Campgrounds for backpackers in North West England

Thurston Outdoor Education Centre

• Small Victorian Walled Garden campsite
• Views of the Coniston Old Man
• Secluded location only a short walk from Coniston Village

Family and the Field

• Bikepacking friendy, market garden in the middle of the Isle of Man.

Coniston Hawkshead

• Back to basics site on the edge of Coniston village and Coniston Water
• A five-minute walk to the shore and village; gondola rides nearby
• Water provided; pubs, cafés and takeaways a short walk away

Daisy Nook Camping

• No-frills camping at Daisy Nook Country Park near Oldham, Lancashire
• Five minutes’ drive to golf and riding; 20 minutes into Manchester
• Off-grid site; fishing and café in the park; shops 10 minutes’ drive

Frodsham Hill Campground

• Peaceful spot on top of Frodsham Hill, with panoramic views.

YHA Helvellyn

• Stunningly scenic site 300 metres up England's third highest mountain
• Quiet/secluded but with excellent amenities including bar and lounge
• Hot and cold breakfast buffet plus supper club meals available to buy

The Sportman

• 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

The White Stables

• Friendly smallholding in peaceful hillside location with valley views
• Minutes away from moorland walks on the Lancs/W Yorks border
• Country pub a few minutes' walk away

Lower Gazegill Farm

• Wild-style camping on a working organic farm in Lancashire
• Two miles from Gisburn; Skipton 20 minutes' drive
• Farm shop; pitch near the farm or in a remote location

The Pastures

• Single ensuite camping pod in a Cumbrian wildlife haven
• 15 minutes' walk from the medieval village of Cartmel
• With wetroom, heater, Freeview TV and fridge

The Paddock

• Dog-friendly site on the Lancashire moors
• Half an hour's drive from Pendle Hill and Manchester
• Shops, pubs and takeaways within five minutes' drive

Hale's Camping

Skellerah Farm

• Peaceful back to basics meadow site in the Lake District National Park
• A 10-minute drive from the beach; walking distance from two fells
• River for bathing and clean drinking water; pub five minutes' drive

Sleepy Elephant Campsite

• Valley View Campsite

River View Campsite

• Peaceful Cumbria site on the bank of the River Lune
• A five-minute drive to Sedbergh; 20 minutes to Kendal
• In the Yorkshire Dales National Park, with easy access to M6

Quarry Side Barn

• Well-maintained, level site with easy access from the A34
• A five-minute drive from Congleton; 15 minutes from the Peak District
• Two pubs within a one-mile radius; close to public footpaths

Setterah Park Farm Campsite

• Friendly Lake District fell farm site with far-reaching views
• A quarter of an hour's drive from Ullswater and Pooley Bridge
• Walkers' paradise in the Eden Valley

YHA Patterdale

• Spacious green site two minutes' drive or 25 mins' walk from Ullswater
• Riverside setting: kayak to Ullswater straight from the site
• Toilets, showers and kitchen; local village two minutes' walk away

Torver Campsite

• Small back to basics site on a spacious Cumbria smallholding
• A five-minute drive from Torver and 10 from Coniston village
• Pick your own pitch; pub two miles away