Camping in Windermere

Windermere sits at the heart of the Lake District National Park, and its campsites make the most of that setting, with pitches tucked into wooded valleys, fellside fields and, in a few cases, grounds running down almost to the lake shore itself. It is worth remembering that wild camping without the landowner's permission is not legal in England, unlike in Scotland, so campers should stick to recognised sites, of which the area around Windermere, Troutbeck and the Kentmere valley has a good spread, from simple farm campsites to larger family-oriented parks with facilities. The terrain here is properly hilly, so many sites are set on sloping or terraced ground, and access roads can be narrow, so it is worth checking a site's suitability for larger caravans or motorhomes before booking.

The camping season around Windermere runs broadly from Easter through to late October, with July and August the busiest and most reliably warm months, though the Lake District's weather can turn at any time of year, so it pays to come prepared for rain even in midsummer. Spring brings fresh green fells and newborn lambs in the surrounding fields, while autumn offers golden woodland and quieter sites once the school holidays end. For those who prefer a roof over their head without giving up the outdoor feel, glamping has grown quickly in the area, with safari tents, shepherd's huts and wooden pods available on several sites around Windermere and neighbouring Troutbeck, many offering views towards the lake or the surrounding fells that a conventional hotel room simply cannot match.