Wasdale Lakeside Campsite

View prices & book 9.5 155 reviews
Aerial view of the camping field
Aerial view of the camping field
Wasdale valley
Campsite entrance
Wasdale valley
Looking up wasdale to yewbarrow
View above the campsite
Aerial view of the camping field and wastwater
Lambing time
1/232
Wasdale valley
Campsite entrance
Wasdale valley

  • Basic and remote campsite five minutes’ walk from Wastwater in Cumbria
  • Wastwater Alpaca Trekking 25 minutes’ drive; Ravenglass 20 minutes
  • Pop-up pitches on a Lakeland fell farm; access to Scafell Pike
If you’re after a spectacular wild camping spot to lay down your head, you’ll certainly find it at Wasdale Lakeside Campsite. Set on a working Lakeland farm, this Cumbria pop-up site is big on views, looking up Wasdale to Yewbarrow, and right down to the shores of Wastwater. Well-behaved dogs are welcome to join your Lakeland jaunt, but must be kept on a lead at all times as there are always sheep about. You’ll all get lots of exercise, as there are numerous walks into the scenic Wasdale Valley from the camping field. Talking of the camping field, pitch numbers are limited so your wild camping experience can stay a private, peaceful one. Simple amenities run to portable toilets, on-site water in a container, cold running water a short walk from the pitches, recycling and washing lines for drying clothes and wetsuits. Small barbecues are allowed, but please place them on the slates provided. Pick up any vital supplies in Eskdale Stores (15 minutes’ drive), or order takeaways from the Lion and Lamb pub in Gosforth (they’ll deliver to your tent). If you fancy a change of scenery, hotfoot it down to the pubs in Nether Wasdale (10 minutes or half an hour’s walk). Please note there are no showers and no electrical hook-up points at this campsite. As this is a remote area, there is limited phone signal and data coverage; some networks have better coverage than others.

Site type

Tent pitches 47
Motorhome pitches 3
Open now
Opens 17 July
Please note
  • This site has no on-site shower facilities.
  • Under 18s must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.
  • The site does not accept breeds/crossbreeds listed in the Dangerous Dogs Act (i.e. Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro).
  • Discount cards and gift vouchers cannot be applied to bookings made via Pitchup.com.
  • Guests are advised to bring a good quality torch with them as parts of the site are unlit.

Languages spoken

English

Open from Thu, 17 Jul to

Reviews

9.5

Overall rating from 155 Pitchup.com customers

  • 80%
    10
  • 1%
    9
  • 13%
    8
  • 0%
    7
  • 2%
    6
  • 0%
    5
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    3
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    1
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 9
Facilities / Activities
 8
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 9
Cleanliness
 9
Wifi
 4
Lake and/or mountainPeacefulSpectacular scenery

96% would recommend this site to a friend

95% would stay here again

What customers say

This campsite offers an exceptional location with stunning views of Wastwater lake and surrounding mountains, ideal for walkers and water sports enthusiasts. Guests praise the friendly and helpful owners. While basic facilities like portaloos are provided, some reviewers suggest improvements. Access is via a farm track, and the site is noted for its peaceful atmosphere and opportunities for stargazing.

Summary AI-generated from Pitchup.com customer reviews

Reviews page 1 of 16
Arrival date (latest first)

Loved the area, was easy to drive too from Scafell pike. Cafe…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 9
Wifi
 10
Anonymous

Non-electric grass tent pitch

Liked Loved the area, was easy to drive too from Scafell pike. Cafe Justin front and the lake just behind. Plenty of space to park up and pitch and the kids had loads of room to play too. Everyone was so lovely!

Recommend to friends Visit again

Beautiful lakeside site, spacious camping area, friendly host.

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 10
Kaylee W.

Non-electric grass tent pitch

Liked The site is beautiful and the lake is only a 5 minute walk. The camping area is extensive, there were several groups on the field with us and we never felt like it was busy. The farmer was very welcoming and made sure we didn't need anything. There were plenty of portaloos available and all fairly clean.
I would absolutely stay here again.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Everything just perfect! Our third time here. Amazing place, friendly owner!…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Arturas M.

Non-electric grass tent pitch

Liked Everything just perfect! Our third time here. Amazing place, friendly owner!

Disliked Nothing to dislike

Recommend to friends Visit again

A perfect camping site that fully deserves the score it has received.

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 No rating
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 9
Wifi
 No rating
Yusuf S. G.

Non-electric grass tent pitch

Liked Views
Campsite
Restrooms are generally clean
Close proximity to a magnificent lake
Near a stunning stream

Disliked There is a stone road for the last 5 minutes to reach the campsite.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Overall clean facilities with great views & good pitches.

Overall

8 out of 10
Location
 8
Value for money
 7
Accommodation
 7
Facilities / Activities
 1
Customer service
 1
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 No rating
Wifi
 No rating
Anonymous

Non-electric grass tent pitch

Liked The views & space across the site.

Disliked The road leading to the site.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Highly recommend, I plan to return

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 6
Customer service
 No rating
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 9
Wifi
 No rating
Richard M.

Non-electric grass tent pitch

Liked I'm a wild camper, and prefer to camp somewhere near the summit generally. I picked this site to bring my nephew camping and hiking. I wanted a basic site in the heart of the hills, Wasdale Lakeside Campsite was perfect, views are stunning. Farm shop at the entrance does great food.
I've seen a few reviews on here grumbling about the portaloos, all I can say is that they appear to be cleaned frequently (I never went in an unclean one)

Disliked Stunning site, river runs by natural sound of water to relax too. I was disappointed that the inconsiderate group at the other side of the site were playing music until 11pm ish. Not obscenely loud, but loud enough to disturb from the opposite side of the field.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Amazing scenery, great remotes location, close to lake, wildness.…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 8
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Mareks K.

Non-electric grass tent pitch

Liked Amazing scenery, great remotes location, close to lake, wildness.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Nice quiet and almost wild camping!! We will come back again…

Overall

8 out of 10
Location
 9
Value for money
 7
Accommodation
 6
Facilities / Activities
 1
Customer service
 8
Child friendliness
 1
Cleanliness
 8
Wifi
 7
Santiago D.

Non-electric grass tent pitch

Liked Nice quiet and almost wild camping!! We will come back again

Disliked The toilet is not nice

Recommend to friends Visit again

Fantastic location for water access.

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 6
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Cole A.

Non-electric grass tent pitch

Liked The site location is perfect for access to Wastwater. Loved swimming in the lake in the late evening and early mornings. The views are stunning and the sunset well worth watching. Chemical toilet cubicles welcomed addition. 20 min walk to a great cafe for breakfast or lunches. Great for those that like simple close to wild camping. Enjoyed getting the kayak on the lake. Very friendly host.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Fantastic location with stunning views. Far off the beaten track with lots…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 7
Facilities / Activities
 7
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 10
Anonymous

Non-electric grass tent pitch

Liked Fantastic location with stunning views. Far off the beaten track with lots of peace and quiet. The nearby Wast Water lake is incredibly beautiful. Also great base to explore Lake District mountains. Very basic but what a place! Will definitely come back.

Disliked Nothing

Recommend to friends Visit again

Features

Portable toilet

Pop-up campsite

Dogs allowed

Leisure on site

Bar or club house Cycle hire Evening entertainment Fishing Fitness centre Games room Indoor swimming pool Kids' club On-site restaurant/cafe Outdoor swimming pool Play area TV room Take away Tennis Watersports Wild swimming

Amenities on site

Bath available Composting toilet Dog park Drying room Food shop Free wifi Ice pack freezing Internet access Launderette Parent & baby washroom Pick-up from public transport Portable toilet Pub toilets Public telephone Shower available Toilet block Washing-up area Wifi

Groups welcome

D. of E. welcome Family friendly Motorcycle friendly Single-sex groups welcome Student groups welcome

Rules

Barbecue provided Barbecues allowed Campfires allowed Commercial vehicles allowed Dogs allowed Dogs allowed all year

Themes

Budget/backpacker Lake and/or mountain Peaceful Remote location Spectacular scenery Walkers' paradise Wild camping Wildlife haven

Utilities

Charging facilities Chemical disposal Electric car charging point(s) Gas cylinders available No hot water Recycling available Renewable energy

Nearby amenities

Bar nearby Dog walk nearby

Type

Farm Medium (26-50 pitches) Pop-up campsite

Nearby leisure

Canoeing/kayaking nearby Climbing nearby Cycling nearby Fishing nearby Golf nearby Mountain biking nearby Restaurant nearby

Location

Wasdale Lakeside Campsite

Easthwaite Farm

Nether Wasdale

Cumbria

England

CA20 1ET

Directions

Timezone

Europe/London BST (GMT+01:00)

GPS

54.42191°N
3.32446°W

Route directions

On arrival, please follow the sign to the campsite. Do not cross the farmyard, but drive through the double gates on your left. Drive carefully as there are sheep in the fields. What3words: goats.spotted.named. Please note that it is a farm track, not a tarmac road, so please drive carefully.

Nearest transport

Coach
12.6 mi Lakeside House for Dove Cottage
12.6 mi Daffodil Hotel for Dove Cottage
13.8 mi Tangier Street
Rail
5.7 mi Ravenglass Rail Station
5.7 mi Drigg Rail Station
6.7 mi Seascale Rail Station
Ferry
11.2 mi Coniston Ferry Landing
11.3 mi Waterhead Hotel (Coniston) Ferry Landing
11.3 mi Torver (Coniston) Ferry Landing

Please note: All distances on this page are calculated "as the crow flies" - please check actual distance depending on your mode of travel using the Get directions button above.

Local attractions

Just five minutes’ stroll from the camping field, Wastwater is a hub for wild swimmers, scuba divers, paddleboarders and kayakers – you can hire gear from the rental shop 10 minutes’ drive away. The lake is also fertile ground for anglers, who can fish for Arctic char, trout and salmon (in season). Hardened hikers have access to ventures up Scafell Pike (three hours) from the site. If you’re thinking of less strenuous days out, play a round at Eskdale Golf Course (25 minutes), or take the weight off your feet completely with a train tour of the West Lakes fell and mountain scenery on Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, locally known as ‘La’al Ratty’ (15 minutes). Local kid-friendly options include trotting through the fells with alpacas at Wastwater Alpaca Trekking (25 minutes), or a gentle scramble up Wasdale (an hour and a half’s walk from the site) to the Fairy Pools. The sand-and-shingle beaches at Seascale (25 minutes) and Ravenglass (20 minutes) are both dog-friendly, with lots of rook pools for splashing around in.

Water quality at nearby bathing waters

Name Distance Type 2020201920182017
Seascale 6.9 mi Sea N/AGoodGoodGood
St Bees 12.3 mi Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
Silecroft 14.1 mi Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
Haverigg 16.1 mi Sea PoorN/AN/AN/A
Walney West Shore 20.9 mi Sea N/AGoodGoodN/A

Data source: European Environment Agency

Must see

Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway 5.7 mi

Dove Cottage and the Wordsworth Museum 12.5 mi

Beatrix Potter Gallery 13.4 mi

Whinlatter Forest & Visitor Centre 13.7 mi

Rydal Mount and Gardens 13.8 mi

National Trust

Wasdale, Eskdale and Duddon 1 mi

Buttermere and Ennerdale 10.8 mi

Gondola' 11.1 mi

Coniston and Tarn Hows 11.3 mi

Grasmere and Great Langdale 12.2 mi

Cycle routes

Find local routes on the National Cycle Network - over 12,000 miles of cycling routes.

Other

Eskdale Green - Muncaster Fell - Muncaster Head - Eskdale Green 2.2 mi

MUNCASTER CASTLE 5.3 mi

High Gillerthwaite - Red Pike Ridge Traverse - High Gillerthwaite 6.4 mi

Seathwaite - Scafell Pike - Seathwaite 7.8 mi

The Gables from Honister Pass 7.9 mi

Local events

  • Kendal Calling (Thursday 31 July 2025 – Thursday 31 July 2025)

    Penrith, Cumbria 27.5 mi

Please note: All distances on this page are calculated "as the crow flies" - please check actual distance depending on your mode of travel using the Get directions button above.

Nearest sites

Unfortunately, we have no nearby bookable sites.

Want to know more about camping in The Lake District and Cumbria?

Frequently asked questions

  • Does Wasdale Lakeside Campsite have a swimming pool? No View all features
  • Is Wasdale Lakeside Campsite dog friendly? Yes View all features
  • What attractions are near Wasdale Lakeside Campsite? Just five minutes’ stroll from the camping field, Wastwater is a hub for wild swimmers, scuba divers, paddleboarders and kayakers – you can hire gear from the rental shop 10 minutes’ drive … Read more
  • When can I check in and check out of Wasdale Lakeside Campsite?
    Camping and touring
    Arrive:  12 p.m. –  9 p.m.
    Depart by:  12 p.m.
    Read more
  • How much does it cost to stay at Wasdale Lakeside Campsite? From £20 (for 1 night, 2 adults) - prices may change depending on your dates and party.