lake District excursion is exploring the many streams, brooks and rivers delicately crawling through the land. The location of Coniston Park Coppice Club Campsite on the banks of Coniston Water is one of the very best places to do such exploration, being set within 63 acres of woodland. A haven for hikers, birdwatchers and high-octane adventurers, Coniston Park offers a peaceful retreat where you can lose yourself in nature.

Perfect for: Travellers who want peace, quiet, adventure and exercise in equal measure.

Making the most of your Lake District holiday

Once you’ve explored the best Lake District campsites for campervans, it’s time to put a date in your diary and begin planning your trip. To make sure everything runs as smoothly as possible, there are several things you can do to ensure your safety and that of your vehicle. Such tips and tricks include:

• Prioritise security:  Campsites can become targets for thieves, especially when so many expensive vehicles are all in one place. Protect your leisure vehicle from theft by installing adequate habitation locks and consider setting up a CCTV system that will give you some peace of mind when you’re away from the vehicle.
• Keep transport options open: No matter if you’re taking a campervan or a motorhome on holiday, once you’ve arrived at your destination, you may want something a little more nimble to get around in. Consider towing a car behind your motorhome or using a bike rack to explore the countryside on two wheels instead of four.
• Make the most of your pitch: Some people may park up on their pitch and think they’re good to go, but by using an awning, you can extend the size of your habitation area to create a more homely aesthetic. You can explore the very best awnings for sale at Spinney!
• Lighten your load: Getting around the narrow roads and tight corners of the countryside is difficult in a small car, so some drivers may prefer something a little more compact. Consider lightening the load with a lightweight caravan or the two-berth Adria Twin campervan.
• Bring the energy: Camping pitches with an electrical hookup are popular but aren’t always readily available on some Lake District campsites. Be prepared by bringing a spare, charged leisure battery pack with you so that you can always bring the energy.

Can you wild camp in the Lake District?

Wild camping is when you pitch a tent in a spot that isn’t classed as a formal campsite. Wild camping in the Lake District is not allowed, although some landowners will turn a blind eye as long as campers are quiet and clean and stay for only one night.

It’s important to note, however, that this doesn’t apply to campervans – after all, it’s a little more difficult to be unobtrusive in a vehicle.

Indeed, campervans, motorhomes and caravans are largely only allowed to legally park and stay at the kind of formal campsites listed earlier in this article. With this being said, there are a number of locations across the Lake District that will offer overnight parking for a small fee, although it’s worth noting that no amenities of any sort will be provided.

Upgrade your next Lake District adventure with Spinney

Taking to the Lake District behind the wheel of a campervan, motorhome or car towing a caravan is one of the greatest pleasures of the British summertime. So, why not embrace your next northern adventure with Spinney? Stocking a wide range of campervans that offer a variety of berths and layouts, explore our range online right now!

Not sure where to start, why not look at Auto-Trail’s campervan collection, Adria’s compact vehicles or campervans from Xplore, that are new to our range? Elsewhere, we stock some of the very best British brands, including popular Swift campervans, vehicles from Bailey of Bristol and cutting-edge campervans from Elddis.

Buying a campervan, or a motorhome or caravan for that matter, can be an expensive decision, so, if you’d rather visit us in-store to get some expert advice before you complete your purchase, contact us today. Find us across any of our branches for face-to-face advice from industry experts who would be happy to assist you in your decision.
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