Barkbeth Campsite
No availability at present on Pitchup.com 
- Simple, back-to-basics site on a farm in the foothills of Skiddaw
- Keswick 10 minutes’ drive; Scale Force Waterfall 35 minutes
- Dogs welcome; drinking water; half an hour’s walk to the pub
If you’ve been dreaming of a back-to-basics break, a wild-camping adventure or epic hiking excursions in the company of your dog, Barkbeth Campsite might just be the answer to your prayers.
Open to the public only for 60 days a year, this no-frills site on a working farm in the northern fringes of the Lake District National Park sits within a gently hilly landscape. Turn west, and you might catch splendid glimpses of Bassenthwaite Lake; look south and the distinctive silhouette of Skiddaw looms in the distance. (Indeed, you’re in the foothills of Skiddaw here, and a short walk up the farm lane takes you on the direct footpath to the mountain.)
When you need a break from these spectacular landscapes, or if you feel like visiting a cosy café or a lively market, the town of Keswick is easily reached via the A591 (10 minutes’ drive).
After pitching your tent in the large grassy field (and before embarking on your hike), you might want a bite to eat. Stock up on grillables in Keswick, then set up your barbecue on a slate (there’s a supply of these right by the entrance gate). Alternatively, take a half-hour stroll to the pub in Bassenthwaite, where you can sample real ales and home-cooked food in a large beer garden.
Amenities are on the simple side at Barkbeth Farm, with no electricity (don’t forget your torch) and no hot water, either. There is, however, a drinking-water tap and portable toilets.
Site type
12Opens 10 July
This site has no on-site shower facilities.
Under 18s must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.- Your dog must be tattooed or microchipped.
- Discount cards and gift vouchers cannot be applied to bookings made via Pitchup.com.
- Please note that the toilet facilities are unisex.
Languages spoken
English
Open from Thu, 10 Jul to
Pitch types & availability
No availability at present on Pitchup.com
Choose your dates and we'll email when available.
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Features
Portable toilet
Pop-up campground
Dogs allowed
Campfires 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 WatersportsAmenities 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 WifiGroups welcome
Family friendly Motorcycle friendly Single-sex groups welcome Student groups welcomeRules
Barbecue provided Barbecues allowed Campfires allowed Commercial vehicles allowed Dogs allowed Dogs allowed all yearThemes
Lake and/or mountainUtilities
Charging facilities Chemical disposal Electric car charging point(s) Gas cylinders available No hot water Recycling available Renewable energyNearby amenities
Bar nearby Dog walk nearbyType
Farm Pop-up campground Small (11-25 pitches)Accessibility
Accessible parking at pitchNearby leisure
Climbing nearby Cycling nearby Mountain biking nearbyLocation
Barkbeth Campsite
Barkbeth Farm
Bassenthwaite
Keswick
Cumbria
England
CA12 4QY
Directions Timezone
Europe/London +0100 (GMT+01:00)
GPS
54.67255°N
3.18004°W
Nearest transport
Coach8.3 km Bus Station
12.1 km Gallowbarrow
12.2 km Fairfield Junior School
Rail13.7 km Aspatria Rail Station
17.5 km Wigton Rail Station
20.7 km Maryport Rail Station
Ferry8.7 km Nichol End (Derwentwater) Ferry Landing
9 km Keswick Ferry Landing
10.2 km Hawes End Derwentwater Ferry Landing
AirportPlease 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
With its narrow streets and independent shops, plus spectacular views of the surrounding fells, Keswick (10 minutes’ drive) is well worth a visit. Check out the Derwent Pencil Museum, where you can take a selfie next to an eight-metre long pencil, then head to Friars Crag, a scenic spot on the banks of Derwentwater.
Red pandas, zebras and lynx are among the residents at Lake District Wildlife Park (10 minutes’ drive), which is also home to exotic birds like flamingoes and kookaburras. The centre runs interesting animal experiences – from birds of prey sessions, to walks with the alpacas.
On a summer’s day, you might fancy a hike that leads you to water. Consider heading to Moss Force Waterfall (half an hour’s drive) or Scale Force Waterfall (35 minutes). Thought to be the highest fall in the Lake District, the latter thunders down a vertical granite wall, while Moss Force descends along a series of rock steps.
Water quality at nearby bathing waters
| Name | Distance | Type | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allonby | 19.5 km | Sea | N/A | Good | Good | Good |
| St Bees | 34.3 km | Sea | N/A | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Southerness | 35.1 km | Sea | N/A | Good | Good | Excellent |
| Seascale | 36.7 km | Sea | N/A | Good | Good | Good |
| Sandyhills | 41.8 km | Sea | N/A | N/A | Poor | Poor |
Data source: European Environment Agency
Must see
Mirehouse Historic House and Gardens 3.3 km
Whinlatter Forest & Visitor Centre 7.5 km
Castlerigg Stone Circle 9.4 km
Ullswater Steamers 20.9 km
Dalemain Historic House & Gardens 23.8 km
National Trust
Wordsworth House and Garden 12.2 km
Buttermere and Ennerdale 27.5 km
Grasmere and Great Langdale 28 km
Wasdale, Eskdale and Duddon 29.7 km
Townend 33.8 km
Cycle routes
Find local routes on the National Cycle Network - over 12,000 miles of cycling routes.
Other
Ullock Pike - Longside Edge - Skiddaw 2 km
Dodd Wood under Ullock Pike 3.3 km
Bassenthwaite Osprey Walk 3.4 km
Latrigg, Blease and Lonscale 7.4 km
Newlands Valley 7.9 km
Local events
- Kendal Calling (Thursday, 31 July 2025 – Thursday, 31 July 2025)
Penrith, England 30.8 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.
Policies
Booking terms and conditions
Payment terms
Offers
Conditions apply - see pitch type section for details
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 Barkbeth Campsite have a swimming pool? No View all features
- Is Barkbeth Campsite dog friendly? Yes View all features
- What attractions are near Barkbeth Campsite? With its narrow streets and independent shops, plus spectacular views of the surrounding fells, Keswick (10 minutes’ drive) is well worth a visit. Check out the Derwent Pencil Museum, where you can … Read more
- When can I check in and check out of Barkbeth Campsite?
Read moreCamping and touring Arrive: 10 a.m. – Anytime Depart by: 10:30 a.m. - How much does it cost to stay at Barkbeth Campsite? From R487,48 (for 1 night, 2 adults) - prices may change depending on your dates and party.