Welcome to the Lake District
Home to England's largest mountain, its deepest lake and now a famous World Heritage Site, camping in the Lake District is the perfect holiday for activity seekers looking to explore.
The Lake District has 885 square miles of dramatic mountains, woodland, lakes and vast open spaces and it welcomes nearly 16 million visitors every year. Numerous picturesque villages dotted around provide your modern comforts, along with other attractions and some stunning views as backdrops.
Why guests love YHA campsites
- Stunning gardens and grounds
- 24-hour access to hostel facilities
- Perfect for activity breaks
- Beautiful views
Map of hostels with camping in the Lake District
YHA hostels with camping in the Lake District
YHA Borrowdale
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WiFi
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Meeting room(s)
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Large garden/grounds
YHA Buttermere
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Garden/grounds
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Free parking on premises
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WiFi
YHA Coniston Holly How
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Garden/grounds
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WiFi
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Restaurant
YHA Grasmere Butharlyp Howe
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Meeting room(s)
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24-hour access after check-in
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WiFi
YHA Windermere
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Garden/grounds
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Free parking on premises
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WiFi
Things to do in the Lake District
Aira Force Waterfall and Gowbarrow Park
Probably the most famous of the waterfalls in the Lake District, Aira Force provides a glimpse of impressive mountain scenery. There are lots of woodland trails to discover and this 65ft waterfall...
Go Ape Grizedale Forest
Go Ape Adventures at Grizedale Forest is the ultimate outdoor activity for adventurous families and adults. Take part in the Treetop Challenge, Zip Trekking Adventure or Treetop Adventure Plus. There...
Grasmere Gingerbread Shop
Visit the famous Grasmere Gingerbread shop, with its closely guarded recipe still being kept a secret to this day. Enjoy the wonderful aroma of freshly baked gingerbread and sample the delights inside...
Lake Windermere
At over 10 miles long, the picturesque ribbon lake Windermere acts as an irresistible magnet at the heart of the Lake District. Surrounded by wooded slopes and moody mountains, your whole itinerary...
Rydal Mount
Moving on from the Wordsworth family home to his own house in the village of Rydal, the great poet lived, wrote and entertained here from age 43 until his death at 80 in 1850. The hillside gardens...
The World of Beatrix Potter
Take a walk through Miss Potter's famous tales, complete with animatronics and walk-through scenes from her stories. The exhibition features favourite characters from the famous books, an award...
Ullswater
The second largest lake in the Lake District is 9 miles long and snakes through a stunning valley between high mountains, none more impressive than Helvellyn to its southwest. Steamers have stopped at...
Windermere Lake Cruises
Windermere is England’s largest lake situated in the heart of the Lake District. Experience the spectacular views of mountain scenery, secluded bays and the delightful wooded islands by boat with...
Also available in the Lake District
Camping pods
Stay in our quirky wooden camping pods and enjoy all the great things about sleeping under the stars while you're fully protected from the outdoor elements. All our camping pods come with futon beds and bedding, so you don't have to worry about bringing your camping gear.
Landpods
Enjoy the camping experience with some upgrades. Staying in a Landpod is like camping with a few added extras: all bedding is included, plus duvets, LED lighting and a cosy seating area. Perfect for getting closer to nature
Tipis
Our spacious tipis bring new meaning to the term glamping holiday. Not only do YHA offer superb low-cost hostel accommodation for all the family but these festival-style tents are at some of our very best UK locations.
Bell tents
Bell tent glamping offers a luxury upgrade from the regular camping experience. Our spacious premium bell tents each sleep up to 5 people. They include a double bed, two single futon beds and a single futon that can be folded into a chair. All bedding is provided.
Cabins
Why not try a unique outdoor experience and stay in our cabins and deluxe cabins? Our rustic six-sided cabins are made from timber and are fully insulated with two double glazed windows. You'll be well protected from the elements for an extra cosy stay.
View some of our popular Lake District blog posts
Best autumnal walks in the Lake District
If you’re like us, you’re lacing up your walking boots as soon as the first hints of autumn appear in the air. And the Lake District landscape has never looked more inviting. A walk in the Lakes...
Our favourite day walks in the Lake District
It can take a lifetime of commitment to cover every fell in the Lakes, and not all of us are blessed with the time. So for those saving their epic multi-day expeditions for a later...
Five autism-friendly activities in the Lake District for 2026
As more signs of spring finally begin to emerge, it is time to think ahead to better weather and plan some days out and weekends away. And if you haven’t visited the Lake District National Park and...