Six great campsites in Cumbria to visit in your caravan or motorhome

Cumbria is a popular destination for touring and camping, offering a diverse landscape of lakes, mountains, and countryside. With a variety of camping options and outdoor activities, it caters to a wide range of visitors, from those seeking a peaceful retreat to those looking for adventure.

Whether you're after a family-friendly holiday park, a remote countryside stay, or a glamping experience, here are six campsites to consider.

Castlerigg Hall

Castlerigg Hall is a well-regarded caravan, camping, and glamping park, situated in an elevated position in the Lake District, providing panoramic views of the surrounding fells.

The site offers access to numerous scenic walks, including Walla Crag and Castlerigg Stone Circle, a historic landmark believed to be over 4,000 years old. Nearby, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as climbing, golf, pony trekking, fishing, and watersports. The town of Keswick and other nearby villages offer a range of local produce and specialities, including Cumberland sausage, Borrowdale tea bread, and Grasmere gingerbread.

Bigland Hall Lodge and Caravan Park

Bigland Hall Caravan Park is located in a quiet setting and offers over forty fully serviced seasonal touring pitches with water, drainage and electric hook-up.

Its location, just 10 minutes from Lake Windermere, makes it a convenient base for water-based activities such as sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding and fishing. Attractions in the area include the World of Beatrix Potter, Lakeside & Haverthwaite Steam Railway and South Lakes Zoo.

Beckses Caravan Park

Beckses Caravan Park is a family-run site offering 27 pitches for touring caravans, campervans, and motorhomes. Pitches include access to electricity, heating, and grassy areas suitable for awnings.

The site welcomes families and dogs and provides a quiet base with easy access to local attractions in Ullswater and Keswick. Visitors can explore Wordsworth House and Garden, Dalemain Historic House & Gardens, and Aira Force Waterfall. Ullswater Steamers, an award-winning and environmentally accredited boat service, offers scenic cruises on Ullswater Lake.

Captain's House Campervans

Captain's House Campervans is a small, family-run site in Bootle, located in the tranquil southern tip of Cumbria. It offers five electric hardstanding pitches for campervans.

The site provides direct access to Bootle Beach, making it a suitable choice for anglers, windsurfers, and those who enjoy coastal scenery. On clear days, visitors may spot views stretching to Scotland and the Isle of Man. The campsite is also within reach of Wastwater, England's deepest lake, and Scafell Pike, England's highest mountain. Muncaster Castle in Ravenglass is a 15-minute drive away.

Park Cliffe Camping and Caravan Estate

Park Cliffe is an award-winning camping, caravan, motorhome, and glamping park set in the fells above Lake Windermere, just three miles from Bowness-on-Windermere.

The site holds a 5-star rating and a Gold Award from Visit England. Facilities include a modern toilet and shower block with heating, a bar and restaurant, Wi-Fi, and a well-stocked shop featuring locally sourced produce. Wildlife such as red and roe deer, squirrels, foxes, and a variety of birds can often be seen in the area. The site has also received a David Bellamy Gold Conservation Award for its environmental efforts.

Birchbank Camping Site

Birchbank is a working Lakeland farm situated between Coniston Water and the Duddon Estuary. Footpaths and bridleways lead directly from the site, making it a convenient choice for walkers, cyclists, and birdwatchers.

The site accommodates touring caravans, campervans, and motorhomes, offering eight hardstanding pitches with electric hook-ups, toilet and shower facilities, and a chemical toilet disposal point. The town of Ulverston, located seven miles away, is known for its cobbled streets, independent shops, and attractions such as the Laurel and Hardy Museum, which houses memorabilia, props and personal letters.

Why Cumbria is great for tourers and camping

Cumbria is well-suited to outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, cycling, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming and climbing in a diverse natural setting.

The region is home to some of the UK's most scenic national parks, including the Lake District and parts of the Yorkshire Dales. With a mix of mountains, lakes, forests and coastal areas, it provides a variety of experiences for visitors seeking a countryside escape.