When can I check in and check out of The Sportman?

Camping and caravan Arrive: noon – Anytime Depart by: 11:30 a.m. Read more

The Sportman

Drone picture kindly taken by a happy camper.

Lake District campsite just off the A66 between Penrith and Keswick
A 10-minute drive to Ullswater; 20 minutes to Helvellyn and Catbells
Pitches with views towards Blencathra; playing field for kids and dogs

Scenic, spacious and splendidly easy to get to – that’s the deal at The Sportman, in the grounds of a former pub in the Cumbria countryside about 10 minutes’ drive from Penrith. This spot is just on the edge of the Lake District National Park, and its location just off the A66 means that getting around should be a doddle. As you’d probably imagine of such a setting, this site is in prime position for all sorts of walks and bike rides, along with various other outdoor activities. Come along with a plan, or wait till you get here – the main building has a dedicated wall display showing all the things you can get up to in Cumbria, the national park and beyond. A few ideas before you go? Perhaps a boat ride on Ullswater (10 minutes’ drive), a scramble up Skiddaw (25 minutes) or a bit of paddleboarding and a trip to the Puzzling Place in Keswick (10 minutes)? Alternatively, you could plan some time to stay put… there are some fab views to be had from the pitches, which look out over the surrounding countryside towards Blencathra (also known as the Saddleback). An additional fenced field is just next door to the pitching area, so kids and dogs can run about safely without getting under the feet of those trying to relax. Facilities here are on the simple side, but guests can access the pub toilets (including a baby change area) 24 hours a day and use the wifi and laundry amenities.

Campground type

Languages spoken

English

Spanish

Nearby campgrounds that are bookable on Pitchup.com

Unfortunately, we have no nearby bookable campgrounds.

Features

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

Amenities on site

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

Groups 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 Spectacular scenery Walkers' paradise Wild camping Wildlife haven

Utilities

Charging facilities Dump point Electric car charging point(s) Gas cylinders available Recycling available Renewable energy

Nearby amenities

Bar nearby Dog walk nearby Public transport nearby

Type

Pub campground Small (11-25 sites)

Accessibility

Disabled facilities

Nearby leisure

Canoeing/kayaking nearby Climbing nearby Cycle hire nearby Cycling nearby Fishing nearby Golf nearby Horse riding nearby Mountain biking nearby Outdoor pool nearby Restaurant nearby Sailing nearby Surf school nearby Tennis nearby Watersports nearby

Location

The Sportman

Troutbeck

Penrith

Cumbria

England

CA11 0SG

Directions

Timezone

Europe/London GMT (GMT+00:00)

GPS

54.64284°N
-2.92287°W

Nearest transport

Coach

10.8 km Rail Station

14.9 km Bus Station

21.9 km Lakeside House for Dove Cottage

Rail

10.8 km Penrith North Lakes Rail Station

17.7 km Langwathby Rail Station

18.5 km Lazonby & Kirkoswald Rail Station

Ferry

7.2 km Pooley Bridge Ullswater Ferry Landing

8.8 km Howtown Ullswater Ferry Landing

11.1 km Glenridding Ullswater Ferry Landing

Airport

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

Attractions and activities nearby include: - Keswick (for watersports, Puzzling Place, pencil museum and brewery): 10 minutes’ drive - Aira Force waterfall: 10 minutes - Brougham Castle: 10 minutes - Mirehouse Gardens: 15 minutes - Lakeland Bird of Prey Centre: 15 minutes - Helvellyn (mountain): 20 minutes - Whinlatter Forest Park (mountain bike trails): 20 minutes - Catbells walk: 20 minutes - Skiddaw (mountain): 25 minutes.

Water quality at nearby bathing waters

Name	Distance	Type	2020	2019	2018	2017
Allonby	35.7 km	Sea	N/A	Good	Good	Good
Seascale	45.8 km	Sea	N/A	Good	Good	Good
St Bees	47.4 km	Sea	N/A	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent

Data source: European Environment Agency

Must see

Dalemain Historic House & Gardens 7 km

The Rheged Centre 9 km

Ullswater Steamers 11.1 km

Castlerigg Stone Circle 12.2 km

Mirehouse Historic House and Gardens 17.1 km

National Trust

Acorn Bank Garden and Watermill 20.8 km

Grasmere and Great Langdale 23.7 km

Townend 25.9 km

Windermere and Troutbeck 28.2 km

Wordsworth House and Garden 28.8 km

Cycle routes

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

Other

Mungrisdale - Bannerdale Crags 4.8 km

Blencathra Classic - Sharp Edge and Narrow Edge 6.3 km

DALEMAIN 7.4 km

Pooley Bridge and Heughscar Hill 7.4 km

Pooley Bridge - Loadpot Hill - Howtown - Pooley Bridge 7.4 km

Local events

Kendal Calling (Thursday 31 July 2025 – Thursday 31 July 2025)
Penrith, England 14 km

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.

Payment terms

Offers

Conditions apply - see site type section for details

Reviews

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Frequently asked questions

Does The Sportman have a swimming pool? No View all features
Is The Sportman dog friendly? Yes View all features
What attractions are near The Sportman? Attractions and activities nearby include: - Keswick (for watersports, Puzzling Place, pencil museum and brewery): 10 minutes’ drive - Aira Force waterfall: 10 minutes - Brougham Castle: 10 minutes - Mirehouse Gardens: … Read more
When can I check in and check out of The Sportman?

Camping and caravan

Arrive: noon – Anytime

Depart by: 11:30 a.m.

Read more