Wasdale Lakeside Campsite

View prices & book 9.4 162 reviews
Aerial view of the camping field
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.

Campground type

Tent sites 47
RV sites 3
Open now
Opens July 17
Please note
  • This park has no on-site shower facilities.
  • Under 18s must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.
  • The park does not accept breeds/crossbreeds listed in the Breed-specific legislation (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 flashlight with them as parts of the park are unlit.

Languages spoken

English

Open from Thu, Jul 17 to

Reviews

  • 79%
    10
  • 1%
    9
  • 13%
    8
  • 0%
    7
  • 2%
    6
  • 0%
    5
  • 0%
    4
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    3
  • 1%
    2
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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

96% would recommend this campground to a friend

96% would stay here again

What customers say

This campsite boasts an exceptional location with stunning views of Wastwater lake and surrounding mountains, perfect for hikers and water sports fans. Guests rave about the friendly, helpful owners. While basic portaloos are available, some suggest facility upgrades. Access is via a farm track, and the site is known for its peaceful vibe and stargazing opportunities.

Summary AI-generated from Pitchup.com customer reviews

Reviews page 1 of 17
Arrival date (latest first)

Picturesque and remote setting was fabulous location ! No frills but just…

Overall

9 out of 10
Location
No rating
Value for money
10
Accommodation
8
Facilities / Activities
5
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
No rating
Cleanliness
7
Wifi
1
Anonymous

Primitive grass tent campsite

Liked Picturesque and remote setting was fabulous location ! No frills but just what we wanted

Disliked Some people were getting stuck on the way off the campsite ( luckily not us ) as it had rained overnight and the field quickly became a mud bath , bog
You had to be brave with the portaloos they were a bit whiffy , but didn’t bother us at all

Recommend to friends Visit again

This was our first visit to Wasdale Lakes. The site was very…

Overall

7 out of 10
Location
6
Value for money
8
Accommodation
6
Facilities / Activities
3
Customer service
9
Child friendliness
10
Cleanliness
9
Wifi
1
Pete K.

Primitive grass tent campsite

Liked This was our first visit to Wasdale Lakes. The site was very clean, and next to Wast Water. It was very basic. But, it didn’t put us off. If you go there, knowing that you will need to provide everything that you need to get by, it’s an ideal site. They do have a tap for water. And, portaloos.

Disliked Nothing to dislike. We knew that the site had no showers, before we arrived.

Recommend to friends Visit again

We loved everything about Wasdale Lakeside Campsite. David welcomed us shortly after…

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
1
Bernadette N.

Primitive grass campervan campsite

Liked We loved everything about Wasdale Lakeside Campsite. David welcomed us shortly after we arrived, sorted us some wood for a fire for a small cost. There's a river running alongside the camp that the dogs loved, you can swim at the nearby lake and the scenery is stunning. David was more than helpful and even would have let me have a go on his quadbike if I wasn't too shy 😆 We will defo be returning!

Disliked Nothing

Recommend to friends Visit again

Views,mountains,Woods,lake and rivers.…

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
Adam T.

Primitive grass tent campsite

Liked Views,mountains,Woods,lake and rivers.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Great location, hard to beat anywhere, friendly local farmer greeted

Overall

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

Primitive grass tent campsite

Liked Peace, tranquility, access to lake

Disliked No showers but that is because it's a pop up site

Recommend to friends Visit again

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

Primitive grass tent campsite

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

Great site, really close to the lake and just a short drive…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
10
Value for money
10
Accommodation
8
Facilities / Activities
8
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
No rating
Cleanliness
9
Wifi
No rating
Anonymous

Primitive grass campervan campsite

Liked Great site, really close to the lake and just a short drive to Wasdale National Trust car park for those who want to walk Scafell Pike without including the walk around the lake.
Friendly owner

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.

Primitive grass tent campsite

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.

Primitive grass tent campsite

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.

Primitive grass tent campsite

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


Features

Leisure on park

Bar or club house Cycle hire Evening entertainment Fishing Fitness centre Indoor swimming pool Kids' club On-site restaurant/cafe Outdoor swimming pool Playground Recreation room/arcade TV room Takeout Tennis Watersports Wild swimming

Amenities on park

Bath available Composting toilet Dog park Drying room Free wifi Grocery store Ice pack freezing Internet access Laundromat Parent & baby washroom Payphone Pick-up from public transport Portable toilet Pub toilets Restrooms Shower available Washing-up area Wifi

Groups welcome

Family friendly Motorcycle friendly Scouts welcome Single-sex groups welcome Student groups welcome

Rules

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

Themes

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

Utilities

Charging facilities Dump station Electric car charging point(s) No hot water Propane/gas cylinders available Recycling available Renewable energy

Nearby amenities

Bar nearby Dog walk nearby

Type

Farm Medium (26-50 sites) Pop-up campground

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 +0100 (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

Bus
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

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 campgrounds

Unfortunately, we have no nearby bookable campgrounds.

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?
    RV, travel trailer and tent sites
    Arrive:  noon –  9 p.m.
    Depart by:  noon
    Read more
  • How much does it cost to stay at Wasdale Lakeside Campsite? From $26.56 (for 1 night, 2 adults) - prices may change depending on your dates and party.